Aerobics First

I desperately needed some good running shoes. After an injury to my foot last summer, I was finally cleared by my podiatrist to resume my normal running. I used to run 50 km a week or so, and after what seemed like a million years of not being able to being limited to stationary bikes in stinky gyms, I can finally get back out on the road.
I have wide feed and I usually have to go with New Balance shoes. I went to «The Running Room» and they said they had nothing for wide feet and said that possibly Aerobics First does. They indeed did.
I’m mainly writing for the service. My job and weird life resigns me to what seems to be a constant state of sleep deprivation. After a super fun bus ride on the 80 from Bedford to Halifax, I stumbled into the store. A salesperson was helping some girl try out shoes so I asked if there was anyone else who could help me.
It bugs me that I forget his name, young guy, super narrow feet. Anyway, he is the man. He sold me a pair of NB 1080’s and even though I was half asleep (I’m always half asleep), he made what is the sometimes very tedious and annoying experience of buying shoes smooth and hassle free. I will never deal with The Running Room again. Barring one or two good experiences, I find them to be pretentious, unhelpful and downright rude.
Even though I live in Montréal, Aerobics First is my go to shoe place when in Halifax visiting family. Props.

Not a huge fan. Service is very good and staff knowledgeable. Ski trade in program for kids is not a value at all. $ 300 first year and you get new gear. $ 75 to upgrade anytime but you get used, poor quality equipment. You can do much better online getting gear for your kids and have something better and different than the usual ski equipment in Halifax from here and Sports Chek etc. Prices very high. Shop US online for way better prices, ship to your hotel when you go to Maine or Vermont to ski :), avoid the duty charges.

The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable. They’ll help you in store and online which is great.
I’m not a runner but was able to get tennis shoes ordered in (as I need a wide shoe). I wasn’t able to get softball cleats here though — but they helped me figure out what shoes I should get.
If you are a runner and have difficulty finding the right shoes, this is the place to go!

I just spent one hour and fifteen minutes trying on nine billion pairs of running shoes with the amazing staff at this place. I’m completely new to running, and have never owned a pair of legitimate running shoes in my life. The one thing I do know (and only because people always talk about it) is how crucial a proper-​fitting pair of shoes is for running, to minimize the risk of injury.
Going in with little knowledge, the staff spent immaculate time and care trying different models on me, fits, doing tests, consulting with other staff members, and bringing down the owner for his input. These people are INSANELY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND HELPFUL.
I can’t stress enough — go here. Don’t bother trying anywhere else. I have, earlier today, and nothing has compared. The attention and patience of these experts will be hugely beneficial. They will guide you through the process, educating you and why and what, and never once make you feel like an idiot.
Thanks so much guys! I can’t wait to come back once I have shredded this pair. ;)

WOW.
Full disclosure: I hate shoe shopping more than any other kind. I loathe it. I have difficult to fit feet. I almost always regret buying a pair of shoes within two days. Sometimes two hours. So when the lovely Fiona told me I had «three weeks to try them out», I wanted to hug her. Seriously? I have been begging for shoe stores to do this my whole life and here it is!
Not that I think these will be returned. Quite the contrary. Fiona is as knowledgeable as they come, so when she fit me for my pair, she did it well. She asked me all kinds of questions and was more than willing to take all the time she needed in order to make sure mine were a perfect fit.
Also, I bought some super comfy socks here. I’ll be back soon, for sure!

I have never been a critic of sports stores before, but after my experience with A1, I have to say I’ll certainly be more apt to go in this direction vs the box stores.
First off — its locally owned! Score!
Second – All the staff seem extremely well informed of the product they are selling.
I have never rec’d treatment like we have from them.
I brought a pair of ski boots in that I did NOT purchase from them (but a Box store), told them they had been pinching my calf. Charlie in the ski section took the time to explain the problem AND go over how we could make these boots work better for me – instead of buying a new pair. A heel lift and insole later – I was geared, and the calf pinch was gone. AND I ended up with a better – proper fitting ski boot!
I was so pleased with the knowledge and lack of pressure to buy from them that I did end up purchasing some new ski’s from them. I had been hymig an hawing over it.
I am confident in the direction he advised I go with for my «new» skis is going to make the world of difference on the hill. I can hardly wait to try them out!
Third: All the staff is very friendly! And quite eager to help you as they can :)
A1– scores 100% for this Unilocaler!

There are a few spots in town to get running shoes, however the place with the best customer service and knowledgable staff goes to this place.
They offer more choice and sizes than places like Running Room. Prices vary with the model, but a serious runner would know not worry about price — get the shoes that fit.
They are also the place to keep tabs as their sidewalk sales are usually a good time of year to find an older models that you want to stick with.
I’ve been coming here over the last 3 years as I progress from 10k to half and full marathon training. Each time, I get excellent customer service and the staff has no problem finding me shoes that not only fit, but alternatives when something doesn’t feel right as shoe model construction changes as time goes on.
Prices I’ve paid for shoes ranged from 120 $-180 $ as I’ve bought saucony, new balance and now mizuno (remember get the show that fit part?)
Other than running, they also have a healthy selection of ski/​winter clothing. Again, drop by here for the clearance rack if you are not able to afford full price on some brand names.

Nice store but the runner barrelling out of the door at full speed and crashing into passerby’s daily gets a little old.

Went in looking for alpine ski equipment at the end of the season when it’s on sale and found the whole top floor full of it! The staff was very helpful in looking for different sizes and giving advice great experience.

Despite its modest exterior, Aerobics First is a honeyed spot for top notch workout goodies.
Well known brands like North Face and New Balance are among the many available, offering great styles of the latest fabric ‘technology’. There were also some names I did not recognize but it all carried appeal. Appearing as structurally sound, I feel like Aerobics First knows their market well.
Prices are pretty standard and you can expect to pay about $ 60 for a workout top. Sneakers, shorts, tops, bras, pants, jackets, running accessories– they’ve got a great selection. Although, I noted more opportunity for women than men here.
Service was eager and a bit amateur, but it came from the right place. The staff were glad to help, but carried on loud conversations with each other that came across just a bit unprofessional. But like I said, they are friendly and happy to help if you need it.
This is a great little spot to get sported up for workouts. They carry some top quality gear and great range.

Need some sneaks? Dying for a new track suit? Maybe you need some of that sweat-​wick-​away running gear so that you can be the hottest person rocketing around these streets.
Well, the sun has been calling and the people are answering. Bikes are out en masse and the joggers are pumping their arms and whipping passed me on the sidewalks. If you’re ready for some new spring time gear, I recommend heading into Aerobics First on Quinpool.
The staff is great, super friendly and eager to assist you with what’s in store. Last time I was in, my shopping partner was looking for some new runners but not wanting to fork out a ton of money. The dude working was more than happy to assist, finding cheaper end of season stock but not compromising the specific sneaker characteristics my friend was hoping for.
My friend left, sneakers in hand, soon to be on feet. If you walk passed the store, you’ll always see colorful displays presenting the latest in athletic fashions. I suggest that you zip on over to Aerobics First so that you can be comfy and stylish while getting your spring time butt into gear.

This past week way my first time in Aerobics First and i’ll be back!
Excellent running shoe selection including: New Balance, Mizuno and Asics.
All board/​ski pants were 25−30% off which dropped many down to the $ 100 range.
There was even a wall blurb about the importance of finding a well fitted sports bra. One of those necessary items that most of us probably tend to neglect. Details such as: how said sports bra should fit and what you ought to purchase for depending on moderate-​intense work outs. Useful info lemme tell yah!
I’ll definitely be back to check out the Mizuno runners!

Like most local businesses, what seperates A1 sports from its competition is the staff. These are not high school kids looking for some spending money, many of the staff here are former and current competitive and semi-​competitive athletes.
This means if you’re wondering which shoe will be better for your arches while running, one of the staff will probably have hands on experience and not a rehersed sales pitch.
My personal experience revolves around the quest for a new snowboard. Mine is getting up there in years and I just felt the time was right for me to explore my options. Thanks to A1, explore I did.
I’m pretty knowledgible about gear and boards for the winter season so it was great to have a conversation with someone who knew their stuff. We had a great chat about what I wanted to do and what I felt I needed, and though I didn’t end up purchasing anything that day, I know where I will go when I do save up my pennies!
If you’re in the market for sporting goods and need some serious advice, A1 is number 1.

Some sporting goods shops are staffed by employees who are more interested in their commissions than in finding you the product that you need. This is NOT one of those shops. If you’re looking, in particular, for running shoes, you won’t find a store where the employees have more expertise than here.
The sales staff really know what they are talking about and seem to care about whether you get the shoe that’s right for you. Frankly, I have never seen a more professional staff than the people at Aerobics first.
Prices may be higher than at a cheapy big-​box store, but it will be worth it because you’ll actually get a shoe that does what you need it to do.