I had not been to this business for several years, upon returning today i remembered why quickly. The attitude of the person i spoke to was a combination of disinterest and some weird version of elitism. Never again ! All this after first talking to someone there on the phone that assured me they had several options for me, literally 10 minutes before I arrived! Not worth being subjected to the condescension. read more

Great selection of running shoes and very helpful staff! There was a sale online for Brooks running shoes, and Lloyd's was priced the same, which was great. read more

My friend and I were searching for a travel backpack for a missions trip. This place came up in my local search and I was floored when I walked in! Not only was Ian and their staff super helpful and kind, but their selection and range was better than any stores we had been to. We actually had options with fair prices! Highly recommend this place for any and all outdoor needs. Even their clothing was incredible and their shoe selection, outstanding! read more

Lloyd Clarke's has been here forever and, prior to the Sports Authority opening west of the Oaks Mall, they had become the only place in town really to get things like soccer balls, basketballs and other real sporting goods while stores like Champs turned into vendors of sneakers and oversized tees geared towards the "urban" customer. (Which there is nothing wrong with at all, but it did upset me a little when I could no longer buy a soccer ball anywhere in the mall.) Lloyd Clarke's on the other hand caters to actual sports and those who play them. Known for their selection of running shoes and their expert service in helping customers select such shoes, Lloyd Clarke's also supplies clothing and associated items for sports like soccer, swimming, and baseball. They also have a pretty decent selection of surf/skate oriented tees, boardshorts, and other casual wear; I will come here to see what Fox Racing shirts they have in store because they do get styles that Pac Sun doesn't at times. The running shoe selection is the best in Gainesville, but not quite as extensive as some running shops like Fleet Feet and not quite up there with the type of running stores you find in states like Michigan where high school track is HUGE. Still, the staff knows their stuff and is always very friendly and helpful. For a town the size of ours, Lloyd Clarke Sports is really a treasure. At times I only wish they could expand the size of their store though, have even more of a selection of things like soccer shorts and some of the surf/skate stuff, and really take off: the store feels a little crowded in places as it is. read more

The best place in town to get running shoes! Everyone who works there is extremely knowledgeable about different shoe types, gaits, injuries, etc. They can recommend shoes for specific needs and activities. They are also very helpful and patient, without making you feel like they are just "trying to sell you something." In an age when more and more people are buying things online and stores don't go to the trouble to make sure their employees are trained and knowledgeable, this place is a real gem. We're lucky to have it in Gainesville -- support local merchants! read more

Had to replace 10 year old Merrill hiking boots and bought the new Merrill MOAB 2s. They had wide sizes in stock and even offered me a discount as a frequent customer (certainly not for my good looks). I'm bringing my wife down for her replacements b/c they're knowledgable and friendly. I use the internet to price things but always buy from them locally. read more

Have frequented this store numerous times and have always gotten superb service and purchasing suggestions. The staff are knowledgeable and do not attempt to up sell you. I attended their runner's clinic where they analyzed my gait while I run. I have purchased numerous shoes, sunglasses and other gear from here. Some of their items are pricey but they also have some really good discounts. I like to support local businesses that are well run and this takes the cake. read more

The guy that helped my wife and I pick out the right boots for an upcoming trip to Colorado was extremely helpful and super knowledgeable! We found read more

I have type 2 diabetes and I have a dropped arch in my left foot. I needed some Orthofeet inputs for both of my feet to correct this problem. They helped me for 45 minutes until I found the right Fi for my Orthofeet shoes. They are very durable inserts and not expensive as the other ones ivbseen on line or the ones my Podiatrist makes. That have a large selection of sporting attire, some sports supplies and the friendly staff is a big plus. Try then out. You'll be glad you did!! read more

I'm not new to fitness but am new to running. Went in today for help buying running shoes. Here is what I loved: 1. Staff did an assessment of my movement and provided me with several choices of shoes based on that. 2. There was NO pressure to buy the most expensive ones. 3. Prices were much more affordable than I'd imagined. 4. The whole experience was so much more positive than another running store I've been to before where the staff was pretty aloof! Thanks!! read more

Generally a great sports store. I do think prices on certain items can be higher than at other stores. Good service that always seems to want to help and seem to know what they are talking about. read more

Lloyd Clarke Sports - Shoe Stores Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Graduated U of F back in the 80s and remembered the great service back then. Now living in PA I ordered a pair of running shoes and the service is still great. The online ordering was easy and the shoes arrived on time. I will use Lloyd Clarke Sports in the future for my running needs. read more

Lloyd Clark has an amazing selection of shoes and running gear. The staff knows their stuff and if your looking for local high school apparel this is the place to go. They also have a huge selection of disc golf and swimming merchandise. read more

Purchased Merrell hiking boots last week and they all already broken in. LLoyd Clarke had my size in stock, in extra wide, a new design and better price than online. Yes, I checked and even with prime better to think local and save a few coins. Off to the Galapagos next month, vaccinated and ready to hit the trail in my new comfortable boots. Nice selection of backpacks, travel packs and bags. As online like Sierra Trading Post are bought up by the likes of TJ Max and aren't what they used to be I will be back to Lloyd Clarke again for sure! read more

Lloyd Clake have a great running shoe selection and have super knowledgeable staff. Today I went in to ask about possible inserts for my shoes because of some pain i was having after a race. James was the one who helped me and gave me some helpful advice and even helped me save money by avoiding some unnecessary purchases. It was obvious he was looking out for the customer and not just a sale - which is pretty rare these days. If I was still a resident in Gainesville this would be my running shoe store FOR SURE. read more

All I can really do here is second everything that Joey T. said. A great locally owned business that has great service. The manger took the time to understand what type of runner I was and directed me to the correct shoes. This is just a wonderful place which also has some great sales also. read more

Extremely helpful! Got me into the correct running show for my gait. Even let me try out the shoe on their treadmill before buying. Manager was so helpful and not just trying to make a buck. He understood my work out routine and that I would need to buy a new pair of shoes quicker than most people, so he helped me find a pair on the discount section that worked amazing for me. I'm so used to sales people just trying to sell me the most expensive pair of shoes, it was refreshing to know that the manager actually wanted to sell me the "right" pair of shoes and help my budget. read more

They are a great business. The staff is always so helpful and patient, and will make sure you leave happy with your purchase. They also have a nice selection of t-shirts and other goodies for the athlete in everyone. The shoe selection is wide and the prices are good. read more

I've lived in Gainesville for almost a year. One of the most appealing aspects of Gainesville, for me, would have to be the amount of great local business. Lloyd Clarke certainly fits snugly into this great aspect of Gainesville. In addition to being local they also employ highly knowledgeable runners! They have an extensive selection of running shoes, apparel and all the gadgets runners love. They know their stuff and will expertly fit the right shoe to the right runner. I love that they know who I am and I feel welcome in their store. Also, I've had a lot of fun at the races Lloyd Clarke Sports holds. In addition to the incredible running shoe selection they offer everything team sports could need. From cleats and jerseys to hats and socks with stripes. It's a no pressure environment run by friendly local professionals. Sometimes I come by just to hang out! Also, 6pm Sunday night = Sunday Runday, Lloyd Clarke's group run! read more

The Local sports shop, supporting local youth sports with all the equipment needs, similiar to the sports stores i grew up with. pretty broad selection for soccer, football, baseball, basketball, running. not outdoor sports like camping/hiking/fishing/cycling. very good running shoe selection with very knowledgeable, caring staff. they recognize me. i just finished a marathon and the staff helped me through a couple nagging minor injuries. for runners, they have a far better selection than any big box sports store. only place i know of that stocks energy gels/hammer nutrition products (suprisingly, GNC doesn't carry them). we buy (almost) all of our shoes for our family of four there, including tennis shoes for our 4 and 5 year olds. not suprisingly, some of their merchandise is more expensive than you would pay in a chain, but occasionly they have good deals. they sponsor some local races like the turkey trot 10k and trail of payne 10k. occasionally they have some running clinics. it would be nice if they would start a local running group. read more

If you're looking for high-quality sports shoes, this is the place to shop. The staff are very knowledgeable about their selection of goods, including knowing if a brand runs larger, smaller, narrower, whatever. They also know local ortho docs and what they recommend if you have an issue with feet, ankles, knees. I rarely see discounted items, so be prepared to pay full price, but if you work with the staff, you'll be pleased with your purchase. read more

Having lived in Gainesville all my life I have an affinity for locally owned businesses. Lloyd Clarke's is a great example of why. I've been coming here since my days at GHS years ago. They have great products but what really separates LCS is the service. They know what kind of shoes I need. From the management to the clerk, they all know what they're talking about. Try going to a chain sports store and getting someone who knows something and is willing to help you. Try special ordering. Good luck. Great locally owned establishment. read more

Lloyd Clarke's best feature is their staff. Their prices are fair. You may save $3 on a $125 pair of shoes by going on line, but don't be a fool. The staff is well worth paying the extra $3 for. Even if you're not a serious runner, they are the best choice to buy from. Make sure to tell them what you're using the shoes for (3mi run every day to stay in shape or marathon training). The knowledge you gain from the staff's input and experience will show you why they've been around so long. read more

I have been shopping at Lloyd Clarke for years and as far as I am concerned, the only place in Gainesville to buy running shoes and cleats. I really like the direction they are headed with their apparel offerings. Great place to buy "Florida style clothing" - flip flops and casual wear. I shop here often and will continue to do so. Big box stores can take a hike! Lloyd Clarke is were the locals go. read more