The Sweatshop

Used to be great but now full of cheap Karrimor gear and different caliber of staff. Real shame as this was a place for runners to get expert advice now it’s just another arm of the Sports Direct machine. Don’t get me wrong SD has a place but if it owns everything where is the consumer choice.
For example the most important item for runners is shoes. These used to be front of shop now they are tucked away at the back so there can be Karrimor running gear at the front. There seems to be continual sales on and where staff used to take time, talk to customers, chat about running etc so consumers had a running experience and they paid extra for this through the products. Now it’s cheap products and an attitude of get them out asap.
I am sure Chris Brasher would be proud.

What should be a great store is let down but some truly awful staff!
I attempted to by some running shoes for my wife, getting to the point of purchase was not a problem, the chap knew his stuff and was helpful and thorough. With the gait analysis complete, trainers tried and tested, we moved on to purchase! Sadly, that was where it all went very horribly sour…
…The trainers my wife settled on had been worn and returned (weird they should have been put back into stock when they were muddy), this was not picked up on until we were in the queue to pay. On pointing it out to a new sales person, a new pair was sought. On returning he announced that they would be £40 more because they were in the new colour! We asked to speak to the manager who came back and told us exactly the same thing, if we wanted the new shoes, they would cost an extra £40. We asked why we should have to pay extra just because of the new colour and were told that there was nothing she could do! We asked if she would give us the custom insoles as a goodwill gesture, and were told; no, these are an additional £45. So from trainers and insoles costing £115 we were not looking at £155…take it or leave it! So we left it and will source the shows somewhere else!
The Sweatshop lost out on £115 for the sake of a little common sense and good customer service!

If you’re serious about running and want to make sure you look and feel good while you’re about it, this is a perfect stopping-​off point. Staff are very knowledgeable, helpful and professional and give excellent insight from the true enthusiast’s perspective.
Ensure that you get the optimal shoes for your running style through gait analysis on the in-​store treadmill. There’s plenty of space for browsing here, too, and although there’s a decent selection from reputable, practical ranges, the choice isn’t so overwhelming as to impede decision making.
If injury is a concern they can offer useful preventative tips or, if needed, refer you to the on-​site therapist for treatment. Whether it’s shoes, socks (an amazingly specific selection), hats, gloves, tees, sports underwear or outerwear — you’re likely to satisfy all your running needs.

Sweatshop was founded in 1971 by Chris Brasher, Olympic gold medallist and co-​creator of the London Marathon, and it’s first shop was this small runners paradise in suburban Teddington. Since then, the small shop has become the European base for many of the world’s top distance athletes, and their stock really is second to none.
As well as stocking the best products and having the biggest choice, nearly all Sweatshop’s staff are from sporting backgrounds, from international runners and rowers to organisers of triathlons and fitness instructors. Their enthusiasm reflects in the sales manner, and service and knowledge is truly excellent.
Equipped with instore treadmills, addidas footscanning machines to find the best shoes for you, and made-​to-​measure shoes, in my opinion there is no better sports shop in all of london.