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A Snail's Pace Running Shop
Categories: Shopping Fashion Shoe Stores Shopping Fashion Sports Wear Shopping Sporting Goods Sports Wear Shoe Stores, Sports Wear [Edit]
750 S Myrtle AveMonrovia, CA 91016
(626) 471-9101
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 7 pm
Sat 10 am - 6 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
44 reviews for A Snail's Pace Running Shop
Review Highlights
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"...brought out about 5 different pairs, letting me try jogging..." In 3 reviews -
"They carry Saucony, Asics, New Balance, Brooks, Mizuno." In 3 reviews -
"I ended up purchasing a pair of vibram 5fingers which I..." In 5 reviews
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44 reviews in English
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Review from alex v.
Fullerton, CA
5/8/2012
Alright, look. This effing place is among the best running shops you'll go to. I'm a novice runner... Perhaps approaching intermediate. This is the place for me. The staff are all runners, which helps them give out the advice on good authority.
They take extra care to fit you for your shoes, too. I mean, that's probably the best value in coming here. I would also say that in addition to amazing staff and management, the running academy is also amazing.
I'll keep this brief, but I'm grateful for a Snail's Pace. It's facilitated my change in lifestyle. I'm a committed runner now and these guys keep me going and well supplied... Now if they could get some shirts that are freaking 2xl I would spend more money... Just sayin'.
A Snail's Pace, go to there. -
Review from Erika H.
Temple City, CA
3/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great little shop just as you enter Downtown Monrovia. They were friendly, helpful and their selection of shoes is excellent. I purchased a pair of running shoes and the guy that helped me was very thorough in explaining the difference in shoes. He had me run outside in a couple of different pairs just to check my form and see if I had any pronation going on. They measure your feet and they have you stand on a scale that measures where the pressure points are on your feet. I was happy to see I am well balanced and my weight is distributing properly. They joked about the shoes as well, the uglier the better, they're not the prettiest although I think I got a pretty cute pair of black and pink that have been amazing to workout in. I have yet to run in them with all my knee problems, but just working out and long distance/daily use walking has been very pleasant.
Definitely check this place out if you're looking to get into a good pair of shoes for walking, running or just daily us. They also have a nice selection of clothes, socks, running accessories, foods and juices. -
Review from Stacey I.
Monrovia, CA
2/25/2012
I am reentering the workout zone after being absent for many years. Initially I felt intimidated to walk in this store however within minutes was put at ease. The incredibly nice, professional staff helped me immediately. I signed up for the Running 101 beginner class. It is an awesome program for people wanting to get back into practice and start building some energy and stamina. They have a terrific 12 week program which begins with circuits of 4 1/2 minutes walking and 30 seconds of jogging. This slowly moves every two - three weeks to increase the jogging time and lower the walking time. If someone told me seven weeks ago that I would be jogging/walking 3.5 miles in Monrovia and Sierra Madre in under an hour, I would have laughed at them. Let alone preparing for two 5k's in the coming weeks. The folks in my class are awesome and it was a great way to meet new people in the area. We recently moved here from out of state and it has been a bit lonely. Most of the men and women in my running group have lost weight and are working on healthier habits. We motivate one another and it is helpful!
While taking the 101 class, Snail's Pace offers clinics on everything from nutrition, proper sports attire and bra fittings (thanks Sydney!) to nutrition. These classes are often taught by local doctors and sports related folks out in the community. This is included in the price of our class. Quite the bonus in my opinion.
Best of all, the staff at Snail's Pace are terrific. I have been in there multiple times and have had nothing but great experiences. They helped me pick the proper shoes, bra, and accessories. The manager Dave gave great advice when I developed shin splints. My trainer Jose and the head trainer Bob Gomez watched me run and critiqued me to help me with my form. What a difference this has made!! Wish I had been able to obtain this type of advice when I was playing high school and college sports!!!
My goal is not to run a marathon. My goal is to keep up with my daughter and be a healthy mom. I'm so glad that I found this gem in Monrovia! -
Review from Jon U.
San Dimas, CA
2/7/2012
2-7-2012: Just got some walking shoes at the Monrovia, CA store, what an incredible place. very knowledgable staff and Sydney...you are great!
They will do way more than sell you walking or running shoes, they pay attention to detail and don't try to force any product down your throat. -
Review from Nancy R.
Monrovia, CA
3/19/2012
Very helpful, made sure I tried on a few running shoes for the best fit. Got my Brrooks and I love them.
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Review from John W.
Monrovia, CA
1/5/2012
Walked into new location at 700 S Myrtle Ave, Monrovia. No customers there but me, with two employees who did not seem to think I was worth ending their conversation to deal with. Though intending to buy a pair of New Balance walking shoes, I walked out with nothing.
Comment from David R. of A Snail's Pace Running Shop 1/17/2012
As much as I hate to read bad reviews, sometimes it's the… More » -
Review from Jeremy F.
Los Angeles, CA
9/27/2011
I went to their Monrovia location.
They're a chain and lack the small business feel. Still, they are one of the few places you can get Garmin Forerunner watches, so I'm in. -
Review from Jennifer G.
Long Beach, CA
6/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Even though I wasn't the one shopping for some new running kicks, I think this store deserves nothing less than 5 stars simply for their knowledgeable and helpful employees.
If you're in the market for running shoes, come here FIRST! No matter where you buy it, you can narrow down to the right shoe for you, and if you're anything like me, price won't trump customer service, and you'll want to support this type of one-on-one buying experience.
Apparently, there's a science to selecting running shoes. It makes sense ... we all have our own shape, size and stance, right? And depending on what type of walking, running, jogging, or cardio you plan on doing - there is a shoe out there, that is just right for you.
I am no shoe expert, but I sure learned a lot on my visit to this A Snail's Pace location! I didn't catch the name of the guy that helped us, but his superb customer service will not go unnoticed and I will definitely return to this store for my next running shoe purchase.
We came here to find a suitable running shoe for my BF. He is not the lightest in weight and he needs a wide fitting shoe. Oh, and he's also flat-footed. Without making any judgement calls, the salesperson set him up on this pad that shows your pressure and weight distribution (i think) on a TV screen. It was neat to see how my BF puts most of his weight on the outer sides of his feet as well as on his heels. This helped the salesperson to select a shoe that offered moderate arch support and cushion for his heels to reduce the impact on his knees when running. Crazy, huh? It all makes sense ...
And to find the better fitting shoe of the options they had in the store, they asked my BF to try on each pair of shoes, and walk from the back of the store to the front, while they carefully watched his steps. The first set of shoes that he brought out didn't provide enough arch support to offset the roll of my BF's ankles when he was walking, so he brought out a different set of shoes and one of these shoes turned out to be JUST RIGHT (and even better, they were on sale!). -
Review from Laura S.
8/24/2011 14 Check-ins Here
this one is shutting down... okay it's just moving to Monrovia!
I just STARTED running too! I'm so upset because I wanted to try vibrams on and now I need to go to Monrovia to do the whole test. But they did have lots of sales! So I'm going back to check out more of the sales but they mainly had those stable sandals that are suppose to support your butt or make your butt look good. Kinda like shape ups.
So this location is closing so... big sale now! Go! -
Review from Monica D.
Beverly Hills, CA
12/11/2010
Lady foot locker, sports chalet, watch out! This place is a specialty shop that really caters to the shoe buying customer. I went in here on a research excursion but came out with a pair of shoes that were perfect for me and I don't regret it. The service was great. I had two people helping me literally hand and foot.
I have never experienced in my 27 years of life a place where they started by asking me to walk and jog so they could examine the plane of my feet. I walked, ran, and jogged my way into a prescription for sneaks that would support my inner arched flat foot. Then we sat down and measured my size. They said, give me a min, and magically appeared with three cute shoes. I tried on each and they asked me to show them how I walked. Also, they asked what kind of activity I was going to do in them. Wow wow wow. These guys are SO knowledgeable about shoes that I was totally blown away. I spent about an hour in there and it was such a great experience I definitely found my new shoe store for life! -
Review from Andy O.
7/18/2011
I am the world's biggest skeptic/cynic/asshole, so I find it difficult to walk into any store that claims to "specialize" in something that seems as basic as running. I run just fine on my own, I don't need a store to tell me what kind of shoes I "need" or what I'm doing "wrong" with my beautiful running.
... At least that was my mentality until last week. Tired of dealing with shoes that never seemed to fully "break in", and having random foot cramps in the middle of running sessions, I figured I'd give A Snail's Pace a few minutes of my time and hear them out. Hoping to gain some knowledge but still as skeptical as ever, and fully dressed in my business attire, I walked in after lunch and said,"Yo, check it out. I'm finding it difficult to run with all my gigantic junk messing up my balance. It makes my feet hurt. Fix it, bro." (not in those words, mind you).
After discussing what kind of shoes I've been buying and what kind of pain I was feeling in my feet, the worker had me put on a couple pairs of shoes and pranc-- err, jog around the room while he admired/watched. He then told me I was an underpronator, that I don't rotate my feet enough when I run, and proceeded to show me a few shoes that are made for weirdos like me. Now, as a quick aside, I don't like being called an under-anything, so I was a little sad; but then I found out that another word for underpronator is "supinator", which sounds way more badass, like some kind of special forces unit from an alien race that's perpetually at war with mankind some thousands of years in the future, so I'm sticking with that one. Back to the review: at this point, I'm thinking that I'm about to get some ridiculous sales pitch about some gloriously-overpriced pair of shoes that I need in order to heal all my woes. But I never get it. In fact, I get the opposite. The worker tells me that, because they're in the process of moving stores, they don't have my particular size in stock (10.5 EE, the manliest shoe size by all objective standards), and that I should either check out one of their other stores or look for the key features he mentioned at stores online. At that point, I'm scrambling to commit to memory all the features that I was passing off as bullshit for the past ten minutes we were talking.
... With a few terms and shoe features swimming around in my head, I returned to the office and immediately ordered a suitable pair of shoes from Zappos. Since I'm an ultra-awesome Zappos VIP member, I had my shoes the next day, and I took them for a run. It's important to note these are not the most expensive running shoes I've purchased, but they were the only pair that I purchased based on input as to what I specifically needed in a shoe, thanks to A Snail's Pace... And what marvelous shoes they are! And for the very first time, I've spend zero minutes breaking in a pair of shoes. They fit perfectly and comfortably right out of the box, and have caused me absolutely no discomfort in the 20+ miles I've already put on them. Without A Snail's Pace, I never would have known what features to look for, and thus would have never found these shoes.
Consider me converted. A Snail's Pace knows their shoes, and anybody who wants to get into running (or is looking to improve like I am) should stop by and talk to them. I only wish I'd have come sooner, while they still had all their fancy testing equipment. I'll probably hit up one of their other stores at some point for some more feedback. -
Review from George G.
Los Angeles, CA
1/4/2011
I always go and buy my running shoes here.
For first times, go and have them watch how you run. They are attentive to finding the right shoe for you.
They need to have more variety though.
You guys should also carry tri shoes. That would be great.
But in the mean time, I'll be happy with more options for running shoes. -
Review from kat s.
Huntington Beach, CA
8/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
I have been a huge fan of A Snail's Pace (brea) for a long time. A friend of mine won a contest sponsored by the Pasadena store, so we drove up there to get her shoes. I took with me a pair of shoes I really like, and one that I really hated. They sat us both down, asked a lot of questions and had us do a little running around the store. Both employees then brought out a bunch of shoes from different brands for us to try.
I was really impressed by the patience they both exhibited, and the focus that they showed. All questions were answered and they didn't stop with the service until we left the store. When other customers came in the door, they were greeted, but our shoes guys stayed with us until they got the job done. I am a tried and true NB gal, but surprisingly changed to a Nike this time.
I also come to ASP for their selection in clothing and racing fuel. There is a nice selection of both. Even though I've been many times to the Brea store, the Pasadena store did a much better job of fitting me after my favorite shoe was discontinued.
If you have to drive far, stick around and have a nice lunch or dinner at one of the many great locations that are in the area. -
Review from Yuki M.
2/19/2009
It's a small but efficient store and the employees are just a notch above average.
Walked in here looking for yet another pair of training shoes and 'lo and behold, I see the new Asics model on the floor. I tried a size 8.5 in men's and was sold!
Sales staff was quick and friendly and also suggested a great pair of socks to go with my new kicks. $10 for a pair of socks is more than excessive but dammit if they're not uber comfortable.
Fast, accommodating, efficient sales team. Mostly younger kids who, for their age, do very well.
The store is kept nice and organized with a bin for socks to try shoes on and a hamper for when you're done. Nice.
Sales prices can be displayed a bit clearer but hey, it's a shoe store and it serves its purpose.
So why only two stars?
Well, like I said, the store is small and the sales staff are a good representation of "You get what you pay for." It's not a bad store. I'll just say 2/5 because it could be better and when I was at the register, the shoes I bought came out to be $40 more than expected because said sales prices were not clearly displayed.
$120 for a pair of Asics or $75 for the same pair at Big5?
Yeah. -
Review from Amy K.
3/10/2010
I'm a huge fan of A Snail's Pace Running Shop, so when I was in the area, I just had to check out the Pasadena location. Normally I shop at the Laguna Hills store, and the Pasadena store is just as good, only fancier. I mean, did you see the stained-glass entry way?
The staff is knowledgeable and they have a huge selection of running shoes and accessories, everything from socks and nutritional supplements to sandals to wear apres-running.
The prices are competitive, and most importantly, you will leave with the right pair of shoes for the way you run. They also have a running club, so ask the staff about the time and meeting location. -
Review from Joe D.
Los Angeles, CA
9/14/2009
If you go through my reviews on yelp, you'll see all kinds of delicious wonderful fatty salty foods. From burgers to fried chicken to ribs. I love it all. The problem is that if you love these foods, you should be taking care of yourself otherwise you'll end up being B-word Fat*
Around March, I started running three times a week. It went from running and walking around the neighborhood to running around the track at a local high school. I got some cheap running shoes from a discount shoe store. After a while, I got pretty good at it. I feel good. I look a little slimmer compared to pictures of me from a year ago AND I get to gorge myself on delicious yummies on the weekend.
After a while, my feet began to hurt and I decided I needed new running shoes. This place came highly recommended.
What sets this place apart from most shoe store is that you are being fitted for running shoes. Your perfect running shoes.
One of the salespeople measured my feet - both the length and width and gave me a pair of shoes to try on. Then he asked me to run down the hallway behind the store. He looked at me feet as I ran and told me I run like a duck with a limp but that 3 shoes companies make gimpy duck running shoes.
I tried each pair on and ran down the hallway again and then chose the best one. It was pricey but I was looking to spend the money. The salesman informed me that the store saves your info so that you don't have to get analyzed all over again. The computer will just remember my lame quack quack feet.
These shoes are so comfortable. I can't wait to go for my run tonight.
*Thanks to Patton Oswalt for that one. -
Review from Lisa V.
7/8/2008
Running is hard. And sometimes the motivation is on the low-tip to actually get out or on the treadmill.
But I find that it is indeed the easiest and most consistent way for me to get a good cardio workout.
I'm really quite anal about having all the "right" equipment when it comes to any activity/exercise/sport. The staff at Snails Pace really know their stuff! I get a new pair about once a year and they made such a perfect recommendation the first time I went (a few years ago) that all I have to do is ask them what the "latest and greatest" version of my shoe is-- and if for some reason I've forgotten, they have all my info in their system.
I am literally zipping in and out of there (even sans running shoes on my paws) within a few minutes.
Good times.Listed in: Let's Get PHYSICAL
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Review from Rene D.
Pasadena, CA
4/28/2009
Well I wanted to get to the Newer New Balance store on Arroyo and Del Mar; but how can I when my buddy is the store manager, and gave me about 10%-15% OFF!
The selection is great, and the help was really very pro-active!
They actually make you try on the shoes and run in the store so they can see the way you run, and they way your feet hit the ground..
Ask for Jimmy... -
Review from Lori F.
La Verne, CA
6/24/2010
This shop looked wonderful. It had a great selection of shoes, it had signs explaining how they'd use the treadmill to help you figure out what you needed, etcetera. So I went in, fascinated and optimistic.
You see, I've been steadily and progressively working on losing weight for the last two years, and have dropped more than a hundred pounds in that time (with another sixty or seventy still to go). While my knees are still one of my weak points, I've been doing more walking, and starting to move up to jogging. And I'm sick of my cheap Walmart shoes giving me blisters, so I decided to seek professional help.
My problem: they ignored me entirely when I was in the store. Oh, sure, they talked to my (skinny) husband on the other side of the store. But they didn't say a single word to me, and I was the one who needed the help. Apparently I just didn't look like their clientele.
I would've been willing to spend up to two hundred dollars in that store, provided they got me a pair of shoes that would help me to further my fitness goals and to continue losing weight. It's really a crying shame that they saw a fat chick rather than a potential customer. I suppose it's to be expected, given their location... they are, after all, in a wandering zone, and probably get a lot of lookie-loos. But on the other hand, their purpose is to sell shoes. If they actually GREETED all of the customers, they might not have been empty of other people when I went in, and might do more shoe-sales.
I wouldn't recommend them to anyone in my own position, because they'll probably just ignore you, too. But hey, if you're toned, fit, and look like their kind of people, I'm sure they'll be great help for you. Their stock, on the bright side, is good. Just not their service... if you're fat. -
Review from Cristina M.
Burbank, CA
10/27/2010
The staff kind of seemed spaced out...well at least the people I dealt with but for the most part they were nice.
I ended up purchasing a pair of vibram 5fingers which I love to death. I had them bring an item from one of their other locations and they called me right when it came in so I was happy with that.
They have a great selection of shoes; clothes; energy packets, and such. Definitely a cool running store. -
Review from Mark C.
Temple City, CA
9/9/2009
I was an avid runner about a year ago but took a hiatus and my shoes were destroyed. I went on the hunt for new shoes and I really wanted to go to a place where the people run, understand running and is willing to take the time to get the right shoe for me.
A Snails Pace was all of the above. Right when I walked in, a salesman helped me. First he asked what I was looking for, measured my feet, gave me a pair of shoes and watched me run up and down the store. He then brought out about 5 different pairs, letting me try jogging in each pair. While making small talk, I found out they actually ran and weren't just shoe salesmen.
I finally found a pair of Brooks I liked and went to check out, expecting the price to be at least $120 for coming from a running store. The price came out to only $84 and I was shocked. When I mentioned my surprise, the guy commented that they don't look at prices when they find customers shoes. It's just about the right shoe.
What more can you ask for? -
Review from Mimi C.
3/11/2010
This is my favorite go-to shop for all new and cool running gear.
This place packs quite a bit for its space and is very well organized -
one side men's and the other side women's and a collection of clearance items in the middle.
The fun starts once you step in, because you're immediately greeted
by an extremely helpful, knowledgeable and competent salesperson. But they don't badger or pressure you into buying anything.
The store stocks up on running attire, water belts, SHOES (including Mizunos!), snacks and just a lot of other goodies. They also have a running group (but I think you have to pay).
The best part is that their prices are the same, if not comparable, to big name stores. Plus, they see what kind of pronoation you have and let you try on several shoes and run in them in their back lot to see how they feel. Yep. Gotta love the service! :) -
Review from Tatertots Rock X.
Los Angeles, CA
10/30/2008
Small little store in Pasadena.
Clean.
Not much selection for someone like myself.
Hmm, no small booty-style running shorts...only the icky kind with the creepy undies sewn in (not my preference), ya know, like dolphin shorts (for those of y'all who grew up in the 70's). No non-racer back running tops or bra tops (I'm a girl, I've got boobies but but they are not huge, more sporty, I don't need indusrial support...no small sizes...hmm, are people in Pasadena big? Anyway, the young men that were working were pretty useless.
I gave this store 3 stars instead of 2 because they were super supportive and super friendly while helping host the NIKE training runs for the NIKE The Human Race. It's bizarre that the people helping outside for training runs were happier, friendlier , and more helpful than the ones in the store.Listed in: Put it on to TAKE IT OFF...
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Review from Alex N.
Los Angeles, CA
12/6/2009
Thanks James for spending some time and talking to me about running Boston Marathon and about shoes.
A Snails Pace in Pasadena is just as great as the one in Fountain Valley.
These guys know their shoes and they know running. I'm a marathon runner, and I always come to them for any advice and anything related to running. They look at you run and offer advice on what they think. Their gear in addition to their gels and running attire may run retail, and you definitely can get cheaper prices for the same items, but I'm a big stickler for great service and accountability. This store has that, and I'm okay with spending retail.
I picked up my awesome Adidas Supernova Sequences and I got on my way.
Just make sure you know where to park in Pasadena Paseo cause it could get confusing, as I tried to find my car for half an hour! Alright, maybe I shouldn't have admitted it here. -
Review from Monica R.
Brooklyn, NY
8/24/2008
I ran the San Francisco full marathon on August 3 this year. Really wanted to run a marathon before I turned 25, but didn't really have a clue what I was doing.
I knew I needed to get fitted for a good pair of running shoes and was referred here by one of my coworkers. The first time I got fitted was GREAT. The guy that helped me had a good sense of humor and being a runner himself, was quite knowledgeable about shoes and training suggestions. He was also very encouraging and even excited for me that I was running the SF marathon as my first.
I went back handful of more times during my 18 week training period (for electrolyte gummies, more socks and my final pair of shoes about 3 weeks before the race). Each time I went in, everybody else was just as helpful. The owner is also a really nice guy.
If you're first time runner or have run 45 marathons, this is definitely the place to go. -
Review from Jill A.
Glendora, CA
9/12/2007
If you're serious about running, I highly recommend taking a trip to A Snail's Pace. I've been buying my running shoes from here since I started running 3 years ago. I've been pretty satisfied with the place. It is recommended that you replace your running shoes every 500 miles.
So when you walk in the store, they'll talk to you about your running goals and plan. They watch how you run and determine what shoes would best fit your feet. Then they come back with a tower of pairs for you to try on and run down the hall with. Then you get to choose what feels best for you.
There's a 30-day guarantee so you can return your shoes if there is a problem.
I need to take a trip over there right about now.... -
Review from Chain L.
Monterey Park, CA
9/19/2009
Over protonate? Under protonate? Mid toe strike and heel striker? What are all these terms?
Thankfully at A Snails Pace their knowledgeable staff will make sure they fit you to the right shoe. If they don't, even if the shoe has been worn for awhile they are willing to take it back and exchange you a better one. Can't beat that.
Their prices are slightly higher, maybe like $5 more per shoe however their service is top notch. Also selection is always great. They carry Saucony, Asics, New Balance, Brooks, Mizuno, ... and if you must Nikes. -
Review from Stephen S.
Covina, CA
7/8/2011
This review is actually for the new store that opened up in Monrovia:
750 S Myrtle
Monrovia, CA 91016
626-568-9886
I just completed my first 5k run and wanted to get a good pair of running shoes. My brother recommended A Snail's Pace, so I went to the closest one in Monrovia.
Having never been fit for running shoes before, I was impressed by the level of service they put into making sure you get the right shoe. They had a computer-based machine that measures the size and arch of your foot. I learned that I had a flat arch and the salesperson brought out three different pairs of shoes for me to try out. He had me run about 15 yards so he could see my stride and told me I was an overpronator. After trying the three pairs, I went with a pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS. After a few days of wearing them, I can honestly say they are by far the best pair of running shoes I've ever worn.
The level of customer service is outstanding. They took the time to answer all of my questions, and as a beginner runner I had a few. My girlfriend was so impressed, she decided to get fit as well and also ended up getting a new pair of shoes. Highly recommend A Snail's Pace and will go there for all of my running needs. -
Review from Davey G.
Los Angeles, CA
9/24/2007
Some folks'll tell you a shoe is a shoe is a shoe. Believe me, just because it's a running shoe doesn't necessarily mean it's meant for your foot and/or running style.
The experts at A Snail's Pace will ask you all about your running habits to narrow down a selection of shoes that they're determined to fit your needs. Yeah, sometimes the shoe they pick out for you might not be the most stylish, but dammit it's going to make for one heck of a splendid run. (Besides, who's even able to check out your shoes when you're zipping by so fast?!)
I used to feel really goofy trying on five or six different pairs of shoes and then run around inside their store. I mean, it is kinda dopey, but in the end I came out with shoes that made my running so much more comfortable.
Thanks Snail's Pace for keeping your customer's needs as priority number one. -
Review from Hugo S.
Los Angeles, CA
5/12/2008
I really enjoy the staff, and I confess I do know most of the guys here. Pasadena is blessed with two good running stores (Run With Us is the other), but I give the slight edge to Snail's Pace. James, the manager, is extremely knowledgeable and has a keen eye; he's made many recommendations that have helped me find the right shoes when old favorites have gone out of style.
One complaint: not enough trail shoes in stock. Given how many locals run in the San Gabriels, they need more shoes for dirt. If they carried brands like Montrail, I'd be very happy. -
Review from Joseph A.
1/9/2011
Finally got fitted for running shoes. They analyzed my foot size and jogging characteristics. They were very helpful in my selection of running shoes. I ended up buying Asics Kayano 17 which are the running shoes I always buy anyways. Too bad there isn't much selection of shoes. You figure being a specialty store, they would have every running shoe available. Other than that, now I'm ready to run like a horse.. on my treadmill that is.
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Review from Concha X.
Pasadena, CA
9/13/2009
Great running shoe store. I recommend you come here first if you do not know how you run. (Pronate,neutral,overpronate) They test you free of charge.The shoes here can be a little pricey so like i said come here for the first time to get checked out and to buy a pair that fits your bunyons and corns well.
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Review from Shelya J.
Altadena, CA
10/10/2010 1 Check-in Here
I used to work here.
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Review from Josh E.
Altadena, CA
5/24/2008
Back when I was going through the process to try to be a sheriff's deputy. The doctor that treated injuries at the academy, said most injuries were running related. Mainly because of improper footwear. He recommended going to Snail's Pace.
I went in on a Saturday and the salesperson was very helpful. He asked what the shoes would be used for. Then he had me run back and forth to observe how I ran. He brought out a couple of pairs of shoes. One of which was perfect.
I'll probably be heading back soon to buy a new pair of shoes. Since my current shoes are pretty worn. -
Review from Carl F.
Los Angeles, CA
12/21/2009
It had probably been over a year since the last time I had come into the Pasadena location of A Snail's Pace.
Yet somehow the salesman (Gabriel Arias) immediately remembered my shoe size and even the details of my own running (that I coached a middle school Students Run LA team), before I had even said a word. Within minutes, he had 7 pairs of shoes out for me to try, and was clearly able to explain the differences between all of them and to answer all of my questions.
He was like a waiter at a fancy restaurant (or at least what I'd imagine them to be like, if I ever ate at one). He gave me plenty of time to try all the shoes out in the service hallway behind the store, and reappeared each time to check on me while deftly balancing other costumers. When I mentioned a few pairs didn't seem to work as well, by the next time I returned they had already been removed. He didn't try to upsell or favor a particular brand either - just to fit me in the right pair of shoes for my needs.
Quite possibly the best service I've ever received anytime, anywhere. -
Review from Peter D.
Pasadena, CA
2/17/2009
Running shop in the Paseo, they let me run around the mall before I actually bought a pair of Shoes. Plus they gave me a pair of socks for free. Ask for Larry
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Review from Joan S.
Los Angeles, CA
7/22/2011
The Pasadena store is closing so I went to the Monrovia store. I tried another store and didn't feel like the teenager who was helping me had any clue what shoes would support my moderate pronation. When I walked into Snail's Pace they first had me stand on a machine that measured the pressure along my sole. The guy who helped me then watched me walk and run and started pulling shoes out of the back. After being INCREDIBLY patient with me and having me try on about 8 different models (including narrowing down by testing close competitors on r vs l foot then switching them) I ended up with a great shoe. It wasn't the most expensive shoe I tried on and it is a size and a half bigger than I ever would have picked based on my normal shoe size. These guys know their stuff and care about your running. I'd go back in a heart beat! Amazing staff, amazing selection, well worth the drive!
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Review from Oshi Y.
Los Angeles, CA
5/3/2009
This place has that expertise deal where you can run with some shoes on and the staff will tell you the best kind of shoe for your problem..like feet pronation. Anyway, staff was really friendly, helpful. Store has cool chairs. And even is willing to write down the shoes that fit you best so you can think about it. Cool.
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Review from Samantha W.
Glendale, CA
5/11/2011
Excellent shop with extremely knowledgeable staff that make great recommendations, which I did not follow my first visit. Humbly I returned my shoes (the one's I wanted, not the ones they recommended) and they graciously processed my return without any problems. I ended up purchasing the original shoes they had recommended, and am very happy with the fit, etc. Trust the professionals. They have a good selection of running shoes, with competetive prices, I would definitely return to buy my next pair of running shoes, and recommend it to anyone else looking for the perfect fit.
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Review from Megan B.
North Hollywood, CA
11/13/2009
I stopped by on my way to the gym for a new pair of running shoes to replace my two-year old adidas. The sales person actually watched me run for a sec and noticed that I was rolling my ankles inward. He picked out a pair of shoes to help correct my form - nothing fancy just regular nikes made with firmer material on the inside of the heel to keep your foot from turning in. The shoes were about $100. They feel pretty good and the whole transaction only took about 20 minutes. Maybe I should have trie on a few more. Because I gotta be honest, the shoes are ugly. Is there such a thing as a cute running shoe?
