Universal Sole

I went to Universal Sole on Lincoln Avenue based on a recommendation by a friend. This place was amazing! The salespeople are extremely knowledgeable about running and the shoes they sell. I went in the store somewhat knowing what to expect, but I was still blown away by the service. The salesperson had me take off my shoes and walk on a track to determine how my feet react while walking. Based on that, she picked out several running shoes to try that had the type of support I needed for the way I run. I tried on each shoe, ran on the track, and then determined if it was the right fit for me. I ended up with a pair of shoes I would have never chosen, but they are the most comfortable running shoes I have ever purchased. I'm looking forward to a lot of miles on these shoes! more

Universal Sole is basically a Chicago icon when it comes to the running world. I first heard about this store many years ago when it was mentioned in one of the papers in a story about the Chicago marathon. A lot of the marathon runners get their shoes exclusively from here, so I thought I'd check it out. I wasn't disappointed. They have a great selection, competitive prices, and a staff that actually participates in the sport, making them extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I wouldn't buy my running shoes from anywhere else! more