Buying running shoes online can feel like a gamble. You want the perfect fit, top brands, and great prices. That’s where places like Marathon Sports come in. But the question is — is Marathon Sports legit?
TL;DR — Too Long, Didn’t Read
Yes, Marathon Sports is legit! They’ve been around for decades and have real stores and happy customers. They offer top-quality running gear, great returns, and smooth customer service. While some folks report shipping delays during busy times, most reviews are positive and trustworthy.
Who or What is Marathon Sports?
Marathon Sports is a specialty running store. It started in 1975 in Boston, Massachusetts. That’s right — these folks have been around for over 45 years! They sell running shoes, apparel, gear, and accessories both in physical stores and online.
They’re well-known in the Northeast U.S. and have local stores across Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.
Image not found in postmetaWhat Makes Them Stand Out?
Lots of things make Marathon Sports a go-to shop for runners and walkers. Let’s break it down:
- Fit Process: They use something called “The Right Fit™”. It’s a personal fitting process to match shoes to your running style and feet. Super helpful if you’re near a store!
- Top Brands: You’ll find Nike, Brooks, Saucony, HOKA, New Balance, and more.
- Local Experts: Their staff are runners too! They actually know shoes, gear, and foot health.
How About Their Online Store?
Buying online? Let’s talk.
The Marathon Sports website is simple and smooth. It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done. They offer filters to search by brand, activity, support level, and more.
Shipping is available across the U.S., and there’s free shipping if you spend a certain amount. You can also return or exchange items by mail or in-store — easy peasy.
But Are They Safe to Buy From?
Yes, they are. 100%.
Their website uses encryption. Payments are secure. They don’t spam you. Plus, their reputation goes back decades — they’re not some pop-up scam shop. TrustPilot and Google reviews mostly show happy customers.
Marathon Sports Reviews — What Are People Saying?
Let’s check the buzz.
Many customers love their:
- Helpful staff who understand real runner needs
- Great returning policy
- Wide selection of shoes and reliable sizes
- Online store that mirrors their in-person service
Some negatives include experiences like:
- Occasional delays with shipping (especially during holidays)
- Out-of-stock items showing as “in stock” on the website
- Some phone customer service wait times
But overall, feelings are very positive!
What Can You Buy There?
A lot! Here’s some of what Marathon Sports offers:
- Running Shoes: Trail, road, track, racing, walking shoes… you name it.
- Apparel: Tanks, tights, socks, jackets, and more.
- Fitness Gear: Foam rollers, massage guns, insoles, hydration belts.
- Accessories: GPS watches, sunglasses, hats, and lights.
It’s like a candy store for runners!
Do They Offer Sales or Discounts?
Yes, they do! If you sign up for email updates, you get notifications about:
- Seasonal sales
- Flash deals
- New product launches
- Special events and pop-up promos
They also usually have a clearance section on their website with solid deals on last-season items. You can score serious bargains if you check often.
What About Returns?
Good news: Their return policy is customer-friendly.
If shoes don’t work out, you can return or exchange them within 30 days, even if you’ve run in them. They call this their “Happy Fit Guarantee.” That’s rare! Just keep the receipt.
In-store returns are free and easy. Mail returns are also straightforward but may require covering return shipping unless you’re making an exchange.
How Does Customer Service Stack Up?
People say Marathon Sports has knowledgeable and friendly staff. When shopping in-store, you can really feel the community vibe. Online, things remain solid, though it may take 24-48 hours to get replies during busy seasons.
Customer service channels include:
- Phone
- Live chat (on their website during hours)
They also have active social media pages if you prefer to DM them there.
Is Marathon Sports a Good Fit for You?
It depends, of course. Here are a few quick guides to help:
- Great for: Runners, walkers, fitness lovers, beginners, and people who need expert fitting advice.
- Less ideal for: Super budget shoppers looking for rock-bottom prices year-round, or people who need ultra-fast shipping 24/7.
Competitors to Consider
Still weighing your options? Here are a few similar shops:
- Road Runner Sports: Large inventory and a VIP program.
- Fleet Feet: In-store fitting similar to Marathon Sports.
- Zappos or Amazon: Fast shipping, but less knowledgeable staff.
Each has pros and cons. Marathon Sports holds strong among them, especially if you want long-term foot health and solid advice.
Final Verdict: So, Is Marathon Sports Legit?
Absolutely.
They’ve got a proven history, physical stores, amazing customer reviews, and real expertise. You get trusted brands, smart fitting tools, generous returns, and a community vibe that online giants just can’t match.
So go ahead — lace up and give Marathon Sports a go. Your feet will thank you!
Happy shopping! 🏃♂️🏃♀️