REI has decent prices and selection - but if you can't find what you want they are always able to have it shipped to the store for you. We've used that a few times in my household. Being a member comes with good deals - definitely worth signing up. The real gems here are the specialty employees though. Many of the sections have an expert wandering around ready to help answer incredibly specific questions and give recommendations. One such expert was named Clay I believe working in the boot section. He spent a long time with my husband showing him how to size boots differently than shoes, having him test it out on practice terrain, and picking the best fit for activity and price. These are the best fitting boots he's ever had! read more

REI - Good selection of hiking shoes for a variety of preferences in height and weight of boot - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Framingham, Massachusetts

First time actually going to a brick and mortar store like this. Great selection of outer wear of course. I mean it's REI! I had to swing in to return a couple of items I'd purchased online and the woman behind the counter was so very accommodating and sweet. There absolutely ZERO hassles. Walked around and was graciously helped by a couple of employees as I was trying to determine the best hiking pants that could carry me through a number of temperature changes. So many good brands to choose from with so having deep discounts too. read more

Great shopping experience!!! Except for the slippers for men, every department has great choices.

I am a member. Love the knowledgeable staff. Great product selection. But why is their parking lot so full of trash? Annoying and tacky. Not the REI I have known growing up in California. Still shop here regardless. read more

Great running shoe selection and super helpful staff. Found exactly what I needed. There's budget options, but I prefer fit and quality. Clay hooked me up. Definitely coming back. read more

Went here to return an online purchase, a propane Coleman grill that was clunky and didn't work well the one time I used it. The employee gave me a hard time about returning it because she said it was an electronic... I've had bad customer experience here before so I politely pushed back and finally another employee informed her that it was in fact not considered an electronic, and that the system would not let her punch in a return if it indeed was a restricted item like an electronic. Then the employee giving me the hard time said she would do me a favor and return it for me. So sad this REI really brings down the name. Unfriendly and apparently incompetent staff read more

Best backpacking gear store in Metrowest. Has the basics I need to restock and a good selection of tents, sleeping bags and other essentials. read more

Always helpful people and great products. I shop online, order for store pickup, and get what I want when I want it. Great return policy too. Membership is worth the minor cost. read more

Bizarre experience. Made an online purchase over $200. Arrived at curbside pick-up, waiting 16 minutes. Person brings out 2 clothing items- no bag. Just flopping these two fleece jackets through the window. I called the store- this is where it gets weird. The store policy is that you pay ten cents for a bag and since there is nowhere on line to charge, they just hand your items to you. I stated that I spent over $200, you couldn't give ma a TEN CENT BAG?? read more

Avoid if you are disabled or nonwhite! Accosted by employee about my service animal. Female employee stormed across the store to tell me in the most unpleasant tone I had to go. Wasn't sure if it was because I'm not white or if it was because I am disabled. Honestly, given that its an outdoor activity store in Framingham, could have been either. read more

The people answering the phone give wrong answers and make you drive 1/2 hour for nothing. DON'T SHOP HERE! read more

I'm so sad. I buy everything at REI. My husband has been a member from the flagship store in Seattle over 20 years ago. I went today to buy my daughter a few pairs of shoes for her summer trip to China. My 3 boys were looking around at products. First of all, there was only one person working, so we were waiting and no one was there to help us. Second, the older white gentleman who was helping a woman with shoes reprimanded my children. I told him that I would appreciate if he did not speak to my children with that tone of voice and he laughed in my face. I may not look like I am made of money, I am a young Asian female, and could have been mistaken for a nanny, but with all of that said, I really didn't need him to be so rude and disrespectful. ***with that said the woman in the bike department is amazing. she has helped my family with our bikes, bike trailer, bike hitch, car topper, etc... I just felt I needed to mention this awful behavior because people feel like it is okay to be outwardly rude and especially to minorities. read more

I stopped by yesterday to buy my first pair of hiking boots and didn't know where to begin. It was a busy day at the store and they were low on inventory, but a staffer named Russet talked me through the basics and encouraged me to try on a few different pairs for comparison. I probably would've walked out with the first pair I could find in my size if it weren't for her! Other staffers checked in periodically to make sure I was being helped. It was a great experience overall and I didn't feel judged for my lack of hiking experience. If you're a rookie like me, this is the store for you! read more

My local REI didn't have what I was looking for (women's backpacking boots), so the very helpful footwear associate at that store suggested I try Framingham, as it's a larger store. Reading is supposedly even larger, but it's a more inconvenient drive from south of Boston, so I decided to try Framingham first. I called before I made the drive, and both employees I spoke with over the phone were courteous and thorough. The store is clean, and its employees are definitely attentive. Beth was very helpful, sweet, and patient as she helped me narrow down my selection of boots, giving me tips on fit and how to test them out along the way. My checkout experience was also more pleasant than expected, as my cashier (I wish I got her name) was both friendly and efficient. Overall, a well-deserved 5/5. I won't hesitate to make the drive again in the future (albeit not during rush hour). read more

Folks there are really helpful and nice. I wish there were a little more workers on weekends since we had to wait for a while to have a person. Otherwise, nice selection of items (I got XC set!) and spacious floor. read more

Tried to purchase hiking boots but couldn't get any help after waiting for 10 minutes. I'm heading off to Natick outdoors.

We were tight on time, and needed help mounting our new Kayak to the top of our van we were taking to Martha's Vineyard. Bruce was incredibly patient with us as we put the Kayak on and used the really clever REI mounting straps and connectors as our van was new and did not have the crane lift hooks on the bottom that we planned on using. This level of service is so rare in 2018, I strongly recommend working with Bruce, and this REI store, thank you Bruce! read more

This review is in regards to my recent purchase of downhill ski boots. I have short, wide feet and very high arches. In other words, your worst nightmare for shoe/boot sales. After several ski trips that ended in agony, I finally decided to splurge for a nice pair of boots. I was helped by Hally, who is an expert boot fitter. This woman spent three hours with me, patiently helping me find the perfect boot. She did this while singlehandedly helping several other customers. I appreciated that, despite not knowing my budget, she started with several boots under $250. Unfortunately none worked for my....uh....unique feet. I eventually had to move up to the custom mold boots, which I was expecting. She took pains to make sure every was perfect. I highly recommend going to REI in Framingham and working with Hally if you find the typical boot painful. There is no way a boot straight out of the box would have worked for me. I am super excited to hit the slopes and try them out! read more

It was my first time here. The store has a Pro Bass/LL Bean vibe but not as inviting. I can see how some reviewers felt ignored...I had to actively track down someone (who wasn't that welcoming). But the clerk was super friendly and the guys who brought out my purchase were excellent! They even helped me install it on my car :) While I won't be shopping here in person, I will definitely keep buying online and having my purchases delivered here for pickup. read more

I'm actually quite surprised that there is only one other review here on REI in Framingham. I had such a wonderful experience here that I couldn't help but rave about it more than I did after leaving on Sunday. I'm sure Amanda can attest to that. I absolutely fell in love with the store. They have more of selection when it comes down to it when compared to EMS. The staff here was also comparably more knowledgeable and approachable than those at EMS. They were able to provide advice from their own experiences. And it seems that most, if not all, members of their store were climbers and were able to provide first hand knowledge of the sport. This made me feel even more comfortable buying gear from them. After talking to the staff here, I was compelled to become an REI member just because I know that these guys actually know what they're talking about. And also for $20 you are a lifetime member of their co-op that allows you to certain discounts throughout the store as well as on events/classes and such. For a lifetime membership, I thought it was a really great deal. Plus, they have a rock wall in their store that you can use to climb. I believe it was $15 for non-REI members and FREE for REI members. I mean it's a small rock wall but still. It's something to do on those days you don't feel like paying to go to the rock gym and if you're a member, again it's free! Thumbs up to Evan, Dan, and John for being so helpful when dealing with us n00b climbers and outdoor adventurists. I can't wait for the Garage Sale coming up next month so I can come back and buy more gear for camping, rafting, and climbing! Maybe eventually I'll get myself into more adventurous backcountry activities! read more

Lost a guaranteed sale. Made me wait ridiculous hour for shoe fitting. Couldn't see the shoes first. Watching chatty salespeople in no rush. Hello amazon!! read more

Never have I experienced such knowledgeable and caring customer service. The sales reps have always been so patient, as my search for a light trail shoe or trail running sneaker was no simple task... even as my patience in the process started to dwindle, they kept their up and not only did they do that they reassured me that while it may take some time to find the perfect fit, it can be done. To top it all off, the employees at the front end were kind and helped to make the end of a 2.5 hour shoe trying on extravaganza a positive experience. Thank you all. read more

Great store. I like the folks working here, very knowledgeable yet not pushy. Unfortunately, selection is not so great compare to other REI (though keep in mind REI in east coast tend to be smaller scale) It is located near Natick, home of Army soldier center, so I had high hope that REI stocks some cool gadgets but it was so-so. Don't miss out on the 20% discount for members. read more

I went in today to take a look at some kayaks, and got some great help from John. He came over while we were looking at boats and asked if we needed anything; walked us through a few options in price range/skill level, suggested PFD fits, helped me find a decent yet cheap paddle, then arranged for me to be able to come pick it up later in the day when I had my SUV instead of my gf's compact car (obviously I was planning more of a looking trip than a buying one, but John was so helpful in finding exactly what I needed I pulled the trigger). Two of the boats he showed me are ones I would not have looked at by myself, and I ended up going home with one of them. Seriously top-notch service, and he knew what he was talking about. The kicker? I had literally driven there directly from the Hingham store where I was the first one in the door when they opened, spent an hour walking around, and left frustrated because no one was around to help. When I got to Framingham, it was a zoo (Memorial Day, the last day of their huge annual sale), and still they had time to help. Seriously, go here instead. They renewed my faith in REI's service. read more

I've made the Framingham REI my "home REI" in Massachusetts. In comparison to other REI's I've been to, the store is a bit small, but easy to navigate and they stock great stuff. The staff is friendly and helpful. There is plenty of parking. Also--and totally unrelated--they play great music. One time, they played Muse, Soundgarden, Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins, and Marcy Playground all within the same hour!! I was shocked. read more

I've shopped at REI for years and always had great service and gotten quality merchandise. Recently bought hiking socks after speaking with a salesperson, and they were excellent. Most recently I took an REI Intro to Kayaking class, and it was GREAT! Ben and Eric, our instructors, were wonderful - patient, lots of positive reinforcement, made the whole experience fun! That's what I love most about REI - the staff. They're friendly and knowledgeable, and never make me feel like a dope or try to over sell me. read more

If there was a star above 5 I'd click it in a second. REI is my favorite store in the world! I occasionally just go in and look at all the cool new gear they have. If you're an adventure sport enthusiast, this place couldn't be more recommended. The prices here are a bit high, however if you get the membership, you get 10% back on any new gear (Note: Does not include the REI Outlet online, or the garage sales they do four times a year). The staff are amazingly helpful, they know everything about everything, and if they don't, then they will find someone else who works there that does. I've never been let down, and have spent thousands of dollars here. read more

This is one of the worst customer experiences while shopping I've ever had. Went to buy a pair of hiking boots I had seen online and wanted to try on. Waited for a half hour and the staff did not acknowledge me once. They were extremely slow and inefficient. Two people were manning the shoe sales area while another 4 were standing around doing nothing. I left and plan to find the boots on another site and buy from there. I will not be returning to this REI and will be hesitant to shop at any REI's in the future. read more

I LOVE REI! What else is there to say? Need a kayak, mountain bike, tent? This is the place to come. And if you are a member you get a refund check every year on all that awesome gear you bought?! It can be a little expensive, but you pay for the excellent selection. read more

REI - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Framingham, Massachusetts

After having a less than stellar customer service moment I spoke to a manager. He asked me all the right questions and determined that I wasn't making the best purchase possible. He listened to my previous boot issues and really took his time helping me try on and find the right one. I don't live in MA but he made sure to let me know if they didn't meet my expectations that I could contact him to make it right. Thank you for the above and beyond service. read more

REI is one of those stores that you're either going to live in or never step foot in. Focusing on all sorts of outdoor actives (biking, cannoning, camping, climbing, etc) it's one of the new places around to pick up everything you'll need for whatever you'll be doing outside. The Framingham location is actually one of the nicer ones I've been to. It's quite large and updated with all the latest amenities and decor. They have a nice little rock climbing wall that they use from time to time, and the store is typically pretty well staffed. The downstairs is mainly for your equipment / accessories, while the upstairs is primarily shoes and apparel. Parking is plentiful, although the lot can be a bit of a hassle to get to if you're coming the wrong way or there's traffic. Prices aren't anything to write home about, but you're not going to get taken advantage of. I signed up for their membership program, free to join, and saves me a few percent on items. read more

Love their products, although much of it is pretty expensive. I find myself in here about four times a year because, 1.) everyone in the house has bicycles to get tuned up every Spring, 2.) we need bicycle gear 3.) we have a couple of athletic teenagers needing all kinds of sportswear and accessories, and 4.) last but not least, they've got great backpacks from all the big brands - one very picky child finally got hers a day before the start of school. It had enough pockets for her tech doodads, water bottles, books and school supplies, and an extra padded pocket one for her notebook pc. They have clearance sales now and then, and gosh do their customers know how to hop onto those sales weekends! Overall its a great place for nice recreation stuff, its clean and well run. I can always find someone who can answer my questions. read more

I've always had extremely good experiences at this store (helpful and knowledgeable staff) but this week was above and beyond. I had done some research on winter hiking boots and decided that I wanted Keen Revel II. According to the Keen website they run small. They recommend a half larger than your usual size, which for me is an 8 1/2 or 9. So would I want a 9 or a 9 1/2? The Framingham store had a 9 but it was tight. They didn't have the 9 1/2 but hingham did. The sales guy offered to have them shipped to my house, no charge, so I could try them at home, walk around for hours to be sure they're good. He took down my info and I went back to work, looking forward to receiving them soon. They arrived the next day. And fit perfectly, as the sales guy predicted based on the fit of the 9s. I wish I'd thought to ask his name. The boots are terrific and I very much appreciate all the great service. read more

Great store for outdoor hiking shoes and clothes! I don't have experience with any of their other offerings. Many of the employees here are very knowledgeable about the products and provide great recommendations. Sometimes, an employee who can help you in the right department on the sales floor is hard to find, unless there is a special sale happening. The prices are pretty much just retail prices, but the membership gives you dividends and some decent deals occasionally for being able to buy in person. Returns have also been hassle free when things didn't fit quite right. read more

Great options of things to buy, however the service was extremely slow. If you're looking to buy a pair of shoes I'd plan to be there for about an hour read more

I recently bought a new Ghost mountain bike from REI during quarantine but had the bike delivered since my local store in Framingham wasn't open yet. After a couple of rides, I noticed that the rear derailleur cable kept popping out and getting clipped by the chain ring. I brought it into the store for repair and Mike the head bike technician took a look at it. It turns out it was a known defect with the bike model but Mike was able to come up with a creative solution to fix the problem and get the bike running again. I've had my Ghost a little over a month now and it has handled everything I have thrown at it. I'm very impressed with the assistance that I received from Mike and his team and highly recommend REI as a place to purchase or repair a bike. read more

A great place to shop if you're a multi millionaire. The price points are a complete joke and the store has an air of snobbiness too. That whole tree hugger, recycling vibe. Not my cup o' tea. read more

I am in the middle of prepping for a late summer trip to Mt. Kilimanjaro. I've done tons of research and have purchased some initial gear online. However, when it came to picking boots, I knew i needed to a store to at least try a few pairs on. I am so glad I picked this REI location. The salesman running the shoe department was FANTASTIC! We started with a couple of pair that I'd read about, then he walked me through the process of picking the RIGHT pair! When I left the store with my purchase, I left with the confidence that they were the right pair for me. It was an educational process, and I can't say enough about the salesman. I will be back to seek guidance and purchase more items for my trip. Highly recommended! read more

Went in recently to buy some new hiking boots. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Didn't have my size, but they got me a similar boot to try on. Wrote out the shoe info and I ordered them at the register - arriving later this week! Only negative - they need larger men's clothes sizes. read more

I was in the market for a roof rack system and went there because they were having a sale. I know nothing about how these systems work, what I needed to purchase etc. I am so glad I did! Kyle was super helpful, knowledgable and above all, patient! Kudos to REI for hiring him, now he should get a raise!! I walked out $1000 lighter but feeling like my money had been spent wisely. Great store, great staff, great products. read more