Phidippides

One of my favorite running shoe stores. They always get it right. The service is friendly and the selection is good. They also have organized runs that start and stop at their stores. If you are new to running (for exercise, not towards donuts) then they can help you get outfitted up. Just don’t wear all new running duds to your first race… you’ll look like a douche. Dude at the half marathon whom I passed in the first mile (he was walking) wearing all new running clothes, shoes, and a fully stocked water belt I’m looking at you.

I signed up for a Half-​Marathon training group that is run by Phidippides. I had never been to the store before and I was happy to see so many Atlanta Track Club Members participating in the training as well. I am the first to admit runners are an odd little subculture that I am gladly a part of. I will say this though, there are not a nicer group of people I have ever come across. The employees here are all runners, so they know what they are talking about, they take their time and they are very accommodating, their passion for the sport shows. I have been helped by Kevin and Todd and would recommend them both. Also, any place that Steve Prefontaine had visited, will always be on my list of things that are cool.
The thing to remember about running is, it doesn’t matter how far you go or how fast. If you get out there and try, you are runner, period. So if you are going to be one of the brave souls to enter the arena, you might as well get the right shoes for the way you run. There is a difference, it is important, and the staff at Phidippides will guide you through it. Good luck and don’t waste the gift!
To Recap:
The Good: The staff, the selection and most importantly the community. If you are going to run, talk to a staff member about some group runs, they are a great way to stay motivated.
The Bad: Sandy Springs is hilly! Be ready to climb, if you are leaving from the store.
The Band This Store Most Resembles: With those TieDye Running shirts, The Grateful Dead.

Running shoes? Running gear? This is THE place. Staff are all runners that give you individual attention to help you find exactly what you need.
They even let you take the shoes for a couple days to try and see if that’s exactly what you’ve been looking for.
Group runs every Wednesday, sign up for the mailing list to get deals and discounts…

Since I’m a budding triathlete, I decided to go ahead and get fitted for real running shoes. My dad has been going here for years so I tagged along. The woman who helped us was incredibly knowledgeable. She pulled no less than 5 pairs of shoes for me and could often tell after only a few strides if they were going to work or not. When I was torn between two pairs, she had me put one on each foot and literally test them out side by side.
She answered all my questions and explained that I have a tendency to roll in as well as having extremely flexible ankles. I needed a shoe that offered a lot of support without feeling like it was pushing too far in the other direction. I haven’t gotten the chance to run in them yet, but I’m looking forward to feeling the difference. I’ve been told I’ll be amazed. With the level of service and attention to detail during the fitting, I’m sure I’ll be very happy with the results.

Several years ago, I went to Phidippides for the first time to buy a new pair of running shoes and had a great experience. Since then, I have bought several new pairs of shoes at stores much closer to my house — mainly only because I live pretty far from Phidippides (relative to all the other places one could go to buy a pair of running shoes), and I didn’t have the time to drive down to Sandy Springs.
Yesterday, I went back to Phidippides because we were near the store, and I wanted to check out some trail shoes.
I was quickly reminded why this is such a great store. All the personalized attention, expert sales staff, and serious gear were all there. While one sales member was asking questions about running style, events I intend to run, etc., others were listening too and providing great feedback and information. One of the others even printed out information about some running groups I might like to join based on my responses.
From now on, I’ll drive the few extra miles and spend a little extra time just so I can get my shoes at Phidippides!

I’ve recently started working out, and after 6 weeks I realized that the $ 30 sneakers I bought 3 years ago were not going to be able to keep up with the beatings I was giving them. Because I was having significant shin pain, and knew nothing about running shoes, I went to the professionals.
While I was a little turned off by having to sign a waiting list to buy a pair of shoes, I later realized it was because of the individualized attention they give their customers. They analyzed my run, found a shoe that fit my awkward style (which was a full shoe size bigger than my feet), and gave me a variety of shoes to try for comfort. They even let you try the shoes out for a couple of days to make sure you like them.
3 weeks later, my shin splints are greatly diminished and I even managed to shave off a full 35 seconds from my mile time. While I hope that has something to do with all the conditioning my bodies been going through by training, I’m thinking the shoes were involved as well.

Run Much? If you do, and you haven’t heard about Phidippides in Atlanta, then I would suggest you toss your old pair of sneakers and sprint barefoot into this store for a professional to size up your feet, analyze your stride, and recommend the perfect new running shoe to compliment your running style.
This store was opened with the goal of informing runners (novices and professional marathoners) on the importance of taking care of your body while going on you runs. Whether it is from wearing the right shoe to having a water whisking shirt to the energy bar you should be consuming before a race, these experts know there stuff. They offer all the latest running products in a wide selection of brands and prices.
They also offer classes every once in awhile from coaches or trainers in the area on how to improve your time or increase your distance. Also, I suggest you sign up for their mailing list. They send out a monthly newsletter on all the upcoming Atlanta races as well as coupons.
So instead of searching through a Sports Authority and wasting your time, just head straight to Phidippides and know that you are receiving the best service, the best products, and the best advice from experienced runners.
Oh, and you sometimes get a discount if you pay with cash.