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Boston's Best Athletic Wear Stores

Everybody knows that Boston is all about sports. Whether you're jogging through Boston Common, filling one of Boston's many gyms or cardio clubs, or meeting friends for a quick game of basketball, you're working out to feel good and look good. We've got the best places in Boston to pick up the athletic wear you need to be comfortable and stylish while you're enjoying the sports and exercise you love.
Shopping & Style Athletic Wear, Hilton's Tent City
Photo Credit: Hilton's Tent City via Facebook

Hilton's Tent City
272 Friend St.
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 227-9242
www.hiltonstentcity.com

Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sat – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Hilton's Tent City is a true Boston gem. If you're looking for rugged outdoorsy athletic apparel Hilton's Tent City is the place to go. Since 1947 this shop has been supplying Bostonians with everything they need to explore the great outdoors. The four floors of retail space sell everything from hiking boots and sleeping bags to athletic apparel and snow parkas. While the main focus of the store is its selection on brand name hiking, climbing and camping apparel, athletes of all sports will find plenty to suit their needs at Hilton's Tent City.

Shopping & Style Athletic Wear, South End Athletic Co
Photo Credit: southendathleticcompany.com

South End Athletic Company
652 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 391-0897
www.southendathleticcompany.com

Hours: Mon to Thurs – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fri – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

South End Athletic Company carries all the national name brand sports apparel you can think of, including Nike, Saucony and Vibram. But they also have a large selection of their own SEAC brand items that are very popular among Bostonians. The South End Athletic Company brand items are unique to this shop and they are just as much of a draw as the brand names you'll find here. South And Athletic Company sells modern athletic apparel for all sports. Athletes and running fanatics can also get involved with SEAC's sponsored "fun runs," including Thursday night group drills and Saturday morning long runs. Check out the company's Facebook page to get involved.

Shopping & Style Athletic Wear, Bill Rodgers
Photo Credit: billrodgers.com

Bill Rodger's Running Center
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
353T N Marketplace
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 723-5612
www.billrodgers.com

Hours: Mon to Sat – 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Sun – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

T-shirts? Bill Rodger's has them. Running pants? Check. Boston Marathon embroidered jackets? They've got them, too. In fact, Bill Rodger's Running Center has everything from Harvard logo athletic apparel to top quality clothing commemorating the annual Boston Marathon. The men's selection definitely outpaces the women's side of things, but the store's fine selection of running shoes make this a great one stop shopping destination. The best part about Bill Rodger's is its friendly and extremely knowledgeable staff, who will be sure to help match you up to the right shoes and clothing to suit your specific needs.

Shopping & Style Athletic Wear, Lucy's League
Photo Credit: Lucy's League via Facebook

Lucy's League
1 Faneuil Hall Square
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 248-3986
www.facebook.com/LucysLeague

Hours: Mon to Sat – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Any women who can't find what they want at Bill Rodger's Running Center will definitely want to check out Lucy's League in the Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Known as Boston's "First Lady of Sports," this shop has everything any girl interested in athletics could need, whether they're looking for a t-shirt that shows their pride in local sports teams or something they can work out in themselves. Lucy's League also carries the usual athletic apparel items like t-shirts and running shorts, but also has a wide selection of everything from nightgowns to jeans--all with a sporty edge.

Related: Best Boston Sports Bars

Boston-Red-Sox
The helmet and catchers mitt of Jason Varitek #33 (not pictured) of the Boston Red Sox is shown in the dugout. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

C.F. Bleacher's
Marketplace Center
200 State St.
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 330-1932

When it comes to athletic apparel, C.F. Bleacher's focuses on licensed Boston sports team merchandise. It's exactly what every Redsox, Bruins or Celtic's fan needs. While their prices can be a little high for some, it's undeniable that at C.F. Bleacher's, you get what you pay for. Forget about finding the same old athletic apparel with the usual design on the front that fades and peels after a few rounds with the washing machine. C.F. Bleacher's focuses on quality merchandise that can withstand your work out, no matter how many times you need to wash it. On top of that, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable about everything Boston sports.

Related: Boston's Best Golf Clothing Stores

Renee Mallett is the author of several books about art, culture, and New England. She was the owner and director of an art gallery and has written about arts and entertainment on a national level for several print and online journals. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.


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