Nicole G.
Yelp
I never knew Pacers was a thing, but after failing twice at buying athletic shoes online I asked my friends for shoe recommendations. A friend recommended Pacers to me instead, saying that they will measure your feet and help find the exact shoe to fit your needs. I looked them up online and found they have several locations in and near DC, but this location was closest to me and was open on a Friday after work.
It was the day of a Nats game so Navy Yard was bustling. This store is in between two restaurants, but easy to find. I was the only customer in the store, but that meant I had the full attention and help of the employee working. She greeted me as soon as I walked in and asked if I needed help. I definitely did! I explained that I needed new shoes for Jazzercise. A shoe that can be supportive and flexible through intense indoor cardio sessions. She measured my feet and watched me walk without shoes on, asked my preferred size, and went to the back to get some options. After trying the first one on and mentioning they felt a bit tight on the toes, she recommended I actually go up half a size, explaining that when exercising it's important for your toe bed to have enough room. She came back with 3 options in the bigger size.
They were all different brands but each were so great! She explained each shoe in detail and encouraged me to jump around and test them out. And even suggested wearing one of each of the two I liked to compare. I ended up settling on a pair of Nike's. It was at this point that I realized I didn't see prices on the wall of shoes and my budget hadn't been discussed. I go to Jazzercise around 3 times a week though, so I knew I wanted to invest in my feet. I was glad to hear they were $120. About double for the shoes I've been buying online, but they were far superior in comfort! And I instantly fell in love with the color and style. I never felt pressured into buying, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
Check out was quick and easy, and she signed me up for their free rewards program. Every $200 that is spent, you receive $20 in store credit. And you don't have to spend that much all at once, it adds up each visit. They had a great selection of shorts, pants, tops, sports bras, and socks so I could definitely see myself overspending here! They also had mens and childrens items as well as some snacky/nutritional type things.
Super friendly service and exactly what I needed. I will be back again!