This is a great local sports shoe and clothes store that has been in Strawberry for over 30 years. We have gone there to buy shoes for running and walking and had always received excellent service. They used to measure your feet but recently my wife and I just ask for our size. They are very knowledgeable about the shoes they sell. The last time we were there, we bought track shoes for my grandson. They checked his size and he found the shoes he needed/wanted. He wore them all through track season and did well. I highly recommend ArchRival for all sports shoes and clothing. Support your local businesses! read more

An awful customer service experience. The $160 Brooks shoes frayed after 6 weeks. The dismissive woman behind the counter, and her equally unpleasant male coworker, informed me it was my fault for the way I walk. I pointed out that this had not occurred with any other shoes. They offered me a discount if I bought another pair (fat chance). They also made it clear I wasn't the first person with this issue. Luckily, Brooks Shoes was more responsive. read more

ArchRival Sports - After 6 weeks wear - Shoe Stores Near Me - Mill Valley, California

See all

I like to support local business and have purchased many items at arch rival over the years. I won't go back. My husband bought a pair of Brooks running shoes that were defective with a kink in the shoe at the toe box, causing pain at the defect. He noticed it after running and attempted to return the shoes at approx 40 days of purchase. Arch rival noted and agreed to the manufacturer defect but refused the return because it was after 30 days, even though there was a 90 day return policy from Brooks. They did not handle it with the manufacturer and left him to deal with it. He simply wanted a new pair or shoes or store credit. They strung him along and just didn't do the right thing. We won't be using arch rival again. read more

Ordinarily I don't do reviews, but Arch Rival has a refreshing customer service attitude with the best fitting shoes I've been able to find in years. Not to mention it's varied and expansive selections and quite reasonable pricing. read more

I've been to this store many times throughout the last fifteen years. Today was a huge disappointment; terrible customer service. One person working with customers in the shoe department was busy for quite some time. There were two other men working but they didn't seem to want to help me. There was only one other customer in the store. I finally left. I'll never retu read more

I have multiple problems with my feet. I went in to try to find a pair of shoes where I could comfortably play golf. They don't sell golf shoes, but Pete understood me and my problems and patiently worked through a few different styles of shoe until we found one that would work. I wore them today and for the first time in years, I got off the golf course and my feet felt great. Thanks Pete. read more

Service here is amazing. I walked in and needed a resizing as well as recommendations for a good all rounder gym shoe. Peter was fantastic, and provided options and reasons as to why each shoe would benefit me. Peter and his staff are extremely knowledgeable, I highly recommend this store!! The pricing was great as well, even a little lower compared to other stores I went to. read more

I've been bringing my children here for years--for good shoes that were properly fitted to their feet through all of their sports activities! I have also bought my workout shoes here for just as many years. The service is excellent. Peter is the shoe-fit "whisperer". He looks at your gait, whether you pronate or not and if your foot is wide or narrow, etc. He asks how you will use your shoes--indoors or outdoors, what kind of actives, etc. He knows exactly which brands and styles fit your feet. He makes excellent recommendations. I bought another pair of workout shoes there today for use in a gym. They fit my narrow-ish pronating feet perfectly! Shoe stores don't commonly have the expertise that is found here--it's old school great service and with great leading edge styles for all of your activities! read more

I've been getting my shoes at this store for at least a decade, and I have received great service, fit and product every time (plus the staff is super friendly!). In a world that has changed dramatically in the last years (especially retail), I am very thankful for ALL of our local Marin businesses that help us every day. I'm so excited for my new shoes guys... I can't wait to take them on my first run! Thanks ArchRival! read more

Always the best experience! Great customer service. If they don't have the shoe you want or need they go out of their way to find it for you. We have been going to Arch Rival for many many years! We'll continue to shop here. read more

Ask for Peter when you are in need of help! I came in later in the week to look for a different pair and the older woman at the counter was incredibly rude and dismissive right off the bat. I was pretty shocked. Unfortunately lost my business. Wish Peter was there! read more

Peter is awesome. Deeply knowledgeable and not pushy. Knows more about the changes to latest models of Brooks shoes than the actual Brooks customer care reps. They don't always have my size but I've learned that it's worth it to be patient and let them order it. read more

I came in with high hopes for this place and left extremely disappointed. We came in looking for shoes and instead of trying to work w a wider and bigger foot, it felt like we were dismissed and not taken seriously. I work in retail and know what good customer service is and this is not that. The older woman that was there also made inappropriate comments about our body types which I felt was disappointing. There are plenty of other professional sports stores that I would recommend but definitely not this one. read more

Confession: when it comes to buying tennis or running shoes, I usually go to Big 5 down the highway. But if you really want quality customer service from a shoe specialist, I'd highly recommend coming in to ArchRival. Over the years, these guys have equipped me with quality athletic ware (everything from tennis sneakers to running shorts to warm-up jackets). And while they aren't exactly the cheapest store in town, the service is always top-notch (something I can never say about Big 5), and I always walk away (literally) pleased with my purchase. One small footnote (sorry - couldn't resist the pun), is that they don't offer much variety in tennis attire. In fact, their entire men's selection is a bit limited. So stick with their shoe selection, and go somewhere for clothes. All in all, I'm happy to have ArchRival Sports in my neighborhood. read more

Excellent customer service! The owner introduced himself and went above and beyond to make sure my daughter had the right shoes for hiking. Bought a pair for my husband while we were there, he knew just by looking at his wide feet which brands would be best for him. read more

My experience with Arch Rival has been exemplary customer service. Peter knows his stuff. I was suffering with Plantar Fasciaitis. I went in there to buy some insoles and Peter was very knowledgeable and helpful. They carry excellent products at reasonable prices. I don't write a lot of reviews, but my experience here deserved one! read more

I limped in, but I walked out. Great attention to detail in the fitting of my shoes, primarily for walking. I am not a runner because I hurt my knee playing soccer, and it required an ACL replacement. Peter sorted me out, and I learned that I was over-pronating on the leg that had the surgery. The prices were very moderate, too. Brooks shoes seems to be what podiatrists recommend for people with issues related to injuries. I asked him how many miles I have on these shoes, and Peter estimated about six months. See you in 6 months Peter! read more

I love this store. Always met with knowledgeable and friendly staff, and today Peter helped me - suggested a specific brand and type of shoe to conquer the pain I'm experiencing when I jog. In today's world with online shopping & crazy "run for 90 days and return" options, it's challenging to get yourself to a store. Run, don't walk here. It's worth it for your feet, and for the interpersonal connection. Support your local running store! read more

As an avid runner, I know the power of good shoes and expert advice. Peter, the owner of ArchRival, knows athletic footwear and can give you the suggestions that will keep you ahead of the game and help prevent injuries. I had no idea I was wearing the wrong shoe size and causing unnecessary harm to my poor feet during races. I'm so grateful Peter and Dakota at ArchRival Sports were able to get me the right shoes and back on track! read more

Well, I had to update my review from a couple of years ago. I walked in and I guess it was Peter helping someone with same needs as myself so I just listened. Next Peter slid over to help me, I told him I liked my current shoe? Peter came back with same brand but much nicer comfort and better arch. I guess last time I had a kid who didn't know much, wait for Peter read more

I've been buying gym shoes at Arch Rival for a very long time. And it's been Peter that has been the one who always points me in the right direction. I recently needed to replace shoes and it Peter had to straighten out what I purchased and made I bought only what I needed. Great service, and of course, I love my New Balance shoes. read more

I just limped into this store with a bulky ankle brace on and a pair of orthotics in hand, on the advice of the physical therapist who is working on my sprained ankle. She said this store would be the right place to find a supportive pair of shoes that could accommodate the brace. Seeing as nothing I currently own fits with the brace or the orthotics, I needed a lot of guidance. Peter, the owner of the store, is an expert on this kind of problem. He knew exactly which kind of shoe would fit. He showed me a new way to do the laces to make the shoes even more supportive. He watched my gait to see if there would be unevenness in the height of the shoes, because of the brace, and told me to come back right away if his suggestions didn't make the height even. He explained the danger of getting back or hip issues if the height isn't even. He was very nice and efficient. I didn't wait a moment. It was a wonderful experience. Of course the shoes were more expensive than at Big 5 but they fit properly, they will help keep my ankle from buckling, and they were so lightweight. I would never have known what to choose on my own. I should have gone here a long time ago. Maybe I wouldn't have sprained my ankle (again) in the first place! read more

If you want to get the best running shoes for your own personal feets, Arch Rival is the place to go. Fabulous attentive and patient help from the staff. read more

I always try to shop locally and support small business' but there has to be a compelling reason to return; i.e. great customer service, friendly blah, blah. Unfortunately I cant say I will be returning here. The service is only fine on the front end and if you have to return something your met with a stiff arm before you even get a sentence finished. In my particular case I thought it was doubtful I could return the shoes but popped in to inquire (I had worn the shoes for four hours and found they hurt). I was looked up and down by the manage/owner while I got a mini lecture about what he couldn't do and why. (He never even saw the shoes). I dont pay extra to keep small business' going when it is clear my business isn't valued. I have spent close to 1,000 dollars in this store in a little over a year (3 teens x 6 sports). Poor customer service can make or break you. I walked in happy and walked out angry. Zappo's here I come... read more

Is this how you keep customers....??? I bought a VERY expensive running shoes here from what seemed to be an experienced shoe salesmen. He upsold me from my current Asics. The shoes ended up causing me serious back pain after two runs. I went back, they said I could return them for store credit, I just needed a reciept. I came back with reciept and said I could return them for store credit, cool with me. Five minutes later, the owner decided he would not take them back as if he did he would have to put them on sale. ok? really...so now I'm stuck with $175 shoes.... My recomendation...sure go try them on there BUT buy them from Nordstrom who has TONS of running shoes, so if anything goes wrong you won't be stuck! read more

I bought a TYR suit at ArchRival less than one year ago. The wear on the suit was astoundingly awful. I've had suits for years without ever wearing like this suit did --- and I mostly swim in saline water which made it even more upsetting. I took the suit to the store, only to ask if they had any insight as to why the suit had worn so badly. Kevin - the manager - looked at the suit and without a second of hesitation said, "go grab a new one and we'll swap it out." I was so surprised, it took me a couple of seconds to stop staring at him like he just told me i won the lottery (which to me, it kind of was - suits are expensive and I wasn't looking forward to dropping another $60-$70). In less than 5 mins, I walked out with a brand new suit -- and no money out of my pocket. Thank you Kevin @ ArchRival!!! That's true customer service. More proof as to why we should support our local retailers. read more

I went into Arch Rival because of a recommendation. I purchased some running shoes the wekk prior. I went in the store with my receipt and the older man asked me why I was returning them. I told him that my birthday was in a couple of weeks and someone had already bought me new running shoes as a gift. He rolled his eyes and rudely demanded my credit card. I have spent money in there previously and never had a great customer service experience, but always overlooked it because I like to support the local "mom and pop" shops, but the fact that they make you feel like crap and are rude to you when you want to return one item is uncalled for. I will not be returning. In contrast I returned a running jacket to Sports Authority because the same person had gotten me one for a gift as well. The employee there smiled and was as friendly as could be. He talked to me about the marathon I was training for and wished me an early Happy Birthday. Wow! Isn't it the small local shops that are supposed to have the incredible customer service and not the corporate giants? My next running gear purchase will be from Sports Authority, Amazon or Zappos. It certainly won't be Arch Rival. read more

I'm far from a runner. My dear friend told me to go to Arch Rival in Mill Valley, because I am suffering from plantar fasciitis and the experts dwell within. Was she ever right. The guys outfitted me with some New Balance trainers and relief was soon to follow. update: my shoes developed a crack in the sole and they promised to replace them at no cost to me. SWEET! read more

My wife and I were in need of walking shoes that fit and looked good. Within in a matter of 15/20 minutes Peter had fit us and we were on our way. Very courteous and professional service. read more

If you do not know why you are having back pain, hip or joint pain and its because of your running shoes the sales people here are very knowledgable about the best kinds of shoes for your problem. They make you take off your socks, watch you walk and then bring you out 5 or so pairs of shoes to try on. They tell you that, "looks doesn't matter" so your not allowed to say, "I don't like pink shoes!" Trust them.....they are always right. Only downside? The prices here are sometimes 5 or 10 bucks more than other shops around. read more

I'm training for a marathon and my $50 "Big 5" running shoes were blistering my feet as I increased my mileage. The salesman took some time to talk to me about my running and watched me walk around to check my pronation. He recommended a $99 pair of shoes (even though I had tried on more expensive pairs) and I had to ask him to suggest socks. He was very low pressure, but very helpful. I checked on-line and their price was EXACTLY the same as Amazon, but I also got professional in person service. I feel like I got a great deal and will return when I run these shoes out. read more

Heavy on upsell ..heavy heavy... quick, like you are not knowing what is going on (but I am too sharp for that, so I roll with it). The older gentelmen that work here, two in particular (one was from a while back), both heavy heavy upsell. Turns me off. Then customer service- a recent experience... Grumpy older man perhaps? Prob won't return. A big turn off for me. I can find better. Update- I pronate (like 90%) of adults and they helped, so to me, I love them now!! I was desparate. read more

ArchRival is as classy, friendly, and knowledgeable as it gets. They take their time with each customer, and make sure to find the right shoes to match each specific person's needs. I've been coming to ArchRival for my running shoes for the past year (I go through shoes in 8-12 weeks because of my business), and only ever had a great experience in their store and while out running. Yesterday, I had to return a pair of shoes because of an issue with a tongue. I felt terrible returning them (having used them for past six weeks), but the folks at ArchRival could not have been nicer. The gentlemen helping me went into his stock, grabbed the same shoe in my size, brought them out to the counter, and told me he hoped they worked better -- and if not, to come back in so they could find shoes that would. It's a nice feeling to not be questioned, grilled, or turned away because I'd worn the shoes. He just wanted me to be happy with my purchase, so he gave me a pair of brand new shoes without question. It's just one example of what a stellar business ArchRival runs, and I hope you'll go out and support this local business (and others!), too! read more

So I tried a few other stores just to see if ArchRival was maybe not the only place to go for the right workout shoe. After returning three pairs of various slections from elsewhere I stopped at the Strawberry store and within about 10 minutes I had what seems the most perfect pair of NB ever. He really knows his business. This was the fourth pair I've bought from AR during the past 20 years or so and they've all been good for their time. But brands change in quality and what worked last time may not be the same shoe now. Peter keeps up with this and seems to have what works. It's not easy getting yourself down to the gym regularly, but wearing shoes that don't fit and support your feet correctly don't make it any easier. Thanks, Peter. read more

Was going to buy soccer shoes for my nephew. Asked for change first and they sent me to the bank next door. Never shopping here. Rude. Terrible customer service. read more

I've been going to see Peter--the owner of Arch Rival for over 30 years. He's knows a lot and is an honest guy. Sometimes it gets busy in there and around the time schools go back in session it can really be a zoo. I think Peter looks for good help and when he has a less experienced person waiting on you, he's always trying to make sure that you get taken care of and oversees their work. I've never seen him try and trade up to a more expensive shoe. I know he's an honest guy and tries hard to do the right thing by folks. read more

The owner doesn't believe in wearing a mask. So his is purposely loose and falls beneath his nose. When I asked him to pull it up he said he didn't believe in them. My husband has cancer and stage 4 kidney disease. He is not being responsible to others. DO NOT shop there. read more

Excellent customer service! I had a small defect in a running shoe that had me thinking I was running wrong. They took great care of me without question. This is my go to place for my running supplies. Thanks! read more

I'm a local who wanted to support local business -- "but no good deed goes unpunished," my friends. They didn't have my size in a Hoka running shoe (men's 10, very common), so I had to special order, which the employee said would be delivered "within 5 to 7 days." Well, it's been 12 days now, and I STILL do not have my shoes. I relied on this store's representation to my detriment to defraud me into buying these shoes (and not from a better equipped competitor) simply to BUY LOCALLY, changing my workout routine in the process (torn meniscus/Achilles heel means I need cushiony shoes). I changed my lifestyle and could have just bought on Amazon for a next day delivery - but I wanted to do what's right and support my neighbors. Got little to no sympathy (and a paltry thanks) from the East Coast-accented owner, who either said, "look, you want a refund?" or "I'm at the mercy of these shippers." Ugh. Never again, Archrival. read more

Awful experience today. Kat helped us and would not honor a Southern Marin Mom's Club discount the store has in print. When I said they had to honor what was print she swore at me. Zero customer service. Will never shop here again. read more