From the counter
The advice a good sports shop gives across the counter: what to buy at your level, how it should fit and what lasts. Buying guides for running, racket sports, team sports, golf, cycling, home gym and kids’ gear.
Buy for the player you are this season, not the pro on the box.
What to buy for your sport, at the level you play
The advice a good sports shop gives across the counter, written down: what you need when you start, what to add once you play every week, and what earns its price when you get serious.
Newest first. Each guide says who a piece of gear is for, who can skip it, and how it should fit before you pay for it.
All 41 guidesAisle 1 · RunningNewest
Most cushioned running shoes vary by more than foam thickness. Compare top road, trail and walking picks, then use the fit guide to choose yours.
The most cushioned running shoes use thick midsole foam to soften impact
Dumbbell exercises help you build a routine by muscle group, match sets, reps, and weights to your level, and choose moves and gear for your space.
Dumbbell exercises are movements performed while holding weights in your hands or at your sides
A pink badminton racket should fit your game, not just your style. Compare frame materials, prices, and level-specific picks, and avoid toy-like listings.
A pink badminton racket is a playable badminton racket with pink as a prominent design feature
Squash vs racquetball: Compare court layouts, ball and racket differences, and scoring rules to choose the game and beginner gear that fit you.
Squash and racquetball are related wall-based racquet sports
Stability running shoes help curb inward roll; compare support designs, top models by runner, and prices to find a steady fit for long miles.
Stability running shoes are designed for runners whose feet roll inward excessively
How to wash a baseball cap safely: check its material, choose hand, machine, or dishwasher cleaning, then dry and store it without losing its shape.
Washing a baseball cap means removing sweat
Pickleball rules make more sense when you know the legal serve, scoring order, two-bounce rule and kitchen limits before your first game.
Pickleball is a court game played in singles or doubles
Start with your sport, or with your kid’s. Care & Repair is for the gear you already own.
Walk the aislesA piece earns its place by fitting as it should, lasting a season of real use, costing a fair price for its level and coming from a maker that stands behind it.
All 36 on the Gear pageRunning
$145
Visit SauconyRacket sports
$200
Visit SelkirkTeam sports
$99.95
Visit WilsonGolf
$24.99
Visit SrixonCycling
$94.99
Visit LezyneHome gym
$990
Visit Concept2Care and repair
$12.95
Visit Park Tool