This is a really great shoe store in a Baton Rouge. My husband bought me a pair of Hoka for Mother's Day. I didn't like the colors so I went to the shop and exchanged them myself. Kristen (sorry if I spelled it wrong) helped me. She was very friendly, easy going and helpful. It was a very quick process to exchange my shoes, no hassle at all. I was very excited with my first pair of Hoka and was looking forward to comfortable walking. Unfortunately I finally wore them last weekend on a trip that had lots of walking. After the second day, I couldn't walk in them anymore. My feet are too wide and I had such pain in the area where my feet were hanging over the soles. I wasn't sure of the return policy about worn shoes but went back to ask about exchanging once again. I happened to run into Kristen again and asked her if she remembered helping me last time. She initially didn't until I told her the Mother's Day gift and the color. She instantly recalled our encounter. After explaining to her about the shoes and asked if I could exchange them, she said "yes!" I was so relieved! She then proceeded with looking for the same shoes in wider fit for me. She had to pull out 3 pairs. After trying them on, I felt the pain in the same area again. I decided that Hoka and I were not meant to be. Since my husband bought me Hoka and Hoka seems to be all the hype lately, I really wanted to give it chance. I've been married to New Balance for years. My feet are wide and they have wide shoes that make my feet happy. I happened to be wearing a pair of New Balance today. Kristen took notice to what I wore and to what I said. She brought out a pair of New Balance that she said is comparable to Hoka. They felt really good. I was sold. However, she didn't stop there. She brought out another pair for me to compare. After trying about 3 Hoka and 2 NB, I finally exchanged the Hoka for NB one that she recommended. If you are looking for a local shoe store that carries reputable running shoes with excellent customer service then you need to come here. Thank you Kristen for helping me!!! You are awesome. read more

I brought my dad here early on a Saturday morning. We were promptly greeted and helped. The young gentleman helping us was pleasant and unwavering in his assistance. I look forward to coming back myself. There is a wide selection of men's and women's shoes, socks and athletic attire all at reasonable prices. read more

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My chiropractor and podiatrist recommended Varsity Sports, and to see Jessica in particular, for a proper shoe fitting. I am not a runner, more of a walker and weight training kind of girl. there were people in there of all different ages and exercise abilities so it's not just a store for runners. Jessica analyzed my walk, asked about my exercise activities and what I wanted in a shoe. She brought out 5 different pairs and discussed the pros/cons of each pair based on my needs. Found the perfect pair - a brand (Hoka) I'd never even heard of before my chiropractor suggested it. You can even wear your shoes for 30 days and bring them back to exchange for a different pair if they don't work out. That's customer service! Don't waste money shopping around for shoes that may or may not fit properly, go see the experts and get the right fit for your needs. Your feet will thank you! read more

Varsity Sports - Sports Wear Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The absolute best experience buying shoes. 1:1 attention, helped pick exactly what I needed. 10/10 recommend

Been searching for a road shoe I love as much as my trail shoes. Have been to multiple stores and talked to shoe company customer service reps. Turned out, I just needed to visit Varsity Sports. The store had just opened, but was already very busy. The associate who helped me was very friendly and accommodating, listening to exactly what I was looking for. He even engaged the manager at one point, and together they helped me find a men's shoe that fit me better than the women's (wider toe box). Unfortunately, they only had dark grey. They didn't pressure me to buy them, instead encouraging me to go run online and buy the color I wanted directly from the manufacturer. Kudos to this store on instilling good customer service values in their employees. read more

Varsity Sports - Friendly staff listened to my needs and helped find the right Altras for me. - Sports Wear Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Honestly this place was better a few years ago! I recently came and there was not much of a selection at all. It's a nice quaint running shoe store. I thought they would have more HOKAs or Brooks, but they didn't have much of a selection. They also used to have this 4D machine that told you how you walked, but I didn't see it this time around. Nonetheless, it's still a very busy store! The parking kind of sucks when it's busy because it's either street parking or you'll have to pull out into a busy street. read more

Service was excellent! All the employers were very helpful and patient. My son and his girlfriend were able to learn the type of shoe that fits them best and they were offered several shoes to try on. They both found shoes that fit better than any other shoes they've owned. Prices were around $150 per pair, but well worth the price to get shoes they can work and exercise in with comfort and protection. Highly recommended! read more

Attentive staff and a large variety of brands. Their sale section often has a hidden gem. Thank you Varsity for your great customer service and great shoes! read more

Connor helped me and was fantastic. The entire experience was really chill and informative. I came looking for a shoe that didn't hurt my arch when I ran, and he suggested about 8 pairs and I tried them all on. He had the insight to have me try a wide shoe and that was the ticket. Employees will check your gait as well by having you walk around a bit. I hope the shoes work well for me. If not, they give up to 30 days and will allow an exchange or store credit! Great value, retail atmosphere, and experience! read more

Varsity Sports - My new running shoes and complimentary shirts - Sports Wear Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

I walked in nervous and completely unsure of what to expect...everyone in the place seemed so athletic and certain of themselves...but was warmly greeted by Sarah Catherine, who did a full gait assessment. I am just getting into a walking program to complete the half-marathon in January and needed a good shoe for training and walking. She was incredibly patient, thoughtful, and helpful in finding just the right pair for me. I could not be more pleased! Thank you, Varsity and Sarah Catherine for your help and support for athletes at all levels. read more

Varsity Sports - Sports Wear Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

This store is locally owned and operated and has some of the best customer service around, when it comes to buying shoes and apparel for active use. My husband buys all of his non-work type shoes there. It's been a hot second since I've been there, but I recently got some time on my hands go shoe shopping. I'm writing this message in the midst of COVID and social distancing practices. The store is fairly small, so I could imagine that they'd be super busy during their peak times. There are signs on the doorway about allowing only small # of people in at any one time + masks are required. I got lucky and came in early afternoon on a weekday and was helped immediately. Like Raven had said in her review about the "shoe wizard" waiting for you... she's right! Conor (aka "shoe wizard") greeted me by the door and got me started on shoes immediately. He had me remove my shoes and socks and had me walk back and forth to see what would probably be the best shoes for my type of feet. I sat down on the bench as he went to the back to grab some shoes in order to find the best for me. They really concentrate on what feels natural for me. I tried on several brands from Brooks, Mizuno, Saucony and New Balance. The process of how he had me try on shoes was great! First, I tried a pair, then he switched out one of the shoes for that pair with another shoe from a different pair. It was a great way to compare and to help narrow down which shoe was best. I did a lot of walking around the store with each of the shoes. I tried the New Balance shoe and it's interesting how my feet just feel at home in those shoes. I've probably been wearing New Balance since I was in high school. So, guess which ones I left with? Yup, New Balance! I really loved the color that they had available, too. They color is mostly a baby blue with a dark blue backing. The process didn't take too long. I even saw a 50% off sale rack filled with running shorts. I found a couple in my size and I was off to pay for my merch. They were able to ring me up quickly and had me pick out a complimentary shirt afterwards. I've always loved that they give away a free shirt with every shoe purchase. This is probably the most genius marketing, too. Plus, their slogan "run hard, live easy" is printed on the back of the shirts. When I first moved to Louisiana, I saw many people wearing those shirts and I wondered where they got them from. Ever since my first visit here, I was hooked. Their shoes are an upwards of $100+, so just know that before coming in. They are all very high-quality shoes though. Find Varsity Sports on Perkins Road in the garden district. They also have locations in Mandeville & New Orleans. I feel so lucky to have one here in Baton Rouge not too far from where I live. Thanks, Conor for great customer service! read more

This is a fantastic local store. We're unfortunately in the middle of he COVID-19 epidemic, so I couldn't go in. But they were wonderful to deal with on the phone, and when I walked over they had my order waiting for me. When the air clears and we're safe to go inside, I will definitely be back to support this great local business. read more

This store was amazing. It's sad that stores don't offer this kind of awesomeness everywhere, good thing Varsity Sports does!!! From the moment we walked in the environment was awesome. We were greeted right away and assisted quickly. Once we talked for a bit about our professions, they did a evaluation and quickly brought out several pairs of shoes to try. These ladies were AMAZING. I will definitely be back. I was able to buy a great pair of shoes and received great service. It's a bit pricey but you get what you pay for. read more

Every time I've purchased athletic shoes there someone has helped me and they are very knowledgeable. So I feel confident if I'm going to pay A lot for running or walking shoes I'm going to get the best ones for me. They are also the only ones that socks that don't creep Down under your feet while wearing shoes. Lynne M. read more

Service is outstanding. The sales person was very personable and spent a great deal of time to insure I had the information to select the correct shoe for me. This is service that I have not seen in many years. This may be the best shopping experience I have had in at least a decade. read more

Very friendly and welcoming everytime I go in! Had to make an exchange on a pair of ON running shoes (which varsity is the only store in BR who stocks them) and they made sure my size and selection was perfect for me before leaving the store! Highly recommend this store. read more

Just another amazing experience at Varsity again! Today, I was just on an accessories kick, no shoes for me. I love that even though they were pretty busy, the staff still checked in on me. Jenni and her crew simply can't do any better. I'm thankful to have them in Baton Rouge. read more

Varsity Sports is the Olivanders of Baton Rouge. You walk in and the shoe wizard is expecting you, and he has already pulled all of the womens size 6's in the store. You ask him which one you should choose and he simply replies "the shoe chooses the runner, little witchling." He was right too! I was chosen by a beautiful pair of Nike Pegasuses and I have never run faster. I exited the store and was immediately approached by several SEC football team recruiters, but unfortunately for them my football days are behind me. Anyway, 10/10 shoe shopping experience, will now go there for all my varsity sports needs. read more

Varsity Sports - Sports Wear Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

There's not much more to say about Varsity than what has already been said. Varsity is a cultural icon in BR. It's a meeting place for runners. It's kind of a hangout that also sells running gear. Go there, buy some shoes, learn a new technique, gain understanding of your new aches and pains, find out where to run, get informed in upcoming races and everyday training groups, and just enjoy being a runner - or become a new runner. read more

I never went to LSU, and I really can't tell you how I ended up with a medium blue Varsity shirt. But you know what? It doesn't matter because this shirt is the most comfortable shirt I own. Sure there are Hanes Tagless Tees, 5th Avenue Boutique Specialty... , ...shirts handwoven from a Japanese ...whatever. They're fine, but this tee... ...I made a five-hundred mile trip from Texas just to go to this store and get two more shirts like the one I have. I didn't see the tiger mascot, I didn't watch a game. I went to get more of these crack tees. And I did. And you know what? I can now rotate them for different bed times so I can wash one while wearing a clean one. I am no longer a slob because of this. This store did that for me. It made me a cleaner, more respectable person. So this is what it feels like to be both clean and comfortable. The folks were super nice and they all stood next to each other in the small store. Like they hovered in a good way and told you how good you look. I liked it. It was raining that Wednesday morning, and I ended up with an awesome rain jacket for half price as well. It has hidden reflective stripes so I don't get run over in Louisiana. Drivers like flashing their headlights at others here to show displeasure. Guess what: I can guarantee that if a car hit me, the driver saw me, gunned for the stripes, and he made a conscious decision to commit vehicular homicide. Cause baby I'm lit up at night. Five stars! read more

I'm a new runner, and though I love it, I have no real idea what I'm doing. This place has been a life saver. I first came in a few weeks ago looking for a pair of running shoes to help with lingering knee issues left over from my competitive dancing days, and returned the next week for a pair of oofos for more support post workout/race. Both visits, every member of the staff I encountered was kind, patient, and knowledgeable. They actually took the time to make sure that I had what I needed by watching they way I stand/walk/run. The change in the way my knee reacts to longer/harder runs and how much further I'm able to push myself after so short a time has been phenomenal; having the shoes that are right for me had made a huge difference. What's more, they made sure I understood why my shoes and oofos work for me. Even if I only have one race under my belt (so far at least, and not exactly fast at that) I felt welcomed. This will be my go-to place for what I hope is a long love affair with running. read more

Ever since I came to Baton Rouge, I've seen at least 3 people on a given day wearing Varsity t-shirts. And ever since I started running at the LSU lakes, that number has grown. So when I signed up for two half-marathons (gasp!!), I found my excuse to drop into the store--partly because I needed new shoes, and partly because I wanted to be part of the crowd wearing those t-shirts. Somehow, to me, those runners ran faster, looked leaner and more "serious." Varsity's a pretty snug store and parking there is rocket science, so I just parked in Zeeland's parking lot. It helped that the restaurant was closed at the time. Upon entering, I saw various running paraphernalia stacked around--t-shirts, shorts, jackets, energy gels, and a whole section for running shoes. I looked around for a while before someone approached me and asked if she could help. I told her what I was looking for, and she asked me to walk so she could look at my gait, and then get me to try some shoes accordingly. The sales lady (I wish I could remember her name) was knowledgeable and showed me several options. I finally settled on a pair of purple and pink Asic GT 2000 shoes. I'm glad I didn't buy them online because I had to go two sizes up to get the right fit. On the whole, the experience was good--I didn't feel rushed or pushed to make a decision. For a shopper like me, who gets overwhelmed with too many choices, it definitely helped to have a knowledgeable person helping me pick the right shoes. The best thing? The free Varsity t-shirt I got with my shoes. I finally feel like I'm part of the "serious runners" group with my pretty pink t-shirt and of course, those awesome running shoes! Half-marathon, here I come! read more

This is such a great local sporting apparel store! The location is very convenient and the staff is absolutely amazing. I walked in for the first time not knowing that there was a huge sale going on, so that was an exciting experience. The layout of the store is unique, but there was always someone nearby to point me in the direction of what I was looking for. They have a huge selection of running and training shoes! Also, they have brands in store that I though I could only buy online...surprise!!! Overall, I really enjoyed my shopping experience here and from what I know about this store, they are very involved in the community. You gotta love supporting local business! read more

Great place for running gear. Just bought another pair of New Balance, the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Also a free t-shirt with every shoe purchase. read more

This place is amazing! They have a great selection of apparel, accessories, and above all; shoes!! The store is adorable and it's in a great location on Perkins. Their customer service is their best feature. The staff is wonderful! They are educated on their products and know how to help you find what is best for you. Bonus: free t-shirt with shoe purchase. Yay! I will never, ever, ever buy running shoes anywhere else. read more

Varsity Sports - Sports Wear Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

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Awesome experience from my first visit to Varsity Sports!! Wonderful selection for all brands of shoes. Very knowledgeable staff whether it be shoes, socks, or accessories! !! Small quaint store with a very inviting feel. Very friendly staff. Will be back in the near future. read more

Varsity Sports - Awesome running shoes - Sports Wear Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

You will see the bright colored t-shirts all over BR of their motto "Run Hard, Live Easy" Phenomenal staff who actually take the time to watch your gait and fit you properly into a tennis shoe specific for your needs. Great for all ages & endeavors from high school sports to a comfy walking shoe. Plus if you but any pair of shoes you get a FREE logo t-shirt at your choice! I have one in almost every color (They are normally just $10 too) Not only do they carry shoes but they have an entire room dedicated to sport nutrition & plethora of running brad apparel & accessories. They also have a running and social club that meet 3x+ times a week at various locations in the surrounding area for group runs. They have an APP you can d/l to follow along and update their calendar weekly on their website listed below. They start up training at the end of August for 5k-marathon in January @ The LA Marathon event. I have been running with them for over 2yrs and have found some of my best friends, developed a strong physical and mental toughness and am in training to complete number half marathon/marathon distances all while having fun! www.varsityrunning.com read more

I went to VS for the first time today and received what I would call AMAZING service. I was nervous, because I'm not a runner, but I'm trying to get more into it. I'd been having issues with my arches, so I figured I'd give them a chance. Connor was AWESOME. He was patience and went through several pairs of shoes with me until I found ones that were just right. I can't praise this place enough! I'll definitely be back when it's time for new shoes! read more

Hands down the number one running shoe shop in town. The staff is knowledgable and helpful. They actually know about the shoes and what fits certain types of feet. They can recommend them also on the shoes features and what your goals are. The store also is very active in the running community and has four group runs a week. read more

Varsity Sports - Sports Wear Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

I was visiting Baton Rouge, for a marathon, and visited Varsity Sports, in hope of buying running shoes. Being from a large city, Chicago, my expectations of finding a good running store were low. Was I ever set straight when walking through the doors of their Baton Rouge location. Their staff, product selection and pricing sets the bar high. The customer service received from an LSU student part-timer and also store manager, Kristen, was truly impressive. I've been a distance runner for decades, run at least one marathon in every state, often 20 marathons/year and visited many running stores. Varsity Sports is as good as it gets. read more

If you're looking for a place to purchase running shoes this is the place to go. Varsity sports has a large selection of shoes, socks, clothing, etc. They have nice and very knowledgable staff members that are eager to help. Plus, with every shoe purchase you get a free Varsity T-shirt... How awesome is that! And once you've been here and get your free shirt, you'll notice people wearing them around town. Love Varsity... Keep up the good work! read more

Love this place and the shoes I got from their. Please go here over any mall store. Knowledge mixed with fun equals I don't care how much the shoes are. read more

I really like Varsity Sports. Everyone who works there is friendly and sweet. They have everything a runner could or would want. Four start, not five because. . .well. I have never been waited on by anyone who looks like me. I get it. It's a running store, so they employ bone-thin skinny people who run 30 miles a day or at least look that way. Here's the thing, I do 6 miles a day, 6 days a week, 12 miles a day on weekends. But I will never, ever, in a million years, look like that. (Genetics gave me wide hips and DD's. Epigenetics determined that I will always carry a little extra weight - hey, at least all of my grandparents survived the Dust Bowl!) I'd love it if I ever saw someone working there who doesn't have a stereotypical marathoner's frame. Heavy runners ARE a thing. (Check out the pictures of their staff on the website if you think I'm mistaken.) And I bet that some new, beginning runners would feel a lot more hopeful if the healthy, excited person helping them with their purchases looked like someone they could become, instead of someone they have no chance of becoming. read more

Awesome running shoe store, I always come here. I don't have experience with the other local shops so I can't compare. But they're always friendly and helpful here and make sure you get the right shoe for your foot. I came on a Saturday right after lunchtime and it was fairly crowded, if you don't have much time I would try a slower time. Don't rush, get the right shoe! read more

Very helpful.. I signed up for a half marathon to get back into running. I was not new to running but have been out of it a couple of years. The associate that worked with me was very patient, knowledgeable, and did not try and over sell me anything. I found the perfect shoe for my training and race. I will definitely go back to buy a few more pairs to rotate in for my next race. read more

They live by there motto "Run Hard. lLive Easy." An amazing locally owned running store with loads of helpful informations and motivation. Very knowledgeable staff will get you fitted in the perfect shoe...with a great love them or return them guarantee! This store has changed our running community and I'm so lucky to be a part of it. read more

Varsity Sports - Always a free shirt with shoe purchase...my wardrobe would be lacking without them! - Sports Wear Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

It looks like my previous review got deleted. Nice store, but call before you go there to see if they have shoes available to try on in your size. My foot is a little wider than most and they didn't have any shoes available for me to try on. The young lady that waited on me offered to order some and have me come back to the store to try then on. I have no trouble finding my size in stores such as Payless or New Balance. read more