The Starting Line

They are the real deal. They don’t carry tons of shoes, only good ones by the top brands. If you’re a true runner or walker, this is your place. These guys know shoes. They have easy parking in the back. I was in and out within 10 min. Oh and, they encouraged me to walk a block outside to try the shoes!

Starting Line is my go-​to place for running shoes: Their staff is knowledgeable and patient. They take time to listen to what kind of sports you do and any other special details, i.e., beginner runner, or racer, etc.
They will watch you walk to check your gait and examine your current running shoes (the soles of them) to determine how you wear them out — to help you find an appropriate shoe: «neutral, stability, or control» so you get one that best suits you.
They offer a 10% discount on their shoes and they sell Mizunos, Brooks, Asics, and others, that are not found in chain sporting goods stores — and they are worth buying — meaning, better performance and wear.

Customer service like this no longer exists in the world! David assessed my walk and grabbed a few pairs from the back. He even grabbed a pair off the sale rack. He asked questions: are you training for something? Do you run mainly on the road or thread mill? He had me try on each shoe and run up and down the block to test them out, all while assessing my run and the shoes on me.
I didn’t feel like they were trying to get me to buy the most expensive shoe. They took their time with me and all my questions/​concerns. Plus you get 30 days with the shoes to see how you feel about them. Talk about no stress shopping! For as long as I live in LA, I will never buy running shoes from anywhere else.
Side note. Parking can be difficult because it’s such a busy area.

Really helpful for my first experience in a running shop. They even saved me money by finding a pair on sale.

I was in desperate need of proper running shoes to complete my first half marathon. Doug took the time needed to make sure my shoes fit perfectly. I was reluctant because I was scared they were too big and I would get blisters but my feet felt GREAT! NOT ONE BLISTER. I owe not stopping at any of the medical stations to Doug and the Starting Line. I will NEVER buy a pair of sneakers anywhere else!!!

I went searching for a shoe/​running store in Venice after I realized I left all my workout gear at home in New York during my trip. The gentleman running the store was great — very personable, a marathon runner himself, so definitely knows his stuff. Selection of workout gear was good — pretty average price, and better than some places. Definitely recommend!

Great guys that stayed open late for us. My wife forgot her shoes on vacation and they had exactly what she needed. As we were tourists, they also gave us some great recommendations on what to do and not to do. Highly recommend.

My dad needed a new pair of walking shoes.
The helpful employees at The Starting Line spent a LONG time with him, fitting him. A few days went by, and my dad ended up not being crazy about the shoes he bought.
He returned to the store, they took the (used) shoes back without question, spent more time with him, and got him in another pair.
My dad just told me (after being in them for a month) «these are the best walking shoes I’ve ever owned.»
You don’t get this kind of knowledgeable, personal service online or at a chain shoe store, nor do you get this kind of selection of QUALITY shoes.
Does The Starting Line cost more than one of those no-​service stores? Sure, they are a couple bucks more, nothing major, but it’s because they have skilled employees not making minimum wage, and because they have to eat the costs of people like my dad returning used shoes.
But don’t you want to make sure you’re getting the right fit? Go to The Starting Line and your feet will thank you!

I just love the staff here!!!
I’ve been coming here for years and everyone is so knowledgeable and helpful.
My podiatrist sent me here to get shoes and I am so happy he did!!! They have a nice selection and great prices.
They are the best. I’m very happy to have found them.

Good service but small selection and high prices compared to what I read on Unilocal beforehand.

I recently started running again after a 19-​year absence and found it almost unbearable on my lower body. I did a little research which everyone knows a little knowledge is dangerous and went to several shoe shops looking for shoes that would make running more comfortable for me. I Unilocaled ASICs and found the starting line close by on Washington. Dave was awesome and helped me pic my Asics Nimbus gel 17’s. I just came back from a three mile run and I can totally feel the difference and I’m quite satisfied with my purchase and the guidance I received from Dave. Thanks a lot, Nate!

Actually found this place when I was running past — wearing bad shoes that were on their last mile.
I told the man in the store — I know his name is Brown — where I mainly run and what problem I have and he showed me which shoes I should be looking at. He offered that I could try them on the treadmill or even the gravel path outside, but I felt confident enough just by circling the store that these would be the right ones.
The very next day I ran up my usual gravel path with my new shoes and it was like running on air. They are a size larger than I’d usually get but fit perfectly for long runs, and prevent me from tumbling down hills as they have a much better grip than my old shoes. I will be going back for my next pair of shoes. Also bought a great shirt here that has cutouts in the back and under-​arms with other materials that keep me cool and airy when running.
Trust a store where the people who work in it are as obsessed with running as you are.

It’s always great to support local businesses in Marina Del Rey/​Venice. Even better when it’s one that has been around for more than 30 years.
The people who run this place are passionate about running and will not let you leave without a shoe that fits, and a shoe that is designed for your intended purpose.
There’s no pressure, you’re under no time constraints, and you can ever try the shoes out on the in-​store treadmill or even jog around the corner. I dare you to try that at your big box chain store.
in addition to shoes, they have some running apparel and stuff for hardcore runners, too (gels, tape, etc.)
Definitely going to keep supporting this place.

I was recommended by my father in law to come here and see Brian. He was very helpful and knowledgeable. Took the time to help me find the perfect pair of shoes. Plus it was a lot of fun to try on different shoes and run around on the treadmill and also run outside, I think all stores should allow you to try out the shoes before buying! Best shoe buying experience I have EVER had!

Great shoe store! Brian is the running shoe guru :)
I miss the french dude who used to work at that store :()

Bottom Line; this is the best possible place to find a pair of shoes if you are actually serious about something like a Marathon or Triathlon
I cant believe I never reviewed this place! My wife and I were training for a half Marathon and we needed some real shoes for this task. We found out about this place from Team in Training and we headed over.
They put us both on the treadmill and suggested shoes for both of us and we both purchased the shoes that were recommended to us by the staff after trying a few pair.
The shoes weren’t cheap but neither are knee injuries…
thanks guys!

Above and beyond the best shop to buy running shoes. Brian assessed the way I ran, explained all about pronating and supinating, and chose shoes and orthotics to correct my foot pronation while I run.
My knee injury has been alleviated because they have fit me with the proper shoes.

This is by far THE only place in town to buy running shoes if you care about your body at all. They have an amazing selection, and the staff is really knowlegable and helpful. When you try on shoes, they have you run first on the treadmill, and then outside. They watch to make sure the shoes are properly supporting you so your stride is healthy. I used to have knee problems when I ran, but since i’ve been buying my shoes here for the past 7 years, my knee problems have pretty much vanished, since I’m now getting fitted with the right shoes.

+Excellent customer service
+I took a long time to decide, and they were patient
+Very knowledgeable on running and footwear. They can give valuable advice beyond what is offered at Sports Chalet, Big 5, etc.
I was prepared to give 5 stars until I came home and checked the prices on the shoes I had just purchased… It seems I overspent by about $ 40-​$ 45.
I don’t know if the price disparity is the same with all the shoes they offer.
Overall: If you want an expert to analyse your gait and stride and suggest a better shoe, but are willing to pay more than online prices, then this is a good store.

Just stopped in to get a new pair of running shoes today and had the best shopping experience to date.
Brian helped me try on a few pairs of shoes, had me jog on a treadmill to observe my foot strike, then allowed me to run outside to the corner and back. There was no sales pressure and Brian was very knowledgable/​helpful.
I told Brian that I was going to go for a quick run along the beach and he encouraged me to do my run, then come back and pay for the shoes if they felt right. I can’t think of another store that would ever encourage the customer to leave the store without paying for 40 minutes and come back to pay if you were pleased with the product. Very trusting and great customer service.
I think I found my new shoe store for the foreseeable future!