A year ago, when I was training for my first half-marathon, the PF Chang's one, this was my go-to place. Yes, it helped that they live just a 5-minute drive away from me, but everyone was really nice. I never got the sense that anyone was trying to talk me into spending more money. Part of that attitude probably has to do with the fact that they don't get paid for commission. But unlike a Foot Locker or some other mall store, the employees look like they actually run themselves. And they are incredibly patient. I'm bummed that the brand of shoes that works best for me, they don't sell. But they still help me whenever I come in and I buy all my other things from them like socks, Gu, etc.
The people were pretty supportive in trying to give me advice last year when I had very bad shin splints and I wasn't there to buy anything. One salesman adjusted my shoes for me by putting the insoles of my old pair inside for extra cushioning. It seemed to do the trick. It's definitely a place where you are rarely steered wrong.