There were multiple issues with my Holabird Sports order. There are THREE (3) worth noting for this review, listed in order of increasing severity, below. The first is not that Holabird sent me a defective pair of shoes, which they did. It is how they dealt with it. I was happy to send them back and just wanted a non-defective replacement. I did not realize until hitting serious issues with Holabird Sports, their reviews are highly solicited/curated. Of the 398 reviews over the last year, only 18, including mine, are organic. ISSUE 1: Preface: Holabird was out of my size and could not replace the defective pair with the same color, but Debbie (who called me back after the first representative disappeared without a word and the line "disconnected") agreed to honor the price I paid for the alternate colorway, also discounted, but not as much. I could not place the order myself, because the online price was different and the company would have to manually adjust the price. After an extended hold, I was transferred to a third representative Gina, who confirmed my understanding that the price I initially paid would be honored, at the start of our conversation. Gina struggled with the manual adjustment, repeatedly saying aloud that the figures were not right. I had all the initial figures (discount, sales tax, etc.) in front of me and offered to provide them. After placing me on hold several more times, the last time Gina returned suddenly refusing to honor the initial price. I could have saved myself a couple of hours and ordered from the website, had I known Gina was not going to honor the price. Gina seemed amused at my bafflement, chuckling as she “apologized” for her misunderstanding.ISSUE 2: Holabird Sports did NOT PROVIDE FULL REFUND for the IMMEDIATELY returned, **VISIBLY DEFECTIVE shoes**.After speaking with Gina, later that day, prior to receiving any refund, I ordered the now more expensive replacement. While it was not enough to cover the price difference, I used the coupon sent with my initial order. They not only went back on their word to honor the initial price I paid for the defective shoes – Holabird Sports did not refund the full purchase price, deducting the amount of the coupon I used to pay for the replacements, from my refund. ISSUE 3: *******WARNING TO OTHER CUSTOMERS*******Holabird received my return and IMMEDIATELY put the DEFECTIVE pair of shoes back for sale - same price, no note. They confirmed they could not, would not (they did not) get another of the same size and color from the manufacturer - Saucony. Even had they ordered, the sold-out women's 9.5B Grain/Gum Tempus 2 (still sold out on the Saucony website today), Saucony ships from Canada - and even with their fastest shipping, it is never overnight. USPS delivered my return to Holabird, blazingly fast - indeed, overnight. I shipped the return the same day I spoke with Gina, 6/16/2025. Holabird received the defective shoes the next day, 6/17/2025, listing them for sale again, the same day. Holabird is now knowingly selling the defective shoes, again as new/perfect - for the same price they sold them to me; despite knowing they are defective and keeping funds from the first (?) customer. They are now knowingly attempting to swindle someone else – and technically are attempting to collect twice for one product – which they know is defective but continue to sell as “new/perfect”.FYI: I called Holabird prior to ordering and was told by Melissa that even though the shoes were on sale, I would be receiving brand new shoes, shipped directly from the manufacturer (Saucony). They would not be used or shopworn. Tracking showed the shoes I received were shipped from Holabird Sports in Maryland, U.S.A., and upon receipt, they were shopworn. They were not terrible - and it was not until I realized that one was hurting my foot and the other felt fine - that Holabird sent a left and right shoe with differing measurements. Not only were the measurements off, but the tread was not the same. One was defective. It made sense that these were not selling in the shop – where customers have the chance to try them on, prior to purchasing. What does not make sense is how Holabird Sports handled – and continues to manage, the situation. They are taking advantage of customers, reselling defective products as new, not honoring prices/products as advertised, as stated – and are not refunding amounts in full due to customers. They are literally selling the same product multiple times to different customers.
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Since 1981, family-owned Holabird Sports has offered a wide selection of everything you need for running, tennis, pickleball and more. Whether you are a casual runner, avid gym goer or a serious athlete, we have you covered with over 2000 styles of shoes. A huge variety of running, walking, tennis, hiking, training and more to pick. From major brands like Brooks, HOKA, ASICS, On, New Balance & tons more! We have you covered from head to toe whether you need a new tennis racquet, fancy new running shoes or a running stroller. Discover the Holabird advantage: great selection, free shipping on most orders, easy return, experienced service and constant reliability. We are here to help you! See more
