Best Feature: ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL Service, great products!
Worst Feature: A smaller store, but they're willing to help you find what you need at any other of their locations around Cincinnati!
I'm following up my first raving review with a second due to the incredible service I received yet again! :)
I bought my Vibram Five Finger TrekSport shoes in early January. Pricey shoes, but I do still enjoy them so imagine my surprise when one day I look down to see I already have a hole in the shoe. I hadn't run that often since getting them (courtesy of the cold wintry weather) and I'd stuck to outside running when I did, so I was dismayed to find that after only 4-5 months and mild use that they'd already started deteriorating. The mesh-like covering on the top part of the foot had weakened where it met the solid fabric and had started pulling away, so I knew it was a problem with the shoe itself and not any outside factors (like my dog or cat).
Unhappy and looking on Vibram's website to find I was already well outside their 90-day warranty coverage, I decided to at least give Bob Roncker's a shot to see if they'd help me out. I'd spent a pretty penny on these shoes and I did not want it wasted. I called in to the Newport store and asked what they could do. The woman that answered the phone was incredibly positive + friendly and told me to come in and they'd see what could be done.
I headed in and explained to the first employee I encountered what was going on. He was very nice - immediately greeted me when I entered and was very friendly, so when I informed him of my situation he just asked to take a look at my shoes. He saw the hole and told me he could see if he had the same shoe in my size to replace my faulty one. Unfortunately, they did not, and neither did any of their other locations that he called.
So he came back over and told me he would normally gladly put me on a list to be notified upon receiving new TrekSports in my size, but that he recognized the particular model, TrekSport, frequently had this problem. He offered me some alternate solutions - I could do an exchange for any of the models of the same original price, or if I found a more expensive model to my liking I'd only pay the difference. If I chose a model of a lower price than my original shoes, I could be issued a gift card for the remaining difference.
I opted for the exchange and found the Bikila model was the same exact price I'd paid for my TrekSports. This model does not have the mesh covering; instead, the fabric runs solidly around the entire shoe. Happy with the tread + overall design, I tried a few sizes on and took my new shoes home at no extra cost to me.
- HOWEVER - upon getting home, I realized the size I thought in the store would work well was unfortunately a bit too small. My feet hurt immediately upon putting them on and I knew I needed to get the next size up. I went in the following day and spoke with yet another friendly employee to explain my problem. He gladly switched out my shoes with the next size up and I'm now wearing my new Bikila Vibrams as we speak, happy as a clam.
I've rarely received such fantastic service, but this store has completely won me over. Not only was my first trip great, but the subsequent trips months later have proven to be just as great as the first. I have a real trust in this store that they'll help me out whenever I need it, and I'll be SURE to return!
They also do have a great selection of shoes, socks, accessories, clothing, bags, and more for any athletic need - as I hope to start doing a few more athletic activities in the future, I'm already eyeing a few products that will be helpful.
Incredibly helpful, friendly staff and fantastic customer service. You can't beat that. :) read more