I was a little hesitant - I've always just gone to whatever sports store was having a sale and grabbed the most comfortable pair of sneakers, but I figured it was about time to get something that fits. I walked in to Transports, was greeted warmly and a woman started helping me within a few minutes. First I had to walk up and down the length of the store so she could see what support I need. She explained all of it to me and disappeared only to return with 3 boxes of shoes. The first pair she handed me were it! (I tried on all 3, but nothing felt like the first pair.) I felt totally taken care of, paid a good price, and will happily return again! No more sports store do it yourself fittings for moi. Oh, and I was surprised at the amazing goggle selection they have as well! read more

I used to like this place but they haven't adjusted their service well to the pandemic. It's confusing what the process is to shop there now. When I went there I saw a person outside. They had a shoebox so I guessed they had already bought their shoes and were waiting for someone who was inside. I nodded hello and they didn't say anything about a line. There's no sign on the front door or staff outside telling you to wait to be called so I foolishly started to open the door when the person outside barked at me "there's a line!". There was no info on how long the wait would be so I left. I called later to ask when it was less busy but they had no advice. Suggest going to a more organized store. read more

This place was awesome! I went in today looking for a new pair of shoes to train to run a half marathon. Sarah approached me to help and after I explained what I was looking for, she studied my walk, measured my foot, and brought out a few pairs to try on. She encouraged me to either run outside or on a treadmill to really get a feel for the shoes, then brought out even more options and cushion levels to make sure I was getting exactly what I wanted. 5 starts for: Really knowledgeable staff -- Great selection for runners -- Excellent customer service read more

*Edit: After writing the review below, I was unhappy with the shoes, so I went back to exchange them for a different pair. This time a very knowledgable, observant, and friendly employee helped me find a pair of shoes that actually fit my feet and took the old ones back no questions asked! Based on fit, he convinced me to take a chance with a different brand than I normally buy. The shoes have been great. If this was the only experience I'd had, they'd get 5 stars. ______(Old Review)______ I want to give this place 5 stars. Some of the staff members obviously know their stuff, but I have to give 2 because I got stuck with the one guy who didn't. I went in yesterday to purchase a new pair of running shoes. I wanted to talk to someone knowledgable and enthusiastic about the shoes. Instead I got a younger staff member who seemed like he couldn't care less about being there. He placed me in a category of shoes based on my stride, which was useful, but other than that knew very little about the shoes. What he did tell me was only what a Brooks representative who had come by store recently told him about their shoes. It was a frustrating experience, because each one of the other staff members in the store (who were sadly helping others) seemed to know so much more. I wanted to demand to talk to someone else but felt very awkward about that. A fellow customer knew more about the shoes I was trying on than did the staff member who was helping me. I left the store with a pair of shoes that felt comfortable, but I certainly wasn't confident they were the best fit. I might go back, but I will demand to talk to someone who can actually assist me (Transports: if you are reading this, please educate that staff member). read more

I went back to pick up my shoes. The girl that helped me was far from friendly, and left me with a bad taste in my mouth although I do not think it was her intention. Quite a strange departure from Maya's cheery, helpful attitude. After I told the lady that I was part of a running club with a discount at the store, she replied, "Well OK... I don't even know if that group gets the discount but I'll just believe you." This is after a REALLY awkward session of trying shoes on and asking about "How to lace the top of the shoe..." "However it feels best on your ankle." Thanks, I didn't know that. Now, how does that make me feel? You go to a store on the recommendation of your coach. You enjoy the service there and order not one but two pairs of shoes. You pick up the shoes and get treated like a cheap-ass or someone that's unsavvy. Maybe that saleslady was having a bad day, but I don't give a damn. Lighten up. Learn a thing or two from Maya, who is awesome. I should note that I only purchased one of the pairs of shoes because I just didn't feel good about giving the store 250$ today. So my rating is deducted to a 4. The main reason being, had I encountered today's saleswoman on my first visit to the store, I would have felt really crappy about "that elitist runner's store." I got the shoe store treatment I expect to get at Footlocker. This is not what makes Transports such a great place. Hope the lady that helped me doesn't ruin it for the store. read more

Staff was friendly and helpful enough. This place seems like more of a running store than a swimmin store, though that may have a lot to do with the season. Their website says that they stock swimming gear year-round, though... My main beef was that they didn't have any drag suits. There's not really a whole lot of different swimming gear out there; suits of various types, pull bouys, paddles, goggles, and some other misc. items. Really, that's not a whole lot to stock, so, IMO, not having drag suits is not acceptable, especially when other non-specialty stores carry them. read more

I love this place SO much! I came in for some shoes that would be comfortable to walk in (I walk all over the East Bay/SF) and I couldn't have had a better experience! They not only took the time to have me walk on the treadmill and see my walking habits, but also presented me with multiple shoe options in different price/style ranges so I can find the perfect shoe! And let me tell you... these shoes are COMFY. Love them! A+++! read more

Good specialty running store with pretty knowledgeable staff, although I wish they would be a little more forward with offering their knowledge, since I'm sure many people who walk in here are running newbies who don't even know where to start or what questions to ask. Like my boyfriend, for example...I dragged him in here to get a pair of proper running shoes (he's never had one, he's been running in hiking shoes, work shoes, etc). We walked in, and the store was a bit busy, but someone came over to help us and I had to do most of the talking, since my boyfriend didn't know what to ask and the staff wasn't as forthcoming or proactive as I had hoped. But it's ok, because he recommended 3 good pairs and let him try them on and run outside. After a little bit I decided to try on some shoes too so I asked him for some recommendations. He gave me the most popular one, a pair of Brooks Adrenaline, and I ran on the treadmill with it and asked for videotaping too (I wish he had offered these in the first place?). I ended up buying them after doing a quick price check online and finding they were fairly priced. read more

Not wanting to haul my butt to the San Francisco or Berkeley REIs, I recently went over to Transports to feed my desire for a pair of Vibram FiveFingers. I came here once before, curious about the shoes, but turned them down in favor of my own homemade barefoot sandals. A year later, I finally gave in to something a little more comfortable and protective for hiking. The first thing I noticed was the staff. Most, if not all of them, are serious runners; in fact, they have a TV on the ceiling broadcasting some marathon on any given day, and you'll sometimes find them commenting on this runner or that poor dude. There are always at least four of them going around helping people, and they can easily help 6 or 7 people without breaking a sweat (haha, no pun intended...). The first time I went and seriously tried a pair of Vibrams, the staff member who helped me explained the difference between the models, pointing out little details about the soles, materials, etc, and made suggestions on what models is best for my particular activity. By my own kludginess, I tested their patience with annoying customers by exchanging my Vibrams twice; the first time, I went for one size smaller... and then I came back for the previous size because two toes didn't fit (grr.....). The guy who took my second exchange raised an eyebrow, but didn't give any sour faces or an attitude when I told my story. Gotta give these guys credit for tolerance :P The store itself has a large selection of shoes and fitness wear, for a store its size. It isn't the be-all gear store that REI is; Transports specializes in running and swimming stuff. You might find some biking clothes here and there, but don't count on getting hiking shoes or parkas. Pricing is decent. They'll have sales sometimes, but only for a very small selection of shoes. Though the Vibrams are about 5 bucks cheaper than retail. Perhaps the best part is the amount of freedom you have in trying on your shoes. Run a few yards on the treadmill in the store window, jump around, do a couple of laps in the store, take your sweet time. I heard you can even run around outside, though do ask for permission first. Great local shop. I'll go to Transports any day over REI for running goods. ^_^ !! read more

My daughter runs track for Bishop O'Dowd. Her freshman year her teammates suggested Transports for spikes and training gear. We have been happy customers for the past four years. They are GREAT! Knowledgeable staff, very supportive of local teams and a great selection of gear. She's gone through a couple of sets of spikes as well as training shoes. Each time we go back the store experts help her choose what works for her. She's never been disappointed. Nice folks too! read more

I'm not super sporty but my friend suggested i go here to by running shoes since I'm trying to be more active and run a few times a week. The salespeople were very attentive and knowledgeable, my guy asked me to walk around barefoot a bit so he could observe my gait and recommend the appropriate kind of shoe, asked me how my current shoes felt while running, what kind of pain i had experienced if any, and measured my feet. They had a bunch of shoes in my correct size 10.5 women) and in different colors, I didn't even have to get men's shoes! He encouraged me to run outside or on a treadmill so I could really see how they feel. i bought a cute and comfy pair for $100 (not bad!) and look forward to returning here when it comes time for a new pair! read more

Came here to get fitted for running shoes, and I gotta echo what all of the other 5-star reviews are saying: super friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff, nice environment, and no pushy sales people. I really loved that they encouraged me to take the shoes outside onto the pavement to see how they felt. I also especially liked how they didn't try to sell me any other crap that I didn't need. Great small, independent local business to support! read more

Good service, good selection, reasonably priced. No complaints here. I would definitely go back when I to buy another pair of shoes-- the staff was super helpful. They also have a treadmill in the store so you can test your shoes before purchase. UPDATE: I've now bought my last 3 pairs of running shoes from here and I love the costumer service!! Last time I was in,it took me over an hour to decide and the staff was incredible patient and supportive. Lovely shoes! read more

This used to be our go to place to buy shoes for my son when he was running xc and track. Customer service is not the same. My husband went in looking to purchase a new pair of running shoes and not a single worker greeted him/offer service, simply just looked at him. Disappointing! read more

I wear orthotics and needed walking shoes. After leaving another store where service was terrible, had great experience here. Small as they are, they had the exact shoe I was looking for, plus showed me another pair I liked. Got a good price also. read more

Both my trail and road shoes had reached the point of no return; holes, heels worn way down, 1 yr+ of lots of running. They were done. Wanted to make it a relatively short painless shopping trip so i picked a neighborhood with two good running shops with in two blocks. Called prior to heading over. I had a couple of questions for each; the reception and info i got on the phone convinced me Transports was the spot. Got there and was helped by two great sales folks. Its great to get real, knowledgeable assistance. Several try-ons later, i walked out with a new pair of trail and road shoes. That's a LOT of $ for me, and i would have walked out and thought it over for another few weeks with out the great service, selection and help. AND they enthusiastically took my old shoes, to send off to be turned into playground base material. Thank you! read more

My oldest son decided to take up cross country running one month ago. So far he's placed in the races he's run and it seems as tho' this is the beginning of my long, expensive relationship with running shoes! I was never much of a runner myself and have mostly focused on swimming and yoga (the outfits are skimpier, but once you've got 'em, they just don't seem to wear out the way running shoes do...) Anyway, so now the middle child is into sporting shoes, too...So I found myself at Transports and it could not have been a more pleasant experience.. The staff are all either Cal alumni, or current Cal runners, and they seem to take their time sizing kids' feet, making sure the shoes fit properly, and that everyone is satisfied with the transaction. They only carry 1 or 2 styles to accommodate kids' sizes, but what they had seems more than adequate. There are also all sorts of other sporting goods and the vibe of the place is decidedly up-beat. Now, if only I can score a second job for the groceries those kids devour and the shoes they are running thru' (no pun intended!)... It's not swanky and high-end, but neither is it a big ol' warehouse where you spend all day searching. The store has good quality merchandise, friendly sales people, and lots of helpful tips for running. They don't try to make a sale if the shoes are not right, which is important since it tends to be a big investment. Once upon a time this part of Rockridge was truly working class and there woud be no problem parking. It is no longer "working class" per se...it's shop, shop, shop and thus, very little, if any, parking. So, come here by all means- just be prepared to either ride your bike, park illegally in the Safeway parking lot, or scout around in the neighborhood for awhile. It's worth the trip. read more

Large selection of shoes. Brought in my old clapped out runners. The staff identified them on sight. Said I wanted the same thing in size 10. They had it in stock. Tried them in and away we go. In & out in 15 min with new shoes. And I could recycle the old ones there. Boom! read more

Came here a couple weeks back because they are one of the very few stores in the East Bay that stocks Vibram 5 Fingers. Right when I walked through the door, someone was there to help me with what I needed. Even though the store was empty, the staff was busy re-stocking and could have easily ignored us, and since the store itself is a bit small, it's not like I could have wandered anywhere unseen. Anyway, it was my first time trying on the Vibrams, and anyone who has done research on them knows how difficult it is to find the proper size. Sarah helped my brother and I and probably brought out about 8 different pairs of shoes between the 2 of us. Haha. I know that if I was doing this at your average mall shoe store, I would have gotten some attitude, but Sarah was pretty cool throughout the entire process. And of course, my fat foot would be in between sizes! I spent about an hour in the store going back and forth between 2 different shoes, walking around, doing squats and jumping up and down before I finally settled on the size that was more "comfortable." There was no pressure from any of the store folks and it was cool that they were asking me all sorts of questions to help me decide. Being a huge sneaker-holic, letting me take my time to thoroughly inspect my shoes and make sure they are perfect earns major points from me. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking to get a new pair of running shoes. Now if only they had some type of rewards program for frequent buyers as I plan to grab another pair of Vibrams within the new few weeks... read more

This was the Transports in Oakland. The girl that waited on me was so disinterested, she kept her hands in her pockets practically the entire time I was there. She took one hand out to measure my foot. She said my foot was a size 9, then she said "I would even go a nine and a half". Now, I am 60 years old, and in my whole life I have never worn anything over a size 8. But I figured she must know what she's talking about. She brought out only one style of shoe, I even pointed out several others that I liked on the wall, but she said "I'd go with these". Again, I trusted her word. So now, one week and $118.00 later, I am literally walking out of these big ass shoes. I can not return them, as I live in another state and was only visiting my son in California. I have no choice but to donate them. I tried to tell her that I didn't like how they look like snowshoes (they're Brooks, and very wide at the top), but she was concerned only with whatever the hell was in her pockets. The photo on the top is one of my shoes that fits me like a glove! read more

Transports - Shoe Stores Near Me - Oakland, California

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Transports is the best sporting goods store in the Bay Area for running and swimming products. They are well staffed, with 3-4 employees working at all times. Their employees know their stuff exceptionally well, and is always willing to provide an opinion, without being pushy or snobbish about it. Additionally, their selection is shockingly good. Although they have a small space, they always have exactly what I'm looking for every time I go in. Seriously, whoever is merchandising this place deserves a raise. Even though Transports is a small shop, their prices are not higher than the larger sporting goods stores. One more tip. This is not a sporting goods superstore (thank god). They specialize in running and swimming products. As such, you will not find golf clubs, skis, tennis rackets, etc. read more

I've bought 3 of my last pairs of shoes from this store and loved it every time. Knowledgeable, helpful staff, excellent return policy, get to try on shoes and give 'em a go on their running machine. Plus, it's a small, local business. Love it! read more

The staff here is incredible! Super knowledgeable and accommodating, and I've never had to wait to be helped despite how busy this little shop can get. I was a total pleb runner when I came here the first time, and now I feel confident in what I need. They will, without a doubt, make you a better runner no matter how serious you are in the sport. read more

Can't say enough good things. Went in today looking for running shoes for my wide and awkward feet. The guy helping me (didn't get his name but he had long blonde hair and a cast on) was soooo patient and helpful. He measured my foot and spent almost an hour with me to find me the perfect pair of shoes. I left feeling accomplished and satisfied. He even told me I have 30 days to exchange them, in case I wasn't completely happy with them. I consider myself an extremely difficult shopper so having someone be so kind and patient means everything to me. Thank you so much for everything, I really appreciate it. read more

I have been a supporter of both Transports College Ave AND Solano Ave. stores Great customer Service: the staff makes shoe recommendations based upon your bio-mechanics. They have helped me as I have transitioned between competitor to recreational fitness. Both stores offer a variety of clothing and accessories to support runners and triathletes. And they offer great support to educate and support our healthy active communities! read more

I got good, but not great customer service. When I said I needed blister powder for a half marathon they were like, hmph - a half. I'm sorry if my 13.1 miles are not good enough for you, but I have a day job that does not involve running, I can't train around the clock. So, I don't do full marathons. And I like to wear heels, so I want my feet to look cute after I finish. Soooooo, that's why I needed the blister powder. That stuff is AMAZING. Anyway, they did have the EXACT powder i was looking for. Wooo-hooooo! There was a variety of other fun gadgets and supplements. They also had body glide, which thankfully I don't need to use that often, I'm not a big chaffer. read more

Came here on the recommendation of a friend, looking for swimming gear. I was pleased to see a long sale rack and a decent selection of goggles, caps, etc. Good selection of shoes, running clothes, and accessories as well. A staff member assisted me with my goggle selection. He was friendly and informative. I'll definitely check Transports first when I need a suit. This is the dullest review I've ever written. read more

If you want customer service related to the best running shoe for your style and distance of running, come here. After a quick consultation, I got shoes to handle my pronation issues, good for 3-5 mile street runs, and a patella strap... my ongoing, persistent knee problems disappeared. I only wish I had come here sooner. update: I got schooled at Transports again today; the salespeople drop serious knowledge. read more

This is a top notch store for lots of reasons - great customer service, excellent selection. They always have really good swimsuits and an awesome clearance rack. Good selection of goggles - in addition to great shoes and patient sales reps who let you take a test run down the sidewalk. I'm a fan! read more

Today I began my 6th New Year's Resolution and shopped local. The first new year's resolution I made was to perfect my homemade deep dish pizza...mmmm. But today, running shoes. I had a great local shopping experience at Transports. The woman who helped me pick out running shoes was very friendly and knowledgeable. The price was good, and they had my size available (women's 11 (which I wear in some shoes) and 12 (the size my feet actually are, which I learned today from the employee helping me) size shoes are not always in stock, and if they are, they're not always pretty. hence a tendency to shop online). I'll be back again if I have further running or swimming needs. read more

Awesome shoe selection. Always good gear on sale. Staff is super helpful and knowledgable. Discounts for being a member of running or triathlete club. I think I've bought my last five running items from this place: shoes, shoes, shorts, shirt, hat, glide, gu, shirt...damn. This place is seriously good. read more

Best place to buy Running Shoes in the Bay. They were very helpful in helping me find the right shoes. They even put me on a treadmill and analyzed the way my foot landed to figure out what would work for me. I have been running for several years and do have knees pain among other things. After running in the shoes that i bought from here lot of the pain has been reduced. Hell the guy that helped me even helped me with runners knees and gave me little "rubber shoe pads" that help soften the impact on my knees. read more

Best local shoe spot I've ever visited. Trail shoes, running shoes, toe socks, they have it all and the staff is nice too! read more

I was so impressed by how friendly and helpful the staff was. My husband has been wanting this Vibram five finger shoes, but there isn't a store close to the Sac area that sells them. We happened to be in the area, so we stopped by. They not only had the shoes, but every color and style option. The staff were eager to help us, but not pushy. They have a treadmill in the store so you can test out any of their shoes in the store. I liked how organized the store was too. The shoes were all organized on a wall by their function, for example, the "stability" shoes were all together, and so were the "cross-trainers". They also had a pretty large section of sale shoes, and they even marked which sizes they had left, so you could find the sale shoe in your size that worked best for you. I would shop here again next time I'm in the area. read more

Small, but pretty good selection of shoes. Very courteous, knowledgeable and helpful staff - helped me pick out what I didn't know I actually needed. No-pressure sales and reasonable prices. Skip REI and go here instead read more

Great covid protocol (limiting customers) and I bought just some gu but they were very helpful with my questions and I'll be back when it's time for sneakers ! read more

My daughter ran track and cross-country in middle and high school and now in college, and I struggle to keep up to no avail. This has been our go to shop for shoes and they've been super supportive with great information and pricing. If you want to be sure you get the right shoe for you at a fair price while supporting local business, this is where you go! read more

Hands down this is the best local store for athletes. The staff are talented and passionate runners themselves, so they know what they are talking about. The first time I went to Transports, I told the salesperson about an old model of shoe that I liked (from several years before). Not only did he know the shoe and its qualities, he was able to show me the comparable current model and describe exactly what had changed. Impressive, considering that there are hundreds of models and shoe companies are constantly changing their products. I am always impressed by their knowledge, selection (for running, and swimming gear as well), and customer service. No snobs here, they are very beginner friendly, too. Don't waste your time (or money) going anywhere else. read more

As a total, non-athlete, desk jockey with recent random knee trouble I decided a change in shoes would do me good. The very helpful staff here took my problem seriously without any condescension about my lack of running skills. Within a few minutes they diagnosed my walking pattern, lack of arches, and pronated walk pattern, and set me up with a bunch of stability control shoes to try. They were attentive to my unique foot shape and knew the brands that to try. I walked out of the store with the first pair that the sales person brought me. Week later: knee trouble solved. On the flip side, it sucks that I can't wear the stylish Ecco shoes that I've worn for years anymore and now must wear dorky New Balance running shoes all the time, but it's a small price to pay for lack of knee pain. read more

I came here with my girlfriend to get her a pair of running shoes for her first 5k. Knowing nothing about running other than if my pathetic sprint can get me to the bus before the door closes, I turned to yelp. This place was awesome. We were greeted instantly, got some intense customer service and some great shoes. They let my lady take a 'test jog' up and down the block (maybe i was her collateral?) with a couple pairs of shoes and recorded her on the treadmill to assure proper support. If she keeps up the running, there's no question we'll be back. read more