Conversation... "Hi Im looking for a wide shoe for running my current shoe is bothering me." (Measures my feet and brings a pair of shoes, I try them on) "My right one is bothering me a little" Man says- "there's no way it's bothering you, they don't make them wider than that" I point to where it feels tight and say, "I feel like it's cramming my toes together here and I'm starting to get a blister from walking like this, maybe it's because I'm sensitive?" Man says condescendingly- " if you have a blister it's because of your socks." He points to the small sock area on the wall I say- "by any chance do you have a cotton blend because these thin socks make my feet sweat" He says, "impossible those don't make your feet sweat" they do the opposite. me- "well then they make MY feet sweat because I feel like I'm sliding inside my shoes when I use those... maybe I sweat too much" Him- "the worst thing you can do is use cotton you should never use cotton when you work out" He continues to speak to me condescendingly so I said thanks and left. I actually wanted to buy a pair of shoes I saw on the small selection wall but decided to go elsewhere because it felt like I wasn't pro enough to shop there. He must not have wanted to sell anything today. I expect for the employees of a specialty store to know more about running/walking than I do, but not about what hurts Me or how cotton helps someone with apparent hyperhydrosis lol or at least to be empathetic. I'm not making this up this is what I'm feeling, even if you try to convince me I'm not. This might not be the place for you if you are a beginner to this specific sport/discipline. I'm also not an idiot as a former employee of an athletic footwear store and former D-1 athlete. read more

I call them my Darth Vader sneakers. Gainesville Running and Walking has the best staff. My feet are wide. I have sciatic pain. I tend to walk on the outside edges of my feet. I walk like a duck a bit. Last year they fit me with New Balance 860v8s and it helped the pain and gave me some much needed stability. I wore these sneakers every day. For the first time in a very long time I was pain free. I started working out and eating healthier. But then a couple of months ago, about 10 months into owning the shoes I noticed I was starting to get some pain back. My beloved NB 860v8s were looking rode hard. The soles were almost smooth on the outside edges. It was time to get new shoes. I put it off a couple of months because sneakers are freaking expensive. But inhad to bite the bullet. Buying my NB Darth Vader's is an investment in my health. I do everything better when I'm not in pain. We went in and I got help from the tall white guy (TWG) whose name I didn't get. Shame on me. He is the same guy who helped me last year. TWG measured my feet and then started pulling boxes. I like how he fit one foot with one sneaker and the other with a different sneaker. We whittled down my choices to two New Balance sneakers. I mean, don't fix what's not broken, ammiright? I couldn't make up my mind but something wasn't just connecting. TWG asked me which pair do I NOT notice on my feet. That ended up being an easy decision. The NB 880s won. Sure these are some big shoes, but I have paddles for feet. I need a good solid shoe to keep me from falling over (yes, falling over is something that I do on the regular). I really appreciate the service that I got from TWG and saw from the other staff person. The store quickly filled up while we were there. They didn't pay me less attention because I'm not a runner (hi Dick's Sporting Goods, looking at you). This is important to me. Don't judge me. Also GNV Walking and Running is locally owned shop and I want support my neighborhood stores. This is very important to me. Gainesville has a ton of locally owned eateries bit we don't have many locally owned boutiques or clothing stores. So its special when I can support something besides food. read more

Gainesville Running & Walking - My new New Balance 880s, I call them my Darth Vader sneakers. - Sports Wear Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Update as of 7pm on 7/17/18: A few minutes after I posted my negative reviews on Social , I received a phone call from Mike the owner. He apologized and really wanted to make up for all of waiting and lack on communication. At the time of the call, I really didn't and couldn't talk because I was at work. So, I told him I'll respond later. He texted me with updates on my shoe and tremendous amount of generosity. He said that he's talking to his staff to make sure this never happens again. I still needed time to think. After great thought, I decided to give them another chance. Mike assured me that my previously ordered shoes will arrive on Friday. As an advocate for full disclosure, he refunded me the total amount of my previously shoes, and I bought new ones with an extremely generous discount so I have something to wear for this trip. ------------------------------------------------ 0 stars. Paid for shoes, and haven't received them. First off, I love supporting local places. I've actually bought shoes from here when they opened years ago. With an exercise physiology degree, I was originally impressed that the person took the time to check my gait, look at the wear/tear of my current shoe, and assess if I was flat footed. I recommended friends there who bought shoes over the years. I returned on July 3rd, 2018 to buy new shoes. The sales person, Morgan, was great. She tried to meet my needs, and save me money. I decided on Mizunos and wanted them in black; a color they do not carry in store. They told me they would order it and it should arrive in 7-10 days. It's been a little over two weeks and I still haven't received my shoes or even a call with updates. On July 13th, I called inquiring about my order. The person I spoke to told me that they haven't even ordered my shoes. They don't know why it wasn't ordered, and said it was probably because they didn't have enough to place an order. Excuse me, what? I already paid for these shoes - I spent $170, and waited and your telling me that because you don't "have enough items to order" that's why you can't order them?! I told them I'm leaving town this week for a trip and would love to have shoes. I even said I would be willing to buy another pair on clearance because that's how much I love to support local and believe in this store. They said that a manager would call me on Saturday, July 14th. They said that because of the mishap I could probably a discount. I waited until Monday, July 16th. Nobody has called me back. I got off work after they closed so I couldn't go to the store in person. I left a voicemail telling them I'm upset, and I've been extremely patient. I warned them I would file a credit card dispute, file a BBB compliant, and write reviews. I also said they could contact me since they have both my cell phone and email. I also know they have my phone number because the day I purchased them; they called me to clarify my order. Guess what? It's now Wednesday, and still no call. I think I've been patient; I can't believe this is how they would treat a once loyal customer who has sent multiple people to them. I think I acted reasonably and even was willing to buy another pair! They are good if they have the shoe in stock, but this is ridiculous. Shop with caution but I'll be taking all my business to Lloyd Clarke Sports; they've been in Gainesville for much longer than this store. Update 1pm on 7/17/18: After minutes of posting this review and reviews on Facebook, I received a call from Mike apologizing, and willing to fix this. Apparently the message wasn't passed off and they never checked their voicemail. I'm on my work lunch break and can't deal with this treatment; I said I'll call back. I'll update with my decision, but it's honestly a little to late. read more

The employees are extremely knowledgeable!! I was recommended here by my podiatrist. I am flat footed and I got my first pair of running shoes here. They are spectacular. Such high quality. I got my active life back. Literally life changing. It's well worth the investment. The employees are knowledgeable and kind. Very helpful. The shoes are beautiful too. I am so pleased with this store!! read more

Stopped into this location since we saw a New Balance sign on the door. My father was looking for a specific style of New Balances, however, the store does not carry them. My father was wearing the pair at the time that he was looking for. When we asked the gentleman where they may have that style in the area (we were in town visiting), he repled, "Wherever you bought the pair he has on prior." Obviously he wasn't interested in helping us and I explained we are not from the area and bought them in NY. He said, "Maybe Kohls." Let's just say we may not be from the area, however, a first impression is a lasting one. We will not be back to this store again. read more

Hmmm. So I was referred to by one of the senior military officers to come here to get shoes because essentially if you're running and you're feet/legs start to hurt or you get shin splints, you need new shoes. Now I've never personally understood what's so special about running shoes and usually just bought new balances or nikes with the tag line"running, track". I came around 30 mins before they closed, and a female helped me and the service wasn't anything too special. I told her what I wanted, she measured my feet, made me walk in a straight line, told me I had a neutral stance and I probably could use more of a cushion. She immediately found me three pairs of shoes to try out and one of them just felt perfect. She explained the difference between gel and foam shoes and how gel is better for such and such reasons. And even told me that the types of socks, dry-fit usually help with running long distances as well. I may change the review to a 5-star once I start running in these and see if it makes a difference. P.s. Thank you to whoever the manager was because the girl almost charged me $30 more. And you shall see me again if the shoes be popping. read more

Gainesville Running & Walking - Sports Wear Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

See all

Great place to get the perfect shoe. Our salesman on Sunday 1/6/19, CJ was very knowledgeable. He was very professional and personable. Will definitely shop here again. read more

I have been a customer of Mike's since he opened his store and to this day he has never disappointed myself or any referrals I have sent his way. He is always patient with his customers and endeavours to provide the best product/fit and has never to my knowledge tried to upscale any of his customers. He sells quality products that compliment his well trained staff and never ceases to amaze me how he remembers any item I have purchased over the past 8 plus years. I will always patronize his store and send business his way over any on-line sale or big box store...We need more small business owners like Mike and should respect him as an example of what makes America Great! Respectfully, DH Kniseley read more

I feel badly that I neglected to update this review for so long: Gainesville Running & Walking moved to Archer Road and has a larger store space now, so that solved some of the issues I raised in my 2011 review of the old store. The new one is not huge, but is still larger. The staff is pretty much up on the world of running and very friendly and helpful. And I'm in the midst of my own training as a track & field coach, so believe me I asked some difficult questions to them. The selection of products still could be better though: not much in the way of clothing for men and a decent but not vast selection of shoes. Neither Gainesville Running & Walking nor Fit-2-Run in the mall have a very good track/XC spike selection: basically they both have Nike Rivals and a couple other brands' models. Now, why it is important to have a better selection is spikes are the last thing you want to buy online, you really need to try them on unless ordering exactly the same pair as before. Since they do carry Nike, they have the coveted Nike Running catalog and can order things they don't have in store, which is awesome. If you ask, they will even let you consult that catalog, which would be wise if you're planning on, say, track spikes for next spring because the winter catalog will contain some not online at Nike yet probably. Overall, it's a good store and good people. I'd give them five stars except for the lack of selection: they really need to get in more men's running shorts at least. However, I'm very picky and probably would only be content at a Niketown, honestly, as far as selection goes (I'm the type of guy who has emailed Nike about products I know to exist and can't find on their own website, in example). For most customers, look: you have here staff who know running and can recommend a good shoe for your needs and that's a huge plus in itself. read more

I can't say enough good things about my experiences at GR&W! The staff is VERY knowledgeable. I have bought 3 prs of shoes there over the past years and every time they hit the nail on the head. It is VERY rare that you find ANY retail store with salespeople that actually have comprehensive knowledge of the product they sell. Here is the mark of a GREAT customer service experience: I don't know how their prices compare, and I don't care! Great shop, always had what I needed. read more

First visit here, came cuz my friend who is a personal trainer recommended. He said "the shoes are kinda on the pricey side, but you know they're selling you quality and they're really focused on getting you the best shoe, not the most expensive shoe." He's right! The worker, Adaire, was so patient and measured our feet and had us walk a short distance. Based on how we were walking, she told us what type of shoe would be best and consequently pointed us to a couple options, letting us try them and walk around, see how we felt. She was very transparent about the prices. The owner, Mike, learned about where i worked and offered me a discount! They were both very kind and i walked out with a nice pair of comfortable running shoes. Definitely felt like they had my feet's well-being in mind, first and foremost. read more

This place was recommended to me by a friend. I've been losing weight but having trouble with planter fasciitis and back pain. My knees have also been giving me trouble. The staff here took almost an hour to measure my feet and try on several pairs of shoes with me. We also tried on shoes with and without insole support. I walked out with two pairs of shoes and a pair of insoles. I highly recommend Gainesville Running and Walking to anyone who needs someone to take the time and fit them with the correct type of shoes for their every day and exercise needs. read more

Gainesville Running & Walking - My awesome new shoes! - Sports Wear Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

I have been shopping at this local store for years for our running shoes and have always been impressed with their knowledge. A few months ago, I decided to delve into the sports watch arena, so I checked out what they carry. I was extremely impressed with the Garmin Forerunner watch that Betsy felt would suite my needs but I had no idea where to begin on how to tackle all the bells and whistles. Eddie and Betsy were simply amazing at showing me how to use the watch. They are both extremely knowledgeable and more so even more patient with me as I really needed their expertise. I love my Garmin Forerunner watch and highly recommend purchasing it from them in the store...you don't get that personal attention at Amazon. read more

They were very helpful. They made sure my husband had just the right shoe for him. Great place

Great customer service and attention to detail. I ended up with a pit of Brooks and, absent their expertise, I probably would've settled for a pair of Nike or New Balance shoes not conducive to my running type. These Brooks are amazing! Kudos to a successful, local small business. read more

Mike and his staff are not only super friendly but also highly qualified to help with all of your activities and running needs. There's nothing like going to a shoe store and having your feet measured and sized correctly and getting shoes that work best for your unique feet! BUY LOCAL!! Thanks! read more