JackRabbit Sports
Categories: Fitness & Instruction, Sporting Goods [Edit]
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Greenwich Village42 W 14th Street
(between 5th Ave & Avenue Of The Americas)
New York, NY 10011 (212) 727-2980
- Nearest Transit:
14th St-6th Aves (F, V, L, 1, 2, 3)
14th Street (PATH)
Union Square (4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W)
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Fri 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Thu 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Sat 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Sun 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
32 Reviews for JackRabbit Sports
Jack Rabbit is definitely run by people who know a bit about running and the shoes that go with the sport. I've been a runner for more than ten years now and I know the shoe brand that I like, so I was pretty certain about what I'd pick out.
Still, I was happy to try on a shoe by a different company and surprised to see that it actually fit very well. I also did a tread mill test to check for arch support - the first I have ever done...and I actually learned a bit about how I run.
I ended buying the brand I always go with, happy that I could get my hands on last year's model at a discount. Bottom-line: great selection, people who know running, nice prices and friendly staff.
Having worn through my 57th pair of New Balance cross-trainers far too quickly, I decided to take my exercise shoe needs to JackRabbit to see if they could help me find something that might last me a bit longer. Everyone has mentioned the whole video treadmill thing, and I found it interesting to watch where my stride goes astray (apparently I need shoes with a bit more stability). I left with a lovely pair of Asics that have served me well so far.
It's very clear these guys know their stuff and the store is clean, bright and friendly - a welcome change from some of the sketch-tastic looking places that line 14th Street. Lots of running gear and useful items like shoe wallets and sweat-proof sunscreen.
My only complaint actually is that their selection is rather small. They seem very loyal to certain brands and styles that have clearly been carefully selected, but I wished I had more to chose from (I'm also pretty limited by my enormous feet - which is why I usually go to New Balance - they have big sizes). But other than that, JackRabbit lived up to the hype. Happy Running!
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JackRabbit is a great place to buy running shoes.
Wear athletic clothing when you go, because you'll be asked to run on a treadmill for a few minutes. Your individual "baseline" running stride will be taped and then analyzed. Based on the staff's analysis of your stride (and most of them are runners / triathletes themselves), they'll recommend 3-5 pairs of shoes that will work well for you. (It was all very technical and the personal attention made me feel special. Sometimes I'm easy to please :-)
The shoe options presented to me were between $75 and $125 (pretty standard in my book). The people who work there don't work on commission, but they are really friendly and knowledgeable. You also have the opportunity to try out the recommended shoes on the treadmill.
Not a huge store, but I was totally satisfied with the service and the selection, and I was steered toward some great new kicks.
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Jack Rabbit is a terrific place! I'm running my first 10K and wasn't really sure what exactly I needed to get. I came in a week ago, and purchased a pair of shoes with the guidance of one of their staff. Unfortunately, after a trial run around the Central Park reservoir, it ended up cutting into the back of my heel. I came back the following week with the shoes, and they took them back and I got myself a much better pair!! The person I talked to the second time was super patient and taught me how to lace the shoes a different way to prevent this and I ran on the treadmill to make sure it was a good fit!
Definitely HIGHLY recommended by me!
This place is outstanding. The customer service is unparalleled! I went in because I've started to get more serious about running, and I didn't know the first thing to look for in a shoe. An employee had me put on a pair of shoes, hop on a treadmill for a few seconds, and recorded me from a small camera on the back of the treadmill that's hooked up to a computer. Then he replayed my running and slowed it down, thoroughly analyzing my gait. We talked about how the shoes felt, and what I might need in a shoe (for me, I needed cushioning, because my knees get sore easily). Based on all this, he recommended several shoes, and brought them all out for me to try on and take for a quick test run. It was so helpful, and the pair of shoes I got are phenomenal-- they feel amazing and I can tell they're improving my form. The employee I worked with was very friendly and gave me tons of great tips about training as well as shoes. He even gave me a few shoes that didn't have the cushioning I was looking for so that I could feel the difference.
The employees here are smart, friendly, dedicated people. They go through many seminars just so they can help you find the shoe that fits YOU the best. I can't say enough about this place-- I'm never going to a Foot Locker again!!!
My wife who is a former heptathlete and x-c runner needed a new pair of shoes as did my not-so-good-at-running-lazy-ass. We went about an hour before closing on a Sunday night but the staff never rushed us or acted short with us. I dug the "technology meets practicality" of the analysis and even though I ultimately ended up with the first shoes I tried on, it was nice to feel the difference between the various pairs recommended.
We both felt our lady-expert knew her stuff and was friendly without a hint of pushyness about her. My wife also picked up some clothing and to echo what a few have mentioned, it's not a gigantic store so they're a bit limited in terms of size/shape/color, but she was able to pick out the items she needed and was satisfied after trying them on. I'm not entirely sure how prices compare to other stores, I buy shoes so infrequently a few bucks either way isn't make or break, but there was nothing we were given that cause any sticker shock. I'm glad we went down there and if this pair lasts another 3-5 years like most of my previous pairs, I'd probably go back.
It's very very close to the 1-2-3 subway line.
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Upshot = JackRabbit is a fabulous place for buying and learning about shoes.
My last shoe-buying experience involved purchasing the only shoe on the Runner's World "editor's pick" that my local shoe store carried. This, needless to say, is a terrible way to buy shoes. What's an un-terrible, even delightful way to buy running shoes? JackRabbit!
The service at JackRabbit was spectacular. My salesperson was informative (she gave me a mini-lecture about shoes), patient (I tried on 6 pairs of shoes and ran in every one), and pleasant. In the past, I didn't understand what type of shoes I liked; I just bought whatever and hoped it worked. After going to JackRabbit, I not only have a great pair of shoes, but feel more educated about running shoes overall.
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I had a great experience at JackRabbit. I've used Super Runners World on 77th and Amsterdam for a few years, but I never felt like they really listened to my running issues or did much to help me find the appropriate shoe. In stark contrast, the guy who helped me at JackRabbit took plenty of time to talk to me, did the treadmill analysis thing, and gave me all the time I needed to test out about five different pairs of sneakers. I had a great experience and will continue to trek to Union Square for all my future running shoes. They take your information at checkout and keep you in a database to get 10% when you come back for your next pair.
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Jackrabbit will not steer you wrong. They're utterly thorough with how they match you to a pair of running shoes, including video review. They matched me up with a great pair of Asics that have been phenomenal. When I have friends who are attempting to get into running, I recommend they stop by here first.
Only downside is the size of the store; it's pretty small, and so the selection of gear beyond sneakers leaves quite a bit to be desired. Then again, that's what Paragon's for.
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I went here to buy a new pair of running shoes. They have a staff member work with you individually to find the right shoe, which includes short runs on a treadmill along with some video gait analysis. I ended up trying on probably eight or ten different shoes, and the whole time I never got a very strong sense that the person working with me (let's call him Tim) really knew what he was doing.
Tim started me off with a pair of "neutral" shoes, and after watching the video, he said that my running style didn't need much correction and that neutral should work fine. He went and grabbed another pair of neutrals, and after these he decided that oh, maybe I needed some slight stability correction. After trying a few stability shoes, he determined that I needed more stability, and came out of the stock room with yet another stack of running shoes.
Meanwhile, Tim never really communicated what he was seeing on the video that led to his shoe choices. If anything, he communicated that he was just guessing. After almost every run, he would look at the video and shake his head to himself, and start to mutter something like, "Umm, well it's... hmm..."
A few times I told him that a certain shoe felt particularly comfortable or uncomfortable, but he didn't seem to listen. In the end he presented me with two shoe options, but had previously never indicated that these shoes were better than any of the others. I suspect he may have been somewhat motivated by the fact that the store was closing in a few minutes and he was just out of ideas.
I'd also like to note that when I came into the store I mentioned the shoes I was running in currently and that those had always felt fine. I thought Tim might use this as a helpful guideline and let me compare the new version of that shoe with his other selections, but he never brought it out. I also told him I'd been running in a size for four years with no problem, but he wanted me to go a half-size larger anyway. I often felt like instead of listening to me he was just going through a set of steps in his head that he had learned in job training: "If you're not sure, suggest more stability. Tell them to get a bigger size - it will make you sound knowledgeable."
I bought a pair and have run in them once, and my calves are a little sore. Maybe it's the wrong shoe or the wrong size, or maybe I just have to get used to them. I'll try them again, but I may end up taking advantage of JackRabbit's 14 day exchange policy and just getting the same shoes I bought last year (which were suggested by Super Runners Shop).
*UPDATE* I went back and returned the shoes and talked to someone much better. JackRabbit has redeemed itself somewhat, but if you shop there just be wary that the person you work with matters.
this coming Sunday, October 21 2007..
I am going to participate one of Nike Women's Marathon walkers in SF, FINALLY!!
since I joined the Team in Training for the marathon, I really need to get a new pair of running / walking shoes.. my earlier gear couldn't support my strange walking style.. oh, well.. most of my runner friends recommended JackRabbit Sports to get the new booster! now, I am so glad I did listen to my friends, cuz no more pain for my feet and legs, and back.
didn't pay attention about my body before..
BUT after giving and taking relationship with my body, I feel much healthier and lighter! show some love to your feet!
ps: no worry.. I will make your money from Silent Date Auction, and Cocktail Party worth! =P
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I've been meaning to visit the store to have them record my gait and form since I had read about them offering this on Yelp and through some runner friend's. The staff are nice and seem to be knowledgeable about the various running shoes selection they have.
I had my gait and form recorded and the salesperson who helped me analyzed my run with me to see which shoe would fit best for me. I am happy to hear that my form is good and that I push off on the ball of my feet w/o over rolling.
The clothing selection for women seems a bit sparse and the prices here are a bit inflated. I am glad I was able to have my gait & form analyzed though!
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Not only was JackRabbit well-yelped, but a marathon runner friend recommended it as well. Time to get some new treads!
Decent store layout, plenty of staff and lots of choices for us females. My husband wasn't too thrilled with the lack of men's clothing options, but he was able to find good shoes, too, so it wasn't a total loss.
I did a quick jog on the treadmill to determine if my old shoes were still okay. Nope. Four lace-ups later, I'd made my choice and was pleased to note the 2-week guarantee return policy at the register. Little did I know that would come in handy.
A week later, armed with my receipt and my unfortunately blister-inducing footwear, I commenced my next Goldilocks tryout. Five lace-ups this time, with a different salesperson, but same friendly and efficient service.
Big points for donating used sneakers to a charity in Africa. Very cool. Oh, and the laundry detergent they sell for workout fabrics is totally worth the $6. Trust me.
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Recommended for: Runners, Yoga, Triathletes.
Service 5, Selection 4, Quality 5.
I came into JackRabbit in need of new running gear. I've been a long distance runner since I was around 6 or so, and started doing mini kid marathons since I was 9. Yet all this time, I never really understood running styles, changing sneakers or anything semi-scientific.
Now, my horrible memory extends to various aspect of life including, duh what shoe size am I, and such provacative questions as 'what's your running style'. Therefore they treated this distance runner with grace and style. Coming strait from work (suit, tie and all), slipped on some running shoes, and ran on a treadmill for a minute. The treadmill had a camera in the back to look at my footwork to best determine what kind of shoe I needed. An Ascics lover, I thought I'd get a pair, but my darn arch didn't seem to agree, and instead, actually went with Brooks (not divulging size ladies....).
A few pair of running socks (holy crap are they a pretty penny), 2 cut shirts (sorry, can't do full t-shirts or wife-beaters), and a water pack. All in all a great start, AND for my purchases they gave me 10% off; and for giving my name and zip, gave me 10% off all future purchases.
They have a vast selection, but surprisingly not a few things I thought they might. No matter though - the quality of their equipment and the knowledgeable staff make this place a MUST for any athlete whether beginner, intermediate or advanced (esp. if your like me and suffer from a severe memory problem).
See you guys next month!
Sean Approved: Definitely YES!!!
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Great running store with all the essentials that runners need.
We stopped in here after dinner because I love all things running. A good selection of shoes, wear, gear and accessories, but doesn't really compare to Fleet Feet in Chicago. However, I do appreciate the treadmill with camera to analyze gait and form. A great tool and very important for shoe fitting.
Big kudos for also having my E-Cap Hammer Gels - it is often very hard to find these in retail stores!
I'll be back if/when I make my move.
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I just brought a pair of Brooks running sneakers. I knew about this place from yelp and told my podiatrist I'd go there. She gave me a 10% off coupon which I was psyched about. I gave the salesman my prescription and he brought out a bunch of shoes for me to try on. He also had me run on the treadmill to show how I walk. He gave me his opinions on what was best and was extremely helpful. The staff as a whole was knowledgeable and very helpful. This is better than going to Paragon's which I used to do before.
Service was pretty pathetic. Seemed like this store was entirely catered to the beginning female runner. I'm a pretty serious triathlete and don't need much hand holding on shoes etc. But when I visited, I stayed a full 45 minutes looking at stuff and no single salesperson asked me if I needed help.
Maybe it's because I wasn't going ga ga over their treadmill with the videocamera to analyze gait. You know what? You can just look at your tread wear pattern to figure out whether you are an overpronator or not, You don't need a camera. Like I said,,this store seemed to be more fluff than a real tri store, But maybe this is a real tri store for NYC.
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The most helpful staff of any store I've ever been too. Doug spent about a half hour talking to me about triathlon training. I actually like spending time here. And money.
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excellent sales help. very knowledgable staff. great selection of running shoes. The prices are comperable to Super Runners and Paragon, but a bit more than some online stores and Urban Athletics uptown. the downfalls are a very limited amount of clothing choices and when the stock runs low, they don't seem to re-order that season's clothes. The biggest pitfall is that they accept returns ONLY for store credit or exchange and for that reason they have lost my business. I purchased shoes as a gift for someone with the intention of bringing them back if he didn't like them. and he didn't like them. so, I'm stuck with store credit and nothing I want from the store. I recommend Urban Athletics. ymmv.
The service here is excellent. An example. Last week I went here to buy a pair of bike shoes. I wasn't exactly sure that their smallest size was small enough for me but really needed to buy a pair before a bike ride I had planned. The assistant manager told me to buy and use the pair that felt a little big and if it didn't feel right, to just bring it back and they would special-order me the smaller size.
I really love shopping here.
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If you are serious about your running, biking, or swimming - this sports store is for you.
Running: they record you running on a treadmill each time you try a pair of shoes to make sure you get the right fit.
Biking: they don't sell bikes but they have a lot of the gear and the accessories you need to make you and your bike go faster.
Swimming: they have the essentials as well as some high performance suits.
Triathlons: this is really what the store is all about. You can get gear, books, inspiration and everything else you need to get ready for that Ironman.
Their prices are full retail but once you figure in the great service, a 10% discount on all future purchases and a no questions asked return policy it's a deal.
Looking for your new cool pair of pumas - you won't find them here.
TIP - they have a cash and carry sidewalk sale once in a while with steep discounts on the previous season's threads. You can also usually find a rack in the back with discount items.
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A pretty good running store as far as running stores go. I can't comment on the shoe-savviness of the staff, as I haven't bought shoes there yet, and when I do, I already know exactly what I need. The selection of brands and models, though, was very good. The selection of clothes and accessories was excellent. Prices are full retail for the most part, but that' s to be expected in pretty much any running store.
Also, and this was what won me over, Jack Rabbit participates in the Shoes for Africa program. If you have worn-out running shoes, don't throw them away. You can bring them to Jack Rabbit, where they will send them to Africa.
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I'm very happy! I went sorely (haha) needing a new pair of running shoes. I had stuck with one brand in the past, but after viewing my stride on the treadmill-camera thingy, and complimenting me on a neutral stride, he reccomended another brand I'd never even heard of. He got me the right width and length and I was satisfied. They had nice compression shorts on sale, so I got those too. I was going to get cycling shoes too, but he honestly said they'd have a better (and cheaper) selection in a few weeks. So I'll go there for sure! :-) Happy tri-ing!
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Knee and ankle problems run in my family, so I jumped at the chance to see how the choice of running shoes might affect my stride.
Jackrabbit's digital video showed me that I overpronate, which helped the salesperson show me the subset of shoes that were best suited to my specific need for ankle support on the inside of my foot.
From there, I chose the style I liked best and again videotaped myself running for 60 seconds in the new shoes. I could feel -- and see -- the difference immediately.
This seems to be a store operated by runners for runners, so the emphasis is not on the hard sell but on genuinely understanding and addressing customers' running needs. I highly recommend Jackrabbit.
Disclaimer: they are not responsible for my bad puns.
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If you need running shoes do not go anywhere else. JackRabbit is the answer. If you need shoes for another sport go elsewhere because they only sell running shoes. I was impressed on many levels. First off, they know what they are talking about. These employees know running shoes and feet inside and out. They also designate one employee to each customer.
they begin by asking you a series of questions about your feet and running specifics. Then they bring out one pair of shoes to try on. After you put them on they have you run on a treadmill for thirty seconds. While running they videotape your stride. Then you can look at the playback and they can help you determine which shoe is best for you.
I tried on at least ten pairs of shoes before finding the right pair. After the third trip to the stock room I apologized to the clerk and he was not bothered at all. In fact, he seemed determined to help me find what I was looking for.
Long story short, I found the perfect pair of running shoes that are soma comfortable and make my runs feels like a dream (yeah, that is a super cheesy thing to say...sorry). It was refreshing to get knowledgeable customer service at a store in New York, especially after dealing so the clueless staff at Niketown.
Let me reiterate, if you need running shoes you should not think twice. Do not go anywhere but JackRabbit.
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The hype is worth it! Nothing is more important than maintaining one's health, and no part of my health is finicky-er than my joints. So I came all the way to Manhattan from SF just to buy running shoes. Christine was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Good thing, too, because that plane ticket was really expensive.
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Anyone who's tried to buy a pair of running shoes in New York knows that the customer service in most athletic shoe stores is terrible. Most sales clerks are just interested in making the sale and getting you out the door without any regard for fitting you with the right shoe. I predict that Jack Rabbit will be a huge success because they fill the customer service void. When I bought running shoes at the Park Slope branch six months ago I tried on at least 5 pairs and each time the clerk and I went over the digital video recording of me running on the treadmill until we found we the right shoe. When I went to the 14th Street branch just a few weeks ago I had a much easier time because I knew what shoe to try first but I received just as good customer service. If you want to find the right running shoe, don't go anywhere else.
Update:
If you live in Brooklyn or have time, I recommend going to the Park Slope store. The customer service has been slipping at 14th Street.
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Great place to buy running shoes (and clothes)! They do a full consultation, let you try on at least three different brands (no brand loyalty), and they have you run on a treadmill to custom fit your special needs. I've been a New Balance girl for years, and I've recently converted to Brooks cause Jack Rabbit helped me see the light. Oh, and they also care about your spending needs--they ask how much you want to spend and get you the best sneaker in that price range. Return policy--even if you've worn them outside, if you're not happy in 10 days, you can exchange them for another pair. Super nice manager--and for a 10% discount, tell him you're a New York Road Runners member (even if you're not, he won't check your card).
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They don't have walking shoes. At all.
This place is amazing. After coming off of an injury (broken tibia from a marathon) i needed someone to watch me run and make sure I started off with the right shoes to minimize any injury. They spend two hours with me - watching my stride - and the recommendation was great. Plus, they have some shoes before anyone else carries them. I highly recommend the place. The full price for gear on your first buy is reasonable given the amount of attention they pay you - after that, with the given discount, the prices are the same as paragon when they have sale (which i DO NOT recommend for running shoes).
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so I haven't actually bought shoes here yet, but just clothes, they have a decent selection and normal prices, the staff usual ignores me the whole time but I guess I'm happy they don't swarm me at the door trying to get their commission so I keep coming back.
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This shop is DA BEST. I've never been to a running store that can do video analysis of your running style. There were video cameras in the front and the back of the treadmill near your feet with freeze frames down to 1/10th of a second. This is like a cyclist doing testing in a wind tunnel. And you can try on different pairs of shoes on the treadmill to see how you land. After doing the analysis, I tried on 7 pairs of shoes. Patric was super knowledgable and patient. We actually overstayed passed closing but they were happy to work with us. I have been suffering from shin splints from a pair of motion control shoes that another shop recommended. After trying different neutral shoes with no pain at all in the shop, I went on a run the following morning and figured out the shoes was my problem. Definitely recommend even if you have to come from out of town. I came from SF myself. Btw, go to the shop when they are not busy. We went at Sunday late afternoon when no one was there. On Saturdays, there is a wait list of 15 minutes even through they have 3 treadmill video systems setup.
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