Second Sole Columbus

The staff here is phenomenal! They really know their stuff and took their time to make sure I got the right running shoes. Each time I get new shoes, they inspect my current pair for the normal wear and tear. The employee waiting on me will come back with 3 or 4 different pairs of new shoes for me to try. Prices are a little higher compared to Kohls or Target but it’s money well spent knowing that I have the correct running shoes. That makes all the difference.

I use to stop in the store on a regular. The runners are very knowledgeable about gear and running shoes. It is definitely one store to stop in if you ever visit Columbus and looking for a great pair of running shoes. The employees are awesome.

Second Sole has been the best part about starting my running program so far. They have an expert staff that’s very patient and helpful for runners that are just getting started, and have «challenges» (as in I’m no spring chicken) in running to begin with.
So after half an hour or so of trying on shoes, I decided on a pair of brooks that were feeling pretty good. Two weeks into the program I’m doing well, the shoes feel great, and all I could wish for was cooler weather…

I’ve been running comfortably in the same shoe for 12 years, but recently I starting having terrible ankle pain – and not just when I ran, but all the time. I’m a very casual runner – we’re talking maybe 20 minutes 3 times weekly – and I’m slightly overweight, so I felt silly walking into Second Sole to ask them to look at my four-​month-​old, barely broken in running shoes. But they were so nice and the guy really listened to what I was saying, asked me a few questions about my running habits and what I used to like about my old shoes, and brought me three shoes to try. I was suspicious because he’d brought out a certain brand that has never worked well on me, but he explained that that particular shoe had some engineering innovations that weren’t found on other shoes in that brand. He was right – that shoe was «the one» and I’m very happy with it! The ankle pain is totally gone! I’ve since recommended the store to several folks with high school kids who are joining track teams.

New location! (Well they moved awhile ago, but I just now submitted the address change on Unilocal.)
It’s literally around the corner from its former strip mall locale, but now it’s neighbor is far more interesting — a Waterbeds n Stuff! (I kid.)
Same great service & same great prices. If they don’t have what you’re looking for, they’re happy to check their other northern Ohio stores & have it transferred, or even special order it.
I’m lucky because myself & fellow members of my running club receive 20% off all season. It definitely came in handy. Otherwise do expect to pay top dollar for running duds, but at least you’re supporting a local business & getting superior service to boot.

Brian was really a sweet heart. Took his time fitting me for the right shoe.
Totally did not make me feel bad about being a beginning runner or having ginormous feet!!!
He even offered to let me run outside with the shoe!!! Hello I will be back in 3 miles. Lol.
Great store! Awesome people!!!

I usually like this place, but my trip there today was really poor. I went in looking for new Vibrams (mine are getting threadbare). I wanted about ten minutes before anyone came over to help me buy shoes, and then he went into the back to get the shoe I asked for. He came back with a completely different style not in my size. When i asked him if they had the one I’d asked for he said no. that’s it. No attempt to ask me if I wanted him to order it, no conversation about my options. He just asked me to let him know if he could find anything else for me, like it was a thrift store or something. My first experience here was fine, but this was trash. I’m also not a fan of the new store. Too much empty space.

I agree we are lucky we have several good running stores here in Columbus and while competitive, they aren’t cut throat with each other. They show support of each other’s races and we are lucky to have so many races available to us, especially when you compare Columbus to slightly larger cities. Good selection, competitive prices on most things and helpful people.

This is a great athletic shoe store! The staff is extremely knowledgeable. I told them what the purpose of the shoe was, how often and how hard I ran, and the troubles I’ve had in the past. Instantly, they knew what brand and style would work best. They brought out about four pairs for me to try. I was able to test out as many styles as I wanted, though. Testing included taking a trot outside to see how the shoes really feel when running.
I found a pair, only to realize when I took it on a 4 mile run, it actually wasn’t the right shoe. Savior in sight! You can return a used shoe for any reason. They truly want you and your feet to be happy. They encourage movement, and nothing halts movement more than achy feet.
I returned my shoes for another pair, and have worn them successfully through the summer.
I also just received my Holiday Open House postcard. From December 6^th-​7^th, 10am-​6pm, you can get free gift wrapping, and refreshments while you shop. Hooray for free stuff!