If you're serious about running and want to make sure you look and feel good while you're about it, this is a perfect stopping-off point. Staff are very knowledgeable, helpful and professional and give excellent insight from the true enthusiast's perspective. Ensure that you get the optimal shoes for your running style through gait analysis on the in-store treadmill. There's plenty of space for browsing here, too, and although there's a decent selection from reputable, practical ranges, the choice isn't so overwhelming as to impede decision making. If injury is a concern they can offer useful preventative tips or, if needed, refer you to the on-site therapist for treatment. Whether it's shoes, socks (an amazingly specific selection), hats, gloves, tees, sports underwear or outerwear - you're likely to satisfy all your running needs. read more

Sweatshop was founded in 1971 by Chris Brasher, Olympic gold medallist and co-creator of the London Marathon, and it's first shop was this small runners paradise in suburban Teddington. Since then, the small shop has become the European base for many of the world's top distance athletes, and their stock really is second to none. As well as stocking the best products and having the biggest choice, nearly all Sweatshop's staff are from sporting backgrounds, from international runners and rowers to organisers of triathlons and fitness instructors. Their enthusiasm reflects in the sales manner, and service and knowledge is truly excellent. Equipped with instore treadmills, addidas footscanning machines to find the best shoes for you, and made-to-measure shoes, in my opinion there is no better sports shop in all of london. read more

What should be a great store is let down but some truly awful staff! I attempted to by some running shoes for my wife, getting to the point of purchase was not a problem, the chap knew his stuff and was helpful and thorough. With the gait analysis complete, trainers tried and tested, we moved on to purchase! Sadly, that was where it all went very horribly sour... ...The trainers my wife settled on had been worn and returned (weird they should have been put back into stock when they were muddy), this was not picked up on until we were in the queue to pay. On pointing it out to a new sales person, a new pair was sought. On returning he announced that they would be £40 more because they were in the new colour! We asked to speak to the manager who came back and told us exactly the same thing, if we wanted the new shoes, they would cost an extra £40. We asked why we should have to pay extra just because of the new colour and were told that there was nothing she could do! We asked if she would give us the custom insoles as a goodwill gesture, and were told; no, these are an additional £45. So from trainers and insoles costing £115 we were not looking at £155...take it or leave it!! So we left it and will source the shows somewhere else! The Sweatshop lost out on £115 for the sake of a little common sense and good customer service! read more

I ran my first parkrun this past Saturday and ended up with pain on the outside of my left knee. I went into Sweatshop at 11am and despite the shop being very busy Tim, the Manager, spent 45 minutes with me having me try on 6 pairs of different shoes to ensure I tried all the options and made the right decision, he videoed my running gait, explained everything and moulded some inserts that I hope will help. Excellent service and far and away the best running shoe shop that I have ever visited with first class service. No doubt you could find cheaper shoes online, but will they be the right fit and shape for your running style? I highly recommend The Sweatshop in Teddington. read more

Used to be great but now full of cheap Karrimor gear and different caliber of staff. Real shame as this was a place for runners to get expert advice now it's just another arm of the Sports Direct machine. Don't get me wrong SD has a place but if it owns everything where is the consumer choice. For example the most important item for runners is shoes. These used to be front of shop now they are tucked away at the back so there can be Karrimor running gear at the front. There seems to be continual sales on and where staff used to take time, talk to customers, chat about running etc so consumers had a running experience and they paid extra for this through the products. Now it's cheap products and an attitude of get them out asap. I am sure Chris Brasher would be proud. read more

I am a runner, and part of the running community in Teddington; and I think the shop is very good, but beware, DO NOT BUY IN STORE UNTIL YOU HAVE LOOKED ON LINE. I purchased an adidas running vest, which I thought was on the sale rack (along with some other items) and when I reviewed my bill the next day, I was charged full price (£29.99). I checked the website and it is £22.00!! I contacted the office and they replied: 'We do apologise for any confusion caused by our on-line and in-store pricing system. Our website does state that Sweatshop online outlets and retail outlets operate separately and this may mean that prices and offers may vary and may only be available for limited periods. All prices and offers are subject to availability and may be withdrawn or amended at our discretion. The prices on the Website may differ to prices in our retail stores, catalogues or elsewhere. Unfortunately we would be unable to offer a reimburse the difference' All I can say is check on line first, plus it puts me off shopping in the store and with the company in total if that is their attitude. There is a big running community and word can spread quickly. I worked for many years at Marks and spencer and their policy was always customer service first!!! NOT AT SWEATSHOP!!!!! read more

I've used the Sweatshop for quite a few years and been very happy with their service. However, recently it's not been so good. The shops stock is increasingly dominated by Nike and Nike branding - a pity because it I appreciated that they could impartially advise me across a wider ranges of brands. Also problematic is the utterly haphazard way in which customers are served. On a recent trip in an admittedly busy store I was told by two different staff members that they would get to me in 15 minutes. One even directed me to sit in a particular place so you won't lose your place. 45 minutes later, with all the staff serving people that had arrived after me, I gave up and left the store. Frustrating when you've come in with the intention of buying shoes and have to leave with your money still in your hand. So, perhaps people should look elsewhere, especially if they can only get there when the store is busy. I went to Runners Need and got good service there. Run and Become has also been good over the years. read more

Really felt I was in good hands with the knowledgeable and professional service received with gait test for my son and I as well as trainers offered and would recommend. However, after spending £90 on two pairs of insoles and £95 on a pair of trainers for my son, I was really disappointed to find the trainers elsewhere for £25 cheaper. I didn't buy pair offered to me in store for £95 but did buy the exact same pair online elsewhere for £57! The same trainers were also £25 cheaper on their own website - shocking! read more

Another great experience here today. Nico was very thorough doing all the analysis for my husband. He recommended a type of shoe based on the analysis and provided three for him to try. Unfortunately, he was not keen on the wacky styles available in his size. There was no hard sell and although he left the shop empty handed, will probably buy from the sweatshop online where there is more choice. Really, if you want a pair of decent trainers that suit your physical needs, I can't recommend this place highly enough. I bought a pair from them some years ago and they got me through a weekend walking 60 miles without a single blister. We experienced the same excellent customer service and expertise today that we did then, pre SD ownership. read more