I needed new sneakers. When I walked in the door my old running coach is working here now and he did an amazing job getting me into two pairs of fantastic running shoes. He told me the sneakers I was in or giving me too much support and my knees have been bothering me so he recommended a different pair of sneakers for me after watching me run and they feel amazing. This is exactly what I want in a shoe store. There's nothing better than having a well educated qualified person helping you get a good pair of running shoes. read more

Second Sole - The image shows the exterior of Second Sole, a shoe store located in Akron, Ohio. The storefront has a large sign with the store's name, established in 1981, and mentions shoes, apparel, and advice. The windows display promotional posters, including messages like "Just a Runner from Akron" and "Find Your Strong," along with images of runners and athletes. The sidewalk in front is visible, with a bench and parking spaces nearby. - Sports Wear Near Me - Akron, Ohio

I wouldn't dream of going anywhere else for running shoes! Even when I've been away at college, I wait to get new shoes until I come home or I have my mom mail me a new pair. Everyone who works here is more than experienced when it comes to running, some of them are even coaches at local schools! A lot of them run all the local marathons, which is so cool to hear! Almost all of them have given me small bits of advice while they watch me run, and all the advice has been just what I never knew I needed! When you're trying on shoes, they try to give you about three different brands to try. I've been using Saucony Everun Ride 150's, but my high school cross county and track coach who works here recommended some Mizunos to train for my half marathon in. I LOVE THEM! I've only ever used ASICS and Saucony, but I was blown away with my Mizunos when I test ran them. That's another thing! They let you test run the shoes! They always tell you to go outside their store and run some to see how they feel. This has been extremely helpful! Shoes I would have bought had I (not practice ran them) ended up feeling like they were gonna fall off while I ran or pinched my toes. Seriously, I don't think you should go anywhere else for your running shoes! This is your place! read more

Second Sole - Sports Wear Near Me - Akron, Ohio

The staff are the friendliest, most helpful, nicest people you will ever meet! I bought some running shoes because I wanna start running 5Ks but my feet are as flat a board. I know nothing about running and running shoes. So these guys really helped me pick out the pair for me. They measured my feet gave me some shoes to try on and let me run on the sidewalk. Although the first pair seemed to work, when I actually tried to run in them on the treadmill they were not the pair for me. Even though I used them I could exchange them for a new pair for up to two weeks. The second pair was much better. Besides shoes they have accessories and other active wear. Highly recommend these guys! read more

Second Sole should be the only place anyone goes to get running shoes! Finally got fitted for running shoes, and I liked the shoe so much I bought 2 pairs and running socks. Ed is very knowledgeable and friendly. Great experience. read more

Great feedback for new runners helped a lot with finding the right shoes. Very honest on even for a new runner they give you confidence thank you love my shoes!!! read more

To start out, I am still a total noob with all things running. All I know is that I like to run, my old sneakers were beyond dead, and I desperately needed help choosing the right new pair for my wonky feet. So I walked into Second Sole, and was promptly greeted by Aiman, possibly the world's friendliest shoe store employee. He asked me a couple questions about what kind of running I do, took a look at the shoes I needed to replace, and measured my feet. He did all of this while asking me about my day, a warm courtesy that seems rare these days, which was so appreciated! He brought out a basic pair of sneakers, took me outside, and had me jog down the sidewalk while he watched my feet. He was able to identify the issue I have with my feet turning in, and proceeded to bring out 5 or 6 pairs of shoes to try that would address my issue. He encouraged me to go try them out on the sidewalk multiple times, and was so patient and kind as I stood indecisive in many pairs. All in all he spent a good 30+ minutes with me. I ended up choosing a pair, and walking out with them on my feet, ever so happy. That should be the end of the review, right? Unfortunately, it is not. I went straight to the gym to run in my new shoes, and as I was walking into the gym, I realized with a sinking heart that my brand new shoes were pinching my foot in a place I somehow hadn't noticed. I didn't even have to run in them to know they weren't going to work. I sat in my car agonizing, I had already walked around in these shoes, the bottoms weren't flawless anymore, and I felt so dumb. But I drove back to the store, shoes now in box, and red from embarrassment. I walked back in and explained this all to Aiman, and he just smiled and told me not to worry at all. He went back and pulled out more shoes and some different sizes of the ones I had liked, and was just as patient and kind the second time around. I found another pair and he exchanged them with no problem. I apologies profusely for taking up so much of his time, and he brushed it off, making me promise that if these shoes didn't feel great within the next two weeks, that I would bring them back and find another pair, even after having been run in. What an excellent and generous return policy! I hope these new shoes are perfect, but even if not, I know I'll be taken care of at Second Sole. read more

If you're a serious runner in the Akron area you know about this place already and all it's awesomeness. But if you want to get serious, this is the place to go. You will not find this kind of service and knowledge at a chain and their return policy is amazing. I will not buy my shoes anywhere else I'm Akron. read more

Second Sole - Post towpath run - Sports Wear Near Me - Akron, Ohio

I will never go anywhere else for a specialty shoe!! I was blown away but how friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and quick the staff was. Got a pair of running shoes that I absolutely love. The girl showed me Several styles (all same price point without me asking) and had me run in each to narrow down the style that was best for me and then brought out various colors and patterns of that shoe to choose from. GREAT experience & highly recommend!! read more

My husband recently received an email from Second Sole advertising a Cleveland Cavaliers shirt that he liked. This in itself was memorable because my husband rarely pays attention to clothing. I offered to stop at Second Sole in Merriman Valley because it is on my way to the office. It was my first visit to the store (although I've patronized their booths at the area half-marathons we've participated in). I arrived just after the store opened. It is a small rather elite boutique-type shop that is housed in a Plaza next to a bar. No one greeted me when I entered the store. I even checked the time on my cell phone to make sure the store was open because I wasn't acknowledged. There were two girls running up and down the sidewalk in front of the Plaza with four different shoes on their feet (they were obviously testing out running shoes) while an employee looked on. After I perused the merchandise looking for the Cavs shirt for 15 minutes or so a man came out of the back room and looked around the store. He looked at the employee (who was by this time fitting four other shoes on the runners) and then glanced at me. He turned and walked back into the stockroom. Needless to say, I left the shop without having been spoken to or greeted by anyone after 20 minutes of shopping. The shop was empty and I felt unwelcome. Incidentally, the shop did NOT have the Cavs shirt that they advertised in their email... it was nowhere to be found. I will not return. read more

I couldn't be happier with my experience at Second Sole Akron. I called ahead and Michael told me to bring my last couple of pairs of shoes after I explained that I have Achilles Tendon issues. He spent a bunch of time with me, very patient, very knowledgeable. The shoes that we decided on are working out well so far. I won't buy my running shoes anywhere else from now on. read more

I came in looking for advice on a pair of shoes that I had purchased elsewhere. The staff was very friendly and helpful even though they knew that I wasn't going to be purchasing anything. The store felt like a really nice place and I would go back again for my next running shoe purchase. read more

Went in thinking I needed some expensive insoles​ for my sore feet and both employees were skeptical, they both alerted me to possible overuse, they didn't try to sell me a bunch of shit I didn't need , thanks y'all ,I'll be going back for anything I need from here on out read more

I walked in and I was instantly met with really knowledgeable customer service, and they were really patient to make sure I got the best shoes for me. Also, pretty great atmosphere inside. read more

Wow. What a great time and experience. Walked in and had several people start to engage with me and sit right down to help. The environment here is a laid back knowledgeable staff. Would highly recommend this place for all of your running needs. Go see Joey and Connie. They were great. read more

I have very difficult feet to fit, and the staff was super patient answering all my questions and advising me on the best shoes for my PITA feet. I ended up buying one pair and will definitely go back soon to get another. I can't emphasize enough how super patient they were with me and how knowledgeable they are about running shoes. read more

If you are looking for track spikes or throwing shoes, then look online. Store has few to choose from and been there twice for these items without success. Both times their response was "this is all we have, but we can order online". Save your time and order online yourself. Service has been bad both times, including helping 2-3 customers after me, before acknowledging I was even there. Reluctant to go back for even the most minor things. read more

Highly recommend this location. Service is top flight. It came strongly recommended to me, and my visit didn't disappoint. The salesperson took a lot of time to understand what I was looking for, and more importantly, what I needed. Every runner has different needs based upon their feet, their stride, etc. and you get a clear understanding of that during your visit. If you're a serious runner or want to be, this is the place to go (period). read more

I brought in my favorite running shoes of all time praying to find a match. Within minutes I was given a match, tested the shoes outside, bought socks, paid, and was off to go run. The guy who helped me was really knowledgeable about the shoe and I couldn't believe he let me run outside with the shoes to test them out. I even had a $15 off coupon I got in a race packet....score. read more

The staff gave me a very hard time while attempting to return a pair of shoes that I purchased for my son. I told the manager that I would be willing to have store credit if they didn't have the shoes my son needed. The store manager attempted to brag about his knowledge of running shoes because he ran track in college. He continuously tried to inform me that all cross country track shoes were the same. Prior to returning the shoes, I consulted several people and websites regarding the style of shoes my son purchased and was informed to exchange them for a slightly different shoe. The manager attempted to tell me that my son just wanted a different color. I went to Ritchie's which is 10 miles away and purchased a higher-end shoe for less money. I informed the salesman at Ritchie's that if I could not get my money back from Second Sole that I would have to return the shoes. The salesman said that it would be no problem at all. I will never purchase shoes from Second Sole in Akron again. read more

I am a self-proclaimed low-end run/walker. The salesman at Second Sole was as patient and helpful as they come. I have an issue with an old lisfranc injury to my right foot and finding the right shoe is not simple. He must have tried five pairs of shoes with me. Each had a completely different look and feel. I came back two or three times until we had it spot on. I went on to train for a 1/2 marathon in Key West. The shoes felt great and so did I once I crossed that finish line with my sister! The thought that they would not work with someone to exchange a shoe that did not work out is simply silly. Must be more to the story (scuffed soles? worn/used and not resaleable?). They have fit two of my daughters with running shoes and my cousin and her son as well. We were all pretty darned happy. read more