South Sound Running

I had a great experience at South Sound Running today. The staff are helpful and courteous, and they offer a 30-​day return policy. On running shoes! Amazing.
My old shoes were getting worn out, and with my running schedule increasing, I decided it was time to get some better shoes than ‘whatever is on sale’. I read South Sound Running is owned locally and employed by runners, and wanted to check it out.
The store is very open, with both men’s and women’s running shoes and apparel. Sara asked me what my needs were and offered to help me with a fitting. She took a look at my feet and my stride, and had several shoe recommendations for me. I tried on about a half dozen pairs of shoes, all of which I was able to take out for a test run. The staff is very knowledgeable about the different brands and models, all the way down to differences from one model year to the next within a brand. After finally deciding on a shoe, Sara wrote down my second choice in case I decided to take advantage of the return policy.
Many thanks to the ladies working today!

As a new (read:slow) runner I was instructed by my running guru to come here. I was told it is the best way to avoid injury, so I went in to get fitted for a pair of running shoes. I was pleasantly surprised with the amazing service I got here. The employee recommended Brooks for me and I love them, they are now the only running shoe I buy. The customer service at this store is great and their employees are very knowledgable. I really appreciate their attentiveness and attention to detail. Great shop.

I stopped here just by curiosity, the store looks very trendy and decorated. There is information available regarding local runs, clubs and whatever pertaining to running. They have a good selection of shoes, but since I am not a fan of Acsics, Nike or New Balance, I was a little dissapointed. Prices are a bit too high I think, and lacking of customer service.

Loving my new running shoes ! I went in for the first time a few weeks ago and these shoes are really paying off. My knees and ankles had been bugging me as my doctor noted I’m no longer 20 yrs old. I went in on her recommendation and I’m feeling pretty great. I had to wait a bit, it was pretty busy in there but I still got greg service. My shoes are more than I’m used to spending but they have a good range of prices. They also offer a 30 day guarantee and I don’t know of any shoe store with a similar policy. Great place to shop:)

I love this store. GREAT customer service. They go above and beyond to help you.

I’m very particular with how I receive customer service. Even over the phone because I was once a telephone operator. You don’t use «mhm» to say you’re welcome. The tone of your voice kind of makes it sound like you’re just brushing off the customer and that’s how I felt when I had called this location.
I’ve never been here before. Never even heard of it. It wasn’t until I started with a physical job that I was in desperate need of shoes that could take the almost crying pain away from my feet. A family member recommended this place. I read about the reviews and felt that they could provide me with the perfect pair of shoes.
I went in yesterday and I felt that I had to ask most of the questions to get the answers I wanted. If I didn’t do my research about having a low arch and over-​pronating, I probably wouldn’t have been told about it.
I guess I just expected top notch service because of the amazing reviews. I did walk out with a great pair though. Their prices are reasonable and they have a 30 day money back guarantee for unworn shoes and a 30 day credit for exchanges for shoes that aren’t fit for you and are worn.

Great service. They made it so easy to find a great fitting shoe. I actually came to south sound at the time of when last season’s shoes were being re-​placed with a newer season. Despite having two version of many styles, then employees knew the shoes. Excellent experience.

I went to South Sound running for a long time until I didn’t anymore. I live in the Proctor district and a new running store opened so I started going there. This was entirely because of convenience, not because I don’t love South Sound Running. Anyway, so for a couple of times I bought shoes elsewhere. But they always had to order my shoes. This hasn’t been a huge issue except that you can’t always be sure the shoes will work and you have to order them a couple of times before you get them right.
Well, this spring I went to the other store and they ordered my shoes. Those didn’t work so they ordered the new ones. Then they said that it would be months before those came in. So I went to South Sound Running, expecting some sort of shortage on shoes or something. But they had exactly what I needed and I left happy, with shoes, after only a few minutes.
So I will say this, South Sound Running is great. And if you live closer to another store it might end up making sense for you to go. But if you have very specific and unique requirements (me = high arches and long narrow feet, which means like one brand and a 10 ½ Narrow), it doesn’t matter what store you live closest to, the place to go without having to order over and over is South Sound Running.

Just asked if they had a particular shoe that is listed that they sell on their site, was told they don’t have that shoe within a second of me finishing my question, I guess the poor guy was just too exhausted to take a quick look at what they had. Thinking of how quickly he responded, I started asking if they have some shoes that I do actually know that they have in stock, and the guy told me that they didn’t have any of those. Really? I guess they don’t want people coming to their (Tacoma) store!

*This review is for the Puyallup store*
I’m a lifelong runner but this was my first time to SSR. Awesome customer service with a a very knowlegable staff. They have a decent, but not huge selection if shies and other gear.
I had an issue with my Nike’s and I was able to exchange for a new pair after I had used them. Very easy.
I will recommend that others come here too.

AWESOME customer service.
I’m not a runner, but when I decide to make a change for a healthier lifestyle, I’ll be sure to come here.
My mom was recently in need of new insoles because of some foot issues she’s been experiencing. I called the store to make sure they carried what we needed and when we went to pick it up, the employee immediately recognized us and was eager to help. He asked us what our needs were, gave us some great tips, and did everything with a friendly smile.
Highly recommend.

I wad really impressed with the staff knowledge and happy with their prompt assistance.

Okay where to start…
I walked in to South Sound Running for a new pair of running shoes. I was really excited to ask questions and get a great pair. When I walked in, there were two people working and they were both with other customers. Usually when this happens, an employee will say «Hi! We will be right with you…» Something to that extent. I got nothing. No welcome at all. This may not be a big deal to some people, but I am HUGE on customer service and like to feel welcomed. The girl instantly gave me the «up-​and-​down» look and she finished with her customer and asked if I needed help. I said jokingly, «I need serious help!!» She gave me a dead stare and said, «He’ll help you.» and walked away. The other employee was still with a customer! So I said «thanks» and continued waiting. When it was my turn to be helped, I started asking questions about running shoes… I am very personable and friendly — this employee was not. He wasn’t mean or anything… just no real personality. So… I walked into the store happy, excited, and positive. I left the store feeling confused, and moody. I hate when this happens. I did buy a pair of running shoes (Saucony, and they’re great!) — But I was NOT impressed with the customer service. I expected a treadmill with a camera attached to get a good view of my feet and how I land when I run, and maybe some better advice on footwear. I grew up in Colorado, and I guess I really took those amazing running stores for granted! I did get some good shoes, the price was decent, but I will never go back to this store.

Outstanding service and customer care regarding running shoes and products. The running shoes is not pricey and staff are professional.
Highly recommend for anyone who want to run, but don’t know how to find a good pair of running shoes.

I came not as a runner, but a casual jogger, dancer, romper, etc., and was met with no criticism. The saleswoman watched me run briefly and helped me find the perfect shoe for my foot shape and size.
Although they only have a small wall of shoes (Asics, New Balance, Brooks, Saucony, and Nike), these guys know what makes each shoe model unique, position of the arch, width of heel/​toe area, cushion, etc.
So –1 star for the lower general selection, but +1 star for having the largest Brooks selection in town! They also have a 30 day guarantee on their shoes, even if you wear them outside!

I’m not a runner and for my entire life have never claimed to be one. Regardless of that statement I still enjoy working out (doing the elliptical at the gym, lifting weights, classes, etc) so I know the importance of good shoes.
I have weak ankles so I explained this to the people here at SSR when I came in to buy some running/​workout shoes. They had me try on a few pairs and run back and forth to see if it looked right. This was a bit embarrassing but worth it for they have recommended a shoe to me that I have used for the past 3 years (of course I buy a new pair just use the same brand/​style). I entrust SSR so much that I will only buy my running shoes from them. Each visit back to WA I bring in my old sneakers, show it to them, and they give me a new pair. Done and Done.
The staff here is pretty friendly although I wish they’d smile more. They just just don’t seem happy and it’s been like this since I began going here. In addition to shoes they also have nice clothing for running and other various things for those on the run.

The owner is a nice guy who really takes running seriously and will make sure that you get what’s coming to you. Muuuuaaahhh. No, he will help you find what you need. The staff are all runners and know their shoes also and will not talk you into the newest shiniest shoe but one that works with your gait.
They accept returns with no hubub and although their selection isn’t huge, they do have great sales (check the left hand side of the store against the wall when you walk in) on good shoes. Just really expensive…

This is a great running shoe store. The people who own and work here don’t want to just sell you any shoe, but the right shoe for your foot. They really take the time to ensure a proper fit by watching you jog in the store, having you try on their extensive selection of shoes, and they have an incredibly generous satisfaction guarantee. Prices are comparable to online prices which is amazing considering the great personal service you get at this store. They often have very good 50% off sales for running clothing. The owner «Greg» helped me select a pair of running shoes that eliminated chronic running injuries. Store employee «Emily» was also fantastic and helped my wife select a pair of running shoes that she says fit her better than any she has ever bought before. Thank you Sound Sound Running.