Fleet Feet Sports

Super friendly and knowledgeable staff. Whereas one can buy running shoes from any number of places, Fleet Feet takes the time to help you find the right shoe. They also have a great return policy.

Reasons I love Fleet Feet and keep coming back despite the fact that I have moved away (China for 2 years, Boston for 3) and have other shoe stores I could go to:
1. They take the time to work with me on finding the right fit;
2. They give out great advice not only on finding the right shoe but also the right equipment;
3. EVERYONE at the store is incredibly friendly and truly cares, even by VT standards;
4. They go above and beyond to take care of their customers.
Case in point:
I recently bought a new pair of shoes from a brand I have bought before. First, when I purchased them, they didn’t have my size. No problem – they special ordered them IN THE COLOR I WANTED and called me as soon as they were in. It was great when they called, too, because the person on the phone was so excited for me, saying that «they’re the coolest looking pair of shoes I’ve seen!»
When I got the shoes, he was right – they’re freaking awesome.
Fast forward to me running in them for the second time. My left foot hurt. No biggie, I thought. Just a new shoe. Third time in them, I took the shoe off and my toe was bleeding. Not cool.
So, today I called in and spoke with the same dude who called me originally. I explained my situation and this is what they did for me:
1. They would call in for a replacement pair AND send them to me when they got in!!!;
2. Since I’m not local anymore, they told me that I could either ship them back to the store OR I can bring them back the next time I’m in town.
Seriously – where else do you get that kind of service???
A while ago, I also recommended that my dad go there because he was just starting to run. He had a fantastic experience as well and they helped him find the «most comfortable pair of sneakers» he has ever owned. Every time I speak to him on the phone, he talks about how much he loves the shoes and how it feels like he’s wearing nothing on his feet.
Yes, the prices at Fleet Feet might be high, but you are not just paying for the shoe/​accessory/​whatever. You are also getting expert advice from a group of fellow runners who genuinely want you to have the best experience both in the store and on the trail.
Thank you so much to Tim, Eric and the whole crew for taking care of me over the last six years!!!

After landing in Burlington, on my way to run the VT 100, I realized that I forgot my Garmin charger at home. I decided to stop by Fleet Feet, thinking that I might just have to buy a new watch. Instead, they offered to loan me a charger (that weird alligator clip), telling me to «bring it back whenever you’ve found your charger.» They didn’t even ask for my name — just handed me the charger, and watched me walk out the door.
When I returned the charger on Monday, they asked how the race went, and off I went to the airport.

The people here really know their stuff. I felt completely taken care of, and got an absolutely fantastic pair of shoes.