Good Friday 07/04/23: not my first visit to Ellis Brigham. Over the years I have been many times for myself, with friends and for the Scouting Association. However, today's review is purely down to the exceptional level of service received from the Manager, about an issue I had about my most recent pair of walking shoes (purchased February 2023). Having only had the North Face Hedgehog Fastpack Hiking Shoes for a month, worn everyday during a month tour of Asia, they became cracked and creased across the top toes. My last pair lasted 5 years. Although not a manufacturing defect, I was told), the fit was not quite right and thus contributed to the wear & tear. My feet were measured (for the first time in years) and an alternative pair were offered. Having tried on 3 pairs, I decided on the North Face Lightwave Future light Walking Shoes fit the best. [photo: old v new]

Didn’t catch the guys name but a member of staff was incredibly helpful when looking for some trail running shoes. He explained very comprehensively how the shoes I was looking at initially were wrong for my foot arch and helped me find and try on a more suitable pair. Also helped me with correct sizing which is something I always struggle with. Didn’t Buy buy anything in the end but after the seeing the level of support you get in store I will definitely return at some point and will recommend to others.

I just wanted to write and thank all your staff at the Deansgate store for such an enjoyable and safe visit today. Sam dealt with me and he was courteous, welcoming and needless to say he took our safety very seriously. He was extremely knowledgeable and made my visit a very happy one. I made a purchase whilst I was there and this was partly because of his input and help. Well done Ellis Brigham and Sam for making a safe and welcoming environment for shoppers. I have used you many times over the years and will hopefully continue to do so for many years to come.

We went to Ellis Brigham last week in search of a pair of walking boots in preparation for a long hike later this year and were assisted by Dan (we think), who did a great job of recommending Keen boots and also ordered the exact size we wanted to their store for us to try. We went in today to try the shoes that were ordered which unfortunately didn't fit well, but we're glad we were assisted by Bicky at the shop, who did a fantastic job of listening to our issue with current shoes and gave alternative recommendations accordingly. We spent a fair bit of time trying out different sizes and brands today, and he was very patient answering all the queries and helpful throughout the process. Very knowledgeable and taught us a few things we didn't know about before. We ended up buying Scarpa boots. Excellent customer service, and Bicky deserves a raise. Having visited other stores (Blacks, Cotswold), the level of knowledgeable and assistance at Ellis Brigham is significantly better. We'll definitely visit again if we need to buy any outdoor gear, and glad to have found knowledgeable outdoor gear sellers in Manchester who know what they're selling. Highly recommended.

I went into the shop yesterday to buy some new walking boots as my previous pair had broken. I hadn't booked an appointment but Sean (assistant manager) was free and available to help me straight away. He measured my shoe size and correctly informed me that I was not actually a size 5 as thought, but a size 6! He also noticed my narrow feet and helped me to find specific styles of boot which would suit this need. Sean was incredibly patient with me as I tried on various different boots and answered my multitude of questions about how to find the correct shoe size and what I would best need in a boot. Sean was not only informative but a really great laugh who made the 40mins ish that I spent there fly by! I went home with a pair of boots and insoles which are now the comfiest shoes I own! Thank you Sean Would definitely recommend to all

Overall, the store is decently organized, and they offer a wide range of products. However, when I tried on climbing shoes, instead of asking if the size was suitable or if I needed the other shoe to try the full pair, the consultant just boasted about his expertise. When I inquired about any discounts on footwear, I was told they never have discounts. It seems like they consider themselves too cool, and when asking about discounts on Black Friday, the response made me feel as if I were being impolite. It's strange that this store was recommended by neighbors who are so friendly and customer-oriented that they are willing to guide customers to competitors with a broader range of products in a specific category.

Went in to check out some Hoka walking boots & ended up leaving fully confident on my foot size & insole requirements. There was a chap would measured my feet told me what I needed to buy to make my weak ankle issue get better, much more than I got with my physio & with absolutely zero pressure to sell. Absolutely delightful place to visit. I would have bought there and then if they had my size in stock. Top service & friendly staff.

Went for a ski boot fitting, the chap who helped me was lovely and patient and asked all the right questions to get me to think about the fit of the boot. I can't remember his name however he was a guy who had at one point broken like half the bones in his body and had dodgy knees because of it. Ive had issue with painful ski boot rentals every single time I go, so I finally made the desicion to buy to try and help the problem. He got me fitted, and whilst I still had reservations as they were still a bit tight the first time I tested them, but time I went on my holiday, half way through the first morning, they were the comfiest boots I've ever worn. I was so happy I could cry, for once not out of pain. The boots fit perfectly, no pinching, no shin bang, no issues. For the first time ever I managed the whole holiday skiing 7-8h a day, without complaining of pain as soon as i put them on, or having to stop earlier than I would have liked. Very happy with the quality and knowledge provided by elis Brigham ski boot fitting service at Manchester Deansgate shop.

Probably the best retail experience I've ever had. Bridget was amazing in helping me select hiking boots based on my needs and was incredibly patient if some boots weren't quite right for me. I left feeling very happy with my purchase and will definitely return to Ellis Brigham for any hiking purchases I have to make.

great experience here -everyone super helpful! Camille helped me with goggles, Charlie helped me with ski layers, miki helped with sunglasses and Rosie was so lovely on the till!

Ruth went above and beyond to get my boots fitted and mounted on my old second hand skis, fitting new bindings within a short period of time before my holiday. Highly recommended.

Shout out to Ruth who was helping me with a custom foot bed to fix the numb toe problem I get when snowboarding. However after asking for advice from another team member, my boots are the wrong size in the first place. It would've been easy to sell me the custom foot bed I was hoping for but I would've ended up with the same issues. Will be returning once I've returned the existing boots!

Excellent company to deal with and always my "go to" ski gear shop. The recently sorted a warranty claim which would have lapsed through Covid without any fuss at all. Technical expertise on ski boots etc is spot on.

Highly recommend this shop. Visited to view Arc’teryx jackets. Never purchasing a hiking jacket like this before the guys in the shop were really helpful. Honestly they couldn’t do enough for me, gave me great advice and were genuinely just good people. Wouldn’t always recommend friends to visit this shop!

Friendly , knowledgable and patient staff! (Especially Anni). Visited this store over the weekend for some climbing shoes with my boyfriend . A lovely woman named Anni was so helpful and patient with me- no matter how many different shoes and sizes I had her get for me to try on, until I found a good fitting pair 🤣

Just wanted to thank Stuart for taking the time to explain and fit some climbing shoes. His enthusiasm and fantastic knowledge made the process so simple and clear. I will definitely be back to collect them in a few weeks.

We had an appointment for 3x full climbing equipment, children not allowed to use toilets, thoroughly ignored for 20mins. Ended up walking out and going elsewhere.

The shop was highly recommended to me and I can see why. Highly knowledgeable staff - Sam was especially good - professional, helpful, patient, and he refused to let me have the boots I'd gone in expecting to buy, because they turned out to be not the right ones for me. His recommendation was far better (and cheaper too). I'm really impressed. I was also grateful that all the staff wore masks (not all the customers showed the same sense of responsibility).

Their service is sooooo good, that I would choise them instead of others even a bit expensive. I would strongly recommend this store. (1) They are highly knowledgeable. They know what they are talking about, and would try very hard to get the best fitted ones. I know some stores say something like 'give it some time it will fit you in the end' - what they really means is that 'if it doesn't, it cannot be returned anyway.' But this store is different - a fit is a fit and I thrust them. (2) They are so patience, it makes me feel bad taking them half an hour introducing shoes without buying anything, and I will keep buying gears from there.

Guy in the shop was really helpful. Told him exactly what I was looking for and he directed me perfectly!

Top store. Great product knowledge and stock.

Bought some trail shoes last week - Rosie was extremely helpful and knowledgable. Great service.

Shaun offered solid accurate advice with a clearly large repertoire of experience, making apparent that whilst I can fit other, I had a blind spot regarding my own foot shape! Well worth a visit for footwear fitting

I never knew there was so much to buying a sleeping bag ! - The assistant manger knew his product - did not over sell - and gave me with every confidence that had made the right choice for my needs - great service - thank you

went in the other day for some hard wearing shoes. I got help from an assistant as I wasn't sure what the best shoe for my needs would be. After going on a fancy foot scanner we settled on a pair of shoes, i tried them on, they were a touch tight but I was told they'd loosen off. £140 later and i left happy. cut to a few days later, they haven't lessened off and they now feel like they crush my feet.

Zack is a legend - thank you so much for your time and quality advice about ski boots, bindings and ski's as well as a good, fast snowboard. Best of luck with your new job Zack, thank you 😁

I went to the shop to exchange gear I got by mistake, I'm very impressed with how fast and easy it went. No problem. That took 5 min and I'm very happy now. It's very nice then shop care about every customer.

Went in to buy a climbing rope, staff were extremely helpful with multiple things very knowledgeable and nice to talk to.

Went in to look for information on a waterproof jacket, the staff member i talked to was very knowledgeable, experienced and interesting. Great service by people with experience in what they sell. Will definitely be returning.

Just been in to have a look at mountaineering boots, which can be a daunting buy given the investment that they are. The folks knew what they were talking about. Also, the female shop assistant who served me had a clear passion for outdoor sports and it was evident she really cared about the job. Good store!

Excellent help by Dan in finding very comfortable Scarpa walking boots, which I’ve been out in and can confirm they meet my needs fully.

We went over yesterday to buy some Hoka boots, didn't get the name but the guy was straight over to offer help, or leave us if requested, got me the size I needed, offered advice and support, bit of a general chat as well, nice and helpful, would go again. Thankfully it's not too close to me or I'd be spending a fortune in there! Cheers

Came in for some climbing shoes, I was assisted by Andy who helped me find the best pair for comfort/performance. Very friendly and really knew his stuff! Can't wait to try out my new Jokers!