Feet First

Category:	Shoe Store
Address:	3401 W Bay to Bay Blvd, Tampa, FL 33629, USA
Phone:	+1 813-835-1339
Site:	feetfirstrunning.com
Rating:	4.2
Working:	10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–6PM 11AM–5PM

Location

Photos 25

Reviews 12

Becky Lane

After reading a detailed article about the value of choosing specialty running stores over big name chains, I decided to buy my next pair of running sneakers here - primarily due to the rave online reviews. My experience left me hugely disappointed. The saleswoman did have me walk about five steps away from her and back while she watched, but that was the extent of her assessment of my potential needs. She didnt measure my foot, have me run, ask me any questions regarding my running routine or goals, ask if I liked a particular color or brand, if I was looking for anything specific or had any problems or questions - in fact, she basically just dragged out six or seven pair of sneakers in my size and silently acted bored and remote while I tried them all on. I received none of the knowledge or expertise I anticipated - instead, I was given the sort of assistance and guidance I would expect from a detached teenager grudgingly working a part time, after school job. I basically went out of my way to receive customer service that was subpar to a larger chain store with sneakers that were much higher in price. Interestingly, I went to a different specialty running store in the area the very next day and had a completely opposite experience. The saleswoman measured my feet and tested my arches, then had me run on a treadmill while she recorded my gait. She played the recording back in slow motion, pointing out how I pronated, then brought out several different sneakers for me to try on. She explained the different features of each and why the style would help with my pronation, taking her time despite steady store traffic and allowing me to run on the treadmill in each pair. I not only bought a pair of sneakers before leaving, but paid extra to join their loyalty program knowing Id definitely be back. THATS good customer service - something Feet First decidedly lacks.

Mebeshe1969

I have shopped here for years. In 2003, they helped me get into shoes, socks, and orthotics that got my plantar fasciitis under control. I thought the Thorlo socks they talked me into ($13.99) back then were a rip-off. I still have all of those same socks 13 years later with NO holes, thinning, or beading. $14 for a pair of socks that have lasted 13 years actually turns out to be pretty economical. I only buy Thorlo socks. The one time I did not go to them, I got put in the completely wrong shoe (need stability and motion control but got put in a neutral shoe), which exacerbated my plantar fasciitis. I went in there with my neutrals on, and Peggie immediately told me she could see my foot collapsing in. She was shocked that someone had put me in a neutral shoe. She got me in the correct shoe, and my heel and arch stopped hurting IMMEDIATELY. I love Feet First. As for the comments about their prices, large chains buy larger quantities than do smaller privately-owned companies. Economics dictate that If I buy 20,000 units of something, and you buy 5,000, I will get a much better price. Some of those savings can then pass on to the customers. And online store products will typically be cheaper than brick and mortar stores products because of the reduced overhead. So, you cant really compare the two. I recommend Feet First highly...especially if you need fitting, bio mechanical assessment, and/or are having problems with pain. Mechelle Sheppard

A Private User

I have always been impressed with this store and their customer service until the last two times I have visited. Their sales people are disinterested and rude. If you dont like your job, dont do it... Someone else surely will. I go there not because they are the cheapest but because I believe in supporting local businesses that offer great customer service and in the past they have done just that. I think that they need to re-evaluate the latter of those and get back on board because they are missing the boat.

Trez L.

Unreasonable MARK UP. I bought a Groupon for $25 off. Unfortunately most of the products I found had unreasonably high markups. I was able to find some of their products at other stores for at least 50% less without the sale price at those stores. I was better off throwing the Groupon in the trash because I still had to spend $25 to use it. The markup prices there made the Groupon useless. Anyone who buys from this store is paying a lot more than a salesmans commission.

Katie Rattray

I absolutely love Feet First! I am a runner and also do the Susan G. Komen 60 mile walk every year. I use to get the worst blisters on the walk regardless of anything I tried. I visited Feet First 2 years ago and they showed me shoes, socks and another product to use that they thought would help. I have not had a blister since. They saved my feet! Super knowledgeable staff! Thanks for helping me stay healthy and in one piece for all my active needs. :)

Andrew Young

Best Ever! If you evaluate this store on price, youre missing the point. The staff is the most knowledgeable Ive ever experienced. The exact opposite of a big box shoe store. Lisa Taylor is awesome. She worked with me to diagnose what was causing an irratation to my achilles and help me find the perfect shoe. She evaluated my pronation and recommended an orthodic. Result: back running pain free, injury free. Ill never buy running shoes anywhere else.

Louisa Capossela

Fuhgettabout looking anywhere else! Best place in town to fit you and your whole family in athletic footwear. Mom and Pop store with great service and lots of attention. I never had a salesperson who knew so much about how the foot should be sitting in a shoe. I think she was trained in the medical field. My lower back problems are a thing of the past. Even when I buy dress shoes, I know how my foot is suppose to feel properly supported. - Big Lou

A Private User

I have bought 7 pairs of sneakers here in the past. Last week the sales lady convinced me to buy a $119 pair of Brooks Trance 8. I went home and found them online for $50 cheaper. When I took them back the sales lady was VERY snotty. Now, I understand supporting local businesses, but a 40% discount is a huge difference. Also, I am understating how rude the woman was to me today.

Curby Colvin

I had a great experience shopping at Feet First. Their selection is more expensive than what you are going to find at a general Sporting Goods retailer, but the interaction with the Feet First staff makes higher cost worthwhile. They had a very diverse selection of brands, styles, and sizes. Danny was extremely helpful.

ricardo casilimas

Zack did a really great job of fitting me with the right pair of shoes. I also pointed out a special that had expired a few days before and they honored it, regardless. Great experience and I will be coming back for all my running needs.

A Private User

This place is great. All of the sales people were friendly, but Nikki, who took care of me was fabulous. She made sure my shoe fit properly and went the extra mile to make sure my shoe was exactly what I needed.

TSS PETenderLove

We have been buying our running shoes every year since feet first opened their sister store in south Tampa. We would not consider any other venue online or otherwise - the PETenderLove team!