Second Sole

I’ve purchased 4 pairs of running shoes at Second Sole over the years. I used to buy running shoes based on appearance only and before researching what shoes to buy was an option. That was dumb — but it was also before the internet was The Internet in all its glory. The first time I went a store specializing in running shoes, I knew I’d never go back to buying random shoes off a shelf.
The folks at Second Sole will patiently help you find the RIGHT shoe for your foot (feet). They will watch you walk or run or how you stand and determine what the hell is wrong with yo feets, if anything, and figure out the right thing for you — whether it’s inserts or a specific type of shoe. They’ll ask what you’ll be using your shoes for and take that into account.
None of the shoes I’ve purchased have been inexpensive. But they all feel amazing on my feet and cause me no problems. No blisters. Nada. The shoes I have purchased are the same cost as what I’d purchase online — without the hassle of having to ship them and return them if they don’t fit properly.
They also have apparel and accessories for sale. I don’t know if the stuff is more $$ than you’d find elsewhere, or not. But I will tell you that the people at Second Sole are knowledgeable about what they sell, and can help you find the right thing whether it’s socks or hydration gel packet things, etc. They all seem pretty sincere in helping you and not selling you something you don’t need.
They also offer a running/​training club for all ages/​experience levels, which I’ve never taken part in, but sounds awesome.

Had a really awesome experience in this store. Decided to jog up to the store and see what they had to offer. They had no problem getting me in the shoe that I wanted, didn’t try to sell me anything I didn’t want. My wife was unsure of what shoes she would want, never having purchased a pair of real running shoes, the associate took 30+ minutes to pull 10 – 12 pairs of shoes for her and even let her take a spin on down the sidewalk in them. He even put our old shoes in the boxes and stored them behind the counter so we could finish our run and break in our new shoes.
Prices were not inflated like some other places, sales staff was attentive, patient and knowledgeable. I never felt like an outsider, not being a race runner or marathoner. I will only buy my shoes and gear from here in the future. Glad I stopped in.

I’m updating my review. It was good to start with, but now it deserves 5 stars (I’d give 10 if I could)!
I had such a HORRIBLE experience at another store (which shall remain nameless. However, if you search my reviews I’m sure you’ll find it. (They’re located in Strongsville.)) recently that I felt bad about giving them my business and not Second Sole.
I took my «bad» shoes in on Saturday to see if SS could fit me for something that would work in the same brand. (I had contacted the shoe company regarding my «bad shoes». The shoe company requested I be fitted for another style of their brand of shoes. They requested I send them my «bad» pair and they’d replace them with a new pair of a different style per my fitting.) When I got to SS I was immediately greeted. I glossed over what the issues with my shoes were, the terrible experience I had with the owner of the other store (where I had purchased said «bad shoes».), and told him I wanted to be fitted for alternates.
Rick was SO generous with his time on a VERY busy Saturday in the store. He took his time with me and ensured that I was in a better shoe. He stated that he, personally, would contact the shoe company and take care of my issue with the shoes. (Recall, I had purchased these at ANOTHER STORE!). He put me in a great pair of shoes and I’m so grateful and happy!
I took the new kicks out for a spin today and NO BLISTERS!!! Thank you SS for providing superior customer service. You have my business for life and I will recommend this location to EVERYONE who is looking for running gear!

Even at their busiest they still give you the time you need for shoes all the way to gels. I first started shopping here four years ago when I started running and have been back for all my running and triathlon needs since.
They have a great sale rack and the staff are very friendly and helpful.
On more than one occasion I went in knowing what I thought I should buy and was given a recommendation to go with something a little different and both times less expensive. They really want to get you I’m the right gear and aren’t looking for a quick sale.
I have bought countless items from here and have always had top notch service.

Very helpful and attentive. Great customer service, great selection as well. They certainly know their stuff.
Would highly recommend. Ask for Rick, excellent service.

I first came to this store as a recommendation from a runner friend as I was just getting into running longer distances and was having some shin pain. The staff was, and continues to be, friendly, knowledgeable and overall outstanding. They took the extra time to listen to my concerns, evaluated my current shoes and took into account my training locations and distances all prior to making a shoe recommendation. I have since purchased additional shoes and gear from here. The staff never seems rushed, has a positive attitude and shows interest in your training (even if it is just a 5K.)
This store also has a 10 day return policy that I find remarkable. While I have always been 110% pleased with my purchases (mainly thanks to the associates guidance) it makes me feel better knowing that if I am not please with my purchase, they will take them back.

I always look for local running stories in any city I visit. Second Sole in Rocky River is by far and above the best I’ve ever found. Great staff and ownership. Unlike most running boutique stores, they charge the same prices as the big box athletic stores and they will make sure you head out with the shoe that is best for you.

I’m overweight. I’m a walker, not a runner. Yet everyone here has been nothing but so kind and helpful to me. I just got home from buying my 2^nd pair of shoes from this store.
I knew that my old workout shoes were WAY past their expiration date but I had put off buying a new pair since the extra money just never seemed to be there. Sure, I could run up to the mall and get a pair on clearance for less money but I’ve done that in the past and was not as happy with the selection or fit. I mentioned that this was a big purchase for me so the sales person started by showing me shoes (comparable to my old ones) that were on clearance. She was SUPER helpful and had me try on several pairs until I found the right pair.
I will for sure be back for my next shoes just for the customer service alone. They really work hard to find the right shoe for each person.

I have nothing positive to say from my experience here. The sales person pushed his views on running blatantly ignoring our needs/​wants, other sales people made disparaging comments and jokes at our expense. Not to mention the overwhelming DOUCHE CHILLS I got from the conversations happening around me. Clearly we took our business elsewhere. It was entirely uninviting, chock full of elitist bull…
Some positives– they had a really cool gear & a decent sale rack, but I will never spend a dime there.
If you want a helpful running store where you will be treated with respect, head east– Achilles in Mentor

Second Sole is great. They are very knowledgeable especially on shoes.
I have purchased my last 2 shoes here and they fit excellent.

These guys are great. They understand the products and the average runner.
Atmosphere is inviting and encouraging!
If you are a new runner, go and trust them

This place has a terrible selection – they don’t stock a variety of sizes for the majority of their items (clothing, shoes, etc.). In fact, the most commonly overheard statement you will hear from the employees is, «We can order it for you.» What a pain in the ass. It’s totally late 70s/​early 80s to me to hear that a store can order something for me. Skip this place and head to Fleet Feet in Northfield instead. They have a great selection and keep many items in stock. Plus, their employees are very knowledgeable.

Despite its pricey gear, this store offers premium service and a good location.
After running my old pair of New Balance joggers in the ground, I took the advice of several friends and visited Second Sole. I was prepared to drop $ 100 because I have been jogging for over a year now and I know this is the price one must pay for comfort and quality. Luckily, a friend gave me a VIP reusable coupon for 10% which helped ease the sting some.
The store was full of pricey outerwear, but I was only interested in new kicks. The sales rep was helpful and friendly. I was really looking forward to his advice on which type of shoes I would need. This was my first trip to a high end shoe shop where the sales staff would be knowledgeable of such things. I did some reading ahead of time about the which types of shoes fit which types of runners. Based on what I read, I was a sure ‘under pronator’. To my surprise, the Second Sole representative said I had a normal stride.
He gave me three pairs of shoes to try on. I put on two different shoes and went for a short jog outside. When I returned, the rep asked me, «Which shoes feels less like you’re wearing a shoe?». I said, «This one». Then he removed the other shoe and replaced it with a third shoe and asked me to perform the same test.
I found this to be interesting and I ended up buying a pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS-9’s. They have served me well thus far and I will return to this store when I hit the 400-​mile mark.

Second Sole is a good running specialty store. It seems to be the only one of its kind for miles and miles (I do not consider Dick’s to be a running store). The staff is helpful and let you take your prospective sneakers out for a jog before making your final decision. I have also, like the previous reviewer, gotten a phone call when my shoes have come in — a nice touch.
The only thing I have looked for here which I have not been able to find is a specific brand of carb-​replacement gel (PowerBar Gel), the only one that seems to agree with me. But I did try Gu Chomps at the staff’s recommendation, which were quite good, and I actually might now be a chomp convert.
Easy parking too. Oh, and they have given me 10% off everything pretty much every time I have gone in. A nice place.

I’ve been going here for a couple years to get running-​related items.
They have done a good job from support to recommendations. They specialize in shoes but also sell running and triathlon-​related apparel, hydration belts, and carb gels.
If they do not have a specific shoe in stock, they’ll order it and ACTUALLY CALL when it comes in. They are willing to negotiate some on price.
The store also has a number of organized running groups if you’re interested.
The staff I’ve worked with run the gamut from track coaches to high school runners but everyone has been nice and knowledgeable.
Run in!