I needed some great running shoes as I am training for my first half marathon. For years, I'd purchased shoes at the big sporting stores, based purely how they felt on my foot. I got a recommendation to this store from a friend, but was hesitant on going there based on the reviews here.
I've visiting this store two times in the last week and received absolutely excellent service on both occasions. Both times, I was immediately greeted, asked what I was shopping for, and was given excellent service. The first time I was in, I was helped by Eric who put me on the treadmill and took a video of my gait. He brought out a few of pairs of shoes and helped me choose which ones to buy, and even had me hop back on the treadmill to see how my gait had changed with each set. He then informed me of their 30-day, no-questions-asked return policy, and explained that you never know about a set of shoes until you've run in them.
After three runs, I realized the shoes were just not working for me. I was very embarrassed to go back - I hate returning things because no matter what the policy is, you always seem to get the stink-eye from the employee, especially with an expensive item. Not so here! This time, I was helped by Amy who immediately saw me come in with my box of shoes and asked me very detailed questions about what I did/didn't like in the ones I was returning. She popped me back on the treadmill, brought out a few pairs of shoes again, and helped me pick the right ones. After two runs, I am in love with them. Very worth the $120 price tag. I know there was a review in here about not being able to return shoes because they'd been worn outside, but that is just not the case. I had worn my shoes outside, in the rain, on a dirt track, and they exchanged them, no questions asked.
I think a lot of the negative reviews stem from two things: a) people who think good shoes mean you don't have to train or b) people who walk into a store and aren't greeted so they wander around a bit and then leave. There is no shoe that is magically going to make you able to run five, ten, fifteen miles without any training - if you're new to running, you have to build up to that sort of stamina. And if you walk into the store and don't get greeted or employees are with other customers, then wait your turn and ask for what you want - if you want to have the gait analysis on the treadmill, or you need help picking out a shoe, ask for it! They aren't going to say no. Everyone in the store seemed very friendly to me.
I will definitely be going back when it is time to replace my shoes. The slightly higher cost is well worth it knowing you are getting the right fit for your body and running style. read more