I went into REI dead set on buying a $230 (Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX) hiking boot because it was the #1 pick on some top 10 list.
The person who helped me said: "just because its the #1 shoe doesn't mean its right for your fit and idea of comfort" then she asked me "What kinda sock do you usually wear? I said: "Just a regular cotton sock" She said: "Well thats going to change today" haha.. She proceeded to bring me ENDLESS boxes with different brand and size hiking boots. (I was getting exhausted watching her)
She didn't seem brand loyal at all and was really knowledgable and put 100% effort into making sure i was happy.
I didn't like the Salomon at all and ended up getting a pair of Lowa Zephyr GTX Mid just under $200
Ok so this was yesterday July 20, 2017 and I took my dog rabbit hunting later that afternoon.
I Hiked at lest 4 miles Up Hill, Down Trenches and my all time favorite flat ground. I didn't want to stop hiking and I was honestly moving faster then I usually do.
The Boots gave me the footing and support like I've honestly never had before (This is my 1st high end pair of boots and I'm 60 years old lol?)
The SOCKS were the key and I can't thank her enough (Merino lightweight hiking crew socks)
(This is my 1st pair of high end sock and yes Im still 60?) Maybe Im a little slow?
Ok to sum up the good and the Bad about REI
THE GOOD.
The Store is really nice
They have a lot of really high end options
The staff is really knowledgeable
The person helping me was the BEST (I actually had 2 people helping me at times)
I felt great about my purchase.
THE BAD
Nothing
Im not sure what the names of the two people were that were helping me (I think one was the manager) But Thank you both