I trained for the Los Angeles Marathon with the LA Roadrunners. The 'talk' was that Phidippides was one of the best shoe stores for running shoes because runners work there and help you pick your shoes. I went to get running shoes for the marahon expecting a runner to help me like I was told. I don't remember 100%, but I think the person who helped me was a family member of the owners and was 'helping out'. He admittedly told me he was not a runner and you could tell because he wasn't in shape and seemed more interested in 'getting to know me' rather than help me find the right shoes. It seemed more like he was interested in was to 'flirt' and meet a girl. I didn't want to be rude and ask for a 'runner', which I had expected in the first place. He ended up recommended the shoes he was wearing which were not what my needs were and those are the ones I bought since he recommended them. They were horrible shoes and were not the right ones for me. I looked around and all of the other customers were being helped by the 'runners' who worked there. I was stuck with the non-runner. I was very disappointed and upset and decided never to shop there again. I know that they have a good reputation for their help from an experienced runner with picking the right shoes for customers, but I didn't get that help and ended up with a horrible pair of shoes from someone who knew nothing about running. I tell everyone and anyone I can about my horrible experience there. If you go there, be sure that you do get a runner to help you like you expect in the first place and not be stuck w/ someone who has no experience running and end up w/ the wrong pair of shoes.
Pros: Reputation for being helped by experienced runners.
Cons: I was not helped by an experienced runner and ended up with horrible shoes.
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