Worst running shoe stores in the country?

Running Shoes/Running Gear Shoes

11 years ago 09/05/2012 2:02pm EDT

There are some horrible ones out there...my local one doesn't carry Adidas (won't or can't order them), rarely has spikes or flats of any sort in (maybe A model from NB and Brooks since that's just about all they carry and push on people) and basically won't take shoes back that were taken out of the box. They rarely have a "runner" on the floor helping people, but instead you usually see some over-weight 20-something kid that looks more at home in a pair of K-Swisses. Maybe someone from their "customer service" "runs marathons" and has a "26.2" sticker on their car...but that's about as close as they get. Oh, and their sponsored "road races" are all "out & backs" on narrow concrete bike paths that all cost well over $30/5k on un-certified courses and only organizes the crowd when there is beer involved after the race. It's a tragedy there just isn't any other competition in town.

Are there worse running stores out there?

11 years ago 09/05/2012 2:59pm EDT

re: Mediocre is my Middle Name

A friend of mine stupidly decided to open a running store without doing nearly enough research. Once he was committed he discovered that reps for almost all the major companies would not sell to him because there were other stores in the area with some kinds of exclusive agreements. He tried buying discount shoes online and reselling. Needless to say he is back at his day job now, and starting over on the retirement fund.

My point is it might not be the store refusing to carry them.

11 years ago 09/05/2012 3:05pm EDT

re: Banny

heard a similar story from a guy with a local running store. He could not get Asics to deliver to him because he didn't have the experience. That store was run by hardcore runners and needless to say, all the Finish Line and Foot Locker stores around were carrying Asics.

I agree, not necessarily an easy business to get into.

11 years ago 09/05/2012 3:11pm EDT

re: Mediocre is my Middle Name

Has to be Fleet Feet Sports in Boulder. $hitty selection of shoes and the new owner is a wack job in terms of how she treats her employees and forces unecessary product on customers.

11 years ago 09/05/2012 3:15pm EDT

re: Nutella1

Nutella1 wrote:
heard a similar story from a guy with a local running store. He could not get Asics to deliver to him because he didn't have the experience. That store was run by hardcore runners and needless to say, all the Finish Line and Foot Locker stores around were carrying Asics.
I agree, not necessarily an easy business to get into.

asics is particularly difficult to get a contract with (I know from experience.) Plus, you can't just sell their shoes. You also have to carry their running apparel. You've got to get all shoe and apparel companies on contract before you open for business.

11 years ago 09/05/2012 3:21pm EDT

re: aloha warrior

Why would anyone ever shop at a local running store? They offer no real benefit to an established runner.

11 years ago 09/05/2012 3:48pm EDT

re: Mediocre is my Middle Name

Mediocre is my Middle Name wrote:
There are some horrible ones out there...my local one doesn't carry Adidas (won't or can't order them)

There are a lot of possible reasons to dislike a running store, but this isn't one of them. Maybe the store has a finite amount of space and can't carry every single footwear line. Maybe they just don't see enough demand to carry adidas. Maybe they used to carry adidas but they couldn't sell their shoes. Maybe adidas offers low ordering discounts or charges a lot for freight. Maybe their adidas rep is a prick. Maybe they tried to get adidas and adidas wouldn't open them. Or maybe the owner has a personal vendetta against you and is trying to piss you off by not carrying your favorite shoe. While I suppose that last reason is technically possible, I bet it's somewhat less likey than the others.

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