The people working here are the WORST! Biggest disappointment ever! I had hopes of Phidippides becoming my go-to running store, but it is filled with the most smug, judgmental, unhelpful sales associates in all of Los Angeles. I am a serious runner training for Boston qualification, but the associates seemed to discount me instantly because of the way I was dressed and the running shoes I wear to train (Nike Lunaracers).
I drove all the way up to Encino with the intention of buying a pair of insoles, a Garmin 405, and possibly a new pair of shoes. The off-putting attitude of the two guys I spoke with made me want to just grab the insoles and get out of there. I went home and the insoles didn't fit inside my shoes, so I went all the way back up to Encino, with the shoes, to give it another shot. Even worse. They guys wouldn't take a look at the fit of the insoles or my shoes and just told me to ""cut them down"" to fit. When I asked questions, the guys looked at me like I was some foolish kid. I was again turned off by the smugness and condescending attitude of these guys and left. I went home to try to trim the $50 insoles which ruined them (there is a layer of hard plastic in the insoles, making them unsuitable for trimming - way to know your product). So two trips to Encino and $50 later, I can't recommend against this place enough.
I'm sorry that my appearance doesn't fit your idea of the ""typical runner"" and that your body can't handle running a marathon in lightweight flats (I ran a 3:23 in the Lunaracers without really trying, had NO pain, muscle tear, soreness, straining, or swelling after the marathon - why don't you overpronate on that), but the way you treat people who are looking for advice and want to spend money in your store is inexcusable. I went to Roadrunner to make my purchases and was extremely satisfied. The people there were helpful and not ""running snobs"" - which is not a good look anyway! I'll never go to Phidippides again unless its to dominate those guys in a race of any distance.
In the meantime, I'm out $50 on a pair of bad insoles the guy told me to slice up and my anger lever has been so high that I'm hoping this review with lower my stress back to something reasonable.
Pros: Easy to get you in a bad mood
Cons: worst people ever work there, limited selection
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