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Hill Country Running
Category: Shopping Fashion Sports Wear Shopping Sporting Goods Sports Wear Sports Wear [Edit]
215 S Lamar BlvdSte E
Austin, TX 78704
Neighborhoods: 78704 (South Austin), Bouldin Creek
(512) 294-2866
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 7 pm
Sat 9 am - 6 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Mara F. said: "LOVE this place. It is a great place to shop for the mom-to-be that has everything. It's also just a fun place to shop and look around, everything is so beautiful. Each time I give a gift from Baby Bugaloo it is ALWAYS the hit of…" read more »
75 reviews for Hill Country Running
Review Highlights
"...certain important points about choosing the right shoe."
(in 8 reviews)
"The staff is VERY friendly--no RunTex egos here."
(in 17 reviews)
"...your water stations at the hike & bike trail are very much..."
(in 3 reviews)
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75 reviews in English
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Review from Jason C.
Austin, TX
11/22/2011
I went to a brief trail running talk here. Great place, very friendly and knowledgeable.
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Review from chaz w.
Austin, TX
2/1/2012
An excellent store and a good alternative to other running stores in the area.
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Review from Ariel S.
Austin, TX
8/1/2011
Does this place even need another 5-star review? My girlfriend and I come from an extensive background in swimming, and we've decided to expand our workouts to include triathlons, so we've started going to sports stores around here. We wanted to have our gaits analyzed to ensure that we get the correct shoes, mainly to avoid injury and make running enjoyable. They have great employees that watch you run out back and on a treadmill. They then tell you whether you need a neutral running shoe, one to battle over-pronation, etc. After that, they help you size your shoe correctly (most people are wearing an incorrect size for serious running), and they let you try on a run in as many pairs as you need to find the best fit and padding amount.
So, we went to Hill Country, went through all the paces, narrowed down between all the pairs we tried and chose some Saucony shoes. We thought that it would be worth it to get sized at least once, but when we got home and compared their prices to online vendors and big-box stores, we found that we didn't pay any extra for the service! You owe it to yourself, if you're intensely running, to come in to get fitted for a correctly-fitting shoe that's a good model. It will better your times and keep you off of the doctor's table. -
Review from Mike K.
Austin, TX
7/7/2011
These people know running shoes.
I went there not knowing a damn thing about my running style, feet, or shoes in general. The staff took a long time ex planing everything, which is exactly what I wanted! They have a good selection and decent prices. Keep in mind these are top tier shoes.
They pass out coupons all over town and at marathons so keep a look out before you are about to buy.
Ask for Ed! -
Review from Wendy S.
Harker Heights, TX
7/17/2011
I'm brand new to running and I needed professional help with finding the right shoes for my long, skinny feet. Just like the rest of the happy reviewers, I was blown away with the service and selection! I live over an hour away, but I'll gladly make the drive to shop at HCRC in the future.
A word of warning - park in the garage, NOT in Taco Cabana's lot. They tow!! -
Review from Laurie B.
Austin, TX
6/12/2011
The staff here are great! One of the best stores in Austin.
A new pair of shoes is like candy for runners. The staff at this store will make sure you get the best for your form! -
Review from Andre L.
7/17/2011
Move over, Run-Tex! Paul Carroza's reign of running monopoly is officially over.
I needed a new pair of running shoes to start training for a race later this year and thought I'd give these guys a shot. I was honestly only planning on doing some tire kicking, but the salesperson was so helpful I ended up buying the shoes. The guy must have brought me a half dozen shoes until we nailed down what style was most comfortable for my stride and then I tried another half dozen in that style until I settled on the Asics I did.
The salespeople were all ears and smiles, wanting to know about me and races I've done and shooting the general running breeze. Definitely a fan! -
Review from Meghan S.
Houston, TX
10/7/2011
This is the best place to get running shoes - professional help and understanding. Knowledgable and a strong sense of what every specific person needs. HCRC is the place to go if you are starting out or a professional - I trust this place with my feet, knees and hips when it comes to running shoes! THANK YOU DAVID!!!!
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Review from Alison S.
Austin, TX
3/30/2011
This is definitely one of the best stores in Austin for runners!
I came in here when I was just starting with running and got set up with a perfect pair of running shoes (they did a treadmill test on my feet to find out how I run and what shoes I needed). I also got a hat that I have worn all the time to keep the sun and sweat away while running.
I came in again a year later for a new pair of running shoes (you are supposed to replace your running shoes every year so they don't wear down and hurt your joints and increase your impact). They redid my running test and talked to me about how running had been going... I also got some awesome moisture-whicking socks and elastic laces... sooo awesome.
I came in about a month later because I got the tri-bug... so they helped me out so much finding the right pair of bike shorts that would work great for swimming, biking, and running, with the right amount of padding. The staff here is so wonderful and their store always has the newest stuff and lots of samples!
It's also right next to the hike and bike trail and a great health food restaurant called Lift:) -
Review from Jay P.
Austin, TX
9/5/2011
Great store. Excellent customer service. Friendly. They will work with you to get you the right shoe and the right size. Ask for David. Park in garage.
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Review from marc s.
5/17/2010
I went to hill country because of all the great yelp reviews. Wow, spot on. The owner was totally cool. The guy who helped me must have spent over 30 minutes working with me, watching me run in different shoes, giving me advice, telling me about a trail running club and basically being totally cool.
Love the shoes, they're perfect and exactly what I needed.
I would never consider going anywhere else for running shoes. The right shoes and the right fit make all the difference in the world.
The one minor negative is they don't take amex or discover. Only mastercard/visa.
AWESOME local business.Listed in: Sporting Hookups
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Review from Crystal A.
Austin, TX
6/5/2010 1 Check-in Here
Stopped in after reading a Talk thread and all these great reviews. They guy that helped me was great.
He did watch me walk, but I never got on a treadmill. Instead, I just spent some time walking around the store, checking out merchandise I can't fit into.
For me, it's weird spending $100 on a pair of shoes. My knees don't think it's weird at all. My lower back and my knees have been thanking me ever since my first day of wearing them. It really is money, and time, well spent. -
Review from nils e.
Austin, TX
10/30/2010
Super Pro all around. The shoe selection is the crem-della-crem and the staff know their shite. My last pair of shoes I bought from em were squeaking after 50 or so miles. Brought em back thinking I would have to talk em into warrantying them but it was no big deal and I skipped out with a new pair. This is a sign of a good shop!
You will also be stoked to find out that almost all the shoes are the same price that zappos has listed.
Rock on guys! -
Review from Steven L.
Austin, TX
10/10/2010
My challenge is that I have very flat feet, and finding shoes that don't leave my feet hurting at the end of the day is a challenge. I discovered New Balance MT100 shoes a while back, and realized that I do much better with running shoes that have a barefoot running/neutral sole.
The problem is finding ones that suit me.
I decided that, for a change, I'd actually go into a shoe store rather than shop online. Research on Yelp led me to Hill Country. Thank you Yelp!
From the moment I walked in, when Brittany started taking care of me, it was a pleasure. I came out with shoes that fit, and that suit my feet (and budget). What a joy! -
Review from Rachel W.
Austin, TX
5/5/2011
One word: Amazing.
I am recently trying to get in shape, and therefore am in a rather bad shape as of now. When I went to runtex, they were rude and serviced the "skinny" people before me. Not at Hill Country Running Company. I walked in and was immediately greeted. I told the salesguy my issues (hurting arches and knees, and very large feet for a woman). He had me walk and run to see what I needed. He outfitted me in a nice pair of new Brooks running shoes and they are amazing. My feet feel better immediately when they are on. And, they weren't too terribly expensive. They were the exact same price at Dick's and I was able to support the local economy. -
Review from Felecia I.
Austin, TX
5/8/2010
Actually, I popped in here just for a Trigger Point grid massage roller. The first time I came in, they were out of stock but were able to tell me the exact day they were picking up new rollers. I returned yesterday and bought one.
Staff were very friendly and helpful. The rollers were available in two colours. I initially went for the orange. The gentleman helping me suggested the black, saying it would not show dirt so easily and therefore look cleaner in the long run. I realized he was right (you have to roll on the floor) and went with the black instead. A small detail, to be sure, but it spoke volumes about his approach to customer service -- he took the time to help me make the best decision about the product I was buying. I really appreciated that. -
Review from Meghan S.
Austin, TX
7/3/2010
After being treated like a leper at RunTex when I went in to buy Rocket Shower, I decided that another local running store would get my business when it was time to replace my Sauconys.
So I went in to HCR buy a hat, as sort of a trial run. I'd been there once before to pick up a race packet, and it had seemed pretty nice. The employee was friendly, helpful, and enthusiastic (with no pressure) even though all I was buying was a $20 hat.
A month later, I went to get fitted for shoes. The nice lady working there had me walk in the store, then run on a treadmill (which felt weird) so she could check my gait. Then she brought out tons of shoes for me to try and explained the features of all of them. I tried each pair outside while she watched my gait, then let me try them all again on my own to see how I liked them. I settled on some Asics (which, incidentally, were no more expensive at the store than they'd have been online).
Meanwhile, the saleswoman was also helping my sister -- who wants to start running -- find her first pair of shoes. This woman had the patience of a saint and was totally focused on helping us, without being overbearing or pushy. I love that they're truly encouraging of novice runners -- no condescension here.
HCR is fantastic. Great service, diverse selection, and very reasonable prices. -
Review from Halie P.
Austin, TX
11/17/2010
I created a Yelp account just to write about this place.
I'm new to running, and these are the first running shoes I've bought custom-fitted. The store is small, which can be intimidating, but their back room seems to have an endless supply of shoes, which the sales clerk kept bringing out without frustration. I tried on a total of eight shoes, finally finding the perfect pair! The treadmill test can be awkward if you're not a runner, but it really does make a difference. I have extremely flat feet and a bad knee, and these shoes help with my overpronating. I'm actually EXCITED to run now. These sales people are the best.
Yes, the shoes are expensive, but from experience, it makes a difference than buying off-the-rack shoes at Academy. -
Review from Jaime M.
4/24/2009 ROTD 5/20/2009
Picture this: You've written 399 reviews, most of them of places determined to make you fatter, many of them bent on relaxation (... laziness), to boot. You, my friend, NEED to visit Hill Country Running Company. Get off your butt and make review No. 400 count!
The staff here is awesome, so helpful and knowledgeable it makes my slowpoke (aka unathletic) head spin a little. I don't remember the name of the female co-owner, but on a busy Saturday afternoon, she was eager to help me, despite being occupied by three other customers at the time -- and none of us felt rushed or ignored. Everyone was smiling, even!
There were three women, myself included, trying on shoes, and she was able to keep straight which of us was an 8, a 7.5 and a 7, and which issues each of us had, darting in and out of the supply closet with plenty of selections.
My wacky ankles and high arches meant I needed a shoe with a lot of support in some places and a little in others, and after three pairs, I found the shoes for me. She gave me a couple more to try on, just in case (remember, all this while dealing with three other people in a relatively tight space), and watched me on the treadmill for a minute or so with each shoe.
Unfortunately, I realized I was going to be late for work and had to leave without buying.
I didn't get a chance to go back for three more days, by which time I'd gone to several other stores (where I'd gotten less impressive service and the prices were just about the same), checked the prices of the shoes I wanted on the Internet (I'm a cheapskate who had to really think about spending $95 on running shoes) and seen that they were no cheaper anywhere else, and run about a dozen miles in my old, crappy shoes that were giving me cuts and blisters.
The store was empty this time, and the now even more attentive woman had remembered me and my running issues (and even my size!) and fetched the pair I wanted, along with pretty much the only shoes in the whole store I hadn't tried before and which weren't as comfortable -- I was still grateful for the chance to compare them. Happy with my decision, I prepared to plunk down the big bucks.
While I was checking out, she suggested that I enter a drawing for a free bike and an automatic 10 percent off my bill. Done and done! I also got a chance to meet her co-owner, an energetic and friendly guy. I'd happily deal with either of them in the future.
They pointed me in the direction of the nearest entrance to the Hike and Bike Trail, and off I went for the best jog ever!
My shoes feel terrific two weeks later, by the way! -
Review from Justin B.
Chicago, IL
11/1/2008
This is where I'll be buying all my running shoes from now on.
The level of service and knowledge is the highest I've ever enjoyed while shopping for the right running shoe (are you paying attention, Runtex?).
The guy did the normal running shoe store stuff. Then, after he decided which shoe type I needed, he had me try on a pair and run on the treadmill while he and the gal working there watched my gait and pronation tendencies to make sure his diagnosis was correct.
It was. We all even talked about the difference in movement in my left foot strike versus right foot strike. We talked about my workout goals and habits.
This store is miles ahead of Runtex, and a bit cheaper, too. Their prices are a bit spendy over the 'net, but I'm willing to spend an extra tenner to support this great shop.Listed in: Hobby. Hobby. Hobby.
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Review from Cameron T.
Austin, TX
10/23/2009
If Hill Country Running Company started a church, I'd be showing up every Thursday night with a hot dish of ziti and regularly tithing a third of my paycheck.
This store is what a good running community is all about. From the second you walk through the door, the feeling is palpable. It's impossible to miss the blindingly knowledgeable staff, deep inventory, and reasonable prices. And the warmth exuded by the employees would be creepy, if it wasn't so earnest and impossible to resist. They really, really, really want to find the *perfect* shoe for you, one that you'll be happy with 400 miles down the road.
I stopped in because my old pair of Pearl Izumi Syncro Pace shoes (my fourth straight pair) were shot. Within moments, even though it was PAST the store's closing time and she was still helping two women with shoes, the clerk had the exact pair I was looking for in my hands. I ramped up the treadmill, experienced the xanadu of new perfectly-fitting shoes, and was on my way.
My girlfriend also considered getting shoes here back in July, and had a similarly lovely experience. She tried at least six pairs, treadmill tested them all, and ended up deciding not to buy anything. The clerk's enthusiasm and honest cheerfulness didn't budge. She just invited us to come back after my girlfriend had time to mull it over.
I've poked my snout in Rogue and RunTex, too. I can't stand the smarmy condescension and glacial customer service served up at either. I'm not sure what it is about some Austin establishments--Daily Juice, Fresh Plus, etc.--that encourages their clerks to act like old crusty British aristocrats forced to mingle with lepers. But I'm glad that Hill Country is an exception. -
Review from John V.
Austin, TX
8/22/2008 10 Check-ins Here
Heck Yes! I've got to say I have never learned so much about myself while shopping before. Apparently, I have a slight toe-in, roll-over on my right leg during my stride and contact while running. Kim the sales associate and shoe ninja was able to measure my feet, do some stance and running assessments and fit me into the correct shoe for my specific needs.
My new Pearl Izumi Peak EC trainer/runners are awesome. They are by far the best fitting shoes I have ever had for the type of running I do. This shoe is a trail/road hybrid that gives me support on my (low) arches yet, they still have the flexibility to keep me comfortable on a 13 mile run.
All this time I had been running with the wrong kinds of shoes. Who would have known? Hill Country Running Company, that's who!
P. S. They also have a treadmill in store to test all of your shoe choices, how kick ass is that?!?!Listed in: NO HIPSTERS ALLOWED!, Work Sucks., How I stay fly.
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Review from Yvonne R.
8/13/2008
This place is great for all your running needs. Jamie and Andrea are great and always very helpful. Same goes for the rest of the assistants there. They are the only running store that actually carries WIDE width shoes, which is something I need for my abnormally wide feet. It stumps me how other specialty running stores, who shall remain nameless, don't carry shoes in a wide or narrow width. You have to order them and wait 2 weeks for them to get to the store and actually try them on. How inconvenient is that?
I also found some nice new balance running shorts and sports bra for like $10 each. Can't beat that! Love this place, highly recommended! -
Review from Cody R.
Austin, TX
9/30/2009
Is there a 6 star rating on Yelp?
This place is the poster child for excellent customer service. You come in, they spend 20 minutes with you... analyzing your feet, bringing TONS of shoes for you to try on, and letting you run on the treadmill to try them out.
This is a running shoe boutique, which usually means you're going to spend 120 dollars.... But Hill Country Running has EXCELLENT shoes on sale! In almost every size...
I couldn't believe it.
If you're looking for running shoes this should be your first stop. -
Review from Suzie M.
12/9/2010 ROTD 3/12/2011
RunTex, I'm not only cheating on you, I'm leaving you for someone else. I have been a good, loyal girlfriend, but last time I was in your store, it seemed you had gone from focusing on merchandise to organizing events. Nothing wrong with that, and your water stations at the hike & bike trail are very much appreciated by all who run there.
However, as a high-arched, over-pronating-orthotic-wearing-plantar fascitis-suffering gal, I can't afford to be dissed. Last time I was with you, I left in a pair of Asics Gels that were oh, so wrong for me.
Enter Hill Country Running Company. As others have attested, this little store is full of excellent customer service, knowledgeable staff and even a store doggie that makes buying running shoes for my high-maintenance feetsies a pleasure. After watching me run in those Asics, my expert brought out several pairs of shoes for me to try. I ended up in a pair of Brooks Adrenalines that are absolutely perfect for me. They don't even slip in the heel with my orthotics loaded in.
Ahhhhh. Sigh. Yessssss.
You have won my love and loyalty. -
Review from Shelly L.
2/11/2010
I was just in Hill Country Running for the first time today. Of course, I waited until the few days before the marathon to figure out a way to carry my energy gels. The staff was very helpful in letting me know the goods and bads of each brand - and which would be best for me on race day.
They even wished me luck (and called me by name) on the way out. I'll definitely be using them for future running purchases.Listed in: My Neighborhood, Best Customer Service Everrrr
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Review from Jason G.
12/15/2009
I think it's obvious from these reviews that it's the owners that make this place so great. Not only are they experts in their field, but they are extremely friendly and easy to talk to. When you walk in, you feel like you are immediately their number one customer and they are happy to go the extra mile to get you the gear (or maybe just the information) you need.
If you're loyal to a certain swoosh-ladened mega-brand (like I can be sometimes), you'll have a hard time finding it here, but this might be a good opportunity to venture out and try new (possibly better) brands.Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Leann P.
Austin, TX
10/14/2011
I love hill country south store! I decided to train for the Austin marathon. I got my analysis and first shoes there and then joined their free love to run class. I love that place and get everything i need there now.
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Review from Matt S.
Austin, TX
10/20/2008
Owned by two of Austin's best known triathletes I decided to check it out and because I was tired of my Nike Free running shoes.
Although I wanted another pair of shoes, Jamie talked me into some Pearl Izumi shoes. Since then, I've bought two more pairs. Great place! -
Review from Molly S.
Austin, TX
9/13/2009
This seemingly small, cheerful shop is packed with shoes, socks, and running clothes. The staff is VERY friendly--no RunTex egos here. I was helped immediately and the staff listened carefully to me. The guy who helped me selected six pairs of shoes for me to try (I'm a women's 10.5 or 11 in running shoes, so this really impressed me). I had been to RunTex on Riverside the day before where they scoffed rudely at my wondering why there were no prices on the shoes or even the socks (we're a full service running store, not the mall, they said--don't get me started on the number of problems with that statement). RunTex only had one shoe in my size for me to try.
The folks at Hill Country have a treadmill set up, so I was able to really test out the shoes. I also tried on a bunch of shorts from their wide selection and ended up with the cutest new running clothes. I'm so excited to go on my first run with my new gear.
The parking is really convenient, and the location is great--right next to the best running trail in town, Lady Bird Lake, at the top of South Lamar. -
Review from Brian L.
Austin, TX
4/14/2010
These guys are great. They keep things personal by asking your name. Nate helped me out, and he was a great genuine guy - just talking to you like a friend would. We looked at my old shoes and Nate brought out a shoe just to test what he thought my foot condition was (over-pronating).
If you're not a treadmill runner - which most of us are not - at least those that really run - they evaluate you running outside as well if you don't feel natural on the treadmill.
When they asked how I found them, I told them Yelp had awesome reviews. I went to Rogue once but they only had a display model of the shoe that I tried on and liked - it was going to be the following week before the next shipment was coming in. While I was talking to the guys, another customer told me that RunTex told them to go to Hill Country Running.
Save yourself the time from these other "running/athletic" shoe stores, and go to Hill Country Running. Their prices are the same as the rest (or slightly lower than some. When you're paying $100 on shoes, you want to feel good about the shoes and the people you're giving your money to. These guys aren't cocky or self centered - they honestly just help you out and wish you the best with your shoes. Good ol' genuine people that you wish existed at more retail places. -
Review from christina v.
Austin, TX
6/26/2009
Based on my boyfriend's bad experience with RunTex and feedback from other Yelpers (thanks, guys!), I made the educated decision to check out Hill Country Running.
I'm a very, very, very novice runner. I was that girl in school who had to go to the nurse after running a mile because she had asthma attacks every time she ran. It. sucked.
So I'm slowly - and safely - running my way up to marathon status. But I needed new shoes. I was running in these ridiculous old New Balances that Hill Country told me were trail shoes - and a half-size too big! Clearly I had no idea what shoe I needed.
'Til I ran on the treadmill. I found out I was a neutral runner and tried running in a bunch of different shoes.
Suddenly I heard myself saying about pair #1: "Eh, I dunno. They're slipping in the back." And then, "Hmm...it kinda feels like I'm running on a ball; I'm not sure how I feel about that" for pair #2.
Five stars right off the bat because on my second run in my new pair of Sauconies I ran 20 straight minutes. That's longer than I've ever run in my entire life. And I was (very happily) asthma attack free.
So here's to Hill Country Running for schooling me and setting me on my merry way to becoming a legit runner in no time. -
Review from Jessica A.
Austin, TX
4/7/2010
This place is the BEST running store in Austin, hands down. Granted, the other shops have their strong-points, but genuinely nice sales people go a long long long way to me.
I have shopped here numerous times, sometimes to buy something as simple as an energy bar, other times to buy my favorite shoe which always seems to be in stock. AWESOME!
Prices are very comparable to other stores and honestly, unless you are buying online or through eBay or something, you really won't find those running shorts or that jacket cheaper locally, anyways.
Probably the best things about Hill Country Running is that they remember you. They always have samples of SOMETHING for you to try, even if it's some electrolytes to mix in your water or a new energy bar. Did I mention that they sometimes host free Trigger Point Therapy classes?! Go ask and inquire if you are interested...saved me a ton on medial care for running injuries a year ago...
Overall, best of the best. I hope and wish all running stores (or even just fitness) were this good. -
Review from Ana HI P.
Austin, TX
6/27/2010
Great store!
And to find out it's local... even better.
Of course this is news to me since I am NOT a runner and had no clue on what to look for in a shoe. Now that I needed a pair to start my training, I am glad a friend recommended the place.
The guy that helped me was very knowledgeable and explained certain important points about choosing the right shoe. He also gave me some advice on what type of sock to wear depending on preference.
GREAT experience overall. -
Review from Jackie P.
Austin, TX
2/1/2010
This place is what customer service is all about. Everyone that works there is so nice and helpful. Like everyone else has said on here, they really seem to care about putting you in the shoes that are best FOR YOU. The watch how you walk and have you run on a treadmill with every shoe you are deciding between until you find the shoe that's perfect. They have a big selection of brands and give you detailed descriptions of how the shoes differ. They really are running shoes experts and are so knowledgeable. Parking is super easy too! :)
I previously went to another running store (RT for short!) and my experience was no where near this great.
Hill Country Running is fab and will be the only Austin running store that gets my business! -
Review from s m.
Austin, TX
9/25/2011
I went and bought sneakers for me and my daughter. Very friendly staff and knowledeable.
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Review from Mark L.
Austin, TX
6/2/2009
Great...that's how a sum up this shop. It's not the largest shoe store of it's kind, but we all know that bigger does not mean better. Great customer service that consisted of a 45 minute fitting that included several test runs on the tread mill. These people know their shoes and are passionate about it.
You should bring in your current running shoes so they can review the wear pattern - this will help their fitting process immensely. It may take me a while to wear out this new pair (I'm an indoor runner and not a street runner) but I know wear I'll be when what is today new, becomes tomorrows old. -
Review from Monica M.
3/27/2010
This is my absolute favorite running store in Austin! What other store has awesome employees who will spend an hour and a half with me, let me try seven different pairs of shoes, watch me run in all and give me a recommendation based on how I run (whew, that was quite the run on sentence... no pun intended)?
The staff there is great - friendly, talkative, and good to chat with races about. The store itself has a great selection - you can find some "hard-to-find-in-Austin" brands of shoes like Avia and Pearl Izumi.Listed in: ATX Triathlon
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Review from Jeannine S.
Mountain View, CA
8/22/2010
I went to a few different stores, actually looking for inserts, I am a fairly new runner and my feet have this weird tendency to fall asleep so I was thinking maybe some inserts would help. At RunTex I was ignored, at Rogue they were just really busy and didn't have time to talk to me. I went to Hill Country and was helped immediately by a really cool younger guy (I don't remember his name unfortunately) who took all the time in the world to help me out. He talked to me about inserts, and the price of those vs getting a better pair of shoes. I showed him what I had been running in, which I should NOT have been running in, they provide about as much support as a pair of chuck's. He let me try on multiple pairs of shoes, I think I must have tried on at least 6, and let me run in them outside to see how they felt each time. Through the entire process I never felt like he was judging me or that he was getting annoyed with me, so either he is a really great actor, or they really do care about making sure you are happy with what you purchase.
I didn't walk in there intending to buy a new pair of shoes, but was prepared to do so. I could have taken all the info I got there about the shoes that work best for my feet and went online and ordered the pair I liked, but I went ahead and just bought them there because the service was so rad. I am totally happy with the shoes I bought. I ran a 10k in them the next day and felt like I could have kept right on going. My running has become 10 times easier, and I will totally be going back to Hill Country for my next pair of shoes. -
Review from mind s.
Austin, TX
2/26/2011
One more glowing review: Nate watched me walk and run outside, looked at the shoes I came in wearing to see the wear - brought me several pairs to try, watched me run outside in all of them, explained why my heel was slipping and showed me how different socks felt, and with the patience of an angel held my hand as I switched brands from what I've been wearing for years. And didn't blink an eye at my definitely non-runner body. Terrific company and staff!
