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"Just got back from my first REI experience. The employees were fantastic at this location, absolutely fantastic. I was exchanging a gifted…" read more »
When I first moved to Austin, everyone told me to go to RunTex for all my running shoe needs. They'd look at my foot, watch me run, and help me find my perfect shoe. The first time I went, they did spend more time getting to know my foot than your average Footlocker employee, but there was no running or any other jazz. They didn't have a lot of shoes in my size (10) either. I was able to find a pair of shoes I was happy with, though. My next visit for shoes wasn't as nice. The sales person didn't appear to want to help me, and after seeing if they had my size for one shoe, I was told they didn't have it and was dismissed. "Sorry, have a good day!" Uh yeah, thanks for nothing.
So, I turned to online running shoe buying, and the first pair I did this with paid off. I researched them pretty well, and I got lucky. After those wore out, I tried my luck again and failed. Not wanting to go back to RunTex, I decided to go to Hill Country Running. I mean, look at all these 5-star reviews! And from yelpers I trust at that.
My experience here was completely different than RunTex. I ran in every single pair of shoes I tried on and was provided some awesome feedback. I felt like the woman helping me genuinely wanted to help me find a great pair of running shoes, and she kept bringing out shoes for me to try based on my feedback. After trying on five or six pairs of shoes, I decided to switch brands to an awesome pair of New Balances. I would have never tried these shoes had she not brought them out, and I was completely impressed by how awesome they felt on my feet while running.
I 100% recommend this place. The customer service is great, they had my size in multiple styles and brands, and I finally got that much needed professional feedback and advice.
Pro-tip 1: They do not accept checks or American Express.
Pro-tip 2: Since you will probably do a little running in the shoes you try on, after you purchase your new running shoes, walk next door to Lift to reward yourself with a smoothie.
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 has also considered getting shoes here back in July, and had a similarly lovely experience. She tried at least six pairs, treadmill tested them all, ended up deciding not to buy anything, and 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.
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.
I am in the process of training for my first half marathon, and in need of new shoes to get me through the rest of my training. I had been told at RunTex that I had a certain stride, but just recommended a couple brands I should try and didn't give much more guidance than that. I told this to Kim at Hill Country, and she knew exactly which shoes they had that would match my needs. I even tried on a pair on their treadmill, which made a huge difference in knowing that shoe fit. She even brought out other brands for me to try, in case the brand/model I was considering was right for me.
Overall, it was one of the best shopping experiences I have had in a while, especially when I am still learning about running and selecting the right shoe for me. Thanks Kim and Hill Country!
By far the #1 running shop in Austin. The staff at this shop is extremely knowledgeable in all things running, patient, and most importantly, committed to helping you run in any way, shape, or form!
"Customer Service" seems like such a call center word for what I am trying to express about HCRC. The patrons who walk in are seen as fellow runners and friends rather than customers. If you're even thinking about buying new running shoes be sure to check out HCRC. Try on everything they bring you, run in it, and if you like something you try.. buy it!
Kudos to a great friendly store with a solid foundation, check it out!
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.
Best running store in A-town. Super knowledgeable staff. Every time I have been in there the staff are always attentive and helpful. Great selection of shoes, socks, clothing, and other gear.
Go there - you will not be disappointed1
I walked in looking for a new pair of running shoes and was instantly greeted by the warm and friendly staff of fellow runners. After an initial determination of what shoe would be most appropriate for me, I was put on the treadmill for a trial "run"(no pun intended) to key in the exact model for my gait. No other store had taken so much time to figure out what shoe was best for me nor did I realize the importance of it. I was born and raised in Austin so I'd like to say I have a pretty good feel for the city and it's people, Hill Country Running Company has the friendly small town feel we all love about this town with the knowledge and professionalism of world class athletes. I recommend it to all.
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!
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.
After reading Yelp comments, I decided to try this location rather than RunTex. I was extremely pleased I did. Very friendly and informative staff. Screw RunTex.
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.
I have never taken the time to write a review, but this store and it's staff deserves high marks.
Stopped in yesterday with my old shoes, thinking that I needed inserts. After a careful exam, the sales guy pointed out that my shoes were worn out ! He showed me why my shoes were "done" and explained how my worn shoes were causing the foot and leg problems. I tried on 4 pairs and ran on the treadmill, even though there were 2 other women in the store trying on shoes, the sales guy took the time to come over and watch me run and was VERY helpful and knowledgeable. This is my 2nd pair of running shoes, I bought my first pair at Run-Tex. I went to RunTex, because they are RunTex, but was not impressed with the service. Given my awesome experience at HCRC, I now have a new place to get my and my husbands running shoes from.
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.
This place definitely deserves all of the 5 star reviews it has received. The customer service is unbeatable. It's super cool to go to a store where the sales people are runners/triathletes and actually know their stuff rather than go to some mega-store at the mall where high-school athletes go to get part-time jobs.
The first thing they do is ask you a bunch of questions: what distance you run, where you run, what kinds of shoes worked for you in the past, etc. After that, the see how you run on the treadmill: over-pronator versus normal. Then they gave me one pair of shoes that fit my running profile. The key is that they bring out one or two pairs at a time. They listen to your comments of those one or two pairs of shoes and bring out the subsequent pair(s) based on that. When you find a pair that feels comfortable to stand and walk in you get on the treadmill again and run in them; they again evaluate you in the shoes. I must have tried on about 10 pairs of shoes and got on the treadmill 5 times. The sales guy was so patient with me (I am a very indecisive person, I even tried on the same shoe like 3 times!). He just kept asking questions to make sure I had what I needed. In the end, I bought the Brooks Ghost for about $100, which is what they retail for. They are awesome, andI feel like I can fly in them.
Customer service is what sets this store apart from other shoe stores. Whether you are new to running or an avid triathlete, they will help you get what you need.
(They also had an awesome sale on Sugoi stuff. Last year's gear for 70% off! I love this store!)
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?!?!
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!
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!
Hill Country Running Company is the best place to buy running shoes. It's better than any other store I've ever been. I walked in and they asked to see my shoes. She looked at the wear pattern and then had me get on a treadmill with the pair of shoes she recommended based off of that wear pattern. We went through several iterations of this all based off of subsequent runs on the treadmill. Finally I got a pair of shoes and they feel great.
I'm not a runner but noticed a dog life jacket in the window of this store as I passed by the other day. And sure enough, this shoe and apparel store for runners also has life jackets for dogs. The owners are professional triathletes who are also big dog fans. I bought a really sturdy life jacket for my dog so she can come kayaking with me. Jamie, the owner, was terrific in fitting the dog correctly and explaining how to shorten the straps by cutting them and burning the edges so they don't fray. He also suggested some parks where you can wade in with the dog to get them used to the water. Great place!
The best pair of shoes that I have ever owned, for anything, I picked out with the extremely helpful advice from the staff. Seriously, I want to wear these running shoes everywhere, they are that comfortable. As for the shopping experience, well it was extremely pleasant. After watching me run on the treadmill for a bit they were able to narrow my choice down to a certain field of shoes and they just kept bringing them out to let me try each one until I found the perfect fit.
I wish they sold more than just running stuff. I need them to help pick out my basketball shoe! Or my everyday clothes, or my groceries.
Happy Hour 4:30 - 7:00 Mon -…
Neighborhood: 78704 (South Austin)
$199 for 1 Year at 24 Hour…
Austin, TX
Austin, TX
Category: Sports Wear
Austin, TX
Category: Shoe Stores
Austin, TX
Category: Shoe Stores
Austin, TX
Category: Fitness & Instruction
Neighborhood: 78704 (South Austin)
Category: American (Traditional)
What I don't eat or drink away pretty much ends up…
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