Feet First — Local services in Tampa

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 didn't 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 I'd definitely be back. THAT'S good customer service - something Feet First...

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 can't really compare the two. I recommend Feet First highly...especially if you need fitting, bio mechanical assessment, and/or are having problems with...

I’ve had the worst experience with this store. I came in over two weeks ago to get new running shoes since I’m training. The shoe I wanted, the Hoka Bondi 7, wasn’t in stock in my size. The store offered to order it in for me, which sounded great. They told me they should be ready to pick up in a week and they’d call me when they arrived. A week goes by, no call, so I call them. The store says they should be in within 3 days. Well, another week and a half goes by, no call. I call them, the store clerk tells me that shipping is slow because of covid. I tell him that’s not an acceptable answer and that I would appreciate it if he could check the tracking number. 5 minutes later the manager comes on to tell me the shoes are out of stock with the vendor and they have no eta on when they’re going to get them. WHY ON EARTH DID I HAVE TO CALL THEM TO FIND THIS OUT!? After an order hasn’t arrived for a customer in over two weeks did no one think to maybe check on it? Feet First was happy to take my $150 but was just going to keep it without ever giving me my shoes. Honestly I can’t believe how ridiculous this is. Also, I just ordered the EXACT same shoes on the Hoka website and they’ll be here by Thursday. I feel like this business is completely untrustworthy. I will never return and never...