Luke’s Locker

I’ve been running shortly over a year. Because a good friend and long-​time runner recommended Luke’s Locker in December as a good place to get shoes, I looked forward to going there to buy a pair. The store is large, a bit rectangular, and as I walked through the store I saw salespeople who were standing around talking to each other. I didn’t know which area I was supposed to go to for help with shoes, so I kept walking — slowly. I passed 3 salespeople and then approached 2 to ask for help. I don’t like having to ask for help, but no one approached me. I purchased a pair of shoes, got some good advice, but didn’t love the shopping experience.
After the half marathon, my toe got bruised. I wanted to buy another pair of shoes — perhaps with a wider toe box. I walked into the store, with my shoes… and I couldn’t believe it… again, no one offered to help. Here I am with shoes: perhaps a salesperson could infer I need some assistance with shoes and want to spend some money… Is it necessary to go to Luke’s and interrupt staff conversations to ask for help? Are they elitist? Yes, the staff are knowledgeable, will answer questions and can help more than those working at an Academy… but so can staff at other running stores in town. I bought another pair at a friendlier running store and will return the pair to Luke’s Locker.

A friend told me she needed to head down to Luke’s because she had a gift card from there and asked if I wanted to tag along because I had been needing some new workout shoes. I thought, sure… she’s driving, might as well. I say the «she’s driving» part because I drive what some might call a monster truck, it’s hard to park downtown. I was very excited to see that this location has a parking garage that is very close by and easy to access. SO, with that said, I will be coming back because the monster truck can fit!
Prepare yourself for higher prices, but know that you’re going to get service and people who actually know what they’re doing, versus the dude at Academy that has only run to the bar for a round of drinks. The sales associates here helped me and my friend, examined how we walk, fit us for shoes and we were so happy. I will say, it seemed when we were checking out that we had the happiest people in the place because the clerks at the checkout were grumpy McGrumpersons. All in all, good experience and I’m happy with my purchase.
I also noticed they had group workout sessions there, which is cool for those that live near there. If you’re like me and needed to get some advice because you just hadn’t been able to find the right shoe, this is the place for you!

Went in to get some shoes and actually have someone help me find the right shoes for the first time ever in my life. The girl that assisted me was very nice and helpful. I left with some shoes that I liked. I also got measured for a new sports bra which I also really like so far. The store is really clean, organized and they sell pretty much the stuff someone would need for running! Already planning on going back to buy another sports bra!

Noreen is the BEST! I had a pain in my hip joint for months and couldn’t seem to shake it.
Noreen assessed my walk and recommended a pair of Mizunos and within one day the pain was gone-​gone-​gone!!! I’m so impressed by the time and care she offered in analyzing my needs and am totally satisfied. I’ll go back whenever anyone in the family needs shoes and will recommend without reservation. Wow-​shoes-​really??? That did the trick-​no pain!

I had been here several times for the Margarita 5k packet pick up, but only recently bought shoes from here.
My mom and I, who are relatively new to running, were given great attention. Even on a Saturday when they had to write our names down to wait, we were seen within 10 minutes and did not feel rushed at all.
Two weeks later, after I experienced a sizing issue, I nervously returned to inquire about an exchange or at least try on a larger shoe. A manager (Noreen) was called immediately, and again, on a Saturday, I was given genuinely individually attention and left with a much better fitting shoe with minimal financial difference. She seemed to truly care about avoiding injury etc…
Thank you Noreen, and all other Luke’s Locker staff, who have been extremely friendly and accommodating. It is definitely worth the drive from North Austin, and worth the few extra dollars that might be saved purchasing from a larger chain store or online retailer.
I will continue to buy from Luke’s Locker! See you next time!

Had a very nice experience. The sales rep. «James» was not at all pushy. I have been using shoes for last 2+ weeks and they seems pretty comfortable.
Highly recommend Luke’s Locker for running shoes !!

My husband purchased a yoga Matt bag for me that I love because I walk all over for outdoor classes and it is so helpful. Unfortunately, after about a month or so, the zipper broke. I took it into the store and they immediately called around to find a replacement. One of their Houston stores had one, they shipped it to the Sandra Muraida store. When I went in to pick it up, they handed me the new bag (yeah! So happy!) and some cash, saying the product was now on sale. Wow! Was I impressed with their service, their attitude and their honesty. I would never have known the product was now on sale nor would I have expected a refund even if it was on sale. They have earned my loyalty.

Awesome experience! Nureen was super helpful in getting my daughter fitted with the perfect shoe. Filmed her walking and running on treadmill, explained her tendencies and what shoes were best. So nice, in this day and age, to have great customer service! We’ll be back!

Didn’t have a great experience with these guys. When my girlfriend decided to start running more seriously, I recommended she get shoes from somewhere where they knew what they were doing and could give a solid recommendation. I’d had great luck with a place over in East Austin that has unfortunately gone out of business. From poking around online, Luke’s Locker looked like a good bet. Sure enough, when she went in she was given a lot of advice about the sort of shoe she needed, and even though the pair she got was a bit expensive, it seemed worth it.
Unfortunately, she developed bad, persistent shin splints soon after switching to the new shoes. Compression socks, changing her running posture, and regular icing all had limited effect. She then visited both an orthopedist and a physical therapist friend, and each thought that the shoes were the issue.
We returned to the store today hoping to switch the shoes for another pair. The manager who talked to us was polite, but said that we couldn’t exchange the shoes, receive a refund or get store credit (he did offer a small discount on a new pair of shoes – no thanks, man). I was also surprised that he did not seem especially concerned or apologetic that the shoes had been causing my girlfriend issues.
Now, to be fair, she had used these shoes for a few weeks; it doesn’t shock me that a store has a general policy against taking returns of used merchandise. But I’d just caution anyone who is planning to get a recommendation from Luke’s Locker – the salesperson is going to sound very confident about what shoes are right for you, but this business is not going to take any responsibility if they are incorrect. If the shoes are uncomfortable or even cause injuries, you are stuck with them. Definitely a caveat emptor situation.

It’s too bad Hill Country Running didn’t make it, but I’ve been a loyal Luke’s Locker customer since their early days in Dallas. They have an extensive selection of shoes, apparel, and all things running, really. They fit you for shoes by watching you run, and they organize races and training programs. Also, they’re right on the river trail.

As helpful as they are knowledgeable. Big selection.

Awesome store with so many activities throughout the week! Everyone was very friendly. Just browsed the store while on vacation and attended a free yoga session in Sunday morning which was great! If I lived in Austin I would definitely frequent this store!

Luke’s is my favorite place to buy athletic shoes. Great selection, friendly and knowledgeable staff, often good sales running, they aren’t pushy at all. I want to give a shout-​out to Raul who helped me try to find a vegan shoe. I walked out empty handed for the first time ever but to no fault of his. He was amazing, knew his stuff, and was super professional. I wanted so badly to buy something from him, but alas my ethics are stronger than how well the shoe fit. He did however transfer an Inov8 shoe over that they didn’t have in my size (see he went well above and beyond!) so we’ll see what happens!
If you want to have the best shoe experience head to Luke’s!

Santa was kind enough to bring me running shoes early for Christmas as I am in the midst of Austin half marathon training. Benjamin was great in helping me find the perfect shoe for my foot and stride (which would be a great basis for a running parody version of timberlakes suit and tie). Look forward to getting my training on with actual awesome running shoes

I’m really sad to write this review as I used to have good experiences at the store.
I’ll start by saying that I have an abnormally small foot– size 4 and have always had a difficult time finding shoes. Lukes had always been my spot for finding great shoes that fit well. I previously bought childrens running shoes to which I was told by a Lukes employee that buying Childrens shoes was not the best idea as the quality was lower and they would wear out much faster than an adult shoe.
The last week I went into Luke in real need of some new running shoes. Perhaps it was because I went in on a weekday evening but the customer service was really lacking. I was told they no longer carry size 4 shoes and recommended a childrens pair. When I asked if there was a possibility to order shoes for me I was told to do it myself online from the brand I wanted.
I left feeling like they didn’t really want to help let alone my business. I’ve thought about going back on a weekend to see if they REALLY no longer carry smaller sizes or if I was being lied to but I think I’m just over Lukes Locker in general. Bad customer service goes a long way.
What a shame.

I hopped into this Luke’s Locker location on a mission for a pair of running shorts and despite some cold customer service, I walked out with exactly what I was looking for and more…
I thought that if I had a new pair of running shorts during my short visit to Austin, I’d motivate for a run at Town Lake bright and early on the last day of my visit. Unfortunately for my fitness level, Mother Nature had something else in mind; there was a crazy storm during the time slot I’d allotted. (On the bright side, I was able to get a couple more hours of highly cherished zzzzzs in instead).
That being said, I cannot wait to wear my new shorts to the gym or out and about here at home in AZ real soon. I couldn’t say no to a long sleeve camouflage shirt either. (I am a bit camo obsessed!)
And while the woman at check-​out was super friendly as she rung me up, the employee working in the back near women’s apparel, was not so friendly. I had to approach to ask her a question about the sizes of the shorts, and she pretty much made me feel like an idiot for not realizing that the Nike shorts come in different lengths (2″, 4″ and 6″). Now I’ll know!
Luke’s came to the rescue for what I was looking for and I did notice that they offer several events each week ranging from yoga and injury clinics to social runs, core classes, and more… Pretty cool! If I lived locally, I’d definitely take advantage… as long as those classes /​events were friendlier than the woman working apparel the morning of my visit. I wouldn’t let one employee stop me from returning, but a little customer training /​service with a smile wouldn’t hurt.
Thanks for my new shorts and shirt, LL!

This is a great local «neighborhood» running store. I cannot stress how nice everyone
was at this location.
Since getting back into running and being new to the harder Texas soil, I definitely was in need of some new running shoes. I got fitted and tried on several different brands with unique features. The employee that helped me also watched me run to see if I was pronating and I could have use their treadmills they have on site. Naturally the one pair of shoes that was the best for me was out of stock, not only at this location but at ALL Luke’s Lockers across Texas. I really appreciated the effort he made to hunt down the shoes for me.
It was also kinda fun to browse the clearance rack and other running gear. It always amazes me all the new stuff coming out for athletes.
The reason for the deduction in stars was when I got to my car in the garage (the bottom of the apartments is dedicated to retail parking), someone backed into my bumper and chipped the paint! Definitely aggravating that someone didn’t even have the decency to admit to their mistake! Parker beware!

So for some entirely unknown reason, I recently decided to take up running. During summer… in Austin… brilliant! After a dozen or so runs, I realized that my ancient, worn out sneakers were no longer cutting it.
I headed down to Luke’s, and felt a little intimidated when I stepped inside. So many sneakers! So many colors! SO MUCH NEON! My ADHD immediately went into overdrive. Luckily, I was quickly saved by a friendly sneaker consultant.
He put me on a treadmill and watched my stride, and took a look at my arch (note: nonexistant), and explained what sort of sneakers should work for my feet and gait. He brought out a couple pairs of sneakers for me to try on, both of which felt pretty darned good. I ran around the store for a bit in each pair, and made a decision. I left the store excited for my run the next morning.
Approximately 0.5 miles into my run the next morning, my feet were very, very unhappy. My arches were really hurting, so the new shoes were clearly a no go.
The next day, I slunk back into Luke’s, and I told the lady at the counter that I had some shoes I needed to return. I always feel guilty returning stuff, and I felt like an idiot for buying shoes that so clearly didn’t work for my feet. Luckily, Luke’s has a great return policy. You have up to 30 days to return sneakers here, even if you’ve spent the entire last month running in them. I honestly believe that they genuinely want you to be happy with your purchase.
A different consultant helped me out, and talked me down from my guilt-​ledge by explaining that sometimes shoes just don’t work out. I was afraid that he might try to talk me into keeping the original pair of shoes, but he definitely didn’t. He helped me find a new pair of sneakers, as well as a super-​comfy pair of Balega socks.
My new sneakers are amazing, so I’m very grateful to the staff here for helping me find a pair that works so well for my feet. I’ll definitely be back next time I need a new pair! I didn’t spend too much time outside the sneaker section of the store, but they sell all kinds of running and sporting gear, apparel and accessories.

I was absolutely blown away by the customer service at Luke’s Locker this week. Every single employee that I encountered went above and beyond to make the experience great.
I visited the store for running shoes, and a sales associate named Justin spent more than twenty minutes helping me select the perfect shoe for my needs. I hit the trail immediately and the shoes felt great, except after a mile or so they started to rub the top of my foot due to my high arches.
I ran back to the store and they were genuinely concerned that the shoes were not perfect. Another sales associate named Noreen helped me find the ideal shoe, and the manager let me exchange them with absolutely no hassle.
I love the new shoes and will definitely be back to Luke’s when I need another pair!

My God! I don’t know how to explain this place. One side is a big calendar of their running events and information on their training for half-​marathons and marathons. Then there’s a big shoe section. And then clothes. There’s an awesome little rack full of runner’s bibs from running various marathons. The service was good and there are so much products for the runner in you or the athlete in you. One of the most awesome places to go for a runner.
Peace. Love. Running.