Hours:

Mon-Sat 10 am - 8 pm

Sun 12 pm - 5 pm

Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Garage, Street
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

  • user photo
    "Great shoe selection and knowledgeable staff." In 3 reviews
  • user photo
    "Bought my second pair of running shoes from this..." In 5 reviews
  • user photo
    "And for the more serious runner they have all the tools..." In 4 reviews
  Loading...
Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites' | Facebook Friends'

13 reviews in English

  • Review from Jessica T.

    • 0 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Bethlehem, PA

    5.0 star rating
    3/13/2012

    They have the best prices for high-quality athletic shoes...
    If I go in there for a new pair of sneakers, I make a bee-line for the sale rack and never have a problem finding my size on sale (size 10 womens, not easy to find). They offer oddball sizes (narrow, wide, etc) and seem knowledgable.

  • Review from Daniel H.

    • 6 friends
    • 128 reviews

    Bethlehem, PA

    5.0 star rating
    11/4/2010

    Bought my second pair of running shoes from this establishment. Their staff is very knowledgeable and actually works to help you save some money. Their attitude is to find something for the customer that fits their exact needs without breaking the bank.

    Well, market prices for running shoes are what they are. But the money you pay is worth it rather than suffering through aches and pains with a cheaper ill-fitting pair of shoes. And this place will work to make sure what you get is just right.

    Seriously, the shoes I got from here stopped all my shinsplints and other ouches I got from endurance running.

  • Review from Joshua N.

    • 36 friends
    • 205 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    3/23/2011

    This is a GREAT running store. As a pretty serious runner I always appreciated not only their great selection of running shoes and apparel but their knowledge of these items. It's definitely important for a running store to have smart runners to help the more novice runners out there. If that happens to be you the good folks at Aardvark would be glad to help you. And for the more serious runner they have all the tools you'll need to take to that next level and would to have a chat about your last long run/workout. I also REALLY like their selection of spikes and racing flats.

    Great store!

  • Review from Linda W.

    • 0 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Edison, NJ

    5.0 star rating
    10/7/2011

    This is one of the most warm and inviting businesses I've ever had the pleasure to come across.  The staff is always friendly, and informative.  I am by no means a professional runner, but I do run often for recreation (I've been in my fair share of local 5Ks, let me tell you!) and the staff has always been very adaptive to my needs, and then I've seen them speak after me directly to novices and people with more experience/passion/what-have-you than me, and every person who walks through the door is treated the same.  Everyone is welcomed warmly, and helped to find a great value based on their particular needs.  I am not from the immediate area, but visit often, and when I do, I never miss a chance to stop by Aardvark.

  • Review from Candi K.

    Emmaus, PA

    5.0 star rating
    5/3/2009

    I'm back to hitting the road again after 8 years off my feet, and after wandering through the local New Balance and chain sports stores, I was pretty disappointed at what the area had to offer in the advice department.  I have some overpronation and other issues, and most everywhere I went had very little to say.  Just "look for anything that says stability" and I guess fend for yourself.  I'm sorry, but I can't plop down $100+ on a pair of shoes if you can't tell me they are going to work for me.

    But, I entered the Aardvark Sports Shop and was very, very impressed!  Our sales guy didn't first ask me about size or brand, but asked me to take off my shoes and roll up my pants so he could see how I stood.  He quickly saw my overpronation and flat feet and asked if I had a budget in mind.  Then I found myself quickly surrounded by about 8 boxes.  I'd try two different shoes on, then take off the one I disliked most, and try another, until I found one I really liked.  Then to put on the mate and run around the store for a few minutes, and I was sold.

    Their prices are higher than what you might pay at the Finish Line or Foot Locker or any of those chains, but they do sell at MSRP or lower (which is more than I can say of the New Balance store, which was selling a pair of shoes for $10 over MSRP), and you are paying for advice and service.  I could save about $20 if I returned my shoes and bought them through some online store, but I prefer to support my local store.  I wouldn't have chosen these little Saucony runners without their help.

    They also carry a large range of exercise apparel and accessories (even energy bars).  It's also a great resource if you are looking for local running teams & events; I'm a LONG way from those things, but it's nice to have a good local source for the info.

  • Review from Kaitlin L.

    • 0 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Allentown, PA

    5.0 star rating
    7/16/2011

    I bought my first pair of "real" running shoes here. The staff is great at treating each customer as an individual and really listening to you to figure out what you need (including helping you stay within a price range). They carefully evaluated my feet and my gait before bringing out some pairs for me to try, then listened to what I did and didn't like about them before bringing out more. They let you run around in the store, down the hall and outside to really test the shoes before buying. I am indecisive and ask a lot of questions, and they were very patient and helpful. I am thrilled with the shoes they helped me choose. They fit perfectly and have helped eliminate my shin splints.

    Other than shoes, they also have running apparel, other athletic apparel, etc. They have a small section of sale items from which I got a couple pairs of padded running socks. The store is small but their selection of shoes is impressive and the service is great.

  • Review from Thuy H.

    • 3 friends
    • 140 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    9/6/2011

    After a discouraging experience at Finish Line (where the sales girl treated us like we were wasting her time), my sister & I headed to Aardvark to get fitted for shoes as we were beginners. Suzanne helped both of us even though there were only 1/2 hour left before the store closes. She measured our feet, had us walk through the store & watched how our feet moved. We found out that my sister needed stability shoes & that I needed neutral shoes & a bit less support in my current pairs. She brought out 3-5 pairs of shoes for each of us to try. Just from watching me walk in one of them she could tell the extra support was forcing me to put too much pressure on the outside of my shoes. She got another pair, same brand, slightly different model & it made all the difference! My sister found two pairs she really liked with brands she never even considered & one pair that she thought would fit her from online research to be too stiff for her! Me, I found myself loving a pair of Nike, which I've always shied away from because I thought I had wide feet (which I found out I don't, thanks Suzanne!) & I absolutely love it! Even though we didn't plan on buying anything Suzanne was so helpful & encouraging that we ended up making a purchase :) - just goes to show that when the salespeople are nice & genuinely helpful, the customers & the store both win. Aardvark has won two customers for life! =oD

  • Review from William B.

    • 11 friends
    • 51 reviews

    Bethlehem, PA

    5.0 star rating
    11/10/2008

    A great selection of just about everything necessary for the avid runner. The guys and gals who run the shop are both knowledgeable and amiable. They are more than willing to dole out advice and information to any inquiry on the subject of running and jogging. The price, while seemingly steep, is worth it. As the old adage goes, you get what you pay for. Here you just might get a little extra, if you ask.

  • Review from Vanessa W.

    Bethlehem, PA

    5.0 star rating
    8/4/2006

    Great resource for hard core runners. They often sponsor road races. Can be expensive. But if you're into it, you'll pay the price for high quality.

  • Review from Glenn T.

    • 5 friends
    • 102 reviews

    Bethlehem, PA

    4.0 star rating
    7/1/2009

    Good quality merchandise and great prices on GU and powerbar products. I have only ever purchased the aforementioned, but I have seen their sales people in action and it seems they are very attentive and want to make sure they match the customer with the right gear.

  • Review from Jill F.

    • 0 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Allentown, PA

    5.0 star rating
    3/24/2010

    Great shoe selection and knowledgeable staff. Excellent selection of running gear from clothing to gadgets and everything in between, even jogging strollers. If you run a local race in the Lehigh Valley you're bound to get a discount coupon in your race bag.

  • Review from Emily K.

    • 2 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Breinigsville, PA

    5.0 star rating
    1/19/2011

    My husband and I have both been going to Aardvark for our running shoes for at least 10 years.  I was a runner at Moravian College, and we always used them for our shoes since we got a group discount!  My husband now works in center city Bethlehem and is a regular at the store.  The staff is extremely knowledgable and courteous, the prices are reasonable and they will work with you to make sure you're getting the best shoe for YOU!  Can you get a cheaper pair of shoes at Dicks or online somewhere?  Sure...but I'd rather enjoy the experience knowing in full confidence that I've gotten the right pair of shoes from experienced staff, all the while supporting local small business.

  • Review from Ashley M.

    • 2 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Bethlehem, PA

    5.0 star rating
    7/14/2009

    My motto always used to be "I don't run unless I'm being chased", but when I finally decided to get my butt into shape I realized I'd have to do some sort of swift walking movements (I still don't know if what I do could be called "running", but I'm working on it...) Anyway, I'm not a sneaker person, and the only pair I even owned were these bright lime green "Kangaroos" that sit in my closet and only get worn when I'm feeling rather flamboyant. (I wish I could have captured the look on the guy's face when I walked in Aardvark and told them what shoes I'd been wearing...) The person who helped me was awesome! He dropped what he was doing and dedicated his full attention to me and my needs. I never knew the complexities that go into finding a good running shoe. He made me walk around barefoot to see how my feet move, and made me try on 3 different pairs of shoes so I could feel the difference in brands. He also measured my feet and recommended getting a 1/2 size larger then I had been wearing. I ended up buying a pair of Mizuno's for just a bit over $100, which is way less then I thought I was going to pay. I not only found a great pair of sneakers, but I learned A LOT about running and keeping my feet healthy and safe. I've never in my life experienced such service when buying shoes. Can you even imagine walking into a Foot Locker and getting that kind of service? I sure can't. I know without a doubt that when I need new shoes or any kind of running accessory I will be going back to Aardvark.

People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...