I've been seriously running for months and not only was the pair of shoes I'd been wearing getting old, but they never really fit properly. Enter Fleet Feet. They take a 3D foot print to match you with the right shoe. It took me a few pairs to try on before I got the fit I was looking for, but the staff was very patient and helpful and even taught me a new way of tying my shoes so they fit even more like how I want them to. I will happily return to Fleet Feet for all my running needs in the future. read more

I love a good running store. What's a good running store you ask? Employees who are also runners and know their shoes! Shoes are so important to runners, the wrong pair can cause injury if you're not fitted properly. Fleet has gait analysis. They have treadmills and mini track so you can test out potential shoes. Alas they do sell more than shoes. They have a wide selection of gear as well. And ladies, if you haven't been fitted for a proper sports bra it's time to visit Fleet Feet! Remember if the "girls" aren't running happy then you aren't! They also sponsor quite a few events throughout the week. Training runs, fun runs and various clinics. They host various running groups as well. And don't get me started on their fun racing events: Pi Day Pi K, valentines day race, soldier field 10 mile, women's half marathon. These are just a few of their fun events. Check out Fleet Feet in Old Town, you won't be disappointed. read more

I'm from DC an when I saw the store, I got real excited, because that all my co workers could talk about.... and I needed a running shoes. The ppl there (Brian) helped me out. Very knowledgable.... only thing....for all that awesome, of course prepare to pay... but worth it read more

Fleet Feet - Awesome shoe so far, and the people in there knew their stuff (as someone who doesn't like to run)... so far, so good - Shoe Stores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Super busy store, due to packet pickup, but the whole process was pretty organized (once you got parked). Friday night during rush hour in Oldtown was a mess but we were able to pick up our packets and some gels with no problem for the 13.1 Chicago Half. Even though the associates of the store were super busy due to packet pick up, at least two of them came over and asked me if I needed help. I was just browsing and comparing all the merchandise with what I can get in the Charlotte running specialty stores, but I was pretty impressed by the selection and size of this store. I didn't recognize some of the brands (but basically were comparable) but they had a lot of apparel and their shoe selection seemed pretty diverse. read more

I rarely write reviews but this one goes out to I *believe* his name is Rich at the Old Town branch of Fleet Feet. (I am so terrible with names I should've written it down!) The man is a damn shoe whisperer. So patient with my try ons -- listened to my current shoe complaints (Mizunos), whittling down choices for me, listening to feedback, revising the choices -- until we nailed down the shoe. I tested on the treadmill, multiple times, walked back and forth over and over again as he watched. What started as Brooks went to Nike (with a Hoka test as well). I was almost convinced of the Nike when he had me try just one more after hearing me mention the Nike felt like it was landing a tiny bit too hard to last for long runs. As soon as I tried on the Saucony Hurricane ISO 4's, I felt like Goldilocks finding juuuuust the right shoe. Low, light, soft landing, fit like a glove. Thank you so much Rich the Shoe Whisperer!!!!!! (I really hope I got your name right!!) read more

I've been to running stores before (and even this location) but today I had such a phenomenal experience I just had to write a review. I'm training for my 3rd marathon and I've just been getting the same size and model of shoe over the years since it wasn't really causing me any issues. Recently I knew I needed a new pair but I also had some back and leg pain and was looking to try a different shoe if I could find something I liked better than my ASICS GT-2000s. The person who helped me is named Shaggy and he was simply the coolest. He said he's run over 70,000 miles in his life (!!!) and gave me some great general running tips. He used the scanner to analyze the size and shape of my feet and immediately identified that I needed a different size shoe and different style socks. He also laced my shoes a different way that helped my heel slide less. He brought out a couple different similar styles and sizes and I absolutely loved the third pair I tried. He said if my next race was coming up in the next few weeks, he wouldn't recommend trying a new shoe or even switching to a new pair of my current model which made me even more confident that he wasn't pressuring me to buy anything that wouldn't be right for me, plus he was not pushy at all. He made the experience so personalized and efficient, I was so impressed. When I checked out, I felt really excited about training again after I'd had a really difficult and painful long run, plus I got to use my $15 in reward points. I just ran for the first time with my new shoes and they were amazing - they feel so natural, like there's not much breaking in to do at all. Fleet Feet also has a ton of other great stuff, from apparel to energy bars/electrolyte tablets/etc., to cookbooks for runners and they are locally owned. I will definitely be going back for any of my running needs! read more

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The service here is what makes it such a fantastic place. You are going to plunk down a LOT of moolah for new running shoes, but when you do it you will feel confident that they did everything they could to find your best fit, so it's worth it! The shoe consultants (I don't know what they call themselves, so that's the best I can come up with) talk to you about what you're looking for, test out your gait on a treadmill, tell you what your gait looks like and what kind of shoe would be best for it, and then you try on pairs that they pick out on the treadmill to determine which one you like best! I loved the special attention and the ability to talk to someone and get my needs met. Made me feel like a star! I walked away with amazing running shoes that I love and am already running into the ground :) They also host a bunch of events - fun runs several times a week along the lakeshore, seminars, etc. that I definitely want to check out! read more

Kim at FF saved this place to get 3 stars otherwise would be 1. I went there on a fairy slow Saturday, not many people in the place and I was waiting on someone to help me get new running shoes for an Ironman triathlon. Eventually I found out you put your name on a blackboard and they go off that to determine who is served next, makes perfect sense. I was the next one up. While waiting two separate young females walk in and were chatted up and helped right away to fit shoes by two separate male workers without them even looking the the board (I was next and the girls didn't even have their name on the list). I realize it isn't busy and I am a male so they may not be interested, but there is a reason for the list and I waited 25-30 min to be helped. Eventually I was helped by Kim who was absolutely amazing. Overhearing some of the stuff the guys were saying to the female clients it was obvious Kim was vastly more knowledgeable and I was very lucky to end up getting help from her. I suggest the store puts a little more emphasis on making sure people are helped in a fair order. I prob won't come back here again after this experience. read more

i pick up my cinco de miler packet i also see the store and get some stuff i will be back for some wear read more

Might be good for shoes, but go elsewhere for apparel. I went to the Old Town location today because I was looking for running shorts. I thought this would be the perfect place because their website shows dozens of options, but their in-store selection was very poor. There were about 5 - 6 different shorts in total, and no brand had more than 1 or 2 styles. Each style had only one color choice, and the real shock was that most shorts only had 1 - 2 different sizes available and NONE of the shorts were available in a full range of sizes from S - XL. The poor selection and lack of size and color options makes me think that Fleet Feet does not regularly stock up on running apparel and focuses solely on running shoes. I will be going elsewhere for all of my running needs. read more

I called ahead of time to ask for a certain shoe, they said they had it and where open until 7. Once we arrived they said we needed an appointment and where really understaffed. I saw 3 workers and 5 customers. It doesn't take that long to get a shoe. Seems like these workers need to be replaced by someone that actually wants to work. read more

For all you running enthusiasts, Fleet feet is a place to go to get the right running shoes and apparel. They also give great suggestions as to the type of shoe that will work best for you. They are able to monitor your running motion by asking you to take a quick run down the street. Then they suggest the type of shoe you need. They have been very helpful for me in the past races I've run. I know Fleet feet also has a training team to train for races. I've never participated but I know many that have. read more

Neil helped me the other day. I was looking for some new shoes to walk/hike in. He was certainly knowledgeable...and ..so far I am loving the Saucony shoes he recommended. I still need to walk in them for more than 2 hours- but thus far I am a fan. Regardless...he really really knows his stuff and has a wonderful demeanor. read more

This is a great place to go for shoes. Jack was very helpful, letting me try on like 10 or 12 pairs. This included when I came back after purchasing a pair and finding they weren't the ones. Although I didn't find my dream shoes here, the people are very attentive and helpful. They have lots of good products like balega and features socks, running snacks, clothing, and of course, a wider variety of shoes. Returning the pair I had gotten was a breeze and I felt bad having to do so since my experience was so good. Hopefully can find a pair I like at my home base store in DC! read more

It's a must to go there if u r looking for running shoes, the staff super friendly professional and cooperative! Alex help me to find the right shoes, It's a couple of months that I'm looking for the right shoes that I can replace my old ones, and I couldn't. She listened to me carefully and scanned my feet and spent about half an hour or so to find me the right one although she was done with her work day. Thanks Alex read more

Kim and the team were so helpful! I absolutely love my new pair of Hokas from the shop. There was a bit of back and forth with re-ordering my shoe in the right size, and Kim solved the problem right away and made sure I received my new shoes as soon as possible. She even called to let me know when she was walking to the UPS store to ship them out! I can't recommend Fleet Feet enough. Thank you! read more

Great service here! They know what they're talking about when it comes to running shoes and equipment. When I found the shoe I loved (but the color I wanted wasn't in stock) they were able to ship the design I wanted free of charge to the store ! Very happy with my experience here! read more

I had the BEST experience here yesterday. Dave was so thorough and knowledgeable in helping me find new shoes!! I found the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned thanks to Fleet Feet!! I could not recommend this place and the staff here more. read more

Just had one of the all-time best shopping experiences ever! I booked an appointment and came right at 11 AM when the store opened and was paired with Ryan. While he mentioned that he just started working there in April (but you'd never know - he has been interested in shoes and sports for forever and was incredibly knowledgeable). He took the time to answer every one of my questions with detail, and I never felt like he was trying to rush me out of the store. I was there for about 90 minutes, but I left feeling extremely educated and like I knew exactly what I was spending my money on and buying the best shoes and insoles for me. I am a naturally indecisive person, so when it comes to spending money on high-quality shoes, I knew I wouldn't make the decision lightly. Ryan was incredibly authentic, genuine, and kind. He was very supportive of me as a new runner and is someone that I enjoyed working with. Big thank you to Ryan for a very knowledgeable and enjoyable shoe shopping experience! And shout out to Flee Feet for creating a store environment for their employees to care about their customers rather than just trying to push high volumes of sales! read more

A great option to get fitted for running shoes in the area. Prices are competitive before Chicago taxes. Expect this year's model of general running shoes to cost $100-$150, exactly the MSRP you can find online. With this being Chicago, be ready for taxes added to the MSRP. Staff is very knowledgeable and will ask a series of questions when you sit down about your running experience, previous fittings, pain you've experienced, any any inserts you've used. Be vocal about what does and does not feel comfortable about each shoe they bring out, and staff will continue to iterate through shoes until you find the perfect fit and size. I showed up at 6pm on a weekday, at the busiest time of night and didn't wait more than 10 minutes. Very fast service. They have a wide selection of other nice running gear. It is all very nice and quite pricey. I will return for more gear! read more

Friendly and helpful staff that doesn't constantly upsell you while shopping (AHEM, Road Runner), plus a cool running group that meets here various days of the week, plus a decent merchandise selection, and close to the Lincoln Park + Lakefront running trail. Even if I can find merchandise for cheaper elsewhere, I'll gladly give these guys my business over other stores, because I know they'll treat me well and look out for me. read more

This time is different. It's not about the number on the scale. It's not about whether or not designer jeans will ever fit me. I. Don't. Care. What I do care about is how I feel and god help me going into a new careers, as a school counselor, with this low energy, extra weight, heavy heart dragging me down. Ain't no way. Ain't no how. I have a LOT of runners in my family. Specifically, my in-laws. My husband has run the Chicago Marathon four times (right, honey?), all of which were with his dad, who has MS. Can you feel the inspiration coming on? So you see, when I said, "I want to do a 5K" the heavens opened up and down came the GU. If you're a runner, you know that that schnast is. Before embarking, I needed the right equipment, as my worn out New Balance were wonderfully pink they were also horribly treadbare. Off to Fleet Feet. This location is closest to us, so we zipped in, quickly figured out we needed a number, sat down with charming gent (Brent, Brian, David, Devin? Sigh) who upon hearing my couch-to-5K tale treated me with as much respect as anyone avid. I was an elephant among gazelles from the exterior, but I fell in quite nicely with this pack thanks to the kind and careful service. It could have gone an entirely different direction, and I don't doubt some have left in tears, but instead I left even more empowered. Chug-a, chug-a, chug-a goes this 5K freight train! read more

I hate my feet. Thanks to my Sasquatch parents I have long, bit, fat, wide feet. OK, maybe not as bad as I make it sound but still....I am longing for small and fragile-looking 'foundations' that would fit in snugly, fancy, expensive stilettos. Yup. Not gonna happen. Oh well. I love my feet. They might not be very 'princess-like' but I can still get a pedicure et cute shoes. And most of all - they make me run. They help me to get fast, strong, in shape and competitive. They will run a half-marathon in exactly 10 days. They push hard on the pedals of my bike, and kick hard in the water of the pool. Lake. Ocean. So I decided to pamper them and take them for a nice fitting session at Fleet. They deserve the best. I gave it to them. Chuck took care of me, and I was impressed by how thorough the whole process was. It took a solid 50 minutes and I left with the best sneakers for my little boats. Adidas Supernova Adapt. Sounds like a cool name. They are. Cool. I loved my experience: questioning, fitting, trying on shoes and being recorded on camera to analyze my running. Top notch. I found gear that won't help me break records but still....love 'em. I also bought Body Glide. For chafing, you creeps. Wish me luck for the 12th, and go to Fleet for all your feet needs! (They should totally hire me as a marketing manager...just sayin'...) read more

I just went here with my girlfriend this morning. What an awful experience. Partly, I have myself to blame because this happens every time I go to fleet feet old town. So my girlfriend wants shoes and needed some attention for them and extra advice. I knew what I needed and the size I needed. Again we get skipped over because the associate didn't call the number. We were standing right there. This time, so annoyed, we just left. Clearly we weren't valued or needed as customers. They just end up putting people in Asics 2150s or 2160s anyway. I know this shouldn't happen. As an experienced runner and someone who's worked in the industry, I know this is ridiculous. In the future, I would rather drive in traffic to Running Away in Deerfield. Will I return? Over my dead, lifeless and rigid corpse. If I wanted to feel like I was at the Department of Motor Vehicles I would go to he Thompson Center and renew my drivers license. read more

I'm giving them two stars because of their good selection of sports bras I'm not sure if it's because I don't look like the typical yuppie that they normally sell to, but whenever I go to this store, no one seems to want to try to sell me anything. I've been in wanting to buy running shoes. No one even tried to tell me how the fitting system works. When I went in to buy a new sports bra, I was left to fend for myself. No one asked me what kind of sports I was into, or what I was looking for. This place leaves a bad taste in my mouth whenever I try to stop by. read more

Besides lower prices, I actually don't know what more you could ask from a running store. Shoes - check Treadmill to try the shoes - check Running clothes - check Triathlon clothes - check Yoga clothes (bonus!) - check Fitting room - check Accessories - check The store feels trendy and exciting and inspires me to be active. It was very busy when we visited on the weekend but there were pleanty of employees milling about. I was offered help more than once. M says that this store runs expensive, but I'm actually not sure. For example, I found a pair of sunglasses for about $70 bucks. I Googled it and found the same pair on Amazon for the same price (except that it would actually be MORE because I'd have to pay for shipping). So yeah. read more

I went to Fleet Feet looking for a specific pair of shoes I was fitted for a few months back at another shoe shop. The girl took one look at my feet and asked me if I was sure those were the shoes I wanted. I am, I told her and she said she'd sell me the shoes if I really wanted them but suggested that I try on some other shoes that might fit me better. Five minutes later, I walked off in a better fitting shoe at half the cost of what I was prepared to spend. Great service + Great bargain = 5 stars. read more

I can't believe how easy this shopping experience was! I was recommended to Fleet Feet by my physical therapist after a torn ligament and just effed up feet in general-I was told I needed better running shoes and Nike Shox were sh*t. My salesperson, Malachi (Children of the Corn! I know, right!) was so nice, he measured my stinky feet (without sneering) and filmed a gait analysis and then brought out three pairs for me to try. He gave me his opinion on all three (and I checked the prices while he wasn't looking and he totally wasn't pushing the most expensive pair!). I ended up with a new pair of running shoes that fit so nicely! Who knew I needed a bigger toe-box! (huh huh huh, toe-box) and though the colors are absolutely hideous and I feel a little bit like the blue Power Ranger, I have to admit they feel great! PS, they validate for the Pipers Alley garage. read more

A Negative-Positive Experience In Two Parts I had never been professionally fit for shoes before, but have a big event coming up that necessitated that I go here. I worked with a fantastic guy named Jamie. We decided on a pair that seemed to work best for me, and I took them home and "test drove" them about 8 miles, and ended up with the WORST deep-tissue slug-like blisters I have ever had in my life. So I took them back and worked with another guy, and we decided on another pair. I am a bit weary (and tender) to give these another shot. But more so, I really appreciate how this is the type of store that CARES about you as an individual and your needs, and, not to mention will take back essentially "used shoes". Work with them - great advice and a huge selection. I can't say you won't go wrong, because I certainly did, but it isn't something that won't be corrected. UPDATE 6/20 I have about 100 miles on my new sneaks and all is well! read more

Fleet Feet - Piper's Alley is an amazing running store. Not only do they have every running shoe you would ever want to try, but they have the largest selection of running clothes and accessories I have ever seen in one store. You can really get everything you need here from compression socks to sports beans. And they also have organized runs from the store. I took part in one of the runs when I was visiting, and it was a lot of fun. If you're a runner in the Chicagoland area, you have to check this place out! read more

I went to fleet feet this weekend. Finding shoes was fine, the guy helping me was nice, but I have to say ....I spent 100 bucks on a pair of shoes then had to pay ten bucks for parking because they only validate for up to one hr. I waited an hour in line to get a shoe person to help. They did not mention this in the store otherwise I would have left or figured out a different place to park. I called them to make sure the garage person was right and the guy just said yeah too bad that's the way it is. They should find a way to accomodate clients who make purchases at at least. Ten dollars to park after spending 110 dollars @ their store is senseless. read more

Came here with the intention of having my gait analyzed and to buy some new running shoes, left a new woman. kind of. You've already made the commitment to get back to the gym and be healthy, you might as well get the most out of your workout with the proper equipment right? I'm trying to get back into running after having a couple 5ks under my SPIbelt, but have been so super sluggish :( New Year, New Leigh! The concept behind this store is amazing, and I'm encouraged to be a hardcore runner after my experience here. The staff are all so helpful, knowledgeable and really great at what they do. I was there early during the week, few people were in the store, so I got right in for the analysis and tried different shoes on, based on Bill's recommendations. The website is really awesome too; narrowing down different shoe brands based on your gait and pronation and also level of experience. Having an active lifestyle is easy with the info on the website, and in store..with training programs, fun runs and encouraging happy people who work here. I spent a pretty penny, but it will be worth it, and at least I'll look snazzy with my fancy bright obnoxious Newtons :) Thanks guys! you're awesome. read more

Seriously this store is dangerous for my checking account. I always come out of the store with new clothing or shoes. I have been going here a lot since my running group meets here every Saturday morning which is convenient. My last 3 shoe fittings were spot on and the suggestion of adding a foot support cushion within my shoe (something I have never done before) has helped with my running. If you are on a budget, you can always do a shoe fitting and get recommendations, so you can try to find the shoes online for cheaper. But I'm willing to pay a little more for great service. My only gripe is the shoe colors. I'm not the biggest fan of neon colors and wish they offered more regular colors, but I'm willing to wear the bright shoes if it means I will be comfortable. Definitely planning to come back here to replace my long distance shoes soon. read more

I cannot say enough great things about Fleet Feet. I, like many others, used to purchase running shoes base on looks and price from the Sports Authorities of the world or various online outfits. Once I became a little more serious of a runner, I always wondered why my lower extremity joints always hurt! I was always against paying "retail" for athletic shoes. However, a couple of years ago, I decided to "splurge" and invest in a proper fitting shoe. I was beyond impressed with the service I've always received at Fleet Feet. The sales professionals spend a ton of time watching you run, asking you questions, and then bringing out many pairs of shoes for you to try on. They're so confident that the shoes you purchase are the right ones that they offer an exchange policy for the first two weeks, even if you've put a few outdoor miles on them. Be patient if you head to the Old Town shop. They're super busy, and you may have to wait your turn for a shoe fitting. Believe me, it will be worth it. If you're a newbie, plan to spend at least 30-45 minutes trying on, testing shoes on the treadmill, and finally making the decision. Their shoes aren't cheap but the service level makes everything worthwhile. They also offer a very generous rewards program that makes it easy to rack up points to help you save money on future purchases! read more

I went to Fleet Feet about a year ago after hearing great things about it from others. I went in during the day on a Tuesday, and found that it was still somewhat busy for being the middle of the work day. I don't remember the name of the girl who helped me, but i just remember that she was a little annoyed with me and all my questions. I didn't run on a treadmill, instead, she had me run in the store and determined I needed a neutral running shoe. I bought the shoes and some socks and proceeded on with my life. I ended up going to a podiatrist due to some foot issues and he immediately stated that I over pronate. On top of that, my friend Nate (who worked at a shoe store) and my personal trainer both remarked that I pronate, and the shoes I was using (from Fleet Feet) probably weren't doing anything to help me. At my trainer's suggestion, I bought a pair of Nike Volmeros, which I love! Fleet Feet is hit or miss... I personally will not be returning. read more

I came in one time did the full running thing and got fitted for a pair of shoes. The guy didn't really ask me what color I wanted so I just got what he gave me. He was nice and helpful. About a month later (after wearing the shoes quite a few times- inside the gym only), I returned them because they just weren't working out. It was very nice they let me return them since it was after the 30 days, but the next fellow to "help" me was useless. Basically just measured my foot and got a few pairs of shoes for me. I told him I have some problems with my right foot when I run and told him about it, and all he said was "I'm not a Dr., so I don't know." That annoyed the hell out of me. I wasn't trying to get a diagnosis, I was informing him about my foot so he could get a better idea of what kind of shoe I needed, or could offer up arch support options and whatnot. Either way, I ended up buying a pair but really don't plan to go back, thanks to the rude employee. read more

eh, the quality of the shoes was good, as was the fit. They did that whole thing where I run on a treadmill and play it back for me and talk about my gait and pick the shoe accordingly. I had a fitting done at Universal Sole last year, so it was no big deal. The staff was sort of snide and rude, and acted as if my questions were very stupid. You should never ever find yourself in a position of buying a product and having sales associates roll their eyes at you. I was on the receiving end of a total of three eyerolls from two different sales associates during my trip to Fleet Feet. I'm surprised at all the good reviews for customer service Fleet Feet has, since two of the other runners in my group felt the same way about the service. But the other runners in my group rave about Fleet Feet and thought the service was great, so I guess it depends on the salesperson. Crappy service really can make the difference in your buying experience, especially when you're going to a small store. When you drop a chunk of cash on something, you should feel excited about this new, shiny, pretty thing you have. Rude service just makes you feel like your wallet was raped, and that's how I felt when I left Fleet Feet, even though I spent the same amount of money as I did at Universal Sole. read more

I am relatively new to the running game, so I came into this specialty running store wearing my current pair of Adidas running shoes to see if should go ahead and upgrade to a nicer fancy pair, as well as buy a Nike+ Apple accessory, a Nike+ pouch for my Adidas shoes, some GU energy gel packs, and maybe some nice running shorts or Dri-Fit shirts. Now mind you, I intentionally arrived at the store on a Tuesday afternoon at around 230 or 3pm, when the store was relatively quiet, so I could hopefully get some good service and attention without feeling rushed. To my dismay, I was completely ignored while browsing the store for quite some time, and then when I saw a sales guy approach some ladies who had not even taken a number yet, I decided to go up to the front register to ask for some sales assistance in fitting a shoe for me. They told me to hold on, and grab a number, and when a sales guy finally came to me to "help," he knew nothing about the Nike+ Apple accessory, and he and another salesman actually seemed completely apathetic and indifferent toward me. When I told them I needed to get the shoes and stuff to train for a very important physical fitness exam coming up (and that I needed to achieve a 7-8 minute mile ASAP), they practically scoffed at my lack of running knowledge and seemed entirely disinterested in selling me any shoes at all, let alone accessories or apparel. I tried to persist in asking more questions like, "How long will it take to fit me for a shoe?" or "Do you think it would be helpful to replace my current pair of adidas shoes that I randomly bought super-cheap online without doing any research?" to see if either of the two salesmen would even feign to suggest I try out their specialized fitting process there. Instead, they just shrugged their shoulders and said it's up to you if you feel your current shoes are uncomfortable, because "you're NOT going to be running long-distance marathons in those shoes anyway." Funny, because I came in wearing my running shorts underneath my jeans thinking I was going to try on a pair or two of nice running shoes and be suckered into thinking they improve my performance. Instead I ran into two snooty salesmen who dismissively just motioned toward where the GU energy packets are, even though I had questions about those also. Suffice it to say, I was somewhat appalled and furious at the lack of sincerity or guidance coming from these guys, but I hid my emotions pretty well as I walked over to check out the GU packs. An elderly, more professional-looking salesman did come right over to ask if I needed any assistance with the GU packs, and he explained the differences between the competing kinds for me for a good 5-10 minutes at least, so that was the one positive I got out of the entire experience. In the end, I was sorely disillusioned by the quality of customer service (or complete lack thereof) that I put the Nike+ accessory back on the shelf and just bought the small $10 pouch for it, and 7 packs of GU at $1.25 each, and jetted over to Best Buy near my house to buy the Nike+ Apple accessory over there instead. The Best Buy salespeople might not know jack about their products, but at least they're trying to sell you something there. Maybe it had something to do with my appearance - I was wearing blue jeans and a black t-shirt, with a backpack on, along with my running shoes. I guess that doesn't qualify as running gear or I don't look like a serious runner to them (maybe I just look like a punk kid off the street). Or maybe it has something to do with the more upscale neighborhood (Old Town) the store is located in, where rich & wealthy of Gold Coast and Lincoln Park tend to frequently shop. I guess I have to come fully decked out in my running gear (complete with headband) or in a nice suave-looking button-down and blazer to shop here and get any attention. In summary, I felt so insulted and frustrated coming out of there 20 minutes after I arrived, and it seemed that I was wasting the salespeople's time and they could not wait to push me out of their "happy, beautiful" little store as quickly as possible. Good riddance, never again! EDIT: I cracked and went back to this store, for reasons undisclosed... twice! Each time, I was fitted for damn nice running shoes by the same Asian dude (I forgot his name, but I think his name was Dan), and my knee tendinitis/IT band syndrome pain is gone and I swear by "SuperFeet" insoles and foam rollers, even though they're hella pricey. Check out this Old Town location, fo' sure, because the other location I visited was mad small. read more

I am not a runner. I am a running joke. Let it be known that the only reason why I run is to burn off calories, and keep this sexy ass body of mine on the curb. I keep the running light and manageable. I won't run more then 8 miles a day, and my body seems to appreciate that. I'll admit that nothing feels quite as good as the "runners high". :) Anyways, if I do decide to get some new running gear, look no further then Fleet Feet Sports. The Bergdorf Goodman of Running Apparel and Accessories. This place has everything you could possibly want. 1. Running Shoes of course 2. Jackets, bottles, supplements, accessories, pants, shorts, socks, hats, detergent to wash your running clothes in (?) 3. Anything and everything...I mean everything you could ever want in regards to RUNNING. and ONLY RUNNING! The list goes on and on! It also has some other cool things, like indoor treadmills so the experts at Fleet Feet can watch you run like a little hamster, and analyze your heel strikes and running method. Like the bionic man! The Sales Reps are also very knowledgable and know what they are talking about. They said I looked the the Million Dollar Man on the treadmill! I think they were flirting with me! Steve Austin style baby (total lie) You can also attend one of their many free class/seminars,and if you're a total loser who doesn't have any friends, the people of fleet feet will even go on a run with you! You can talk about why you don't have any friends on your run! That's right! They have Fleet Feet Running groups! I actually attended a free COLD WEATHER running seminar the other day. (insert snicker here) I can sum up the class for you. Dress warm. End of seminar. :) Some things I wish they had: I wish they had Patagonia and more Nike Apparel. A secret plus? They didn't have too much Under Armour gear. read more

I had bought my last pair of shoes at a similar store back in Detroit, but Fleet Feet were a LOT better. I am not a "runner" but I am working at becoming more of one. I was finding I was getting shin splints still with my previously recommended Nike pair. Not to mention the air pockets were starting to squeak each time I stepped. Well, I went into FF and was very happy. The salesman was really nice and not only asked me about my shoe habits but got more information on my life to help with the process. Even though they were crowded (Tuesday night Women's Fun Run), he took the time to explain everything to me and really got me into a good pair of NB. My next run after putting on the new shoes was completely pain free! A good side note was that the kid next to me was explaining what he was mostly doing with his shoes. The clerk determined that the type of shoe he needed was not one they carried. However, the clerk took the time to explain to his mom what to look for and how to find them. Even while she took notes. Knowing that they weren't buying shoes that day from them, FF took the time to make sure they were happy period! I don't know about that kid and his mom, but I am going to be going back to FF a lot in the future! read more