[ During Covid Review ] If you're looking for outdoor gear whether it be for a hike, the snow, biking, etc. this is the place to go. This place is located in Berkeley between Shattuck and Martin Luther King Jr. Way. They have a parking lot; however, space is limited and if you can't get parking there, they do offer street parking. In terms of Covid protocols, they do have signs that say "Enter here" / "Exit only". I did not see anyone checking to make sure they weren't over crowded, but when I went it was pretty empty. They do offer hand sanitizer which is nice and all the employees wear masks. When you enter, they do have a lot of signs that say where you can find anything such as "Kids" , "Snow", "Bikes", "Shoes", etc. It was easy to locate what I needed for sure. I came in today to find some snow pants because of a snow trip coming up. I've been having issues trying to find pants that fit me because of my height. I'm short, 5' to be exact and I tried REI and they did not have ANY pants for "petite" women like me. I was so glad to see snow pants that were labeled Petite and fit me. There were options for me and that was great! They do let customers try on clothes here just a heads up. Overall, I like this place compared to REI because of how easy it was to find things, staff was great, and they had things that fit me! read more

Why the heck are you still selling so many toxic fabrics? Why is there almost nothing that is a hundred percent cotton or a hundred percent wool or linen or bamboo or other natural fabrics? Because of this, I have stopped even shopping there. read more

The selection is fantastic. I was looking for stable sneakers. Prices were excellent, While I used the shoes inside, I realized I bought the wrong size. A week later, I was able to return to the store, and switched out to the correct size. The exchange was hasslefree. read more

What a very cool place. Its a retail store in what used to be a hockey rink. I really appreciated they honored the past with signs, decorations and information about the building and its past. There was a great variety of brands and options, from running gear, camping equipment to high energy foods. If I lived here, I would be a regular patron for comfortable, sport and casual clothes! I will highlight the very friendly staff tat pro-actively checked as we shopped and browsed. It was a good experience! read more

Sports Basement - Love that they love dogs! - Sports Wear Near Me - Berkeley, California

Sports basement has always been my favorite store since I first visited the Presidio store in SF many years ago. What a treat to have one open in the old IceLand skate rink near my house some years back. I love this location, staff are friendly, inventory is great and it's a great community space. The newly opened second hand area upstairs is such a great addition!! read more

I love this store so much! The workers are very helpful and accommodating. Renting ski gear here is much better than up at the mountain. The used gear section is a hidden gem! read more

Really loved it here. It's admittedly a little weird on Google maps to find, but there's plenty of parking and the space is large. I was able to get what I needed, people are nice and helpful, and they even have a free space to run events. I also like how a purchase as a Basementeer provides a donation to a favorite charity or Ed group. read more

Sports Basement - Sports Wear Near Me - Berkeley, California

I highly recommend Hector and Sports Basement! I've been a member for a while and every time I visit, I'm impressed at how employees are so helpful and knowledgeable. Hector was exceptional today, explaining in detail the pros and cons and his personal experience around all the shoes I was considering, as I transition to a new type of running shoes. He was never salesy and always helpful and objective. He helped me come to a conclusion after more than 30 minutes of patient and friendly discussions! This is why I try to buy most of my sporting goods from Sports Basement! read more

To preface this review, a week earlier I spent hours looking for Ali equipment at REI coming up short-handed. Today I went to sports basement and left with boots, skis, and more in an hour. Overall had a great experience shopping for ski boots. As someone with feet on the larger and wider side, sports basement has a wide-rang of options with a very patient and helpful ski boot experts (Special thanks to Brian). read more

Sports Basement - Sports Wear Near Me - Berkeley, California

How lucky am I to live just a short walk from this outdoor gear heaven? I've been at least a dozen times now and it's like a fun field trip each visit. The space is 2 floors and is massive! You could spend hours here if you had the time. They have a huge selection of gear for all your needs - casual clothing, hiking shoes, climbing shoes, backpacks, accessories, walking shoes, and so much more. They also have great sales (even on brands like Patagonia), with even better sales if you're a Sports Basement member. The store is also a great venue if you're looking for event space. They are very open to working with you to build an event or offer corporate discounts. The staff are always super friendly and resourceful. read more

I love Sports Basement in general. They have an incredible selection in most departments, decent prices, but most importantly the people who work here are amazingly helpful. I always get my questions answered and they give good advice. I love that their Basementeer program. You get an extra discount and the non profit of your choice gets a donation. It's a $25 one-time membership, which I made back in a few visits. read more

I have literally never had a bad experience with the staff at Sports Basement, and my trip there today was no different. The person I asked for directions to the shoe section stopped what she was doing to walk me there. Then later when looking through a sale rack, another employee looked up a price for an item that wasn't labeled, and she alerted me that this brand runs small to make sure I got the right fit. Even the person who checked me out was very helpful... when I asked if I could keep the hangers for my clothing items, she went out of her way to explain that they usually keep and reuse them, but she asked a nearby supervisor if it was okay to make an exception, then she threw in a couple extra hangers for me. Sports Basement not only has great quality merchandise at good prices, they do a fantastic job hiring great people to help you shop there. read more

As many of the Yelp reviews have mentioned, this place is HUUUGGEEE. When you first walk in you're greeted with a circle of sofas, and I was so confused if I had actually walked into the write Sports Basement. But past the sofas, you walk into the main area and WOW. I can just spend hours roaming every aisle if I had the time. Sports Basement has everything from clothing, to shoes, to snacks, to even classes! I love how when you walk into the store you can immediately feel a Berkely-esque vibe. Many of their signs are handwritten, and I know it's totally not the point of a sports store to focus on the art, but DANG some of those signs were works of art! I really wished I had more time to spend here, and I definitely hope to come back here in the future. But be warned that although there are a lot of sales being advertised, you can find a better deal online. They also have basmenteers discount, which gives you extra discount for being a member. It might be worth it if you're living in the area and plan on doing outdoorsy stuff. read more

Duncan in rentals is the best!! I have not had a real birthday party in several years due to Covid, so when I turned 42, I decided to do an open water night swim in the bay. I had only done it once before, so I didn't really know much about it, but Duncan helped me at every step of the way, including renting eventually, like 15 wetsuits and neoprene hats. He went above and beyond and connected with a lot of local stores to get the right sizes, he texted me with a clarification, and made sure that everything was excellent for the whole process. The event was fantastic, and I could not be happier. He also helped me on the backend with the demo credit. I cannot say enough great things about Duncan and the team at this location. read more

The staff here is very friendly. I came here once to get a box for shipping my bike and they gave me one for free. I also asked to use their bike tools without buying anything and they gladly helped me. read more

It's so expensive a jacket is literally 100dollar and the basketballs are so uncomfortable and big.The spots are very dirty and full of dust. read more

Rude staff experience, I walked into the store yesterday and up the stairs to the tennis racket department. I was caring my racquetball racquet they had re-strung for me about 2 months ago. They did a great job. I just wanted them to re-string it tighter, which I would have been happy to pay for, since they got it right the first time when I asked for "medium" tension. Before I could open my mouth to even say high however, the guy behind the counter looked at me and blurted out "We Don't Do Those Anymore". Stunned by his rudeness, i said, "Oh?, you just did this one for me a few ..." when he interrupted me and said "Yea, you were the last one." Its not like he was busy either. He had just finished talking to another customer who left and kindly said, "thanks for your help, you can help this guy." pointing to me. Note to Management: The last time I was treated that rudely was a few years ago at the El Cerrito Big 5 store. They went out of business about a year later and its now a Harbor Freight. While I can't get my racket re-strung on-line, I CAN buy them and most of the stuff in your store on-line, where in addition to not having to hassle with the drive and parking, I wont get treated rudely by overpaid staff who have no idea how to break the news of a corporate service change decision that negatively impacts your paying customers. The way he said "Yea, YOU were the last one" made me think this was actually focused at me, like someone had cut their finger off when doing my racket last time or something. What a bizarre, horrible, way to treat a customer! read more

Are you kidding? Must be racist! I went in for the first time and thought what a huge store! It's nice inside, lots of stuff, but was followed around by staff twice. As I was walking out (another customer walked out the same time) we beeped, a white female employee ASKED ME "What did you take?" proceeded to look inside my stroller and at me to see if we actually took something & then said "I don't see anything you should be good" I had my child on me, seriously. First and last time coming here. read more

Sports Basement provides the great service of hauling you and your gear up to the snowy mountains and taking you back home safely! For $75 (the Saturday I went), I thought it was worth it for 2 people ($150 total). I took the bus from Berkeley, CA. The best part of the deal is that you can rent snow sport gear from them, they will load it on the bus for you, then you can just leave it on the bus when you're done. Taking away the hassle of lugging up rented gear adds to the value. In other words, you can go into the store to get fitted for gear, let them know you want it to be loaded on the bus for you (obviously needs to be 1-2 days before the trip), then when you're done using the gear, they'll put it back on the bus and you can just forget about it! With a 6AM departure time, you get a light breakfast which consisted of yogurt, bananas, bagels and cream cheese, coffee, etc. Unfortunately, no bacon/eggs or breakfast burritos. On the plus side, you do get to pack whatever items in your own bag for when you're actually at the mountains shredding the snow. On the website, it said there would be wifi and power outlets on the bus, but there was neither of those because the bus we were only simply didn't have these amenities. So, don't bank on needing a plug and bring an external battery just in case. There was a bathroom on board. I think that Sports Basement could better contract the bus people and be sure the bus has what is advertised. No one likes to be disappointed especially with little things like power to charge your phone. On the way back they serve snacks once again like chips, bagels, and beer! If you're back before the bus departs home, the snacks will be set up outside of the bus. On your way back, snacks/drinks will continue to be available. The Sports Basement employees who were hosting our group were very friendly and happy to serve snacks and walk around with a garbage bag. I highly recommend! read more

Brian the boot fitter was great at helping me choose between different ski boots, he is super knowledgeable about boots! I ended up sticking to my first boots after trying out the 5 pairs he brought out. read more

I came in wanting to buy a bike for school and was so unsure of where to even start, but Blake and Lucas were super helpful and friendly and patient with me. I had so many questions about everything and they really took their time with me like they really wanted me to be comfortable with the bike I chose and I wound up getting a great deal. I am so happy with my purchase and will be telling everyone where I got it. Thank you Sports Basement! read more

I came in to test ride an ebike I'd researched online and after handing over my driver's license and credit card for them to hold, they told me I'd have to let them charge me nearly $500 and not refund it till the next day for me to test the bike. This is so blatantly discriminatory and ugly, and I haven't encountered anything like it in the four other ebike shops I've visited during this process, including one just down the street. They made it really clear that working class folks aren't really welcome to shop there, so I won't be returning. I'm unsurprised to see the multiple reviews here also describing racial discrimination. read more

Bought a pair of $165 shoes and wore them on the street a number of times and then figured out that they caused my plantar fasciitis to flare up. They refunded my money no questions asked! No other store that I know of is willing to do this! Great and friendly service as well! read more

Great selection. Knowledgeable and friendly staff. My daughter has been going there for years for ski rentals and soccer gear. Highly recommend. read more

They didn't have what I needed when I called, but they were honest about it and gave me recommendations for where I could find it. These guys are awesome read more

Sports Basement is our go to place for everything sport and outdoor. It's fun to visit and browse as we always find things we like or need. The staff is all really friendly and helpful, their Shoe Dept staff are very helpful in directing you to the best shoes for your purpose and type of feet. They've done a great job stringing our tennis rackets. They rent a ton of stuff for all sorts of things - we enjoyed renting some camping fear this summer and it's a great way to try something out before you invest in them. I do hope they survive the pandemic as we need stores like this! read more

I still give five stars but as a woman who is passionate about great design, sports basement and REI are not always options. Due to covid the bike department is tapped out but I was disappointed at how many women's specific bicycles there were and not as many unisex options in small sizes as would benefit such a great store Other than that this place is perfect. read more

YAY!! Berkeley has our own Sports Basement!!!! No more trekking to the city when I need a little sumpthin sumpthin! This HUGE warehouse used to house the Iceland ice rink and the signs inside are still there. Staff said they plan to leave them :) They have two levels loaded with lots of stuff for swim/triathlon (with wetsuit rental program), basketball, soccer, baseball, racquetball, cycling, snow sports and camping gear. There's also a section for kids. Lots of helpful staff wandering around to help you find what you are looking for. Plenty of off-street parking available too :) read more

Sports Basement - This place is huge! - Sports Wear Near Me - Berkeley, California

If my reviews for the Presidio and Mission locations in San Francisco are any indication, I am a big fan of Sports Basement. These stores stock a wide array of high quality sporting goods and apparel at "basement" level prices. I often wonder how these guys manage to sell such great stuff at bargain prices and stay in business. Volume? Sports Basement opened this new store in Berkeley in November 2014. It's the company's sixth Bay Area outpost. It took over the building that once belonged to a historic local ice skating rink, Berkeley Iceland. They've left the rink's old clock and scoreboard in place. The store is massive. Imagine a large gymnasium or cavernous warehouse where the wide-open floor is filled with nothing but tables, racks, and stacks of various sporting merchandise. That's what Sports Basement Berkeley is like. Stepping inside and seeing the space can be almost overwhelming at first. Despite its size, the store has a very welcoming, hospitable, neighborhood feel to it. This friendly atmosphere applies to all Sports Basement stores in general. The business is community-oriented and it shows. At the Berkeley location, there are several large community spaces available to reserve for free! These spaces are very homey with old couches, loveseats, chairs, and coffee tables. Various seating/rest areas around the store are designed like this too. Email iballentine@sportsbasement.com if you're interested in reserving a space. Free classes are available such as yoga and bicycle maintenance. There are also free semi-monthly group bike rides and weekly group runs. CPR classes are available and cost $15 (charity donation) per class. The CPR classes award official two-year CPR/AED certification cards. There are actually two levels to the store. The second level, the mezzanine, wraps its way around the perimeter upstairs much like an elevated running track, but much wider with more space. My coat closet has over a half-dozen North Face jackets purchased from Sports Basement. My sister and mom have lots of shoes and athletic apparel from here. My sister also purchased some accessories for her GoPro here. The only thing this store lacks is a golf section. Sports Basement has excellent price matching and refund policies. The store will match any price and even apply discounts on top of matched prices. If you buy something and within three months find it for less elsewhere, the store will issue you a gift card for the difference. Finally, there is no time limit to return items for a full refund (or store credit) as long as you have a receipt. Restrooms are located at the front of the store. They are large and clean. If you're in the Bay Area and are shopping for athletic gear, Sports Basement should be one of your only stops. read more

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I love this place because I can find items year-round for my competitive swimmer! Nice selection, friendly and helpful staff.

Sports Basement is the best local option for gear of any kind. Huge selection and competitive pricing. They have what you need for just about any activity. Go ahead, test them... yoga? Frisbee golf? Trail running? MTB? Ice climbing? Yes to all. I'm still an REI member but mostly cause I believe in the coop model and enjoy the used gear option (it's the thrift model for gear). But rest assured I compare prices and selections to SB every time before buying and they always come through. Did I mention rental department... Bottom line- good prices, huge selection, friendly staff, and fun place to shop. read more

If I need something specific like hand weights this is the place to go. It's so large you kinda get overwhelmed. I joined to get the discounts but clothing and shoes are still pricey. read more

This is my second time there. My kid rent ski rental there. And those employees are super-friendly and very nice. They told me I will get 10% if you are AAA member or Costco member. They are very helpful to help my kid about some pants. Hightly recommended. read more

Everything you can want in sports is here in one place! Wow. A bit overwhelming. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Brian D. Is extremely helpful and he knowledge was amazing. When I purchase a new bike. I want Brian to help me in my purchase - Totally recommend Sport Basement !!! read more

Sports Basement - Sport Basement is huge - Sports Wear Near Me - Berkeley, California

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This was my first time going to the Sports Basement in Berkeley and comparing it to the one in Walnut Creek and San Francisco, this one is definitely the one to go to! You've got easy parking on the side of the building, temperature checks/hand sanitizer when you enter, and closed bathrooms to keep everyone safe. The layout is very spacious, clean, and the workers are all on top of greeting you when you enter their section. Be sure to sign up for their membership to get that sweet, sweet 10% off! read more

Upstairs and downstairs sporting goods. Great selection of outdoor and sports stuff. I could not believe how much stuff this store has. I was looking for a soccer ball and the pylons since I play with co-workers, we are truly influenced by the World Cup. Many choices of cleats, jerseys and accessories for adults and children. I almost purchased a backpack and I will probably go back and buy one since they have so many. Large variety of workout clothes for men and woman, much of the gear focusing on yoga and home type fitness. Biking and running gear covers alot of the rear of the store. Large selection of camping gear, climbing and backpacking equipment; almost as much as REI. Lots of Patagonia and North Face clothing and gear, I'm a Marmot type of person myself. If you can't find it here they probably don't have it. BTW no fishing or hunting gear. Helpful and friendly staff. read more

Sports Basement - Sports Wear Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Came here for an emergency Hydroflask straw cap replacement when I dropped my hydro flask in wet dirt in SF. The cashier acted like I was bothering him, no "how are you?" Or "hello". When I was shopping around the store, this other lady working behind the circular counter in the middle of the store kept staring at me for no reason. Awkward ugh. The only plus side to this store are their restrooms. Also when we tried going to the store, there were two guys protesting about something and asking us for money or our signatures.. idk.. The sports basement in SF is way better and bigger than this one. read more

#7 I freaking love Sports Basement. It's hella easy to secure rental equipment for boarding/skiing. We have an online account and they have all our info stored so it literally takes me less than 5 minutes to secure our whole tribe's rentals and pay. Some board, some ski--it's so easy with the online thing. Also, they have a parking lot and street parking that's super convenient. I am able to bring my puppy into the store without any hassle--in fact 100% of the employees that we've encountered are super sweet to our Pomsky, the toddler and my partner's indecisiveness ;) +1 for hospitality! I bought a new Spyder coat for our latest Tahoe trip and didn't check the size--saw it/grabbed it--yeah, not the best idea. Anyway, they took it back after I ripped the tag off with no questions. I exchanged for my actual size. I would NEVER go anywhere else. Sports Basement has everything we need, constant deals and forever sales, they love puppies and kids and questions--AMAZING! We love you Sports Basement! read more

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Huge and great selection for sporting goods. Like literally this store is huge I think it's an old gym that had a track on the second level? They're open during covid but will check your temp before you walk in. It takes 2 seconds so be chill. Never encountered a grumpy employee here and everyone is open for questions and being helpful. I went in recently to look at bike stuff and asked the dude at the bike desk what kind of oil to buy to install my kick stand. He directed me to right place but realized they were sold out (just like a lot of things right now) so just gave me a little baggy of grease that they use in their bike shop. Super helpful! There's a lot of super nice things here so it's easy to watch all your money fly away but who doesn't want some cool ass outdoor gear. Def shop here when you gotta GET THE GEAR. read more

Sports Basement rentals is both the best and ABSOLUTE WORST thing they do. It baffles me every time and at every location that somehow even after reserving a rental online days in advance it's still TAKES AN HOUR to pickup a pair of boots that, I repeat, were reserved well in advance. The rental pickup system is the most atrocious process I've ever seen. This is literally the primary thing you do and you make it take longer than buying a house somehow?????? Like take my ID, my credit card and give me the rental gear. That's it. It's really not hard. They always say, "we have so many people coming in." There were only 5 people in front of me in line when it took an hour to get some boots. Why are the same people checking out rentals, the same people that are sizing and adjusting people's boards. Please for the love of God - separate these things!!!! read more