I am a short distance runner recently converted to a long distance runner, and in the past year I've encountered quite a few obstacles that Elite Feet has addressed for me.
Their staff is professional and knowledgeable, and they're great listeners. I practically crawled into this store with plantar fasciitis that had become so bad I could barely walk, and a knee that burned with every step. (I'm a grad student, and I was trying to avoid spending a lot of money at an orthopedist, honestly. They were my last ditch effort to ""fix myself"". Disclaimer: they're NOT doctors.)
They took their time with me, assessed my gait, and tried at least 8 different pairs of shoes with me. I left with some immediate relief, and am now happy to say I show no symptoms. When I temporarily deviate from the shoes they've suggested for cuter running shoes, my pain restarts.
Contrary to a lot of reviews on here, I felt like my comfort level mattered much more to them than a ""hard sell"". As for the restocking fee, they have it clearly posted. Some patrons may not find it fair, but I say shop somewhere else if you don't want to take that $20 risk. It's made clear everywhere, including in writing at the register. People may not agree with the fee, but I don't think they're dishonest about it.
Anyways, just my two cents. They may not be a miracle for everyone, and they don't replace a real doctor, but they really know their running stuff. They're the only place I'll buy running shoes until I move away from KC. :)
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