I was in desperate need of a new pair of shoes for a 5k I'm running, as the ones I currently had lost all their support, and chunks were missing from the soles. At this point, my shoes were hurting my performance more than if I were to run barefoot, so it was high time I got some new running shoes. Went in to the store and was immediately assisted by an amiable employee who walked me through a gait test and brought up three pairs of shoes for me to try. Used their test socks (yes, they have test socks!) that match the ones they sell in the store so you can try them on with your shoes. Got useful feedback and recommendations for other brands of shoes that would be a good fit if I wanted to run longer distances. All in all, I left the store with some new socks (Balega silver), a foot roller (Nano X), and a brand new pair of shoes (ASIC Gel-DS Trainer 24) for under $200. Money well spent, and will definitely go back when these shoes are dead! read more

When i walked in for the first time, there was a "sign up" style sheet of people waiting to be helped. There were only about 4 workers taking 15+ minutes to help each customer. Leaving everyone else just standing there waiting. No one offered any help until they were done with their current customer. Waited 30+ minutes just to get called, ask for my size in the style i wanted, and then checked out. People revisit this style of service. Very ineffective for customers like myself who know what we want and want to be in and out. read more

Very disappointing experience and customer service. After over a month and a half for my shoes to arrive, Marathon Sports sent me the wrong size shoes (8.5 instead of the 9.5 I ordered). I contacted them four separate times via email with no response, and they do not provide a customer service phone number. I ultimately had to dispute the charge with my credit card company just to resolve the issue. I would not order from them again. read more

Marathon Sports - Wrong size shoes - Shoe Stores Near Me - Wellesley, Massachusetts

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Excellent help from salesperson Susan - patient, kind, thoughtful about what i needed, and very pleasant. Pleased to walk out with a well-fitting pair of shoes in a fairly brief visit, when I thought it would be hard to find something that would fit me. read more

This was the best experience I've ever had in a store from the moment we walked in until we were finished and on our way out the door. Matt greeted us and asked how he could help. I gave him the rundown and off we went. After he took my foot measurements etc. (very thorough) he found what turned out to be the sneakers I bought. He was very patient, pleasant and attentive. He paid attention to the details. I highly recommend this store and especially Matt! Thanks again Matt read more

Lousy service, changed delivery date twice. Avoid. Called, they said to call back. Hard to belive they are a chain with lousy service like this. read more

They limit the amount of people in the store, and provide sanitizer upon entering. I got an awesome hydro flask water bottle (which is good for hot and cold beverages, and which you can get different lids for) and a new balance shirt. Knowledgeable, extremely helpful, staff. read more

Have never commented ever, but here's my first review. Do not come here! Worst experience ever. Sat there for an hour without anyone helping us. Please get more professional staff! read more

Wow--serious running store....well-kept, organized. However, my Asian brother from nuther mother Korean customer service guy was just a tad tooo intense for me...he frightened both my brother and I. Together with his tight-lipped demeanor (mild perspiration over bald head) and military-tone questions of my interest in the special limited edition Boston New Balance 890 sent me *off* balance. The shoe is being manufactured in honor of the marathon and its route through here on the 18th. Got the shoes, *despite* mr. man releasing signs of his disapproval (hey now, I reserved these special shoes even when I was staying in the Cape!), as it's not a perfect fit for my foot! Pretty blue and orange with Boston etched into its sides. Featherlight, I say! Can't wait to pound out a few miles tomorrow when the sun rises!!! They're the perfect belated bday present from brother... No tax!!!! On the same street as Ming Tsai's Blue Ginger, where we had some lunch reservations. COOOOL dealio read more

Marathon Sports - NB 890 Boston limited editions - Shoe Stores Near Me - Wellesley, Massachusetts

I love Marathon Sports! Not only do they sponsor great running races throughout the year, but I always feel we get excellent customer service, consistently, in all of their stores. My husband & I frequent this location because even though it's street parking, we always manage to find a spot in front of the store. The people who work here take their jobs seriously. They know shoes and they know feet. They'll know what type of shoes you might need if you are new in the running scene. How? You might ask. After fitting you a pair, an associate will ask you to run for her while she watches how your feet land. They have a treadmill in the front of the store, but most people will just run outside for a block. If you already know the shoes you want, but you want to try them out before buying them, they'll also let you run around the block without watching you. Their customer service is amazing. Whether you are a seasoned runner or a newbie, you will never feel ignored, quite the opposite actually. They always make me feel like I'm a really important person. The store is small, more like a boutique running store, but whatever running stuff you may need, they'll have. They also have nutritional & hydration products, sticks & rollers, books & watches, insoles, etc etc...and gift certificates. So if you know someone who is a runner, give them a gift card from here because running shoes and other running gears are expensive! read more

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I just had a phenomenal experience here! I've been having shin splint issues since ramping up my sprint and volleyball workouts last winter. Michael worked with me for over an hour to find the perfect cross training shoe that fit all my needs - pronation stability, natural position, lateral movement. In the end, he found three excellent choices and it was hard to choose! The store lets you take the shoes for a jog around the block and this helped me figure out which pair was best. He was super helpful, knowledgeable, patient and friendly. If these shoes aren't perfect, I can bring them back within 30 days to exchange them for something better, but I doubt I'll need to. They're perfect! I will absolutely come back to this location for all my running/training needs. Update: months later and these shoes are the best I've ever had! Love them! read more

The selection and customer service was top notch. My only issue (and I see another reviewer had the same issue, which is interesting to me) is that when I returned the sneakers - which I wore in my house for no more than 5 minutes- the associate looked at the sole and told me that they would have to issue a store credit because there was tread wear and thus were "used". My mouth fell open (thankfully I had a mask on!) in disbelief- were the $150 sneakers made that shoddily that there was wear after trying them out in the house? Thankfully I was issued a refund. read more

We had a great experience at Marathon sports in Wellesley. Peter was very informative on our ergonomic and lifestyle needs. My fiancé and I were able to get sneakers that were tailored to improve our gait and training. Highly recommend asking Peter for assistance! read more

Mixed experience. They sold my boyfriend a pair of shoes that were 1.5 sizes too small. They turned his toenails black and he wore them 6 times at most. He didnt know why they were so painful til another running store in another state noted they were way too small. Marathon wouldn't let him return them for full credit. They gave him a 30% discount on a new pair of shoes but I was surprised that they were so reluctant to give him full credit in the name of good customer relations. I've been going to this store for years. read more

Marathon Sports is a longtime staple for my family. For decades, my dad has come here to shop, for a variety of reasons all related to his running. When I was a kid, I thought it was hot stuff that Marathon Sports in Wellesley was literally halfway through the Boston marathon; visions of tired runners getting perked up at MS danced through my head (I was always one of the kids handing out cup after cup of cold water to the runners). So I'm probably positively-biased because of my super-long relationship with this place. Be forewarned. One of the things I most like about MS now is their sidewalk sale, which happens once a year in the late summer, and coincides with (or is part of) the Wellesley Shop Local sidewalk sale; they stack shoes up in a giant wall, taller than a person, and it is an impressive sight. Speaking of shoes, they will special-order stuff that is not standard size, and I can't tell you how many trips we took to MS over the years to pick up some wide-ass New Balance for my dad. And, you know, a cute pair of trainers for me. They have shoes that are functional, and shoes that are lovely to look at. Some are both! As a runner's kid, I am pretty much genetically obligated to be obsessed with athletic shoes, socks, and other footwear/footcare items. Marathon has a nice selection. It's surprising to me how much smaller MS is now that I'm an adult! Two rooms, one of which is filled mostly with shoes, and the other filled mostly with everything-but-shoes: conditioning aids, clothes/apparel, auxiliary gear (liquid bottles, electrolyte gels, energy bars, maps, tape, watches, etc). I bought my dad one of those belts with the BPA-free canteens attached to it, and I re-upped my supply of reflective armbands. I take away a star from Marathon because their size range for clothes is not very good. Not everyone who runs, walks, hikes, or climbs is a size 2/XS. Yeah, this is a problem endemic to many independent running stores, so they're not unique in their refusal to carry sizes above an L/XL. Being part of the crowd doesn't help me, though, as I am unable to buy workout gear of any kind there. Which is such a shame, because it would be so awesome for so many reasons! Recognize and honor larger-sized, tall, and fat customers, Marathon, by carrying 2XL and up, and you'll get your fifth star. Just because I'm not tiny doesn't mean my running trophies are fake, dudes. ;) read more

Store is great, I've bought shoes there for many years. Highly recommend the STORE. Sales people are super helpful and I'm almost always happy with the shoes they recommend. But AVOID ONLINE ORDERING if you ever want to return a pair of shoes. I ordered 2 pairs of shoes online during the pandemic to try and then returned one. No refund of any kind after a month. Multiple calls to the main Waltham company number, nothing. I finally called the Wellesley store and they were kind enough to contact the main office for me directly. (I ended up with a store credit instead of a refund because they claimed the shoes were returned "used", even though I tried them out for about 10 minutes outside my house and then packed them up -- not any more than if I'd been walking up and down the street outside the store). read more

Marathon sports has everything you want, and everything you didn't know you needed, To meet your running or other atletic goals. The staff is highly knowledgeable and very approachable and frIendly. The deal: running teens meet here on Saturday mornings, for months before the Boston Marathon, To train by running part of the marathon route together. read more

Excellent customer service and selection of sneakers to choose from. Lilly was super helpful and knowledgeable about various brands. Very happy with the experience! read more

It was like finding a needle in a hay stack. I took my mother who suffers from severe arthritis and has been wearing the same shoes for years with custom medically built orthotics with what we thought had no options to change. We were recommended to Marathon Sports, and thought it would be hopeless,... we worked with Adam, and yes we went through what felt like a million pair of shoes, we found with the help of this very knowledge and PATIENT salesman a needle in a hay stack,.. my mom,... aka Goldilocks found the three perfect pair of sneakers,.. I was in tears, the other people in the store also cheered for my mothers success. Go to this place! read more

Ive always wanted to be a runner, and decided recently to do a 5K. I am doing the C25K training program but was having shin pains, and realized I needed new shoes. I did lots of resarch and kind of knew the shoes I wanted. I went to Marathon Sports in Wellesley. Right off the bat, I found the shoe I wanted, but the guy there (didnt catch his name) offered to take a look at my gait, stance, and feet and make some other suggestions. Basically, he told me what I had learned in my research, but it was great to have my time and energy validated. He recommened a few pairs of shoes, and I would up falling in love with the ones I had originally came in for. The point is that they know what they are talking about, how you run an what you need for support and to prevent injuries. They take the time to talk with you and recommend a few. You wont get this at a bigger place, or some random place in the mall. The staff at marathon sports are runners, not just some random guy who works in a sports place. I'll be going back there for more running equipment when I need it. read more

I actually need to go back. About a year ago, I bought the perfect pair of shoes here. No, I am not a runner, no, I don't even play one on TV. I just play a character on TV who wishes she were a runner (metaphorically speaking, of course). The guy who helped me pick out my shoes didn't even laugh at my lack of running skills as he made me jog up and down the sidewalk in pair after pair of shoes. He understood that I needed to buy the cheapest/best shoe in the store, though he did make sure I understood how important the right shoes (and socks) are for running. My only beef is that they should always have someone in the store knowledgeable about gender-specific running concerns. I mean, you can't blame a guy for not knowing which sports bra is the right one for me...but...I wanted some advice. So, I'll just have to call before I head over again! Yes. They are expensive, but I think any level-headed person can understand why it costs more to run a local, niche business staffed by knowledgeable, compassionate people. read more

While visiting family, I had forgotten a pair of running shoes. Since we were from another state, I didn't want to come into the store. Over the phone, the employee was able to help me figure out the right shoe for my needs. It's now one of my favorites, thanks! read more

Randomly stepped into Marathon Sports' Wellesley location this morning. I recently bought sneaks at another shoe company-- after a fancy computerized pressure test, I was sold wide sneaks that left my ankles swollen. I was a bit hesitant when I stepped in. The shop is clean and nicely equipped for the experienced runner and beginner alike with clothing gear socks and a sweet selection of sneakers! Alex, the young man that helped me, performed a basic walking test (no computers) and was able to procure a pair of sneaks ... I thought the first pair was fine but Alex had also listened to my rant about poorly fitting sneaks on my wide feet. He then went back and found a pair that fit even better. (He said something about width and arch...). Furthermore, my very selective husband hates shoe shopping so I decided to pickup a pair for him. Alex asked a few questions, I mentioned my husband's size in a walking shoe brand and Alex brought out a pair of Brooks for my husband. Alex assured me I could return the shoes if they didn't fit. Not only did they fit, my husband was actually happy at how well they fit. Alex was prompt knowledgeable and professional. The only downside was that they didn't have the cute yoga socks w individual toe pockets ( which of course Alex knew the name of). I picked up another brand in very cute and functional pink. Thank you for a relaxing and rewarding shopping experience. Decent off street parking and T accessible. read more

I have bought all my running/walking shoes from here. I usually bring with me whatever i've been wearing so that we have a launching off part for fitting me. They watch me run and walk to see if my stride has changed, and I also tell them what I'm planning on doing - my first running shoes were fit for me to run 5ks, now I'm training for a marathon and maybe need more support. i've never been steered wrong, which is why I keep going back. All the salespeople I've worked with have been great and never tried to push me towards anything but the best fitting shoe, which I totally appreciate. Sometimes it's the most expensive one, sometimes not. I definitely care more about fit and comfort than I do about color or brand, which I think they appreciate since some people come in with a brand already in mind. I rely on them to be the experts on feet and shoes, I stick to being the expert on how i feel. I think we make a great team. read more

If you're looking to start running regularly or if you're just looking for a new or different running shoe it's worth spending a little extra money to come here and have someone analyze your gait and give you some options to try on and test. Running magazines and websites are helpful, but it's nice to have an actual human to give feedback to as you try on different shoes and go for a quick jog down the block. Once you find shoes you like you can always wait for them go to on sale or at the store once a new model comes out, but your feet and knees and ankles will thank you when you end up with properly fitting shoes. I'd definitely recommend signing up for their mailing list and reading their newsletter on their website as there are usually 15% off coupons, which helps cut down the full retail price you'd be paying. read more

The staff is very knowledgeable about running and the various products they have available. They do a great job fitting you with the perfect shoe and will watch you run to determine you "running style" and what kind of support you need most. Best part is, they even have a treadmill in store that you can try out the shoes on before purchasing. The also sell books, apparel, and other useful running items. I haven't visited the other locations, but I imagine they are just as good. If you're looking for the perfect pair of running shoes in eastern Mass, this is the place to go! read more

Great personalized service. Staffed with serious runners who will help you find the right shoe for your feet, gait, and routine. They'll let you run the block outside in any number of shoes until you find the right one. Don't forget to ask about their student discount! read more

Hey, so here's an update as promised. I was really disappointed after last time, and after seething for a couple of months in a pair of ill-fitting shoes, I did 2 things: I went to a different MS store location to buy a different pair of shoes (Brookline); and I connected with Marathon about my last experience. The experience in Brookline was much more like the great old Marathon Sports experience I have always had. Also, the management at Marathon Sports handled my concerns extremely professionally, and seemed genuinely grateful for the feedback. Overall, I will go back for my next pair of running shoes. Thank you Marathon Sports. Now if we can just institute a better policy about making sure the first person in gets waited on first, instead of just the pushiest person :-). read more

By far the best experience I've had finding a running shoe. I worked with Lisa there, and even though the place was packed with other runners looking for back to school sneakers, she gave me plenty of her expert (she's a studying physical therapist) attention. Thanks Lisa! And thanks Marathon Sports! Customer for life. read more

Actually, should be rated less than zero. I can't opine on the retail store but my experience ordering online was terrible. Company has a weak ecommerce structure IMO. Transaction rejected due to their algorithm thinking fraud was being committed. Made 4 attempts with same result. Not the fault of front-line customer service (at least I don't think) but company management didn't care as there was no procedure in place to determine what the problem was. Company simply didn't care and stopped responding to requests for help. After getting no response, I easily order my running shoes from a competitor without any issues using the same information and payment method. Marathon lost me as a customer for good. read more

incredible customer service and knowledge. We waited in line due to covid. Being greeted even outside, then had a very productive 1 hour(!!) consult with one of the staff (Shawn), who analyzed and fitted my son who needs running shoes and insert Experienced and patient. Highly recommend this store and its staff. read more

If you have some foot issues and need help in selecting the right sneakers... THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO. Jackie has a great deal of knowledge and will give you her undivided attention. Without a doubt, this is where I will be getting my sneakers in the future... and I highly recommend you shop here too. read more

I brought my son here yesterday (Apr 5, 2011). I drove half an hour because a runner friend told me how they examine your gait visually and by using a special treadmill to evaluate your running style and what kind of shoe is best for how you run. My son runs track but has been experiencing ankle and knee pain. I knew he was a little pigeon toed and knock-kneed, and wanted a shoe that would address this. I informed the young lady servicing us (no name tags, I should have asked her name) about my sons pigeon-toed-knock-kneed situation and asked for a shoe that would address this issue. But the young lady asked to watch him run, a little on the treadmill, but mostly up and down Washington St. After watching him with two different shoes, she informed me that even though he was pigeon toed and a knock-kneed when he walks and stands, he runs completely neutral, and she brought out several neutral gait shoes for him to try on. Every shoe he tried on, she brought him outside to watch him run up and down Washington St. My son narrowed it down to the two pair that felt best, but pretty much the same. I thought he might pick the ones that he liked the looks of best, or better yet, the cheaper ones, but the young lady told him to wear one of each shoe on either foot at the same time, run a little wearing the both of them.. My son was very sure after this that one felt better than the other. We were 100% confident we had found my son the perfect running shoe for him. My buddy who had recommended Marathon suggested I could go here to find the best shoe, then tell them I was going to think about it, then go and find it cheaper somewhere else. This sounded like an OK idea when he said it, but after seeing the care that this young lady took in making sure my son had the perfect shoe, I would not have dreamed of going somewhere else. Paying a few dollars more for the shoes was real bargain for the service we got. Besides, the prices are reasonable, and my son qualified for a 10% student discount. read more

I originally went to Marathon Sports years ago to get fitted properly for running shoes and thought I would just buy my shoes elsewhere after, thinking it would be cheaper. I'm TOTALLY hooked! The knowledgable, friendly staff, generous return policy and prompt service is AMAZING and the prices are competitive. You can't get this kind of service from a box store! The staff has the ability to make decisions and issue discounts as they see fit. I have been to the Wellesley store on multiple occasions and if they don't have what I need, they ship it,free of charge, directly to my house and always include a handwritten note. Nice touch!!! I just got my latest pair of running shoes delivered in less than 24 hours! They were also very helpful in understanding my needs as I trained for my first marathon. Kudos to an awesome,local business!!! read more

This is the ONLY place to buy sneakers. The best thing about Marathon Sports is that they have you run outside and they watch to see if there's any pronation, etc. so that they can provide you with the right shoe and the right fit for the type of exercise you're doing. As a runner with bad knees, they knew the best shoes for me. I also like their assortment of workout wear. The staff is knowledgeable and they work with you for however long it takes - I never felt rushed despite trying on several pairs of shoes (Note: they have great sales!) read more

This is one of the best stores I have been in. The staff is highly knowledgeable and very friendly. They will take the time to work with you and answer any questions you have. A+ read more

I think Marathon Sports has a reputation of having great service and this location definitely deserves said reputation. I'm not in any shape to run the marathon anytime soon and it was pretty obvious to the store staff, but at the same time I finally wanted to invest in a pair of shoes I can work out in and I had some strange issues with my foot being ultra wide. That all being said, they were able to see how I run, and recommended several shoes that actually fit me correctly for the first time in my life. It's an amazing difference than buying off the shelf at any other store. read more

Awesome knowledge and service. Need a place like this in Central PA.

Always the best fitting running shoes in town!

I had a great experience....Stephen approached me, and I told him I wanted to "learn" to be a runner! I was never a runner, and I wanted to be fitted correctly! I was recommended to come here, and get fitted. So with this in mind, I was excited, but nervous. I was nervous because, I was going to be watched while running! Stephen was very helpful, and brought out many pairs for me to try. I left with a new pair of Nike!! Yeah, and now I can't wait to continue running with the Couch 2 5k. Thank you!! read more