Up & Running

I'm not much for reviewing sporting goods stores, as I tend to purchase new running shoes...oh....once every couple years or whenever the tread on my shoes resembles the tread of used tires on a '93 Chevy Blazer. But I just had to give my two cents on Up & Running because...I just can't fathom how or why this location only has 1 review. In the last 2 years. This simply will not do.El Paso must be sleeping on Up & Running. This place is like the Macy's to our Walmart; which would make The Big 5 more like...the K-Mart to our Sears (you see where I'm going with this, right?)I know what you're thinking; "it's just shoes and stuff, right?" Here's the thing. The customer service is what separates this place from The Big 5s and The Champion stores that try to sell authentic, high quality running shoes. Because while fancy shoes are important, so is buying the correct shoe.I have flat feet which are also wide. So, imagine my surprise when the guy at the store informed me there were basically only 2 running shoes that would suit my needs. I wasn't offended by this news. What impressed me more than anything was his level of expertise. He had me walk in a straight line in socks only in order to observe my posture and stance. That's how he was able to recommend which running shoe to purchase. I've never had customer service like that in any other store. You can tell this guy understands what makes a good running shoe for the right foot.What I'm telling you all is if you're the kind of person who doesn't want to waste their time purchasing some half-assed $20 pair of fake running shoes you can purchase at Walmart and are in the market for some high quality running shoes (and aren't afraid to shell out some Tony Stark level cash), then I highly recommend you check out Up & Running. They'll have you...up and running...in no time (gawd, I gotta write some better material)! I'm giving this place 5 flat feet encased in well cushioned soles out of 5.

Customer service was phenomenal. I am very picky when it comes to running shoes and the woman working at this location took extra good care of me. The staff is very knowledgable about their products and was able to find a shoe that fit my specific needs. We tried on about 8 pairs and not once did I feel rushed or as if I was annoying her. If you're a serious runner, this is a goldmine. They have the latest brands -asics, brooks, new balance and much more. I am new to El Paso and the woman provided me a brochure of all the hiking and running trails in the city. I had a great experience and couldn't wait to get out and go for a run when I left the store.

Called them to order a pair of running shoes for the hubby as they are listed as a Brooks retailer to inquire about the Brooks "Split Size program". (Brooks is on of the only companies/brands that does this but you must order through one of their retailers.) The gentleman I talked to on the phone didn't know what I was talking about, put me on hold and then came back to tell me the only thing they could do would be to order two pairs of shoes. Um, no. I subsequently called another retailer in Colorado Springs (where we found out about the program originally) and had absolutely no issues ordering two different sizes for the price of one pair, giving me a military discount, and offering to ship them to me to boot.Up & Running needs work on their phone skills/customer service, as well as apparently on knowing their product and programs available for their brands.