General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Best place to buy running shoes in Atlanta? Rss Feed  
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2007-04-27 9:52 AM

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Subject: Best place to buy running shoes in Atlanta?
It seems we've covered bikes, but can anyone recommend a good place to buy running shoes.  I know there are several specialty running stores - Big Peach, Phidippides, Fleet Feet - but who has the most knowledgeable staff?  Any particularly good/bad experiences with any of these places?


2007-04-27 10:15 AM
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Subject: RE: Best place to buy running shoes in Atlanta?

I bought my last pair at Phidippides and they did a good job of fitting me.  This said, it was a "sight fit."

At this point, next time 'round, based upon the techology they use to pin-point foot strike positions, etc. and make recs. based upon same, I'm probably going to check out Big Peach.

I don't have any idea about Fleet Feet and would love to hear what others think.

2007-04-27 10:17 AM
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Subject: RE: Best place to buy running shoes in Atlanta?

Big Peach Running Company (http://www.bigpeachrunningco.com/) ... AWESOME shoe store with excellent, knowledgable staff and a good variety of shoes + sizes.

Nothing but good experiences.

 

2007-04-27 10:18 AM
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Subject: RE: Best place to buy running shoes in Atlanta?

My husband had a good experience at Spikes Running Co. in Roswell.

Every time I've been in Big Peach in Marietta, the staff has always been nice. I've never bought shoes there but I think you also get a small discount if you bring shoes to donate when you buy new ones.

2007-04-27 10:21 AM
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Subject: RE: Best place to buy running shoes in Atlanta?

Another vote for Big Peach - they also do video analysis of you running on a treadmill to see if you under or over pronate or if you have a neutral strike.

And if you wear the shoes out once and aren't happy with the way that they feel or if they're making your feet hurt, then they are typically willing to work with you on finding a shoe to replace it (so it's kind of like a return policy).

There is a store in Buckhead and in Marietta.  Great people work at both!

2007-04-27 11:27 AM
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Subject: RE: Best place to buy running shoes in Atlanta?
I am sold on Big Peach.  I have all kinds of mechanical issues with my strides.  No lie, I went in there early one afternoon and tried on 12 pairs of shoes.  I ran on the treadmill and outside in each one.  Mike, who I think is the manager, hung with me the whole time.  As an alternative, he even recommended a few shoes that they don't sell and told me where to go.  To me, the fact that he wasn't concerned about the bottomline told me everything I needed to know about him and the store.  I gladly return and purchase shoes from there even when I know I could get them $10 cheaper down the road. 


2007-04-27 11:31 AM
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Subject: RE: Best place to buy running shoes in Atlanta?
Ditto on big peach- also they seem to cater to more triathletes than other running stores from my experience.
2007-04-27 11:35 AM
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Subject: RE: Best place to buy running shoes in Atlanta?

cornelius300 - 2007-04-27 12:31 PM Ditto on big peach- also they seem to cater to more triathletes than other running stores from my experience.

Heather told me that the owner of the stores is also a triathlete. They do alot of stuff with GA Multisports so they know triathletes.

2007-04-27 11:39 AM
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Subject: RE: Best place to buy running shoes in Atlanta?

Big Peach - hands down. The owner of the Marietta store is a triathlete (as Mindy said above) and all the staff is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Their video gait analysis is not to be missed, a great tool to help fit you in the right shoes. They offer a 5% discount for trading in shoes (they donate them). They offer a discount for NAMC members, too, which is a plus! I know it can be a little cheaper to order online, but I have supported them for the last 3 years and have gotten my money's worth!

I have shopped at Fleet Feet, they aren't really running experts in the store much anymore (the chain has gotten too big, in my opinion). They misdiagnosed my running gait at Fleet Feet, so I would stay away from there.

2007-04-27 11:45 AM
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Subject: RE: Best place to buy running shoes in Atlanta?

I've bought shoes at Phidippides.  I've never asked for any assistance with shoe choice.   Seems like people get lots of help if they ask.  The sales people take plenty of time.  (I have had to wait a while for service, but I appreciate the care people get.)  I like the store.

 

TW

 

2007-04-27 12:59 PM
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Subject: RE: Best place to buy running shoes in Atlanta?
Two thumbs way up for Big Peach from me. The people there are so knowledgeable and extremely friendly. They really do care about runners and the community. You can't go wrong at either store, and all of the staff is excellent, not just one or two particular people. I really can't say enough good things about them.

--Joey


2007-04-27 2:53 PM
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Subject: RE: Best place to buy running shoes in Atlanta?
Another fan of Big Peach here. Very helpful when I didn't really know what I wanted.
2007-04-27 3:24 PM
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Subject: RE: Best place to buy running shoes in Atlanta?
Just piling on here -- The folks at Big Peach in Marietta/East Cobb are great. They are infinitely patient and thorough with shoes (including with my 10 year old who runs x-country), and they do a lot of community stuff, in addition to supporting local runs. Recently they were part of the effort to keep Columns Drive open for cycling and running. All of the staff are very experienced athletes and have great advice beyond just the shoes.
2007-04-27 4:41 PM
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Subject: RE: Best place to buy running shoes in Atlanta?
hblackmon - 2007-04-27 11:39 AM

Big Peach - hands down. The owner of the Marietta store is a triathlete (as Mindy said above) and all the staff is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Their video gait analysis is not to be missed, a great tool to help fit you in the right shoes. They offer a 5% discount for trading in shoes (they donate them). They offer a discount for NAMC members, too, which is a plus! I know it can be a little cheaper to order online, but I have supported them for the last 3 years and have gotten my money's worth!

I have shopped at Fleet Feet, they aren't really running experts in the store much anymore (the chain has gotten too big, in my opinion). They misdiagnosed my running gait at Fleet Feet, so I would stay away from there.

Haven't tried Big Peach but I probably will next time.

 

I got fit at Fleet Feet years ago and have basically purchased the same shoes every since.  It was when they actually knew stuff about running shoes.  I agree with Heather on the change of knowledge though. 

2007-04-27 4:50 PM
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Subject: RE: Best place to buy running shoes in Atlanta?
Yep, Big Peach is a great asset to the community. The two owners really know what they're doing. Mike Cosentino has a buckle from the Western States 100. That pretty much means he can do anything. Steve Demoss has the nice IM/Alcatraz experience as well. I really do like these guys, and like what they do for the community.

Phidippides shouldn't be overlooked, though. Jeff has arguably more running experience than the Big Peach staff put together - Won the first Peachtree, Olympics with Shorter and Bachelor, etc. etc. He's an incredible sweetheart, and I heartily recommend one of his blue mountain running retreats if you find a weekend free that works. IMHO, they also have a better variety of clothing (comparing the intown stores, not the suburban locations).

Both have arguably 'written the book' (Marathon vs Atlanta Running Guide). I go back and forth. Believe me, there are enough trips to go around for me. FWIW, they both picked out the same shoe for me, without any coaching. I think that says something.

-Josh



Edited by Josh_Berman 2007-04-27 4:51 PM
2007-07-07 2:33 PM
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Subject: RE: Best place to buy running shoes in Atlanta?
I know that this is an old thread..... I just returned from Big Peach. A one hour drive for me. I bought some new Asics and they were extremely helpfull with helping my 12 yr. old son in fitting him for a pair of running shoes.

The place was busy and they treated every one there as if they were fixin to run in the olympics.

Awsome customer service !


2007-07-08 6:44 PM
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Subject: RE: Best place to buy running shoes in Atlanta?
I've had good experiences at Fleet Feet in Duluth - Sounds like the Big Peach does some great customer service too...
2007-07-09 1:30 PM
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Subject: RE: Best place to buy running shoes in Atlanta?
I like Big Peach. They are nice and knowledgable. I've been to Spikes and they are my second choice. The most important thing is to try on a couple of shoes and see what you like.

2007-07-09 1:55 PM
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Subject: RE: Best place to buy running shoes in Atlanta?
wow. sounds like big peach is worth a visit. i use fleet feet in duluth.....just so convenient.
2007-07-11 3:18 PM
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Subject: RE: Best place to buy running shoes in Atlanta?
One more vote for big peach.. they are awesome..

went to get myself new shoes.... video gait analysis - great.. choice of shoes excellent.. made me run in 4 or 5 different pairs - not just inside but asked me to go out and jog a bit and feel them.. it was such a great experience and I was thrilled with my purchase as also the thoroughness of the whole experience - i felt like there couldnt be a better option..

2007-07-11 5:08 PM
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Subject: RE: Best place to buy running shoes in Atlanta?

gsulee - 2007-07-09 2:55 PM wow. sounds like big peach is worth a visit. i use fleet feet in duluth.....just so convenient.

I live in Alpha-taterville too and recently made the trek to the Buckhead store and am so glad I did.  Bullet points of visit:

  • The guy who helped me knew what shoe I was wearing (Brooks Radius) with barely a glance.  This immediately made me feel like I was in good hands.
  • Noting the Radius is a shoe for neutral strike runners, he put me on the treadmill and did VGA to confirm same.  While doing this, he noted a minor issue with my left foot strike but nothing to warrant need for support shoe, so....
  • He brought out several pairs of shoes and asked me to try each of them and take them on the sidewalk outside of the store for a sample run...
  • After deliberating a bit between Asics and another pair of Brooks, I went with the Brooks.  During the process, I never felt rushed or otherwise "in a hurry" to make a decision.

I *HIGHLY* recommend that you make the drive down.  Nice store and they take good care of their customers!!



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