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Marathon Sports
Category: Shopping Sporting Goods Sporting Goods [Edit]
255 Washington StWellesley, MA 02481
(781) 237-0771
- Nearest Transit:
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Wellesley Hills (Framingham/Worcester Line)
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Take advantage of this great deal at your local Sports Authority! $25 cash card when you spend $100! http://bit.ly/sOzCHN
15 reviews for Marathon Sports
Review Highlights
"...the perfect shoe and will watch you run to determine you..."
(in 3 reviews)
"...we had found my son the perfect running shoe for him."
(in 10 reviews)
"About a year ago, I bought the perfect pair of shoes here."
(in 7 reviews)
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15 reviews in English
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Review from Sue D.
Waltham, MA
10/11/2011
I have bought all my running/walking shoes from here. I usually bring with me whatever i've been wearing so that we have a launching off part for fitting me. They watch me run and walk to see if my stride has changed, and I also tell them what I'm planning on doing - my first running shoes were fit for me to run 5ks, now I'm training for a marathon and maybe need more support.
i've never been steered wrong, which is why I keep going back. All the salespeople I've worked with have been great and never tried to push me towards anything but the best fitting shoe, which I totally appreciate. Sometimes it's the most expensive one, sometimes not. I definitely care more about fit and comfort than I do about color or brand, which I think they appreciate since some people come in with a brand already in mind.
I rely on them to be the experts on feet and shoes, I stick to being the expert on how i feel. I think we make a great team. -
Review from Austin J. A.
Wellesley, MA
12/10/2011
Marathon Sports is a longtime staple for my family. For decades, my dad has come here to shop, for a variety of reasons all related to his running. When I was a kid, I thought it was hot stuff that Marathon Sports in Wellesley was literally halfway through the Boston marathon; visions of tired runners getting perked up at MS danced through my head (I was always one of the kids handing out cup after cup of cold water to the runners). So I'm probably positively-biased because of my super-long relationship with this place. Be forewarned.
One of the things I most like about MS now is their sidewalk sale, which happens once a year in the late summer, and coincides with (or is part of) the Wellesley Shop Local sidewalk sale; they stack shoes up in a giant wall, taller than a person, and it is an impressive sight. Speaking of shoes, they will special-order stuff that is not standard size, and I can't tell you how many trips we took to MS over the years to pick up some wide-ass New Balance for my dad. And, you know, a cute pair of trainers for me. They have shoes that are functional, and shoes that are lovely to look at. Some are both! As a runner's kid, I am pretty much genetically obligated to be obsessed with athletic shoes, socks, and other footwear/footcare items. Marathon has a nice selection.
It's surprising to me how much smaller MS is now that I'm an adult! Two rooms, one of which is filled mostly with shoes, and the other filled mostly with everything-but-shoes: conditioning aids, clothes/apparel, auxiliary gear (liquid bottles, electrolyte gels, energy bars, maps, tape, watches, etc). I bought my dad one of those belts with the BPA-free canteens attached to it, and I re-upped my supply of reflective armbands.
I take away a star from Marathon because their size range for clothes is not very good. Not everyone who runs, walks, hikes, or climbs is a size 2/XS. Yeah, this is a problem endemic to many independent running stores, so they're not unique in their refusal to carry sizes above an L/XL. Being part of the crowd doesn't help me, though, as I am unable to buy workout gear of any kind there. Which is such a shame, because it would be so awesome for so many reasons! Recognize and honor larger-sized, tall, and fat customers, Marathon, by carrying 2XL and up, and you'll get your fifth star. Just because I'm not tiny doesn't mean my running trophies are fake, dudes. ;) -
Review from Jules C.
Newton, MA
Updated - 9/18/2011
Hey, so here's an update as promised. I was really disappointed after last time, and after seething for a couple of months in a pair of ill-fitting shoes, I did 2 things: I went to a different MS store location to buy a different pair of shoes (Brookline); and I connected with Marathon about my last experience.
The experience in Brookline was much more like the great old Marathon Sports experience I have always had. Also, the management at Marathon Sports handled my concerns extremely professionally, and seemed genuinely grateful for the feedback. Overall, I will go back for my next pair of running shoes.
Thank you Marathon Sports. Now if we can just institute a better policy about making sure the first person in gets waited on first, instead of just the pushiest person :-).1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/8/2011
I've been a customer of Marathon since they opened their first store in Cambridge. I have always… Read more »
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Review from Jana S.
4/13/2011 1 photo
Wow--serious running store....well-kept, organized. However, my Asian brother from nuther mother Korean customer service guy was just a tad tooo intense for me...he frightened both my brother and I. Together with his tight-lipped demeanor (mild perspiration over bald head) and military-tone questions of my interest in the special limited edition Boston New Balance 890 sent me *off* balance. The shoe is being manufactured in honor of the marathon and its route through here on the 18th.
Got the shoes, *despite* mr. man releasing signs of his disapproval (hey now, I reserved these special shoes even when I was staying in the Cape!), as it's not a perfect fit for my foot! Pretty blue and orange with Boston etched into its sides. Featherlight, I say! Can't wait to pound out a few miles tomorrow when the sun rises!!! They're the perfect belated bday present from brother... No tax!!!!
On the same street as Ming Tsai's Blue Ginger, where we had some lunch reservations. COOOOL dealio -
Review from Rachel H.
Cambridge, MA
3/24/2011
Great personalized service. Staffed with serious runners who will help you find the right shoe for your feet, gait, and routine. They'll let you run the block outside in any number of shoes until you find the right one.
Don't forget to ask about their student discount! -
Review from James M.
Franklin, MA
4/6/2011
I brought my son here yesterday (Apr 5, 2011). I drove half an hour because a runner friend told me how they examine your gait visually and by using a special treadmill to evaluate your running style and what kind of shoe is best for how you run. My son runs track but has been experiencing ankle and knee pain. I knew he was a little pigeon toed and knock-kneed, and wanted a shoe that would address this.
I informed the young lady servicing us (no name tags, I should have asked her name) about my sons pigeon-toed-knock-kneed situation and asked for a shoe that would address this issue. But the young lady asked to watch him run, a little on the treadmill, but mostly up and down Washington St. After watching him with two different shoes, she informed me that even though he was pigeon toed and a knock-kneed when he walks and stands, he runs completely neutral, and she brought out several neutral gait shoes for him to try on. Every shoe he tried on, she brought him outside to watch him run up and down Washington St. My son narrowed it down to the two pair that felt best, but pretty much the same. I thought he might pick the ones that he liked the looks of best, or better yet, the cheaper ones, but the young lady told him to wear one of each shoe on either foot at the same time, run a little wearing the both of them.. My son was very sure after this that one felt better than the other. We were 100% confident we had found my son the perfect running shoe for him.
My buddy who had recommended Marathon suggested I could go here to find the best shoe, then tell them I was going to think about it, then go and find it cheaper somewhere else. This sounded like an OK idea when he said it, but after seeing the care that this young lady took in making sure my son had the perfect shoe, I would not have dreamed of going somewhere else. Paying a few dollars more for the shoes was real bargain for the service we got. Besides, the prices are reasonable, and my son qualified for a 10% student discount. -
Review from Troy C.
Duncansville, PA
6/2/2011
Awesome knowledge and service. Need a place like this in Central PA.
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Review from Chris R.
Brookline, MA
10/8/2009 3 Check-ins Here
Ive always wanted to be a runner, and decided recently to do a 5K. I am doing the C25K training program but was having shin pains, and realized I needed new shoes.
I did lots of resarch and kind of knew the shoes I wanted. I went to Marathon Sports in Wellesley. Right off the bat, I found the shoe I wanted, but the guy there (didnt catch his name) offered to take a look at my gait, stance, and feet and make some other suggestions.
Basically, he told me what I had learned in my research, but it was great to have my time and energy validated. He recommened a few pairs of shoes, and I would up falling in love with the ones I had originally came in for.
The point is that they know what they are talking about, how you run an what you need for support and to prevent injuries. They take the time to talk with you and recommend a few. You wont get this at a bigger place, or some random place in the mall.
The staff at marathon sports are runners, not just some random guy who works in a sports place. I'll be going back there for more running equipment when I need it.Listed in: Shopping IS my drug
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Review from Annie L.
Arlington, MA
9/15/2009
I actually need to go back.
About a year ago, I bought the perfect pair of shoes here. No, I am not a runner, no, I don't even play one on TV. I just play a character on TV who wishes she were a runner (metaphorically speaking, of course).
The guy who helped me pick out my shoes didn't even laugh at my lack of running skills as he made me jog up and down the sidewalk in pair after pair of shoes. He understood that I needed to buy the cheapest/best shoe in the store, though he did make sure I understood how important the right shoes (and socks) are for running.
My only beef is that they should always have someone in the store knowledgeable about gender-specific running concerns. I mean, you can't blame a guy for not knowing which sports bra is the right one for me...but...I wanted some advice. So, I'll just have to call before I head over again!
Yes. They are expensive, but I think any level-headed person can understand why it costs more to run a local, niche business staffed by knowledgeable, compassionate people. -
Review from Corynne O.
Somerville, MA
8/22/2009
The staff is very knowledgeable about running and the various products they have available. They do a great job fitting you with the perfect shoe and will watch you run to determine you "running style" and what kind of support you need most. Best part is, they even have a treadmill in store that you can try out the shoes on before purchasing. The also sell books, apparel, and other useful running items.
I haven't visited the other locations, but I imagine they are just as good. If you're looking for the perfect pair of running shoes in eastern Mass, this is the place to go! -
Review from Alyson B.
Carlisle, MA
8/14/2011
The staff here was quite attentive even though I went on a very busy weekend day. The salesperson listened to me, asked appropriate questions, let me take my time, let me use the restroom (which is clearly not for customers) and in the end, helped guide me to the best shoe (a brand I could have sworn would never work for my foot and would not have tried without the information that the last of the shoe had changed drastically in recent years) I would go back here, but maybe on a weekday at an off hour. Even though my sales person was attentive and excellent, he was helping someone else at the same time (necessity given the demand at that hour.) I wouldn't have minded a more relaxed conversation while I tried different brands.
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Review from Han K.
Woburn, MA
4/30/2008
I think Marathon Sports has a reputation of having great service and this location definitely deserves said reputation. I'm not in any shape to run the marathon anytime soon and it was pretty obvious to the store staff, but at the same time I finally wanted to invest in a pair of shoes I can work out in and I had some strange issues with my foot being ultra wide. That all being said, they were able to see how I run, and recommended several shoes that actually fit me correctly for the first time in my life. It's an amazing difference than buying off the shelf at any other store.
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Review from Byron M.
Framingham, MA
12/26/2009
They really know their stuff. They will help you get fit to the right shoe and then some. They also sell wonderful orthodics that go right into your shoes. I have had wonderful experiences buying from them.
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Review from Juli G.
Washington, DC
3/17/2009
I have foot problems and my doctor recommended Marathon Sports. I felt a bit sheepish going in because I am no longer a runner, but the staff treated me like I was just as important as someone who was about to run the Boston Marathon. A staffer took the time to fully evaluate me - I've never had any other shoe store offer such a service. He had me walk around without shoes on and showed me that I need very specific support to help alleviate pain and straighten out my gait. The sneaker prices are comparable to the prices you will see online, and you get service that you can't get anywhere else.
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Review from Tracey M.
North Waltham, MA
4/6/2010
Running the Marathon in 2 weeks and I have foot pain = freak out. Went to Marathon Sports to see if they had anything to help me, even if it required new sneakers. ( I just bought a pair of Nike Airmax $160.00 about 30 days ago). Had no idea everything (that is supposed to be) involved in buying running shoes. Tim was awesome, and picked out a sneaker with great arch support and broke it to be gently that I am overpronator. And that I probably should have gotten this particular kind of sneaker at the beginning of training. Woops. Sidenote -- They were half the price of my Nikes. Tim watched me run back and forth to that tree in 3 pairs of sneakers, and hooked me up with arch supports for my other shoes too. Im wearing my asics at work, and I literally can feel the difference already. Definitely go here!! Awesome customer service. THANK YOU!!
