I came in looking for a Trail shoe, which given the fact I have rather wide feet, I'd been led to believe that I had limited options. However, having explained my predicament, the lady who served me, soon came back with a selection of six shoes for me to try! I was put under no pressure to buy any particular shoe, based upon brand or price. In fact, it felt exactly like the opposite, as there was almost a reluctance to show me the "expensive" Gore Tex option!
The staff were incredibly helpful, in terms of useful advice, a willingness to run back and forth (I guess that is their pleasure!), getting different sizes for me, and also made my four year old daughter feel welcome, who enjoyed running up and down the shop with me, trying the different shoes out!
Having been made to feel relaxed and given the time to try out the shoes, I plumped for a non Gore Tex pair, with the advice that they would be more than adequate for the boggy, wet bridle paths and woodland I would be running.
Having picked the shoe, I was then given some expert advice on the different types of sock (I didn't even know twin-skin sock existed, let alone what they did, before today), and was amazed how far they had come on from the good old fashioned sports tube!
Ultimately, a great experience, and I look forward to going back later this year, when I pick my shoe for my first marathon.
Don't go there expecting some high tech modern gizmos, masquerading as advice, but do go there expecting some good old fashioned advice, with top level service to match, in a friendly atmosphere. read more