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 57 guidesAisle 4 · GolfNewest
What is a handicap in golf? See how the number evens out a match, how it’s calculated, and where your score stands among golfers on the course.
A golf handicap is a number based on your recent scores that estimates your playing ability relative to par
Cycling helmet replacement starts with checking crash history, age, and hidden damage. Know when yours is unsafe and what to check before buying a new one.
Cycling helmet replacement means retiring a helmet that may no longer protect your head reliably and choosing a sound
Padel sport keeps rallies alive with playable walls. Get the rules, court and gear basics, plus clear comparisons with tennis and pickleball to start.
Padel is a doubles racket sport played on a small
Max cushion trail running shoes soften rocky descents. Compare picks by foot type and terrain, and learn when thick foam helps most or hurts.
Max cushion trail running shoes have thick foam midsoles that soften impact on long
Washing soccer goalie gloves by hand removes mud without damaging latex; follow drying away from heat and storage steps, then check wear before grip fades.
Washing soccer goalie gloves means gently removing dirt
How to change a bike tire tube: use the right tools, check the tire and rim for damage, then fit and inflate a replacement without guesswork.
A bike tube is the inflatable liner inside a tire
Are New Balances true to size? Compare model-specific fit, see how foot width and shape affect comfort, and measure your feet to choose the right size.
New Balance shoes generally fit true to size
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