I'm an avid runner doing 30-35 miles per week, and having just moved to CA at the beginning of the summer, I wasn't sure where to go for a new shoe consult. I actually found Transports here on Yelp and decided to give them a try. I went to the location on College and got immediate, personal service. My consult, which started with a quick, videotaped treadmill run, was in-depth and covered everything I needed. I ended up with the pair of shoes I expected (the next model of my regular Asics) but it felt great to have such attention and care from the employee who helped me. He even offered to put me on their group run email list! So awesome. Thanks again! read more

As a swimmer I have a difficulty finding goggles that keep the water out of my eyes. A friend said Transports would find me a good pair. So, not expecting much, I transported myself to Transports. They took time and every care to get me a good goggle. Now, here's the part that gets them 5 stars: the goggles leaked. I took them back after 3 weeks of wear. I was hoping for, at the most, a store credit. They gave me all my money back, no questions, no argument. That's a class act. read more

Awesome store. Expert advice. I was extremely impressed with the advice and running shoes I bought here! Great customer service.

Great shoes to choose from and really good service. They can video tape you running on the treadmill and play it back in slow-motion to help determine what type of shoe you need. Sure, you can get a better price on zappos, but if you want to be certain of the size and fit of your shoes check these guys out! read more

This place is awesome! I walked in at 6pm (not knowing they close at 6 on weekdays) and Maya (?) was nice enough to stay and fit me for running shoes! I desperately needed help picking shoes and she took the time to evaluate my walking, suggest 4 different shoes, look at my old shoes, etc etc even though it was already past 6. Such a nice experience! I will definitely be back for my next pair of shoes and for running gear! read more

Not that they need another 5 star review, but I live around the corner and had stopped in a few times for little things, but no shoe purchases. Wanted to try on a pair of Vibram fivefinger shoes, and had gone to REI first, thinking they'd have them in stock in more colors/sizes etc. Wrong. REI doesn't have them in stock although they sell a few pairs online. So back home and I think to myself, self, why not try that athletic shoe store around the corner. No, not See Jane Run, the other one. Super friendly and helpful staff. She let me try them on and run around outside so I could feel the sidewalk. These are seriously thin barefoot-esque shoes. The saleslady (sorry, no idea what her name was, tall brunette), has a pair, but was honest about not running in them. Didn't have the black pair, but they're new on the market, but I got me a pair of the vibrant aqua blue ones, plus a pair of injinji socks. And get this, cheaper or at least the same price as everywhere else I've seen them online. Sweet. Love that they're around the corner. read more

I'm new to running and, after wearing some basic shoes and injuring myself, it was recommended I actually go get fitted at a proper running shoes store. Transports was recommended by other runners and I went today; I wasn't disappointed. Richie (sp?) asked me a lot of questions about my running, what I was training for, what I'd been wearing, and what my doctor told me about my injury, etc., then took his time explaining the different types of shoes to me. He brought out several pair for me to try based on my needs, and had me test them both on the treadmill and outside (I've NEVER been to another shoe store where staff encourage customers to run down the street in shoes they haven't paid for yet!) Richie also videotaped me running on the treadmill, and together we looked at the tape and saw what the problem was. I've never done that before and it was very informative. I left with a new pair of running shoes and inserts, plus tax, for $150. Pricey, but worth it (to me) considering the good service I got and the information I gained. I hope the shoes and inserts work out, but if not, I was assured I could come back for an exchange. read more

Stopped in today to replace & upgrade road and trail running shoes. Great selection (including Inov-8, New Balance, Asics, Brooks, Adidas, Nike, Saucony, etc), very helpful & knowledgeable staff. I left with two new pairs, both feel awesome! read more

I've only shopped here a few times but I've made a couple of purchases and have always been favorably impressed by these folks. Everyone who works here seems like they are actually athletes themselves. That helps a lot in the knowledge department. I've also got to give this place a 1/2 point to a full point just because of the cool neighborhood. read more

Top knotch service and they were the only place in the bay area where I could find a pair of Vibram Five Fingers in my size. So stoked to break these things in. Even got a great lunch recommendation out of the deal. Super knowledgeable staff and had more running shoes and equipment than most stores Ive been in twice their size. Off and barefoot running! read more

This store has great selection, great service, and a strong commitment to helping the community. We live right down the street and we only buy our running shoes from this store and have never been disappointed. The employees really know what they're talking about and will help you find the perfect pair of shoes. On top of that, Kei was so kind and helpful when I contacted him regarding supporting a race I coordinate for the Native American community at Lake Merritt. I was touched by the generosity and philanthropy he displayed on behalf of Transports and decided it's time to write a review that is long overdue. Please support this great local store. read more

Good selection of goggles, though not as extensive as I would imagine for a specialty store. Sports Basement had almost as many choices. Price is list, so a bit higher than you might pay elsewhere, but you get helpful guidance and they let you try them on and explain the pros and cons so in the end it's worth coming here. I was happy with my purchase of my Vanquisher 2.0 plus mirror-lens goggles that make me look like a harpoon assassin from a James Bond movie. read more

Great service and selection local company. Take advantage of the treadmill analysis. I went from injured to San Francisco Marathon full in a few months! The right tools are essential! read more

Great selection of shoes. Staff has excellent knowledge and experience. You can tell that they are really passionate about running!

I came in to purchase a legit pair of running shoes and found out that I had been wearing the wrong size! The salesgirl observed my stride and then recommended a comfortable pair of running shoes that almost a year later and upon visiting my physical therapist he confirmed the shoes were well suited for my feet and I agree as up until my injury running was painless. Even though the shoes were pricey they are definitely worth it. I was in and out in 15 minutes and can't wait to come back for my next pair :) read more

Great service and knowledgeable staff. The people at this store know their stuff, and they're eager to help without being pushy. There's a great selection of gear - not just running gear. I would say that the prices are reasonable too, which sometimes isn't the case when you pick a small store over the big box. read more

I was very disappointed in my Transports experience. I waited to be helped even though there was only one other customer. I explained the type of shoe I wanted, they told me to stick with what I had, even though I said I was willing to look at other options. My feet were not measured , they used my old shoes as a guide and then I was told they didn't have my size, but they could order it two days from now and then it would be a week. I've been told by the elite runners I know this is the place. Well, maybe for them, but for me, I won't bother again. I sort of waffle between 1 and 2 stars, but for a shoe store not to even bother measuring your feet, I'll go with 1. read more

Great Experience. The person who helped me was super knowledgeable. Was not trying to push anything on my only trying to find the best shoe for me. I am not a runner so it was great to have an expert help me along the way. Will for sure go back for my next pair. read more

pretty impressive bunch at transports. the store was packed so I received tag team service but it was great. They had me walk and brought out several shoes for overpronation in narrow width. The staff was very patient and helped me find the right shoe. definitely recommend to those interested in personalized service. read more

Transports is the best running store in Calfornia. All of the employees are runners, and they take time to find the best fit for you.

great store with patient staff and as everyone has noted --- they all seem to be runners. check out the white board at the back of the store -- it lists the running shoes that the staff is currently using.. they also helped me with the heel/toe drop issue and find the right balance of drop ( not 'zero' and not '12 mm') somewhere in between. running is even easier now read more

I'm still blown away by the service here, and at their store on Solano! Most helpful, patient, attentive and kind staff you'll ever meet :)

Showed up AT closing time and the girl who was cashing out the register stopped and let me in to buy a pair of goggles. Very nice people. Also, they have a good selection of goggles, including Kaiman, which are my very favorite. Thanks, Transports! The saleswoman said they were moving in the direction of getting more triathlon-specific gear, and they seemed to have a good selection of swimming and running stuff. read more

I just had a terrible shopping experience at Transports. Way back before the Yelp days, I purchased a pair of shoes there and, wow, the service was excellent as many of the reviews here acknowledge. A young woman 'helped' me out today. I wanted to try a pair of the Vibram Five Fingers because I heard good things about them. She asked me what size and I told her that I wasn't exactly sure but told her 8.5 or 9. She told me that she didn't think they had the size but went back to check which was nice of her. She came out with one pair. If you haven't seen these shoes before, they are quite different from typical shoes because the front portion is divided for each toe. I struggled a bit trying to get them on because I couldn't quite figure out how to put them on (my toes kept wanting to share a toe slot in the shoe). The sales clerk stood about five feet away watching the big screen which was showing the Olympics (must have been a recording). I asked if they had a larger size and she said the next size up was four sizes up (at least what was currently in stock) so I asked her for the next size up in a different vibram shoe. She brought one out and then continued to watch the television. I tried the other shoe on and then went back and tried the first pair just to feel the difference. Neither of them felt quite right so I asked again for the next size. She got the next size which fit much better. There was one other customer in the store. She had a much better shopping experience. Her sales clerk totally engaged her. He asked questions, figured out various solutions, and was an outstanding salesperson who clearly understood what he was talking about. I'm bumping up to 2 stars for 2 reasons. 1) The other salesperson was phenomenal and 2) my salesperson won some points when she checked inventory at the other store without me having to ask. Next time I return, I'll seek the attentive staff. read more

This is a great place and has a good selection. All of the workers are athletes which is great, though they don't have a strong knowledge of the mechanics of the shoes, most of their advice comes from personal experience. You can get GUs here though, which is fabulous! read more

They have a decent selection of swimwear and often times have the 100% polyester suits on sale. They also carry zoomers, goggles, noseclips. I also bought a wetsuit there at a decent price. Minuses: Never got a pair of running shoes from these guys that I've liked. I don't know why but they either don't fit right or rip right away. Also, they're no REI when it comes to returns. read more

Great selection and they record your run so you can see how the shoes help with your feet ( esp if you tend to roll in like me). I dont think they are as good at detecting what you need when they just eye like lafoot ppl do but if you go to lafoot and then here you've got your info and your selection. read more

I'm new to running, and Transports was recommended by Team and Training. I went there because I had been having trouble with my feet. I hoped that their technology and expertise could help me get the best shoes for my upcoming marathon. My experiences were disappointing. Their treadmill machine was broken, and the assessment done by the staff member was no better than that done by the "inexperienced" staff at Sports Basement. (It turns out that both stores were wrong about my feet.) While there, the staff seemed insensitive to the fact that I was trying to do my best to try on shoes and juggle two unhappy kids. Although there was no one else in the store, I felt pushed through the process. I'd give them three stars for that experience, except that a few weeks later they were difficult when I returned the shoes. I did so with the assurance of my coach that the store would take them back. I was over their 30 day minimum, but I hadn't worn the shoes since the first two runs. I understood that they might say no, which would have been fine. Rather than saying no, they complained about it, and accepted the return grudgingly. Honestly, I would have been happier to have been turned down on the return than given grief for it and have it accepted. End result: yucky taste in my mouth about this store. If the drive isn't too bad, I highly recommend Fleet Feet in Pleasanton. read more

I've never written a review on Yelp before but these guys blew me away. I came to get a pair of running shoes and the guy at Transports gave me such careful attention - asking questions, observing the way I walk, looking at my old running shoes and instantly making observations on my stride based on them, describing the different options - I could hardly believe it. My Dad was visiting from Boston and came with me, and when we left the store, he said, "That was amazing - I've never seen anything like it." Plus - reasonable prices - yay! read more

I've been going to Transports since 1995, and they're the best running shop I've been to. The staff know running equipment and have always helped me select the right shoes as my needs have changed. read more

Great store. Staff was courteous, patient, and informative. I walked up and spoke with the assistant who turned out to be the store manager. I said I was just starting running and wanted assistance getting the right shoe. He checked my stride(not on the treadmill) and physically checked the fit each time I tried a new shoe. Let me run outside a bit with different ones etc. I have always had an impossible time finding shoes that fit me(normal or running) sometimes even going home empty handed or to another store, but he handled it...like a boss. He was there the whole way, listening to my input and seemed to very quickly narrow in on what I needed. No slouching on service here. Left the store with two different pairs. read more

The only store in Berkeley that has a good selection of running shoes and swimsuits. Also they have the friendliest staff who are all extremely knowledge about finding the right pair of running shoes for you. read more

Good running shoe store. Good selection of shoes to choose from. Friendly and helpful staff who are knowledgable.

Solid place to pick up some running shoes. The people were working there were super patient and helped me find the right pair of shoes.

got some running shoes here today. jenny helped me out. she was cool if not a little TOO fit but uh i guess that's her job as she works in an athletic shoe store. so: she watched me walk (that was hot) then had me try on about a bajillion pairs of shoes until we found the right fit. she was very patient with my many ridiculous questions like, "running is stupid, it must be hard to work in a store that glorifies running because it is so stupid. please, go on. tell me more." anyway, all of the employees are runners themselves and they even have a board saying how many marathons each of them completed and other impressive statistics that educate you about how much better and more fit they are than you. they also appear to sell some running apparel and swim stuff. read more

I love my shoes . I have bought them again; they are so comfy and I have another pair of the same in a different color. the men who work there are really nice and helpful. thanks Solano Avenue also. read more

Transports is wonderful. I have been shopping here for 20 years or so! A few years back I was told by the podiatrist I needed to have motion control shoes, and there would be no more Nike running shoes for me! I wasn't told much else during that 10 minute visit, but I was given a list of acceptable shoes. I took the list into Transports, wondering what I would wear after wearing Nike running shoes for almost 30 years. They spent 45 minutes with me, analyzing my gait on the treadmill with various shoes on; much more care and attention than I got at the podiatrist! I got set up with Brooks Ariel running shoes, and they have worked out well. I was amazed that for a 50-something jogger, not a young elite runner, that they spent so much time helping me get the perfect shoe. Service like this is rare. I will remain a loyal customer, and hopefully will jog till I am at least 80! Sincerely, Amy Ballard Rich read more

looking to pick up some vibram kso's but they didn't have my size. guy nice, called other store for me. very helpful and patient.

This place was recommended by a friend. I dropped in to check out their swim selection. Though this place is small, they stock a pretty impressive selection. What warrants the four stars? Their incredibly helpful staff! They answered every question I had regarding the different materials offered for swim caps and also gave me cool pointers when shopping for goggles. I'll definitely be back. read more

On recommendation I went in to buy a pair of running shoes. After performing an assessment + video of running, Chris suggested four different pairs / styles giving comparison notes for each. The staff are extremely helpful and knowledgeable, take as much time as needed and are friendly through-out. Highly recommend, I will be back when I need my next pair. read more