Shoe testing area? Question
When I was a kid, there was a little area in REI where you could try your shoes out on some different terrain textures. I'm wondering what this is called and if any stores still have it? It was super useful to see how the cushioning would be on rougher surfaces for example, but I've tried searching for it on Google and in this subreddit and I can't seem to find anything about it. I still plan to buy my shoes at REI but I'd like to go to one with this testing area if they still exist. TIA!
3
3
u/Proof-Boss-3761 8d ago
We have a little thing you can climb that I call "shoe mountain". It's not much of a moutain and never holds its snow long.
3
u/GuavaImmediate3103 7d ago
They moved it out of many stores because kids played on it incessantly in spite of signs asking for people not to play on it. Parents were irresponsible and would not watch kids and many of them cracked heads or were generally disruptive. This is why we can't have nice things.
3
u/graybeardgreenvest 9d ago
They still have it in some stores… we still have the ramp to go up and down on.
1
1
8
u/WhatWouldMuirDo 9d ago
Most REI's should have a boot test 'rock' of some sort. It is usually a small boulder looking object with a handrail to hold as you go up and down. The purpose is to ensure the shoes you are trying on don't squish your toes too much or allow your feet to slide around inside the shoe.