Texas Running Company - Gateway in Austin, TX Open now

Reviews about Texas Running Company - Gateway

• ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

  May 23, 2020, by Bob Snodgrass
  I never like shopping for running gear. It can be a high pressure situation and I never like thinking that the salesperson might feel as if I'm wasting their time. However, I've been coming to Texas Running Company off-and-on for the last few years, and I've never experienced any of those negative aspects. While a bit smaller than other stores here in Austin, it's clear that the employees who work there are avid runners, and that they truly do want to help you get everything you need to make your runs safe, fast, and rewarding. A year ago, I needed some long sleeve shirts for an upcoming marathon; the weather was forecast to be miserably cold and windy. When I explained this to the employee (I'm so sorry I don't remember your name!), she graciously helped me find a few different options. She brought me a few different shirts and explained why one might be better for particular conditions over the other, and got me different sizes as needed. I ended up purchasing three shirts due to her wonderful service. She even told me about the free fun runs that the store organizes (though I've yet to participate) and invited me to join. She also told me about the customer loyalty program (a free service), which I did sign up for. Today, I went in for a new pair of shoes (for the same marathon - BCS, which is excellent if you need a beginner marathon!). In the last few years, I'd resorted to buying online; this was primarily for the (slightly) better pricing, and because I assumed (incorrectly) that "Well, a new version of the shoe I get means I just need to buy its descendent in the same size." However, after running my beloved Ravennas into the ground, replacing them with the same size lead to a number of issues. The biggest was excruciating toe pain, which - after some research - I determined was due to my toes sliding forward and being slammed against the front of the shoe. This was interrupting my long runs. I knew it was a mechanical issue that could be resolved, but was annoyed that buying the newer model of my existing shoes had effectively caused the problem. I switched to Nike, and while this did work for a while, I again found myself having pain after a few months. So, switched to some Mizunos, but found that they were even worse. As I explained all of this to Raymond, he directed me to several pairs of shoes to try, and was able to highlight the specs of each, the differences between each option, and why I might consider one pair over another. I tried on at least six pairs of shoes - often multiple sizes of the same version - and he would calmly explain why each was a suitable stability shoe. We were able to narrow it down to two pairs, and ultimately I found a pair that felt incredible. Each time I tried a new pair, Raymond watched me jog a bit and analyzed my pronation, and made sure the toe box would be large enough to prevent toe pain from metatarsalgia (i.e., slamming into the front of the shoe). He never made me feel rushedor that I was annoying him with my questions and indecisiveness, etc. He listened carefully and helped me reach an excellent conclusion. On top of this, he explained about shoe size differences and why I'd had problems with replacing my Ravennas online versus trying in-store consultations. It was overwhelmingly clear that he understood my concerns, and I never once felt like I was bothering him. He said that the store went to great lengths to hire runners, as this helps build empathy between their staff and their customers. In the end, I left with a pair of running shoes that I cannot wait to put through their paces, and felt like I'd been listened to and helped in a way that was customized to my need. I've been incredibly pleased with both experiences I've had at this store, and I will continue to be a customer in the future. It is wonderfully maintained, in a good location, and staffed by helpful personnel who truly want to you to excel with your running.