Santa Barbara Running

This is (usually) a great store, and has some of the most knowledgeable runners in the area. I first came here a couple years ago when I had first started running and was starting to experience some injuries from my minimalist shoes. One of the associates had me try on Hokas (which I never would have picked out on my own) and gave me some helpful advice. Most of the associates are great and ask lots of questions and can really help you pick out the best shoe/​running gear for you. Some of the associates don’t seem very motivated sometimes, so I usually try to come back another time if they aren’t being helpful.
The store is small but the selection is surprisingly good. Their prices are as good as anywhere else (including online) and the store does a great job supporting the community.

The Nike lunar shock absorbing shoes I wanted were back ordered until the end of the month but Ali the very helpful sales associate manages to track down my second choice which they didn’t have at this location but put on hold for me in SB. She really was a great help and went above and beyond to accommodate me. I appreciate polite good service. . She even offered to have them shipped to the goleta store. the service made me feel better about splurging on $ 150 dollar shoes.

I have been to this store many times over the years and it never really impresses me. The store is never busy, it is odd to find more than three people at a time. However, the workers there don’t seem to be that interested in asking any question or finding out the reason to your visit.
Last time I went in, I went to check out their black friday sale. They had $ 25 pairs of shoes, even the really expensive adidas boosts, which was a great deal. I bought a couple of shoes off their wall, and try to make some small talk with the clerk. Dude seemed like he was more interested on getting me out so he can continue to play on his computer. I gave up and just paid the shoes and said nothing for the rest of the transaction.
I rather go to Footlocker, which has more lively interaction. The good thing about this store is that it carries brands that bigger retailers do not, so in the case that I want a specific pair of running shoes, I will come here. But just to buy the shoes and try them on, not because of the «experience.»

I was hesitant to come here after reading the terrible reviews on Unilocal… but I was so disappointed with my running shoe options at other locations, that I figured I’d at least come check it out.
Before I even walked into the store, one of the men came in from the parking lot and greeted me, asked me how my day was going, and was very friendly. When I walked in, a different worker came and helped me pick out a new pair of shoes. He was very knowledgeable, and after running in my new pair for the first time, I’m very pleased with my buy! He was not only attentive and helpful in recommending shoes appropriate for my running style and distance, but he was also friendly, asking me questions beyond «making the sale».
Overall, I was really pleased with my experience and was able to pick up other running gear as well (socks, sports bra, etc.)

If I need running supplies or advice, this is the place I go to! The staff are all experienced runners, and are familiar with all sorts of running related issues and injuries. In addition, they have a running treadmill on site at both locations (it goes fast!) and clients are encouraged to try the shoes out before making a purchase.
The inventory is limited, but adequate, and for Santa Barbara, comprehensive. Staff are also happy to special order items and can make recommendations based on client needs.

I will never return here. or their store on Anacapa street.
A friend and I went in to purchase him a pair of vibrams. The man working seemed a bit out of it, but we waited while he helped another customer and then asked him to try on the bikila ls. He helped my friend determine the appropriate shoe size for vibrams,
He brought out the wrong model twice. It wasn’t a big deal, my friend just tried them on for fit and then asked for the bikila ls (again). The man working huffed and puffed and muttered something under his breath as he went to the back. I thought it was kind of strange. My friend and I just looked at each other, and he asked me if I smelt the guy too. He REEKED of alcohol – explains the weird, vacant behavior.
They didn’t have the size my friend needed in the bikila ls, so we thanked the guy and said we’d probably just order them online since they didn’t have them in the store today.
His sarcastic and demeaning reply was: «Thanks for taking my time.»
I went over to the register to get a business card to call the manager/​owner and let them know about the incident. We politely made our way out and explained to him that we would have bought if the size needed was available. His response: «Thanks for taking my time” – again!!!
So I immediately call the downtown location and ask for the owner. The nice guy on the phone down there explained that the owner was working at the Goleta store today. I confirmed the rude man’s appearance and sure enough the alcohol-​smelling, rude and demeaning man was the owner.
Still kind of in shock. I love supporting local businesses, but I will be taking my business elsewhere – I don’t need to feel unappreciated, degraded and talked down to by the owner of a business.

We always buy our running shoes, socks ect here. All the guys are extremely friendly and knowledgeable. In addition, SB running gives back to our community. Give it a try, if they don’t have it, they often will at the other store. You won’t be disappointed.

I really dislike giving out bad reviews. I gave this company MONTHS to deliver on an order. I special ordered a shoe that may or may not have arrived. I wouldn’t know because I never received a call or a call-​back. I called on multiple occasions over a period of SIX (6) MONTHS. My name and number were taken down, I was never called back. EVER. I understand now why they didn’t want me to put down a deposit, they never had the intention of filling the order.