When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
New Balance Chicago
Why New Balance Chicago is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
New Balance Chicago, with a strong rating of 4.6 from 338 reviews, stands out as a premier destination for athletes and casual wearers alike who value a blend of performance, style, and comfort. The Chicago stores, including the popular Lincoln Park location, offer a wide variety of New Balance shoes, sneakers, and athletic apparel. What makes these stores exceptional is their commitment to personalized service, featuring trained Fit Specialists who use advanced 3D foot scanning technology. This ensures customers find footwear tailored precisely to their feet, enhancing both performance and comfort. The stores also provide convenient return services, helping customers find the perfect fit or style without hassle. Its inviting atmosphere and professional, knowledgeable staff make New Balance Chicago an ideal place to meet up with friends, shop together, and get expert advice on how to select the best athletic gear for all activities. Whether you are preparing for a rigorous training session or simply looking for stylish, comfortable shoes for everyday wear, New Balance Chicago offers a comprehensive shopping experience that delights customers with quality and innovation.
Here's what people think of New Balance Chicago
As of recent, New Balance Chicago holds a 4.6-star rating based on 338 reviews.
Users consistently praise New Balance Chicago for its excellent customer service and the personalized fitting experience offered by the knowledgeable staff. Many appreciate the 3D foot scanning technology that helps in selecting the most suitable footwear, noting improvements in comfort and performance. Positive reviews also highlight the wide selection of sizes and widths available, ensuring everyone finds the right pair. Customers commend the friendly atmosphere and the staff's attentiveness in guiding them through their shopping journey, which adds to their overall satisfaction. On the downside, some customers mention occasional stock limitations on specific styles or sizes, and a few have experienced longer wait times during peak hours. A minority note that return policies, while clear, sometimes require extra effort to coordinate, especially for those who prefer to shop online. Overall, the reviews emphasize that New Balance Chicago remains a highly regarded location for quality athletic footwear and apparel, with personalized service and advanced fitting technology making it stand out in the competitive Chicago market.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
J W
Easily one of the worst New Balance locations I’ve ever been to. The “staff” here are more interested in scrolling on their phones than actually helping customers. If you interrupt them, they act like you’re inconveniencing them by asking for assistance. To make it worse, they only give you one shoe to try on, while clutching the other like it’s gold. I had to ask multiple times just to get the second shoe so I could actually walk in them. Newsflash: no one can decide on sneakers by hobbling around the store with one foot dressed and the other bare. The employees here treat customers like thieves, not shoppers. Honestly, they come off more like bored babysitters killing time than people with jobs. If you want actual service, skip this dump and head to the Oakbrook store where the employees act like adults and not phone-addicted zombies.
Rohit Yadav
Says closes at 5 on a Sunday, locked the door at 4:40 and wouldn’t let people in. Weird.
Vanisha
First time coming to the store, very nice place and great people, shoes was pricey but very much worth it. Love my New Balance Shoes, Praying they will help my feet more.
Amna Malik
I love stopping in here to see what’s new, everyone is so helpful. Can’t wait for any new Chicago gear that might drop soon!
Teddy Lazebnik
The service was good but they do not have almost anything in stock
How to reach New Balance Chicago
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Website: None
Why New Balance Chicago may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at New Balance Chicago with your friends?
New Balance Chicago is an excellent destination to gather with friends because it combines a welcoming, community-focused shopping environment with specialized, personalized services that make group visits both fun and rewarding. With a solid 4.6 rating from over 300 reviews, this store has built a reputation for quality and customer satisfaction. When meeting here, you and your friends can enjoy exploring a wide variety of premium athletic footwear and apparel that suits every style and need, from casual wear to serious sports gear. The store’s dedicated Fit Specialists offer personalized one-on-one consulting, including advanced fitting techniques such as 3D foot scans, ensuring everyone in your group leaves with items that fit and feel perfect. This attention to individualized service creates a shared, engaging experience rather than just a routine shopping trip. Beyond shopping, the friendly atmosphere and knowledgeable staff invite you to try on products, learn about the latest in athletic innovation, and share opinions, making it an enjoyable and interactive outing. Whether your group is interested in fitness, style, or simply having a great time together, New Balance Chicago offers the perfect backdrop for a meetup that’s both purposeful and pleasurable.
What activities can groups enjoy at New Balance Chicago?
New Balance Chicago offers multiple engaging activities and experiences that cater perfectly to groups, making it more than just a place to shop. First, visitors can participate in personalized fitting sessions where trained Fit Specialists use cutting-edge technology like 3D scanning to analyze each individual’s foot shape and gait. This allows your group to compare their personalized fits and discover ideal footwear styles together, adding an informative and interactive element to your visit. Additionally, the store carries an extensive inventory of shoes and athletic apparel, including exclusive models and different widths and sizes. This variety encourages everyone to explore and find something unique, sparking conversations and shared excitement over new finds. Groups can also enjoy seasonal promotions and discounts commonly offered at New Balance Factory Stores, which means shopping together could also be budget-friendly. Moreover, service at the store includes hassle-free returns and exchanges for every group member, ensuring a stress-free shopping environment for all. The combination of advanced fitting services, diverse product selection, and excellent customer support makes New Balance Chicago ideal for group meetups centered on health, fitness, or simply upgrading your wardrobe.
Why is New Balance Chicago perfect for group meetups?
New Balance Chicago stands out as the perfect spot for group gatherings because it balances an inviting retail environment with personalized services that foster connection and shared experiences. The store is spacious and ergonomically designed, allowing friends and family to move freely, try on products, and discuss options without feeling crowded. With generous opening hours—typically 10 AM to 8 PM on most days—it accommodates varying schedules, making it easy for groups to plan their visit. The staff’s expertise transforms a simple shopping outing into a personalized adventure, as they are ready and eager to engage with every visitor individually while still welcoming group dynamics. Another significant factor is the educational component: the professionals can explain design and performance features of shoes and apparel, helping everyone understand what makes each item special, which adds an enriching layer to your meetup. The atmosphere encourages socializing, sharing fitness goals, or even planning joint activities like running or workouts with gear purchased together. This blend of product quality, service, and supportive social space offers a unique experience that makes group visits to New Balance Chicago memorable, productive, and enjoyable.
How does New Balance Chicago enhance the shopping experience for groups?
The shopping experience for groups at New Balance Chicago is enhanced primarily through the expertise and attention provided by their Fit Specialists. These professionals offer one-on-one consultations, sometimes involving advanced 3D foot scanning technology, to determine the best shoe styles and sizes—a service that adds excitement and personalization when done together with friends or family. Unlike typical retail environments, this expertise helps group members confidently select footwear that offers optimal comfort and performance, sparking conversations around differences in fit and preferences. The store’s extensive inventory supports this personalized process, featuring a broad range of shoes and apparel that cater to various sports, lifestyles, and fashion sensibilities. Additionally, New Balance Chicago offers flexible return policies, which are particularly beneficial for groups making joint purchases, as they can easily exchange or return items that don’t work. Accessibility is another factor: the location is easy to reach, and the store’s layout is group-friendly, with seating and space to try on products comfortably. These elements combine to make group shopping not only efficient and informative but also a social and enjoyable event.
What else makes New Balance Chicago a unique place to rally with loved ones?
New Balance Chicago’s commitment to quality and community goes beyond just selling athletic products. It’s a place where health and wellness values resonate, making it an inspiring location to rally your friends or family. The store’s dedication to fit, comfort, and style encourages conversations around shared interests, such as fitness pursuits, running clubs, or outdoor activities, which can strengthen bonds among your group. Moreover, the atmosphere tends to be energetic yet relaxed, creating an inviting space that welcomes visitors of all ages and fitness levels. For groups seeking to promote an active lifestyle, the store often serves as a hub for discussing the latest innovations in footwear technology or apparel design. This educational aspect fosters enthusiasm and support among friends trying to reach new health or athletic goals together. Finally, the store’s excellent customer service combined with its highly rated shopping experience means you can expect personalized attention, easy returns, and ongoing support, factors that help make every group meetup smooth, friendly, and fulfilling.
By choosing New Balance Chicago as your meetup spot, you get more than just a shopping trip—you enjoy an interactive, personalized experience designed to bring people together around active living and quality gear. The combination of expert fitting, wide product selection, and fostered connections makes it one of the best places for friends or family to rally in Chicago’s vibrant community scene.