Has Amphibian King closed down?

lukester

Just found their website yesterday, and read good things here about them. As it happens my gf works right nearby and she said the shop is closed, and when you try the numbers on the website one doesn't work, and the other has a message that gives out an 11 digit mobile number, which needless to say, doesn't work!

Anyone know what the story is? I wanted to go in there this weekend for new runners. Meh.

Edit: They've moved up the road, and are awaiting a new landline. Temporarily on a mobile of 0863190047 (assume it's ok to post that as it's on their answering machine, well, with an extra digit)

hunnymonster

pm the owner
damianmckeever

Davittdr

Cycling by the shop the other evening and I noticed a sign stating they were moving 800 meters up the road.

hope they don't close I need to get new runners soon.

rovers_runner

There are other shops.
Does this shop even offer a service other than gait analysis ?

Do they actually let you order shoes with specific sizes for each foot individually, or differing foot widths?

If not I fail to see what the fuss is about as anyone running as their main source of fitness/sport should know their gait.

hunnymonster

RR, you seem to have a problem with this shop, you've had a go a couple of times.
I don't know what other services they offer but the quality of the gait analysis is better than anything I've had done other places (the plate thingie is a joke) and the quality of information and service from the staff is also exceptional. They stock a wider range of the quality brands than anywhere else I know so until I know otherwise, I will continue to point new runners in this direction because most new runners end up buying from a shop with no specialised training and making expensive mistakes.

Davittdr

The service I got there was great, I had previously bought runners from a sports shop with no expert advise and ended up paying around €100 for runners I wore a few times and then reverted to my old ones as the news ones never felt right. (all my fault)

This year I have got back into running after a 4 year absence and went to AK on recommendations from here, I tried out several runners and wasn't pushed the most expensive ones but the best ones for my gait. They also explained all aspects of the analysis.

I have done 1000K+ so far on them and only this week got a blister and I am blaming the longer distance (20K) and that I wore ordinary sports socks and not the run specific ones I would usually wear.

Also AK are only a few minutes drive away from where I live. - I avoid the city centre at all cost.

I would recommend them to anyone looking to get runners to cover decent distances.

rovers_runner

hunnymonster wrote: »

RR, you seem to have a problem with this shop, you've had a go a couple of times.
I don't know what other services they offer but the quality of the gait analysis is better than anything I've had done other places (the plate thingie is a joke) and the quality of information and service from the staff is also exceptional. They stock a wider range of the quality brands than anywhere else I know so until I know otherwise, I will continue to point new runners in this direction because most new runners end up buying from a shop with no specialised training and making expensive mistakes.

I've got no problem hunnymonster, I've no doubt they are good at what they do, hence surviving catering for a minority sport in the country.

It's just there is very little talk on this site of a choice for people whether it be on the web or across the country with regard to sourcing gear for athletics.

copacetic

hunnymonster wrote: »

RR, you seem to have a problem with this shop, you've had a go a couple of times.
I don't know what other services they offer but the quality of the gait analysis is better than anything I've had done other places (the plate thingie is a joke) and the quality of information and service from the staff is also exceptional. They stock a wider range of the quality brands than anywhere else I know so until I know otherwise, I will continue to point new runners in this direction because most new runners end up buying from a shop with no specialised training and making expensive mistakes.

agree on this, but have to say irishfit look like they will take the mantle as the best place for gait analysis. However the more shops like both of them around the better for all of us. I like the way irishfit have added physio etc and they seem to be pushing hard to increase services.

eclectichoney

copacetic, have you tried the gait analysis at irish fit? keep planning to make an appointment but then get injured ;(

copacetic

eclectichoney wrote: »

copacetic, have you tried the gait analysis at irish fit? keep planning to make an appointment but then get injured ;(

not yet, hurt my back and have been out for 2.5 weeks now, been going for physio there and have been impressed. Once over injury planning a combined overall physio assessment and gait analysis. More with a view to tracking down weaknesses etc rather than getting shoes.

estariol

eclectichoney wrote: »

copacetic, have you tried the gait analysis at irish fit? keep planning to make an appointment but then get injured ;(

Well I have been to both, and while I completly recommend the quality of the service at AK, the Irishfit experience was for me better and more involved. It does cost but the Physio and assessment is far more reacing than just picking a pair of runners.

Also a point to note as far as I have been informed most runners are rated for approx 500k, depending on weight and gait this can be even less!

LordSutch

As a runner myself I can highly recommend 'Amphibian King' in Bray for their choice of footwear & staff knowledge, so whether it be Off-Road - Fell - Track - Spikes - Cross Country - Running - Walking - Other . . .
they have em all (or can order them in 4 u).

The only other (serious running) shop that comes close is 'Runways' in Parnell St, Dublin.

Most other so called 'Sports Shops' will sell you anything just to get a sale!

lukester

Speaking as someone who used to run in whatever running shoes I could find, getting gait analysis done is useful. It's been about 4 years since I last ran, but have been cycling and/or swimming during that time.

How much do Irish Fit charge for their service?

eclectichoney

(Sorry for the OT nature relative to the OPs initial post) Luke, try irishfit.eu for details. I think it is €70, a little more for a full analysis from the hip down iirc.

LordSutch

Amphibian King are now located at the Bray end of the Dargle road, beside the traffic lights (same building as Peak Fitness) ground floor, parking round the back too ..................