1st Place Athletics Review

Very knowledgeable salesperson very nice and polite people to deal with I would go back there if I needed anything else.

I bought a pair of New Balance runners that started coming apart 2 mos in. I was super impressed how they handled it. Replaced them a new pair after they verified my purchase! So pleased!

Immaculately clean store. Incredibly knowledgeable staff. They worked hard to find me some older model running shoes in their warehouse and are very reasonably priced. I won't go anywhere else in town for my running gear.

Very knowledgeable about what kind of shoes I needed. Always seem to be a model year behind, but prices are comparable to other high end stores in the area.

Helpful staff and a great selection of running shoes! They are also so supportive of local schools' running and swimming programs.

Awesome selection and even better service. The owner and a couple successful runners are the ones who will fit your shoes and gear. They look at your stride and running style individually. Highly recommended. Very knowledgeable staff.

First Place is excellent! My girlfriend and I went here to look for her some shoes, as we'd heard they go the extra mile to help you find what's right for you. They spent a good bit of time making sure she got exactly what she wanted. I was so impressed, I had them do the same for me! I'd definitely come back here, and most likely will, for my next pair!

This store has no refound, and don't say anything when you are buying

This store is great! They have a huge collections of running shoes. I believe it is owned and operated by runners because they can watch the way you walk and suggest the proper running shoes.

Staff is very friendly and helpful in finding what shoes work best for you!

They are very knowledgeable and if one person does not know the answer then that person will put you with the right person. I will keep coming back!

This is a GREAT STORE! These folks really know their products and are very helpful. I've been buying my running shoes and swim accessories from them for years. I'm a RRCA run coach, and I take my running groups there to get fitted for shoes. They host informative clinics, and always go the extra mile, even staying late to help me get the right shoes. Definitely 5 Stars!

When it comes to helping school programs I haven't found anyone better or more helpful. -Head XC & Track @ Brindlee Mountain High School

I never knew what a difference the right shoe can make. Huntsville is blessed to have a store like First Place Athletics with such a knowledgeable consultant as Steven. He knew what shoes would accomodate my feet as well as my gait and helped me make an informed choice. I have not taken these shoes off my feet except to sleep!

You need running or/and swimming stuff, this is the right place

These guys are great! The staff is friendly & helpful, & I love supporting local businesses who support their communities.

If you want great help from knowledge athletes, go here.

New store and location. Same nice reps. A+ service.

I have been buying Brooks Adrenaline running shoes from 1st Place about every 4 months for years. Recently, the colors have become so garish, I decided to move up and pay more money to purchase the Ariel, because they seemed good and I liked the color. I got up the next morning, inserted my orthotics and realized that they were throwing my feet and therefore my hips out of alignment. I took them back the next day and was told I'd have to talk to the manager. I came back and I think I talked to the owner. I told him that the check had already gone through (I had written it when they ordered my size 5 days before I picked them up) and I wanted my money back. He started off by saying that he had no way of knowing if my check had gone through (thanks for calling me a liar - though I would have been happy to wait until he was sure the check had cleared). But this was evidently irrelevant because, after much hemming and hawing, he then said that they didn't give refunds, only store credit! I want to support local businesses, but this is ridiculous. When I realized the shoes weren't going to work, I got on line and purchased an older version in a neutral color. My family includes 4 runners, and we will never frequent this business again. FYI this is Pamela Briggs, not Ted.

They have a very good selection of running and swimming gear. Staff are very helpful. It's just a great local store. I've been shopping here for more than 15 years.

very nice and helpful staff. they do everything they can to find the best shoe for you.

Been shopping at 1st Place for years. Excellent service and good prices.

They always know how to help you. They don't try to wow you with unnecessary gadgets, they are serious runners with a lot of experience and training.

Today I went in to buy rubber tubing for my hand paddles. They brought out a large box with a roll of tubing. The man cut off two pieces that were perfect for the wrist straps. I asked for a piece for my fingers and he told me that the two pieces were enough for wrists and fingers. I had already looked at the new paddles, so I knew how about how much was included in the new package, and what he said was just not correct because the ends break so there needs to be extra. I asked again for a piece to go across my fingers, so he cut this VERY short piece. I just hated to ask for another piece, but I should have. When I got home, I cut the small piece in half - because there are 2 paddles, and neither piece was long enough to go over my fingers. There was not enough from the wrist pieces for my fingers, as I had thought.
***The extra tubing would have probably cost him a dime, but instead it cost him a customer.***
I will not return there, and if anyone ever asks I will give my opinion of their store. Thankfully, I had enough tubing from ones I was replacing to cover both fingers. Linda Hisaw

In house expertise for competitive swim fitting and training accessories. Friendly and family atmosphere.

Wow! I went in to find some shoes for exercise walking. Had no idea what I needed and the staff took time to see how I walked and make sure I got the best shoes for me. Doubled my distance tonight with no leg pain. Thank you guys!

We were here today and Dante helped us out. He was absolutely great with my daughter and helped us pick out her first set of cross country shoes and some trainers. He sold me on coming back there every time we need shoes for her.

Staff is friendly and helpful. Items are a little pricey but not too bad.