When you decide to get more active, a good pair of shoes is your best buddy. Buying new kicks that’ll tag along on all your hikes, runs, and weekend adventures can actually be exciting—but only if you know you’re getting them for the right place.

Buying the cheapest shoes or those that aren’t the right fit for you can often lead to injury. Of course, we don’t want that.

That’s why our team went hunting for the best sports shoe retailers in New Zealand. We checked out their fitting tech, tested how knowledgeable the staff are, and made sure there’s enough variety.

Keep reading so you won’t end up regretting your purchase later.

1. Smith Sports Shoes

Business hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
• Friday to Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM

Website

Smiths Sports Shoes has 14 stores spread across New Zealand. All of their locations has amazing in-store experience. 

Many people we spoke with praised the staff for being genuinely helpful without being pushy. 

Staff would measure customers’ feet and ask what customers actually use the shoes for. They even factor in factors such as orthotics or upcoming travel plans before making recommendations. 

They’re big in performance-focused brands, like Hoka, New Balance, and Adidas. These are the brands most runners, walkers, and active people already trust.

The gait analysis and fitting process also received a lot of positive feedback. The staff really narrows things down to a couple of suitable options rather than overwhelming customers with endless choices. 

The 30-day satisfaction guarantee on in-store fitted shoes is also convenient.

Where they fall a bit short is tramping and hiking footwear. Some people said the selection is limited compared to the massive range of sports shoes. 

We will definitely be back

“Husband never keen to shop so quickly popped into store, got greeted straight away, asked our needs, got him to walk in store to evaluate him, first choice from sales assistant of New Balance 880’s were absolutely perfect choice. Husband very happy and super impressed with quality and service of this store and its people. We will definitely be back. These guys know their stuff.”

– Sandra Whipp, Google review

One of, if not the best shoe purchasing experiences!

“One of, if not the best shoe purchasing experiences! Arrived at 10:03 and was out the door at 10:17. Sean was brilliant, asked the right questions and used his product knowledge to come back with three solid options. Wrapped with my new Hoka’s. Will definitely be going back!”

– Ben Ewart, Google review

2. The Frontrunner Colombo

Address: Shop 4a, The Colombo, 363 Colombo St, Enter off Stanley Street to Carpark, Sydenham, Christchurch 

Phone: ​​+64 3 366 7995

Business hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
• Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM
• Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
• Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM

Website

The Frontrunner Colombo stands out for their technical fitting. Their free video gait analysis uses slow-motion HD footage on a treadmill to look at pronation, foot strike, and how the foot moves in real time. 

Compared to the static devices still used in other stores, this feels more precise. It also explains why physios regularly recommend them.

That expertise comes through in feedback. One customer came in looking for walking shoes during knee rehab and said that the wider fitting recommendation felt practical.

The staff are happy to pull multiple pairs, explain what works and what doesn’t, and let people compare before deciding.

Some customers even mentioned that they’re allowed to take the shoes outside for a short run.

In terms of stock, they have a strong mix of big-name running brands. What’s impressive is that they also offer more niche options, like Inov-8, Salomon, and La Sportiva.

Pricing is definitely on the premium side, but their loyalty club does help a bit since there’s a 10% discount for members.

Staff are extremely well-informed about the shoes they sell and can give excellent advice

“Amazingly swift and helpful response to an urgent warranty claim. Complicated situation involving a Te Araroa trail walker but Anna is unfazed and making everything work, we are very grateful. Exceptional service! Staff are extremely well informed about the shoes they sell and can give excellent advice. We had a similarly excellent experience with a staff member in the New Plymouth shop we visited in person last year, who very quickly assessed my partner’s gait and wear pattern and redirected him to a different brand of shoe.”

– Rachel Rose, Google review

Suggested this store to anyone looking for running/walking shoes

“Highly recommend, the best service! I was looking for a pair suitable for my trip over to South East Asia, so lots of walking & also comfort was important for nearly everyday use. Lynette found the perfect pair & went above & beyond with advice & suggestions. Absolutely love my ASICS. Suggested this store to anyone looking for running/walking shoes.”

– Renee Smith, Google review

3. ASICS Auckland

Address: Shop 16, Level 1, Commercial Bay, 7 Queen Street, Auckland Central, Auckland

Phone: +64 9 306 7232

Business hours:

• Monday to Wednesday: 10 AM – 6 PM
• Thursday: 10 AM – 7 PM
• Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM
• Saturday: 10 AM – 7 PM
• Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM

Website

ASICS Auckland is firmly anchored in central urban hubs. It makes them highly accessible for Auckland residents but less convenient for those outside the city or looking for a nationwide footprint.

They exclusively focus on ASICS, a globally recognised performance brand. The product range is very specialised. 

Their offerings cover road running shoes like the Novablast and trail and hiking options like Fujitrack. There are also footwear for netball, volleyball, and walking.

For us, the standout feature is their medical-grade fitting and biomechanical expertise. The team collaborates with podiatrists and other foot specialists whenever they develop a new product.

We also heard about a customer sharing how the staff did gait analyses and treadmill tests across different shoes. It highlights the knowledge, patience, and care that go into any customer purchasing a pair.

Returns are easy too. Online, OneASICS members can send back unworn shoes within 30 days with prepaid labels. In-store returns usually last 30–60 days with proof of purchase.

The main limitation is the lack of other brands. While the focus on ASICS ensures quality and performance, it may not appeal to those looking for a variety.

Customer service from the ASICS team has always been top-notch

“This store has always been my first call for everything ASICS.  4 trainers bought here in the past 6 months alone – all great purchases! Customer service from the ASICS team (Fred, Jamie, Jake, Mary, Hannah and co.) has always been top notch.  They are passionate athletes too so are very knowledgeable and happy to spend the time giving their honest opinion on what works best for the customer. Store presentation is very clean, fresh and inspiring.  They also stock in-store exclusive products not found in other stores.”

– Ivan Fernandez, Google review

Very helpful staff

“Very helpful, especially for taking my relative to. He’s a reluctant shopper but the team were intuitive to connect with us shortly after we walked him. They made him feel welcome and supported! They were understanding when he didn’t want to buy shoes yet as well, preferring to find more styles.”

– Mikayla Scott, Google review

4. Shoe Clinic Wellington

Address: 58b Willis Street, Wellington Central, Wellington

Phone: +64 4 499 4495

Business hours:

• Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 6 PM
• Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
• Sunday: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Website

Shoe Clinic really takes the time to get customers’ shoes right. One customer noted the staff not only sized him up perfectly but also explained every part of his decision-making. This made sure that the shoes matched the person’s running style.

Another customer also shared that after being fitted, calf and leg pain vanished on the very first run. 

We think this is mainly because of Shoe Clinic’s detailed and personalised fitting process. 

Customers go through a 3D foot scan, Brannock device measurements, gait analysis, and treadmill testing. We even heard that they can even consult with on-site podiatrists or certified fitters. 

The team curates over 100 performance-focused models from brands like Asics, Brooks, Mizuno, and more. They don’t really push expensive or trendy brands.

However, their prices are on the higher side compared to the other stores we’ve looked into. 

His knowledge and understanding of running shoes is outstanding

“Have had an amazing experience with Dylan over the last few weeks. His knowledge and understanding of running shoes is outstanding, he is passionate about them, and goes the extra mile, as it were, for his clients to make sure they are happy and in the right shoe for them. Highly recommend Dylan for his great customer service.  Well done! Thanks Tony”

– Helen Casey, Google review

Really informative and great tips

“Great service. Mike was excellent. Clearly cares about what he does. Sized me up and explained everything including all of his decision making for the shoes he was suggesting. Really informative and great tips. Didn’t try to pressure me into and big name brands or expensive shoes, just genuinely wanted me to walk (run) away with something that matches my running style and feet.”

– The Silverback, Google review

5. Shoe Science

Address: 17 Crowhurst Street, Newmarket, Auckland 

Phone: +64 9 623 0538

Business hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 9 AM – 6 PM
• Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM
• Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
• Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM

Website

Shoe Science prioritises performance, comfort, and proper fit. Some of their stores are easy to find in spots like Takapuna, Mount Eden, and Tauranga.

They also do online orders, which come with some perks. They offer free shipping with orders over $100, and orders over $200 comes with free performance socks. We also heard that they ship fast across New Zealand.

Their selection is curated for runners and athletes. Big names like Asics, Brooks, and Saucony dominate the shelves.

There’s also a thoughtful inclusion of niche brands like Altra and On Running for those who need specific features.

We also appreciate their guidance and service. Customers have noted that staff clearly explain why certain shoes work better than others, and offer fitting advice even if people aren’t planning to buy that day, and check in to make sure the shoes feel right.

Their 30-day return window, which includes support for rural customers, is also helpful too. 

On the downside, the women’s shoe range is limited, so finding uncommon sizes could be tricky.

Love the knowledge and cutomer service

“My Boy Xavier absolute top notch customer service. Answered all my questions (as a newbie getting into running), brought out multiple shoes and somehow the last pair was the best pair (about 6 pairs of shoes tested) Love the knowledge and cutomer service. Will definitely revisit for my next shoe purchase!”

– Teoh Yong Xuan, Google review

Just bought two new pairs of trail shoes here and am very happy with them

“Just bought two new pairs of trail shoes here and am very happy with them. Michelle provided extremely good sensible advice, was very patient and knowledgeable, and encouraged me out of my old thinking into some new treads which I’m wearing everyday and loving. Thanks Michelle, my feet are happily on the move”

– J, Google review