Berkeley Iceland Reviews

We're definitely happy with the weekend rental rates, & that the sizes we chose were available. However, a little disappointed that the red jacket we requested wasn't available with the snow suit we reserved. Maybe a heads-up notice would've been good?

You asked about my experience, well... You left the security tag on the backpack and I didn t see it until I got home. Generally speaking, you re a community asset. I have had some customer service problems in the past (Management) and prefer my REI interactions and level of service over those I generally had at Sports Basement. Alas, we are very lucky to have the option of both stores in one town. My kids love buying shoes for school there. I appreciate that you have some very high end gear and not just the intro level outdoor gear. Also, you cover so many more sports than REI. I ll be back, obvi...I have to get that tag removed.

Feels much larger (and friendlier!!) than the SF and Sunnyvale locations with lots of space available for community events and activities. My favorite Sports Basement in the Bay area.

A great place to get all of your outdoor sporting equipment needs they have very knowledgeable staff who are willing to help you find the best items for your price range and have very good deals and classes going on almost constantly

The sports basement is the best. Huge selection. The building is really cool. Go check it out. It's fun.

Great selection and the whole rental process was super smooth. Rates are reasonable. Awesome experience overall!

Rentals, rock-bottom prices, and a crazy generous return policy. Sports Basement has it all! They are so chill, helpful, and knowledgeable. Berkeley is my favorite Sports Basement location in the Bay Area too. I don't think I've ever walked out without purchasing at least one item!

Had an aweful bike work/repair service experience. It's a shame cause the services everywhere else in the store has been great.

The staff was not knowledgable in the swim department.

Favorite sports store ever. Amazing service and great prices. Love this spot!

So much choice of all things athletic..and expert advice!

Sports Basement is my go to place for any outdoors adventure needs, it should be yours as well. I rented a MTB, the entire process was extremely easy, the staff in the store was the BEST! When I picked up my rental the associate was excited for me,he called over to the bike shop just make sure the bike was tuned to me based on my height and weight...he genuinely cared for my enjoyment and safety. Wait...the experience gets even BETTER! When I returned the rental I noticed the pricing on their rental sign was less than what I paid for online. I asked the associate who was assisting me with the bike return about the price, no questions asked he said yea I was overcharged online and promptly issued a refund of the difference. The Berkeley location is the BEST, every staff member I encountered was extremely friendly and helpful.

This Sports Basement appears to be an old Iceland Ice Skate rink. Staff was helpful in sizing up my kid for his first snowboard ride.

This is my favorite spot for outdoor gear in the Bay! The staff is awesome and super helpful, and are true customer service pros. They do so much for the community, and are a true gem of the Bay Area! I can t recommend the ski shop enough- seriously, if you need to rent ski gear, snowboard gear, snowshoes, snow clothes, anything- this is your place. Not only is it cheaper than anything you ll find in Tahoe, but they have the nicest folks working the shop who really know what they re doing. George helped my boyfriend out with a pair of rental skis while also putting new bindings on my snowboard AND teaching me how to make adjustments, and we were in and out of there in about twenty minutes. On top of all that, the guys at the shop were able to turn around a snowboard tune-up for me in less than a day. I m from Colorado, and that s unheard of in peak season. Long story short, this place rocks! Thanks for all you do!

Huge place with lots of great products! Great company and if you become a member, you get discounts and they donate to a local charity of your choice.

Amazing outdoor sports store in a cool old skating arena!

Huge place. Everything sports. Nice selection of shoes. Nice staff.

Love this place! Wide selection of products, brand names, good prices, great service, regional and close by. What's not to love?

I love this location. Customer service is awesome. I forgot to bring a mask the last time I was there and a sales representative offered me a disposable one. They also sell high quality products and back up each and every one of them which is great if you ask me.

Great first trip out. Felt safe and protected.
Happy to have them open and available to the community.

Jared was super helpful with giving me a 101 on ski accessories. I am quite beginner so I appreciate the patience in explaining to me. In addition, my cashier was wonderful. This experience had converted me from being an online shopper to in-person shopper- for sports equipment!

Everyone was remarkably helpful. Knowledgeable, friendly, and willing to make time for many questions. Blew me away!

Best place in Berkeley to get your outdoor needs met. Huge selection of energy foods (bars, gels, supplements). REI used to carry some of these items but not any more. Sports Basement carries all the major & minor brands.

Simply the best! I love this store for many reasons but the top three are (1) dog friendly, (2) people there are friendly, (3) free classes for things like fixing your bike where they give you beer for free. Are you kidding me!?

Very nice! Very convenient and very sympatical person there. If you need to rent some ski, this is THE place

Super cool and positive staff that are very helpful. I come here to get a massive variety of things (bike accessories, soccer gear, compression gear, & camping/ hiking equipment). Definitely worth checking out!

First time snowboarding with my son and needed some gear. Sports Basement Berkeley had everything and the price was just right. Great service on top!!!

They have a great swimming department with a huge goggle selection

Very big place. Great deals and cheap protein bars

Awesome staff! Bill helped me with info on a navigation system.

This place used to be an indoor ice skating rink. It's actually funny and cute when I think about it (the scoreboard is still there). Now they sell all sorts of sporting goods (they also repair and rent you bikes) and their selection is bigger than in some other places I've been to (yes, it can make your decision harder, but it's a good thing in this case). Despite the place being big, it's nicely organized by activities and age groups. If unsure ask the staff, they'll be happy to help.

I came here to buy some crossfit shoes since I didn't want to just do it online without even knowing what I'm buying. The staff was very knowledgeable and helpful when I had questions about different brands and types. The sitting areas are almost like in your own living room. Very homey feel to them. Also take a trip upstairs, if not for buying at least to get a good look at the place.

Why come here? To buy shoes, backpacks, camping gear, skiing/snowboarding gear,... anything sports related. It's my first go-to place for sure. And it's closer than San Francisco and Walnut Creek (at least for me).

They have street parking and meter parking in front and around of the building. If you don't want to pay, you can also park a few blocks away from the place or ask the staff to refund you for your parking.

Huge store, but it seams like they have gotten away from being a discount store. Most items seem like they are priced like at any other sporting good store.

Great selection of sports and travel related items of differing prices. Not an over abundance of staff, but when I ask for help, they are right there and knowledgable. Love shopping here.

Always top knotch customer service. As pricey as REI but a popular alternative that helped to revitalize this neighborhood.

You really won't find a better sporting good store than Sports Basement. Their pricing and customer service exceeds all the competition (and there are some really great competitors out there).

The customer service at our local store is the absolute best! They have won my loyalty!

Very competent and knowledgeable saleswoman in the shoe department. Really appreciate it.

Andrew in Berkeley store was fantastic helping me with an exchange transaction. Went out of his way to make sure the process was painless as possible.

The staff are always polite and helpful! Keep it up!

Sports Basement is awesome. The bike was great. Thanks!

Hilarious that someone thought this place disorganized... it has more sections than that store that begins with an R. And an extremely disciplined energy bar / blok / shot section!
Excellent late- and off- season deals all round. Have bought light jackets, swim goggles, shorts, socks, etc. Have not talked to many employees but so far they're all chill, no pressure gearheads of one or the other extreme pursuit.
Since any mountain checked out of Berkeley (and wilderness exchange is long gone), this is your stop, people. Also a very agreeable couch section +10 pts.

Terrible experience
Yesterday I went to sport basement in Berkeley looking for a new jacket. It is not my first time in this store... I like the place. They have a good variety on brands and good prices, But the staff was pretty mean to me yesterday.
I probably spent a little too long deciding on what I wanted to buy... I have many black jackets and I wanted a different color, I finally decided to try a couple of jackets. I asked for the fitting room and when I was in the fitting room suddenly a woman knock hard on the door and ask if "everything was ok" I was a bit surprised and nervously answer "everything ok".... I quickly went out the fitting room and there were 3 or 4 guy surrounding the door. The woman who knocked the door asked me if I was going to buy the jackets I had in my hands and I answer I was getting one, the other one was too small. I went straight to the register to pay and I noticed they were following me. I was getting more and more nervous, I didn't know what was going on.
After I paid they still followed me to the parking land and when I got in my car I saw a guy taking pictures to my license plate.
Finally the guy was kind enough to explain the situation.
There were two girls shoplifting and they tough I was with them.
I asked if there was something I could do to clear this confusion but He said they had cameras and they would check if I was with them or not. so I came back home feeling like a thief. Shaking on anger.
I was not going to write this review but I hope someone in the store see it and they don't do this to any other costumer because it feels very very bad.

The equipment was good overall. My pants were even brand new. However, my boyfriend ended up with 2 left men snow boots. LOL

Love this place. Berkeley's old historic ice rink. This store carries some different products than REI. In this way, it is a great alternative. I found some things at better sale prices. Easy parking and $25 one time membership gets you forever 10% off.

Great sports store. Sales people friendly and knowledgeable.

One of my favorite stores. So much variety and everyone is super helpful and nice. I appreciate what they provide for the community from free spaces to gather to donating profits to organizations when you're a member. Sometimes buying fitness or adventure gear can be overwhelming and intimidating. All the staff I talked with from bikes to climbing to apparel were incredibly friendly and down to earth. They approached my questions with curiosity and care and never once made me feel "dumb" for asking basic questions.

stopped by to change tennis racket grip. their tennis guy is good - very knowledgable and makes good recommendations, works fast, friendly. nice to know where to go for tennis gear now that berkeley sports is closed :))

I come here every Saturday for their free yoga classes. They're great.

huge shop with huge selection of sport gear. staff is polite though my impression was at the rental corner not everybody is as expert as one would expect. Special thanks to George who in the end made the difference. I'll rent again from BE because of him

Awesome store! one of the best customer service and great camping and sports gear

Always well stocked and always a helpful and friendly staff to know what they're doing that's why I've been going back there now

Today was their 20th(?) Birthday, they had several items on discount and balloons all around.

Sport's Basement is my favorite general outdoor/sports store; in a repurposed ice rink they offer an incredible variety of products from dumbbells to tents to shoes and skis. What is most exciting, however, is their community section. They offer different activities that range pilates and math competition. They also have several bins to recycle tennis balls, shoes and much more.

I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for sports material or camping gear.

Friendly, informative neighborhood sports store. Love that they re so close and so personable.

Great place. Just heard about this store and we found everything we have been looking for. Would highly recommend.

The place is still there and its open Mon-Friday til 7pm. They do require a temperature check before you can enter the store . All of the awesome goodies are in the store and best of all, the store is empty so you'll have free reign to shop in peace. The best is the employees are always super polite. I'll define back.

This is an awesome store. It's huge, they have everything you could ever need. It's in a big, old, converted ice rink.

It was so easy, and the price was so reasonable, I am not sure why I would ever buy a tent again. Needless to say, the staff at the Berkeley Sports Basement are super helpful, and patient with any questions you might have. Love this place!

Love this place for all of my outdoor and sports gear. They have a wide selection of goods, from wetsuits to bike equipment, camping gear and lacrosse cleats.

Highly recommend, and they donate 10% to the local team of your choice (choose Berkeley High athletics!)

Support this group, and the local community. They do amazing work!

It s my go-to for running shoes that s for sure!! The staff is very helpful and pleasant and most are very knowledgeable (for those that not as knowledgeable..will check with another sales staff). If they don t have something they will check another store. I really like their return policy! This weekend was the expo and bib pick up for the Berkeley half marathon (which is the reason I was there).

Everyone is awesome. Always helpful. Handling the precautions related to the pandemic in a practical and sensible way.

Sports Basement in Berkeley is my go-to spot for gear and, especially, bike parts and service. The staff in the bike shop are incredibly helpful and very efficient. These guys (I've had especially great service from Austin, Taylor, and Sean recently) go above and beyond to fix and tune smaller issues (that I don't even realize are issues until they've fixed them) and explain different options, adjustments, and decisions so that I always leave the store knowing a little more than I did when I walked in. I'm confident that I'll always get the best value and prices at Sports Basement, and I trust the staff at the Berkeley store with my bike needs, big or small.

I brought in a new crank and bottom bracket to have installed on my mountain bike. I was expecting to pick it up later the following day but the friendly mechanic looked at the crank and then my bike and asked if I did not mind waiting 20 min and he could have it done and ready. I was so excited that I could have it ready before Friday as I was planning a ride. I walked around the store for 20 min and true to his word he had it done and he even adjusted my stem which another shop had installed improperly. I will not be taking my bike to any other bike shops in the future.

Great experience renting camping gear from them - fairly priced and good service. Would recommend.

Adrien provided A+ help above and beyond! I had an issue with my sports basement account and sent an email, not 10 minutes later gave me a call and addressed the issue and got it cleared up.

Wanted to buy a custom fit bike seat. Not in stock. Have to pay for them to order it. No refunds. But it's supposed to be custom fit. Duh

People are so friendly and helpful and the prices are good!

The name says it all. Huge selection, decent prices

I've been contemplating doing the Oakland Sprint Tri so I went to try on a rental wetsuit and buy some goggles. I had no idea the staff there was so knowledgeable. Jeremy was helpful, patient, and supportive. He has just about convinced me that I should do it. I hope the cashier and SB staff go for it with me.

Expected low prices with the whole 'basement' theme (cardboard signs, etc) but there are few bargains there. Everything seemed to be at MSRP.and housed in a ridiculous former skating rink - 10x the space needed for the contents (so much for conservation!) This Berkeley store seemed to lead to the demise of the nearby 'Any Mountain' sporting goods, which had better sales racks and selection. I'll stick with REI now which is also expensive but at least gives a dividend at the year's end.

My love affair with Sports Basement began in San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge and fog swept vista lured me to this former grocery store turned sport's equipment mecca. Flash forward a few years, now I have my very own Sports Basement in Berkeley. This beau was an ice rink in its former life. Yes. It can be oddly chilly sans ice, but the folks inside are warm and friendly. The selection is good (most outdoor activities are represented) and if you're a Basementer, the price is right! Check out the sale board as you enter Please do yourself a favor and pop into a Sports Basement some time.

Friendly staff, great prices, large selection of all things sports, especially snow gear. They also hold community events, non-profit organization's fundraising events, and will let you use their space for your event, for free I think. Also, their Basementeer membership comes with lots of cool perks!

Not only carries goods for multiple sports and past times but rents ski/board gear. Helpful staff, (just rented some gear, was given wrong info over the phone but staff honored my version, true customer service). Great clothing selection. Free parking

I was hesitant to go in because I don t consider myself a sports person and really just wanted to get back into physical activity. First I went for shoes. Then a few weeks later I got a bike. Two weeks later I got a jacket. Every trip I meet a different staff member who is kind, knowledgeable, and patient (the first visit I spent two hours trying out shoes and laces they were the most helpful and friendly people! Did I mention patient?). I wouldn t hesitate to get a lifetime membership and can t wait to go back!

These folks are awesome. Great staff, selection and service.

What a fantastic experience. Bill helped me find the right backpack and clearly had years of experience both using and selling the gear. It was such a relief to be able to talk to an expert about such a big purchase. I'll be a Sports Basement patron for all my outdoor needs from now on!

Better than REI - as long as you know exactly what you are looking for

Huge place with a ton of sports equipment. Great store

very cozy and nice place to shop for sports gear anf more.

I brought my skis in for wax and edges. Completely scammed. When I opened my ski bag they were not done. Had to pay $55.00 for them to be done again at Mt. Rose.

The Sports Basement is one of the best places I have ever shopped. I rent a Cannondale Supersix road bike. This bike was better than what I ride at home. They rent top of the line equipment at reasonable prices. The put clips on to match my shoes. And did a quick adjustment for my body size. I will be back to rent again and am really impressed with the whole store, its prices and its ethics.

This is the best sports store in Berkeley! The building is quite a sight as well, an old ice rink. But more importantly, they have an awesome selection of outdoor gear, sports equipment, and apparel. If you're in the market for anything vaguely sports-related, give it a try!

Love this converted Skating Rink into a store. It's bright inside and staff are friendly and helpful! Definitely check it out!

I recently took my mountain bike into the Berkeley store for what I expected to be a minor tune-up. I did not know that it a cracked frame, but Sean McBride and his team in the bike section of Sports Basement spotted the crack and advised that they would pursue a warranty claim with Cannondale on my behalf. At the end of the process, I received a new and upgraded frame (Cannondale covered the frame completely), and a well tuned mt. bike.
The Sports Basement team was diligent in pursuing the warranty claim and they kept me closely advised. This was an excellent customer service experience and I am now a new Sports Basement customer for other outdoor equipment purchases, in addition to my bike needs.

I got the best bike help I have ever received from Jeremy. This was a major purchase for me, and he set up five bikes for me to test, one by one. I found one to buy he spent extra time giving this close-out sale bike a mini tune-up, and put on a bottle and cage for me. Jeremy is knowledgeable and efficient and was super helpful.