Where to buy sports clothing in Croydon

[SandersteadMum]

I'm looking to buy some sports clothing but am not sure whereabouts in Croydon to go. I'm looking for a swimsuit, gym trainers and some tennis-style shorts.

I've looked in

• the big sports stores (JJB etc) but their collection seems to be more for watching sport,
• Decathlon that had a very limited and cheap range,
• Runners Need that only caters for particularly thin/short women.

Is there a hidden gem of a sports shop in Croydon or do I need to go further afield? If so, where would you go in London or perhaps Bluewater?

Have you tired sports direct? They can be awful but you get some good things there. Croydon doesn't seem to be very good for sportswear. I looked all over for trainers (I'm flat footed and do crossfit type exercises) I found nothing and ended up in reebok in Reading :-S

Try yell.com or you could try ordering online? fabletics have been advertising lots on TV

Thanks Ookoro. Is Sports Direct the one in the Whitgift? I did pop in there a while back. I didn't find anything I fancied in there and shoe-wise I found it to be a bit too fashion over function.

Can't believe how difficult it is to buy sports clothing in an actual shop. I think if I buy over the internet I'll have to order loads of sizes as sports clothing seems to be particularly variable in its sizing. What a palaver!

Tell me about it! I have no idea where else people go. There's a sports direct near Ikea and they have better functional trainers as they have he runs she runs in there. I did go to a running shop in Beckenham. They're good but that's dependent on your price range. www.runnersshop.co.uk

I was quite excited to see Decathlon but they're very....well I wouldn't call it basic, but just not what I expected.

thefitco.com/wp/ This is in Virgin Active Health and Racquets. I don't know how much they stock in store though

I might check out the Beckenham store. I've been to the Fit Co at Virgin. They don't stock ladies tennis shorts so I bought a skirt but it doesn't fit very well (too baggy). I got a lovely swimming costume there. I bought some tennis shoes but have taken them back. My feet were in agony after 10 minutes.

I just want a professional sports store with wise staff and lots of choice for women who are not short and thin. I'm a bit taller than average and below average weight and yet still almost everything is too small.

I thought Decathlon would be the answer but alas it is not.

There is a great traditional sports shop in Reigate. Worth the short drive to get proper kit and proper advice.

Oooooo, what's it called?

@sandersteadmum have you tried asking those you play tennis with where they get their kit from?