Trailblazer

I was halfway through a run downtown and literally could not pound out another step in my old worn out kicks. The wonderfully knowledgeable staff assisted me to find a perfectly fit pair of running shoes and a set of arch inserts. I tossed my old pair and finished my run with the most comfort I have experienced in years. Worth the money, and half the hassle of a department store or mall. I am definitely a repeat customer!

Who I am: 7:30 half marathoner. 50k finisher.
Problem: Worn out existing Nike Free shoes and need a replacement.
Solution: The lady understood what i walking about when I said the arch needs more support and landing shouldn’t feel flat.
In simple words, very knowledgable staff.
If you are experienced you will love the experience. If you are new you need this experience to avoid injury horror stories you’ve heard!
Bottom line: In and out of the store with a new pair of shoes in 10 minutes.

Trailblazer is an excellent outdoor recreation store. The New Haven location is central (its nice to do some sidewalking for a change). The prices are the same as
for the most part. The main reason to visit the store and walk out with product in hand besides the importance of actually trying on shoes and active-​wear is that the staff is very knowledgeable about the gear and discovering what your needs are and are concientious that money should be well-​spent. Besides hiking, if you need RUNNING SHOES they know their stuff. Only downside is it can be a bit busy.

Definitely a great place to get some outdoor clothing. Very accessible and great staff.

Super helpful staff helped me pick out the perfect running shoes. I was going to try them at the store and then see if I could get them online cheaper, but I had such a good experience at the store that I made sure to buy everything there.

Trailblazer is in a great location, right on the edge of campus across the street from the bookstore. The prices at Denali are outrageous, but for the outdoorsy people who want high quality, name-​brand apparel and shoes, this is the place to check out. The staff is attentive but laid-​back. They can give you suggestions and evaluate your feet if you’re in the market for new shoes, but they won’t hover as you try on different styles. There is clear brand discrimination; you’ll find mostly Brooks and Asics running shoes here, but the apparel is a bit more varied with good sales now and then. I’ve found pairs of Nike tempo shorts here for half-​off, which is pretty unheard of even at large retailers such as Dick’s.
Their website is surprisingly comprehensive, and definitely call ahead if you have a specific shoe or jacket in mind. It’s pretty easy to find deals on popular sporting goods and apparel online, but for running shoes, the service and in-​store fitting process is still so essential.
Also a good place to pick up a pair of the Vibram five finger shoes and give them a test run.

Well, I really wish I had the sales person the reviewers previous to my review had! I had a terrible experience here! I went in desperately needing someone to help me find running shoes that fit. I talked to someone I thought was knowledgeable, but she didn’t measure my feet or watch my walk/​run. I bought the shoes she recommended and I haven’t stopped having shin splints.
But, the worst part is this. I called the store two days after buying the shoes, I had used them once on my treadmill at the gym so they wouldn’t take them back. I asked for an exchange and was told «no.» Then I was told the manager would call me, but that never happened. How is it that my car dealer gives me a month to return my car, but the running shoe store won’t let me after one run?
Lame. I’m never shopping there again.

After damaging my ankles running miles and miles in shoes I’d had since college, I decided to get a new pair of running shoes. (Free tip: when your ankles start hurting from such strenuous activity as going upstairs of getting up from the couch, the solution is not to run twenty more miles before figuring out why.) As I was new to long-​distance running, this was my first experience buying shoes, and I felt a little bit goofy walking into a sporty store like Trailblazer with my nerdy red Jansport.
The staff was extremely helpful and attentive, and within ten minutes, I had a comfortable pair of running shoes that felt molded to my feet. The woman who took care of me took my shoe size, noted my arch, noted the spots on my feet that took the most abuse, and offered me a few different options that would work in a few different price ranges. I’ve had the shoes for a couple months now and they’re still fantastic. I like doing my shopping online, but I definitely benefited from the knowledge of the Trailblazer lady. Based on my admittedly limited experience, I’d recommend this place.

Seems to be the best outdoor gear in the New Haven area. Have my favorite sandals — Chaco. Staff was very helpful.

XY.
Sorry about your experience. We are absolutely happy to correct this problem.
On an even exchange or a return for store credit, we will take an item back if it does not fit properly.
Please feel free to email me and we will attend to your situation immediately. Again, I wish to apologize for the misunderstanding.
Again, I apologize if our exchange policy was not properly communicated with you. Sorry for the hassle. We would like to make this right.
chris