I seldom write reviews but the service I received at Marathon Sports in Cambridge was so exceptional that I feel compelled to publicly applaud it. An avid runner until I was 50, two hip surgeries necessitated that I change my routine to walking and pool running. For close to 29 years, this worked for me. Approaching 80 has brought about new challenges. Recently I had to go to the foot doctor who took X-rays and told me that I have severe arthritis in my left foot. This explained much about some of the difficulties I have been having with my walking regimen. He explained that more than ever I need to be very careful with my walking shoes and explained the type of support my aging feet would need to get me another 10 years of walking the river. When I went into Marathon Sports, I felt truly welcomed and was lucky to have Nina as my sales person. She is just one of the kindest most patient sales people was ever my good fortune to meet. I was a difficult and demanding customer but my experience there leaves me grateful to her and the folks there at Marathon. James Spencer, Cambridge, MA read more

Kevin was very helpful! The staff works hard to make sure you find the right fit. I'm glad I returned to this store and will come again.

Excellent consultative sale to help me find my first pair of running shoes! Also quick to help me out when my first pair had a cosmetic defect. read more

Marathon Sports - new kicks - Shoe Stores Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I was having heel pain from being on my feet all day at work so I went in looking to get some insoles, the staff very super helpful and kind, watched how I walked and found me insoles that have worked so well. Also tried on the most comfortable pair of sneakers I've ever worn, definitely will be getting my next pair of sneakers here. There's also a 15% discount for healthcare workers!!! read more

Love this store; made me wish I had more money to spend! Many thanks to Tai, who was super helpful today in getting me a comfortable pair of shoes (and inserts!) so I can get back into running (seriously--this is the most comfortable setup I've ever had!) He took the time to teach me about running shoes, and my feet (the specific measurements; how that affects different aspects)/stride in particular and, and grabbed a million pairs of shoes for me to try out. I'm super excited to start running now! (and confident that the shoes work with my stride.) read more

I needed running shoes and the staff here was so helpful and knowledgeable. Will (?) helped me and was able to assess what I didn't know I needed. He talked me through the different options and what the pros/cons were. Awesome experience. read more

I got so much help from Will, the store manager, at Marathon in Harvard Square. He spent a long time with me and was willing to do whatever it took to make me satisfied that of the three types of sneakers I tried I would be buying the best ones for me. I saw and heard another shoe salesman or think I should say, "shoe expert" who was spending just as much careful and helpful time with another customer. This is a good store where you can take your time and make a good decision. read more

I just want to give a major positive shout-out to the salesperson who helped me today at the Brookline location. OLIVER. Oliver was kind, patient, knowledgable. Did I say PATIENT? He was terrific. Thank you, Oliver. Every salesperson in the store seemed to embody these characteristics; they all seemed really GREAT. I was lucky enough to land with Oliver, who took a good deal of time to figure out what would work best for me. It was towards the end of the long busy Saturday, and he still seemed to have all the time in the world to make sure I was happy and successful with my purchase. THANK YOU, OLIVER, and MARATHON. A truly HIGH QUALITY company that cares about its customers. I am a many decades-long fan, getting more devoted as my aging feet need more help. Thank you! read more

Lori, is a true professional and a salesperson gem. If you need any footwear please come by this location and she will let you sparkler!

I, like every millennial in Cambridge, took up running during the pandemic. 6 months in, I started looking at getting a pair of Allbirds. (Their marketing is great) Going here today after recommendations from numerous people became a life-changing event for me. Did I expect this profound of a reaction after trying on their shoes? No. Am I going to recommend this place to every runner EVER? Absolutely. Your feet will thank you. YOU will thank you. Invest in your health! No, they don't have flashy Nikes, but the serious runners don't either. They measure your feet, watch you walk, and recommend shoes depending on what issues come up. They are spot on. Tech driven Professionals. Very, very talented at what they do. Make sure to go on a weekday to escape the line. You can even run outside their store with the shoes a bunch of times before deciding. I will be back. The wonderful individual that recommended my Saucony's in 10.5 found a lighter color in the back after I commented that I liked the Brooks aesthetic better (my right leg prones). This made my week alone.... I didn't get your name but I hope you have a wonderful day. read more

I have come here a handful of times and each time I have had a great experience. The team takes the time to watch you walk, decipher any abnormalities you may have with your walking/running and recommend a shoe to you. I don't believe anyone here is technically certified in anything, so maybe consult with a foot doctor prior to coming here and figure out what you need exactly, but I have come here and gotten 2 pairs of great running shoes. If you are looking for a high top shoe (probably because you lift heavy weights) this is not the place for you. They are exclusively a running shoe store. Another note is that they have all types of shoes, but do not have a great variety so don't be afraid to come here and check out various shoes and do a bit of online shopping for certain brands/fits. The shoes are also not the best looking, but are you in it for fashion or for the feel? I think $120+ is a bit steep for an ugly running shoe, but comfort has no cost when your feet are killing you! Swing by here and check them out. They have a yard sale sometimes and things will be half price too. Happy running! read more

Purchased my trail running sneakers here. Knowledgeable and friendly staff. The have everything for all season outdoor apparel and shoes. They are not cheap,but not nearly as expensive as I thought they would be. read more

The sales guy told me they didn't have what I was looking for, our exchange was no more than three sentences between the two of us, then he gave my old shoes a side eye as he went and stood in the corner of the empty store waiting for another customer to show up. Also very small selection. read more

I freaking LOVE Marathon Sports. They take the time to look at your feet, watch the way you walk/run, and have great recommendations. I'm a distance runner, and they ALWAYS take the time to talk with me about whatever it is that I'm freaking out about at that moment. They helped me find my perfect shoe (Saucony Rides). Awhile back I ordered shoes from Marathon and stupidly had them sent to my home instead of work, and they were stolen from my front porch. I called Marathon distraught and they GAVE ME A NEW PAIR OF SHOES FOR FREE. I mean, really. When you're training for a marathon, you can't afford to spend $90 on a pair of shoes only to have to buy a new pair the next week. In general, I love supporting local businesses, and I'll always prefer Marathon to other sports stores. (Oh, and all sports-related gear is pricey...not their fault.) read more

I love these small specialized running shoe stores. If you're willing to spend a bit more than average on your running shoes, but get great service and the ability to try on (and take a run outside in) your soon to be new shoes (and a whole ton of 'not to be your new' shoes), this is a great place. When I went the staff was stretched a bit thin, but rather than rushing through customers, they were happy to try to multi task, and take their time with each person. Yes, this meant a bit of wait. But it also meant I got a great pair of shoes I knew I'd feel comfortable running in. read more

I ALWAYS come here when I'm in need of a new pair of shoes. If you're a runner, soon to be runner, wanna be runner, you don't want to be a runner because you hate it but you do it to get fit, etc etc. come here! The employees will watch you walk/run to analyze your gait. Based on how your foot lands they'll recommend a shoe type. From there, they'll bring you shoes to try on. I normally do it "hunger games style" as I call it. I try on one shoe from one style and a diff shoe from a diff style, pick one I like, burn the one I don't like, try a new shoe etc etc until I find my fav pair. Then I take it for a short stroll/jog. If I like how it feels I buy it. Or not. That's the best part - it's not like you have to make a purchase! Often I'll get my shoes here, but I've found that sometimes I'm just not a fan of how the shoe looks. I get it, it's not about how the shoe looks - but let's be honest it's also about how it looks. So, sometimes I'll find a shoe I like fit-wise but I don't like the color. They've ordered me a color I've liked or I've even just noted down the style and ordered it on amazon. This shop also has a lot of great running/workout gear if you have a need! read more

By far my favorite running store! The staff here is friendly and knowledgeable, and the selection of clothing/gear is fantastic. I have bought a few pairs of running shoes there, and I am always amazed by how ready the staff is to answer questions and to help me try out new brands based on my gait needs. Though I have not been able to attend one yet, their weekly group runs seem fun and welcoming! What is truly impressive recently is how they have addressed community safety in the midst of the COVID-19 precautions. They are readily available on the phone for questions and have provided a curbside pickup option so that customers can continue to pursue outdoor activities with the right gear. Their dedication is truly inspiring - you should shop here. read more

Marathon Sports - My New Balance running shoes purchased at Marathon - Shoe Stores Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I went to this store to buy running shoes. The salesperson was reasonably friendly and seemed knowledgeable, but when they didn't have my size, he seemed to try to sell me the wrong size, then said, "Well, I'll take down your number, and if we ever happen to get the correct size in, I'll call you, but you should probably try to buy them somewhere else." It seemed he didn't care at all about getting the right shoe for me, such as contacting the distributor or placing a special order. Maybe the apathy comes from the fact that this is no longer a locally owned business, but rather part of a national chain, just doing business under its old name for appearance's sake. In the end, I waited two weeks for a call, then just ordered directly from the shoe manufacturer's website. read more

The Branford store has a very dedicated staff. After suffering heel spurs and shin splints from running I finally went to get advice on choosing the kind of shoes that would help me avoid these problems. Katherine spent a lot of time quizzing me on my running, she offered her suggestion for the proper shoe and also gave me some simple stretching exercises. That was over 3 years ago! I have not had a single problem with since then. Each year I order up a new pair of those shoes from her and I just bought my third pair. I now live over 50 miles from Branford but I drive out to that shop each time to buy my shoes. I could of course buy them on-line (maybe even for cheaper) but I wouldn't consider doing that because I want to support this store which has this knowledgeable and dedicated staff member. I want to have access to the kind of advice that can only be provided one-on-one, face-to-face and has saved me from the kind of awful pain and last exercise time that that I suffered before going there and getting Katherine's advice. read more

Expect one-on-one service to help you find the perfect pair of running or walking shoes. They carry select brands of shoe (not every manufacturer is represented) but they can take of whatever gait and pronation you show them. I've purchased from them twice (years apart) and the procedure is much the same. One of their staff asks you what you are looking to buy (in my case, running and workout shoes), asks you if there's anything going on injury-wise, then takes a look at you walking with socks on to figure out how your foot hits the floor. With all that info, they come back with a few shoe options. Then, you go outside (come on a dry day) and run a bit to test the shoes and they watch you run to check knee alignment and foot pronation. Both times I've shopped here I walk away with better fitting and more comfortable shoes than I had going in. Their service is worth it for every style of runner, except maybe those that can diagnose their own shoe needs. On top of this, they are active with local running clubs and sponsor a race in Somerville! read more

I'm a very casual intermittent jogger. I was having some knee pain so decided to get new shoes. The staff was super attentive and non judgmental - I'm not an athlete by any means but felt like they cared about helping me make the right choice and explained what to look for. I hate shopping generally but this was a super experience. read more

I had first discovered this wonderful store years ago as an undergrad, so it was a particular pleasure to return recently with my youngest daughter, a middle schoolers, whose coach suggested she get fitted at Marathon for a new pain of running shoes. We were helped by a fantastic salesperson named Leah (?spelling?), a member of the Tufts x-country team, we learned, and incredibly kind and patient, assessing my daughter's stride and foot characteristics, returning with several options, and encouraging her to try each of them outside, which she did, arriving at a selection that apparently felt great and about which she was extremely enthusiastic. While the store was (unsurprisingly) crowded, Leah attended thoughtfully to my daughter in an unrushed fashion that gave her the opportunity to consider her options and select one she liked. Overall a terrific experience! read more

These guys! It's not ENOUGH that they are responsible for the coordinating of, like, 98% of the races I run, but they live and die by making those runs ergonomic, spry, and oh-so-cushy. After a year of running (and two previous years as a Starbucks barista), my mocha-stained sneakers finally gasped their last, so I figured I had earned some schmancy new kicks. Since I don't actually know much about the physiology of running (only that shin splints are the devil's latte), I was hoping against hope that someone in that store would help me find the right shoes, and not just upsell the latest Nike jams. First things first: upon entering the store, I saw a NUN RUNNING ON A TREADMILL. Moreover--as if that wasn't delightful enough--this sight was offered as proof of this store's greatness. Allow me to explain. They take their work seriously here. Everyone gets their own personalized salesperson, who brings up box after box of specialized rubber for every manner of foot, has you walk normally under their squinty scrutiny, then has you try on the shoes, then takes you OUTSIDE to run up and down the street in them, offers their thorough breakdown of how you move/run/turn your feet and suggests the proper solution, THEN plunks you on a treadmill (hence the aforementioned nun) and invites a coworker to study your gait and offer a second opinion. Damn, right? Damn right. Basically, if anything ever goes wrong with these magical shoes, I have only myself to blame. But I'm sure they'll be happy to rectify regardless and thrust another 15% coupon into my hand for my troubles. read more

Oh, my poor feet. They are wide. I am fat. I have arthritis. My poor, poor feet. I walk a lot, and I wear out sneakers really fast. Recently, my feet were killing me. Even though I had wide sneakers, my pinky toes were still busting through the netting of the shoes and I had corns in between my toes. The squishiness was gone from my sneakers and I was feeling it in my back. After searching several cheaper places for wide sneakers, I decided to stop in to Marathon and ask for help. I was worried about being judged. Here I am, overweight and limping into a running store. Instead of making me feel like I was in the wrong place, the salesguy asked me to walk back and forth, just like he did with everyone else. When the regular wide wasn't wide enough, he came up with several solutions to make my feet comfy. I walked out on a cloud. The only con would be the prices. I spent $115 on sneakers and I wonder how long they will last. I suggest letting your budget be known when you walk in, as there are no prices on the salesfloor. read more

I always go to Marathon Sports to get fitted for running sneakers. This location is small, but their selection of sneakers is good for what I need. I have found the staff to be helpful and very knowledgeable. I never feel pressured to but and I feel as though they never push the most expensive sneakers on me, which is nice. i had an amazing experience today. I wish I'd gotten her name! I've been running in Brooks motion control sneakers for the last 4 years (which I have been fitted for repeatedly at Marathon Sports). I asked if there was any options that were a little lighter. She asked me a ton of questions to ascertain if I was wearing the right sneakers. She had me walk barefoot and all that jazz. I mentioned to her that recent race photos showed me as striking with my toe, which confused her. She then had me try on and run in several different sneakers before figuring out that I no longer need motion control sneakers. Apparently my gait has changed over the last 4 years and she's been the first to connect the dots and figure it out. Running gear is expensive, but they always have 15% off coupons. And if you sign up for their email list you'll get one fairly regularly. I will always choose small, local running stores over the "big boys" when it comes to my sneakers, and I recommend that you do the same. read more

Personal retail service at it's best. Walked in this store with Erick H. after a recommendation by Sarah S.R. We needed running shoes to start our couch to 5K program. I hate running but we were motivated and needed to get the right shoes. We were greeted by not one but two, very eager to help employees. Long story short, one of the employees made us walk in our socks, across the store, to determine how our foot movements is, and based on it, will recommend the right shoe. He then proceeded to size our feet up and make recommendations. I tried them on, and was told to run a half of block, in front of the store, under the watchful eye of the staff member in question. He was again looking at my form with an attentive eye. Turns out that I needed some mid-foot, interior reinforcement in my shoes. They felt amazing and running in them has been great. The prices are great, the service is great and they have just about anything you would need or think of that is running-related. Totally dig the store and will be back in the future when my shoes need replacing. Awesome, awesome store. read more

"Hi, my name is Barney, and I am a Yelpaholic" "Hi Barney" I have been yelping since January and in that time my wallet has gotten lighter, but my weight has sky-rocketed. so I am left with a few choices - eat in or do something to balance the food and beer I love consuming out. obviously the latter is the no-brainer and hurts less. so everytime I am ramping up my running activity, I come to these guys to get fitted for shoes. I dig that they actually are not sellling you a pair, like Foot Locker - but they are actually fitting you with the right shoe - this includes the added benefit of selling you a slightly less-expensive shoe, if that's what your over-pronated 30-something size 10s need. too bad they don't sell a crane to get my fat arse off the couch and actually onto a running path yet read more

I went here to get running shoes. The man who was helping me also gave me a gait analysis and would have given me some tips on my form (unfortunately it is rather flawless, which he pointed out). I tried on around 10 pairs of shoes, not only did I walk around in them, but I ran down the street. I got the best shoes for my feet. Go here. read more

This is my favorite place to get running shoes in Boston. Period. I went there a few weeks ago to get a new pair of running shoes. I loved my old Asics that I had been running in for over a year and just wanted toe updated version of that model (since that model wasn't being made anymore). Tried 'em on, took 'em for a quick run down the block and took 'em home. Looked good until I realized they weren't like my old shoes at all and were giving me bad-ass blisters. Uncomfortable shoes really put a cramp in your workout schedule. Just one phone call and a quick visit to the store to let 'em know my situation and they were more than happy to replace my shoes and save me from having to spend another $90 for a pair of shoes. Few big-name stores would have really cared, or would have helped me out at all without putting up a big stink. They couldn't have been any cooler about it. read more

A few months ago, I decided to take up running as my cardio. I had just been using a pair of old sneakers and decided to upgrade to actual running shoes. I think I earned it. I walk into the place without really knowing what's going on, and this nice young fellow named Jim comes up to me and asks how he can help. I told him I needed some shoes and how often I run. Then he asked me to kick off my shoes so I could do the infamous Marathon Sports Catwalk!!! He bent down as he watched me run, and it all seemed very legit. It was all good until Jim informed me that I was a severe overpronator. WTF? I was very concerned, but Jim assured me that all I needed was the right type of shoe: one with lots of support for my collapsing ankles. I tried on a few pairs; we discovered that I may be an 11.5 and not a 12 after all these years. Who knew?! I was all set to buy a pair, but Jim wanted me to give them a short test run outside to make sure everything was good. That really touched my soul because it showed that he wasn't just after a sale; he genuinely wanted me to be satisfied. Thanks, Jim. And thank you, Marathon Sports. Keep rockin n runnin! PS - If you're taking the T, I think this is closer to the Harvard Square stop than to Porter. read more

I came in here on Dec 28 2016 and bought a pair of shoes that were going to be shipped to me in the South End in Boston. I got exactly the color I wanted, they gave the student discount and I was on my way. A few days later the delivery "never came." I searched my building and could not find them. I emailed the manager and spoke to him on the phone and they were kind enough to comp me a new pair to arrive of my New Balance 7.5 pink/purple sneakers. Low in behold, later that night, I came home to find the package was left by Fed Ex in a secret, hidden area of our brownstone steps in the South End. The management at Marathon Sports was understanding, kind, and were going to refund me but luckily I found the pair. The level of customer care was outstanding. They offer FREE shipping and shipment to other locations around the Boston area for pick up. They also have a number of styles online and in-store. I prefer to give my business to them over Amazon (even though amazon i around 10 dollars cheaper) because of the quality of service, expertise, and care they provide to their runners. Boston Strong. read more

The trip to Marathon Sports in Cambridge was disappointing and a waste of my time. The sales staff member working with me was more receptive to having a conversation on her cell phone than to answering my questions or the fit of my shoes. She repeatedly ducked away to a lower level, ostensibly to continue her phone conversations. Other staff members appeared to be knowledgeable, but seemed irritated by questions from the people they were working with. Even when I was the only customer in the store, there was no one taking responsibility for assisting me with this sale. The selection of shoes is scant, Yelpers giving this store more generous reviews also make this observation. If you want to try out various shoes in order to enhance your fit or modify your form, the limited selection here will put you at a disadvantage. This is not the only runner's store in Boston. If you're a discriminating customer, I suggest you visit a place where the sales staff is both knowledgeable and friendly and where the selection is deep. read more

10 years ago I broke up with my lover running. Thanks to Marathon Sports we are dating again. I hope with the proper support, I can finally make the commitment. I really enjoyed my experience with this store. I bought a pair of really expensive sneakers, but totally worth it! I am now back to running and not worrying about my knee crippling me to the point that I can't. I was a runner. I did marathons, half marathons and ultra marathons (36 miles), but that was 10 years ago when my body could deal with my bad training habits. As a result of the bad training, my knees gave out. Like bad excruciating pain within 30 seconds of running, so I've tried to return, but scared too. However, since I've been getting serious about boxing, I realized that I need to get my knees or running up to par, I came here and now I am on my second week of running (I am doing the couch to 5k workout program) and loving it. After this experience, I returned to get a pair of yaks traction (cuz eating concrete is not a cute look) and the service was consistent. I look forward to returning to get more support with my running from them. read more

If you have already experienced the Marathon Sports way and purchased a pair of shoes, the second time is easy. I decided it was time to get a new pair of shoes when my marathon training efforts flopped and my feet were feeling pain after just six miles of running. This store is the smallest of the three other locations (Brookline and Boylston), but the service remains just as top notch. You'll notice mostly Brooks and Saucony brands at this store, but occasionally (like they did for me) they will pull some dreaded Nike's from the back room. I like the Nike's. I bought them. MARATHON SPORTS VIRGIN? I recommend trying one of the other locations if you've never been to Marathon, mostly because the others have a wider selection and if they dont quite carry what you're looking for at one store, the odds that they have it in another are good. Don't go to the bigger stores right after work or mid-day on the weekend, because you will be overwhelmed by all the hardcore runners in their permanent running gear and worn out shoes. Unless you like that... SERVICE You can spend as little and as much time as you are comfortable with with a staff member, but for first timers, I recommend trying on at least three pairs of shoes and giving them a little test jog on the street. RETURN POLICY You have 30 days to try out your shoes. If you don't like 'em, bring them back. They won't give you your money back, but they will exchange those pre-30 day beaters with a different pair or a credit to the store. read more

This is a great place to buy running shoes. They encourage you to try on several pairs, and they let you run around the block in them to make sure you find the right pair. They have a great return policy. The staff is super friendly and helpful, and they know a lot about running. read more

I came here when I first started running. The helpful staff gave me a "foot and biomechanical analysis;" in other words, they watched me walk to determine if my foot over or under pronated. They asked me about past injuries and my training program, and then prescribed a couple of running shoes for me to try on. In addition to an excellent collection of athletic shoes, this little boutique has a great selection of clothing and gear. And it seems like they are having a sidewalk sale every sunny weekend. read more

A BIG 5 stars! Really, if you are looking to get new running shoes, especially if you have issues, or have had issues, THIS is THE place to go. I used to run a lot, but not a much now. I bike, and I play soccer (which although yes, has a lot of running, has always been on grass in cleats) So I started running outside again. I had shoes I got about a year ago from a 'running ' shop. And all of a Sudden i HURT!!! Shin splints, arch problems, no good So I went to Marathon. I told them my problems. I brought my current sneakers. and my trainers. and my soccer cleats. I explained my problems. They asked me questions. I tried 4 different pairs. They explained how I super pronate and need fusion but also flexibility. They told me why I was trying what they were giving me. They let me go run outside with them on. and I found a nice pair! I tried to go in with no preconceived notions, and to go with their advice. I ended up with Brooks running shoes, not a 'big' brand. They ends dup being PERFECT I have run about 25 mile sin them now, and SO much better. my pain is gone away. I am RUNNING like the WIND! (ok, maybe not the win, but a lot more comfortable) In short, if you want to run, go to running experts. You wouldn't go to a sunglass hut for an eye exam and prescription glasses after all. read more

I've been running for many years and have been to many a running shop, but to me Marathon Sports is the gold standard. The staff seems to be there, less to sell, but more to find your the right shoe (though there is certainly a price range, running shoes basically are all expensive, so the staff just want you to be happy instead of trying to upsell you). You should go: If you are relatively new to the sport and are looking for advice on your first pair of shoes. Also, if you are looking to transition to a lighter shoe or racing flat, Marathon would be a great place to get advice. You should not go: If you already know what shoes you want, like most things you can get them cheaper on the internet. Also the apparel, although top-of-line, is expensive and the sales never seem all that good. I also appreciate Marathon's involvement in the running community - organizing and sponsoring races. These guys and gals really know the sport! read more

I had a bad tib-fib leg fracture 3 yrs ago and running was a total pipedream. But Darren at Marathon Sports changed my life! I had pain with 1 minute of running in my good previous sneakers, and went into Marathon sports with no hope and after being fitted, I have now been able to run 4 times!!!! With no pain! THat is an absolute miracle! I dragged in my 56 yr old husband too, because we both had decided to run in our old middle age! And he too has been so much more pain free! THANK YOU DARREN! read more

I bought my last two pairs of running shoes here, before I a) quit running and then b) switched to the "barefoot" shoes. The staff were super helpful when I described my unique foot issues and shoe features that seemed to have caused pain before. They analyze your stride for you, all-around know what they are doing, and as many, many others have mentioned, the policy of letting you take the shoes out for a short trial run (literally!) scores them major points. I also bought a reflective jacket here for a friend who likes night runs. They didn't have his size but were happy to custom order it. This store has a good selection of running shoes and related equipment, and the kind of personalized service you get more often at locally owned stores than at chains. read more