I very much enjoyed this place. You walk in and the staff is not only super friendly but very knowledgeable. During a shoe fitting, they take their time showing you many shoes and making sure that you are choosing the right show for the activity that you need (e.g., running, weightlifting). Highly recommend! read more

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For 30 years it's been the best place for runners to get their shoes, gear and nutrition.

I had a fantastic experience at Second Sole on 7/24/24. I needed new running shoes. "Jon" was amazing! He had me try on several different shoes until I was sure I found the right ones. He was knowledgeable, pleasant, and funny. He even installed my "cinch laces" for me. All of this while he was simultaneously helping two other customers, yet I felt like I was his only customer! read more

I only buy my shoes from them. I've been to other stores but the staff here is knowledgeable and super helpful. Also the discounted options are great too. The only reason for a 4 is that sometimes they get super busy so there may be a wait for staff assistance. read more

Expensive shoes, bad customer service. My wife and I both bought $120+ shoes two months ago from this location. I spent about 45 minutes with a salesperson trying on different shoes and talking about my walking habits and my shoe needs. About a month ago, mine started to let in water and soon a hole appeared in the toe. I went back to see what they could do and they told me it was wear and tear and they wouldn't do anything. I swap out my shoes frequently walking my dog so a $120+ shoe shouldn't wear so quickly. The salesperson said that I should look at shoes that have reinforcement in the toe. That was all the help he provided. I've never had the same issue in any other shoes, even ones I purchased at discount stores. But the salesperson didn't offer a swap, or a partial refund, or a discount on a future purchase. Literally nothing. I told him we wouldn't be coming back and he shrugged, said ok, and left the front counter. If I could give a zero star rating I could. I was speechless as I left the store. As a millennial who has worked in plenty of customer service jobs, wow. 0/10 would not recommend. read more

I took my brother here to get some track spikes and we had a pretty good experience. Its really nice inside and makes you feel like you just want to be active or productive or something. The employees were experts and very helpful. read more

Ordered shoes for my mom. Had them shipped. They never told us the shipping information. The shoes never arrived and they never took responsibility. So we received no shoes, and they Took no responsibility. I will be disputing this. read more

Despite its pricey gear, this store offers premium service and a good location. After running my old pair of New Balance joggers in the ground, I took the advice of several friends and visited Second Sole. I was prepared to drop $100 because I have been jogging for over a year now and I know this is the price one must pay for comfort and quality. Luckily, a friend gave me a VIP reusable coupon for 10% which helped ease the sting some. The store was full of pricey outerwear, but I was only interested in new kicks. The sales rep was helpful and friendly. I was really looking forward to his advice on which type of shoes I would need. This was my first trip to a high end shoe shop where the sales staff would be knowledgeable of such things. I did some reading ahead of time about the which types of shoes fit which types of runners. Based on what I read, I was a sure 'under pronator'. To my surprise, the Second Sole representative said I had a normal stride. He gave me three pairs of shoes to try on. I put on two different shoes and went for a short jog outside. When I returned, the rep asked me, "Which shoes feels less like you're wearing a shoe?". I said, "This one". Then he removed the other shoe and replaced it with a third shoe and asked me to perform the same test. I found this to be interesting and I ended up buying a pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS-9's. They have served me well thus far and I will return to this store when I hit the 400-mile mark. http://www.2ndsole.com/ read more

My experience here was phenomenal. Store was very clean and thoughtful w/ pandemic precautions. Staff was super friendly and very helpful. The gentleman who helped me had lots of knowledge to share about shoes and running, but wasn't patronizing or trying to bog me down. Clearly just passionate about what he's doing. I tried on several pairs of shoes and he recommended wonderful options before I found the most comfortable pair I've ever owned, at a decent price, too. Can't recommend highly enough. Great store. read more

I went in for a new pair of running shoes before a triathlon this weekend because not being a great runner myself, I knew I needed help picking out some new shoes. They helped me find a great pair and I also learned my not as flat footed as I thought! This weekend during the race the only thing that wasn't in pain were my feet! Whereas before, my feet would be the first thing to cramp up when running. If you're a beginner like me and need some help finding good shoes, this is the place to go. read more

How do you keep a 20 year customer? I have ben buying my daughter "good" athletic shoes since she was in high school. Because good fit and appropriate design are important to achieving the best results we have always gone to Second Sole. They take the time to review your needs and then recommend a shoe which will perform the best. They are a high quality business and offer high end product but the performance/satisfaction exceeds any higher cost . in this age of going "online" and buying by looks or price it is a welcome alternative to not only touch the product but to "walk out" -pun intended- feeling good. We continued our annual pilgrimage last year and were sold a shoe which would meet our pandemic generated needs feeling great, however, three months later the shoes were wearing poorly and not providing their expected value. Bill the Store Manager was sympathetic to our disappointment and worked with the manufacturer-not easy during COVID induced shortages and restrictions, and had the shoes replaced. He worked to reassure us our years of loyalty and business are appreciated and well earned read more

Second Sole is the only place to buy running and in my case light hiking shoes. Recently, they ordered a pair of hiking shoes for me. Due to COVID and some changes at the shoe company, they were difficult to get. The team at Second Sole stayed on top of it and kept me informed. My whole family shops there fort he expert advice and patience while trying on many pairs of shoes. You don't need to look anywhere else. Go to second Sole. The only reason I gave five stars is because I could not give ten. read more

Got terrific service here on a Sunday afternoon. The selection is good and the sales people were friendly and greeted me right away even though they were busy. read more

I went to the ER for a heel injury and walked out the door with a coupon for this place. The ER never pushed telling me what was wrong with my foot but rather pushed a sale to this company. I have to wonder what the kickback was And why I was never properly treated. The doctor even put the wrong doctor's business card on my exiting paperwork and probably so that nobody would really know it was not him that was referring so that he would not get in trouble for the kickback. read more

The workers here are earth angels in my opinion. They take their time to observe what is going on with my feet and find me a shoe that feels real comfy! The right shoes are worth the price for me. Thanks a billion to all the souls who work at Second Sole read more

Second Sole - Shoe Stores Near Me - Lakewood, Ohio

This was my first time at Second Sole's Lakewood location. Throughout the years I have been to their eastside location and to Fleet Feet, another local store, to purchase running shoes. This was a great shopping experience. The staff is knowledgeable, helpful and patient in helping you select the best shoe for you. As someone who suffers from poor running mechanics and severe overpronation I cannot stress how important this part of the shopping experience is. The store is spacious, well-maintained and has a broad selection of running shoes, athletic gear & accessories. They even have a treadmill in the store so you can try out your potential purchase on the inside in addition to jogging around the block outside. Don't come to this store - or any other running shoe store for that matter - looking for deals. The value of Second Sole is giving you high quality footwear that fits your specific needs. If you have any experience with running shoes, you know that you'll pay $110-150 for the right pair and that it's a worthwhile investment. Moreover, don't come here if you are too particular about what colors your shoes are; look for casual sneakers from Nike, Puma or Adidas elsewhere if that is what you're looking for. Second sole is a store for runners of any fitness level and of any experience level. The store is staffed by runners who know how to help customers find the right shoes. It is A store that serves a singular purpose and does it well. That's what a experience is all about. read more

I'm overweight. I'm a walker, not a runner. Yet everyone here has been nothing but so kind and helpful to me. I just got home from buying my 2nd pair of shoes from this store. I knew that my old workout shoes were WAY past their expiration date but I had put off buying a new pair since the extra money just never seemed to be there. Sure, I could run up to the mall and get a pair on clearance for less money but I've done that in the past and was not as happy with the selection or fit. I mentioned that this was a big purchase for me so the sales person started by showing me shoes (comparable to my old ones) that were on clearance. She was SUPER helpful and had me try on several pairs until I found the right pair. I will for sure be back for my next shoes just for the customer service alone. They really work hard to find the right shoe for each person. read more

I'm updating my review. It was good to start with, but now it deserves 5 stars (I'd give 10 if I could)! I had such a HORRIBLE experience at another store (which shall remain nameless. However, if you search my reviews I'm sure you'll find it. (They're located in Strongsville.)) recently that I felt bad about giving them my business and not Second Sole. I took my "bad" shoes in on Saturday to see if SS could fit me for something that would work in the same brand. (I had contacted the shoe company regarding my "bad shoes". The shoe company requested I be fitted for another style of their brand of shoes. They requested I send them my "bad" pair and they'd replace them with a new pair of a different style per my fitting.) When I got to SS I was immediately greeted. I glossed over what the issues with my shoes were, the terrible experience I had with the owner of the other store (where I had purchased said "bad shoes".), and told him I wanted to be fitted for alternates. Rick was SO generous with his time on a VERY busy Saturday in the store. He took his time with me and ensured that I was in a better shoe. He stated that he, personally, would contact the shoe company and take care of my issue with the shoes. (Recall, I had purchased these at ANOTHER STORE!). He put me in a great pair of shoes and I'm so grateful and happy! I took the new kicks out for a spin today and NO BLISTERS!!!! Thank you SS for providing superior customer service. You have my business for life and I will recommend this location to EVERYONE who is looking for running gear! read more

I've purchased 4 pairs of running shoes at Second Sole over the years. I used to buy running shoes based on appearance only and before researching what shoes to buy was an option. That was dumb - but it was also before the internet was The Internet in all its glory. The first time I went a store specializing in running shoes, I knew I'd never go back to buying random shoes off a shelf. The folks at Second Sole will patiently help you find the RIGHT shoe for your foot (feet). They will watch you walk or run or how you stand and determine what the hell is wrong with yo feets, if anything, and figure out the right thing for you - whether it's inserts or a specific type of shoe. They'll ask what you'll be using your shoes for and take that into account. None of the shoes I've purchased have been inexpensive. But they all feel amazing on my feet and cause me no problems. No blisters. Nada. The shoes I have purchased are the same cost as what I'd purchase online - without the hassle of having to ship them and return them if they don't fit properly. They also have apparel and accessories for sale. I don't know if the stuff is more $$ than you'd find elsewhere, or not. But I will tell you that the people at Second Sole are knowledgeable about what they sell, and can help you find the right thing whether it's socks or hydration gel packet things, etc. They all seem pretty sincere in helping you and not selling you something you don't need. They also offer a running/training club for all ages/experience levels, which I've never taken part in, but sounds awesome. read more

I have nothing positive to say from my experience here. The sales person pushed his views on running blatantly ignoring our needs/wants, other sales people made disparaging comments and jokes at our expense. Not to mention the overwhelming DOUCHE CHILLS I got from the conversations happening around me. Clearly we took our business elsewhere. It was entirely uninviting, chock full of elitist bull... Some positives-- they had a really cool gear & a decent sale rack, but I will never spend a dime there. If you want a helpful running store where you will be treated with respect, head east-- Achilles in Mentor read more

Second Sole is a good running specialty store. It seems to be the only one of its kind for miles and miles (I do not consider Dick's to be a running store). The staff is helpful and let you take your prospective sneakers out for a jog before making your final decision. I have also, like the previous reviewer, gotten a phone call when my shoes have come in - a nice touch. The only thing I have looked for here which I have not been able to find is a specific brand of carb-replacement gel (PowerBar Gel), the only one that seems to agree with me. But I did try Gu Chomps at the staff's recommendation, which were quite good, and I actually might now be a chomp convert. Easy parking too. Oh, and they have given me 10% off everything pretty much every time I have gone in. A nice place. read more

Even at their busiest they still give you the time you need for shoes all the way to gels. I first started shopping here four years ago when I started running and have been back for all my running and triathlon needs since. They have a great sale rack and the staff are very friendly and helpful. On more than one occasion I went in knowing what I thought I should buy and was given a recommendation to go with something a little different and both times less expensive. They really want to get you I'm the right gear and aren't looking for a quick sale. I have bought countless items from here and have always had top notch service. read more

I've been going here for a couple years to get running-related items. They have done a good job from support to recommendations. They specialize in shoes but also sell running and triathlon-related apparel, hydration belts, and carb gels. If they do not have a specific shoe in stock, they'll order it and ACTUALLY CALL when it comes in. They are willing to negotiate some on price. The store also has a number of organized running groups if you're interested. The staff I've worked with run the gamut from track coaches to high school runners but everyone has been nice and knowledgeable. Run in! read more

Awesome experience - period. I visited the shop at the recommendation from daughter. Both of us are avid runners. I was seeking advice because I was thinking of switching from the running shoes that I've ran with for over 20 years. As I entered the shop, I felt a different vibe - positive vibe. A group of folks were up front trying on shoes, laughing and smiling. When my turn came, Mike, the sales guy, asked me how he could help. He was sharp and transparent. Ultimately, he thought that I was running on the best shoe for me and that I shouldn't change, though his shop did not sell the shoe. Wow... I appreciated his experienced feedback and insights and ultimately, his transparency in not trying to sell me something else. I will continue to shop at this store for other items as well as participate in its running groups. Nice job overall. read more

Had a really awesome experience in this store. Decided to jog up to the store and see what they had to offer. They had no problem getting me in the shoe that I wanted, didn't try to sell me anything I didn't want. My wife was unsure of what shoes she would want, never having purchased a pair of real running shoes, the associate took 30+ minutes to pull 10-12 pairs of shoes for her and even let her take a spin on down the sidewalk in them. He even put our old shoes in the boxes and stored them behind the counter so we could finish our run and break in our new shoes. Prices were not inflated like some other places, sales staff was attentive, patient and knowledgeable. I never felt like an outsider, not being a race runner or marathoner. I will only buy my shoes and gear from here in the future. Glad I stopped in. read more

Good selection of shoes, apparel, and accessories. However, I never get great customer service from the employees. Often it's hard to tell who is even working in the store because everyone is just wearing running clothes and milling about without making contact. Through interactions with the employees they have not been helpful or friendly. I'd suggest checking out Vertical Runner or the other Second Sole store in Medina. read more

This place is great, the people are friendly and attentive. Mostly I appreciate the free running group and various other community events they host. It's a really great way to bring the running community together. Also love the Sunday morning yoga they have on occasion. read more

The absolute best place to get running shoes. The staff is always extremely nice and knowledgeable.

I have flat feet (weak arches) and planter fasciitis and at 60 years old, it finally caused a problem. My podiatrist referred me to Second Sole. The staff are athletes and runners, I am not. But, these people have helped me more than I ever could have hoped for. I most recently asked if they could help me with a possible warranty issue on my Brooks Addiction 12. They did. This store is for runners and people who have foot issues. As another reviewer stated, this is not a store for $20.00 sneakers. I am happy to pay $100.00 plus for my shoes at Second Sole because the shoes solve my foot problems.I don't know anyone's name who works there, but they all are doing 5 star service. Thank you Second Sole, Lakewood. I have been with Second Sole for about 2 years, from when the Lakewood store was in Rocky River. read more

This place has a terrible selection--they don't stock a variety of sizes for the majority of their items (clothing, shoes, etc.). In fact, the most commonly overheard statement you will hear from the employees is, "We can order it for you." What a pain in the ass. It's totally late 70s/early 80s to me to hear that a store can order something for me. Skip this place and head to Fleet Feet in Northfield instead. They have a great selection and keep many items in stock. Plus, their employees are very knowledgeable. read more

Very helpful and attentive. Great customer service, great selection as well. They certainly know their stuff. Would highly recommend. Ask for Rick, excellent service. read more

These guys are great. They understand the products and the average runner. Atmosphere is inviting and encouraging! If you are a new runner, go and trust them read more

I first came to this store as a recommendation from a runner friend as I was just getting into running longer distances and was having some shin pain.The staff was, and continues to be, friendly, knowledgeable and overall outstanding. They took the extra time to listen to my concerns, evaluated my current shoes and took into account my training locations and distances all prior to making a shoe recommendation. I have since purchased additional shoes and gear from here. The staff never seems rushed, has a positive attitude and shows interest in your training (even if it is just a 5K.) This store also has a 10 day return policy that I find remarkable. While I have always been 110% pleased with my purchases (mainly thanks to the associates guidance) it makes me feel better knowing that if I am not please with my purchase, they will take them back. read more

Great Store. Tim and Bill are awesome. Far more helpful than most shoe stores. By all means this is the 'to go to' shop for your running or sneaker purchases. I'm not a runner by any means and these guys are terrific and knowledgeable. Couldn't be happier with the service they offer. 5 stars. read more

The staff at Second Sole -Rocky River is great. Their knowledge of shoes, other running gear, and running in general is excellent. Bill and Rick in particular are great about taking extra time to make sure their customers are getting exactly what they need and want from their shoes and other running gear. I have been a customer for 20 years and the store and staff have been excellent the whole time. read more

Second Sole is great. They are very knowledgeable especially on shoes. I have purchased my last 2 shoes here and they fit excellent. read more

Very disappointed, went to get shoes for my daughter who runs XC. Told the salesmen what we needed, he showed us some options - selected one. When she went to practice the next day, the coach (ran at Oregon) said those were not XC shoes and she can not wear them.... Thanks second sole, that mistake only cost me a $160.... i would expect this at Dick's, not a store for runners. Was there before and had good luck, just make sure the salesperson is listening to you and not just wanting another sale. read more

I was in the market for some new running shoes and this place was recommended to me by someone at my gym. My husband and I went on a Saturday afternoon and it was a little bit busy, however, the employees were very polite and attentive. I had a gentleman helping me who did not make me feel hurried or rushed at all. He was very interested in what I was looking for, what I had ran in in the past, and had me try on several different pairs of shoes to see what felt most comfortable. He offered for me to go outside onto the sidewalk to take a little run to try them out if needed. He was very honest about what shoes he recommended the most, and how long that he thought the shoes approximately would last. I did not feel pressured at all or like he was trying to get me to buy the most expensive pair of shoes. I really felt that he was definitely trying to get the best fit for me, my running style, and my price range. I ended up purchasing a purple pair of Brooks, and they have helped my running immensely. I will definitely return here to buy my running shoes in the future. read more

We were in need of running shoes for our daughter who just started Girls on the Run. She's 8 years-old. We stopped at Dick's Sporting Goods at Crocker Park first -- HUGE MISTAKE. We stood there for at least 15 minutes being completely ignored. There were employees chatting and goofing off in other departments and one young man working in shoes who flippantly told me he'd be right with me (helping one other customer). He never got to us. We called Second Sole from the store and asked if they carried kids sizes. He assured us he had kids sizes in at least two or three brands of running shoes. We promptly left Dick's and headed to Second Sole. WOW. The service we got at Second Sole was nothing short of impressive. This gentleman took time to try several different sizes on my daughter. He switched brands to see if another might fit even better and it did. We explained that she has fallen out of practice with tying shoes (thanks to velcro everything) and he suggested lock laces. We had no idea what those were until then. What a great idea for kids running shoes! He gave us 20% off the shoes and 10% off the laces. He took so much time with us -- we were thrilled. He really cared about being sure the shoes fit well and that she would not grow out of them too fast. I'm positive Dick's couldn't have possibly cared less about us or our daughter. We paid $70 out the door with brand name excellent running shoes AND lock laces. We won't go anywhere else now. Thank you Second Sole! read more

This store has the most staff I have found. I come in from Wisconsin to buy from these guys. I was having multilpe injuries and by just getting me in the right shoes and offering some training advice and tips I have been able to run healhty and complete another 60 marathons. I have sent friends from Columbus, Youngstown and Pittsburgh, and they all agree. These guys get it right. The shoes are the key. Make yourself smarter and faster and shop here. As for selection, I'm a 4E width and they special ordr for me within a week. Great service. read more