I still remember that moment before the game when our coach gathered us around and said something that completely shifted my perspective. "Maybe we have it all wrong," he began, his voice calm yet firm. "We've been so focused on finding our old game, analyzing why we can do this or why we can't do that, that we've forgotten to just play." That moment of realization hit me hard, and it's exactly the same approach I take when helping athletes find their perfect gear at the Sports Universe store in SM North EDSA. Sometimes, we overcomplicate things when what we really need is to go back to basics and trust our instincts.
Walking into Sports Universe feels like stepping into an athlete's sanctuary. The store spans approximately 8,500 square feet across two levels, making it one of the largest sports retail spaces in Quezon City. I've been shopping here since my college basketball days, and what keeps me coming back isn't just the selection—it's how the staff understands that finding the right equipment isn't about following a checklist, but about discovering what works for your unique style and needs. Much like my coach's realization that we were overthinking our game strategy, many athletes spend too much time researching specifications online without actually experiencing how the gear feels in action.
The ground floor primarily features team sports equipment, and this is where I typically start my shopping journey. The basketball section alone stocks around 75 different shoe models from brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour. I particularly appreciate how they organize shoes by playing style rather than just by brand or price point. There's a section for guards who need lightweight, responsive footwear, another for forwards requiring extra cushioning, and even a specialized area for outdoor court shoes. Last month, I spent nearly two hours testing different models before settling on the Jordan Why Not .6, which has completely transformed my crossover moves. The store's policy of allowing customers to test shoes on their mini-court makes all the difference—it's where I realized my usual size 10 felt perfect for walking but was slightly loose for quick directional changes.
Moving to the second floor reveals an entirely different world focused on individual sports and fitness. The running section features a treadmill where you can properly test shoes, which I find invaluable. I've lost count of how many times I've seen runners make the mistake of choosing shoes based on looks alone, only to develop shin splints weeks later. The staff here includes certified running gait analysts who provide complimentary assessments. I recall helping a friend choose stability shoes after noticing her slight overpronation—she later told me her 5K time improved by nearly 90 seconds simply because she wasn't fighting her equipment anymore.
What truly sets Sports Universe apart from other sports stores in the SM North complex is their specialization in hard-to-find items. While other stores might stock mainly mainstream products, here you'll find specialized equipment like carbon fiber badminton rackets priced around ₱12,000-₱18,000, professional-grade volleyball knee pads, and even niche items like proper sepak takraw balls. I recently purchased a Wilson NBA Official Game basketball here for ₱4,500, and the difference in grip and bounce compared to my old department store ball was immediately noticeable during our weekly games at nearby Veterans Park.
The apparel section deserves special mention for its practical organization. Instead of grouping everything by brand, they've created activity-specific zones. The moisture-wicking fabrics in the basketball section differ slightly from those in the tennis area, accounting for different movement patterns and sweat distribution. I've developed a particular preference for their running tech shirts, which incorporate strategic mesh panels that I haven't found in other stores. During my last marathon training cycle, these shirts helped me maintain a comfortable body temperature even during my longest 35-kilometer training runs in the Quezon City heat.
Sports Universe also excels in serving both ends of the market spectrum—from beginners to professional athletes. I've witnessed national team players shopping here alongside teenagers buying their first proper sports shoes. The store maintains relationships with local sports associations and often gets early releases of specialized equipment. Just last month, they hosted a badminton demo day where players could test the latest Yonex rackets with actual shuttlecocks in a designated area. Events like these create a community atmosphere that you won't find in typical mall sports stores.
Their equipment maintenance services provide another compelling reason to choose Sports Universe over online alternatives. For roughly ₰300, their certified technicians will restring a tennis or badminton racket while you wait, offering professional advice on tension based on your playing style. I've learned more about string tension and grip sizing from their staff than from years of online research. They also offer complimentary basketball pump services and can often replace worn-out shoe insoles with better alternatives from their inventory of approximately 25 different orthotic options.
The store's layout encourages exploration and discovery. Unlike the rigid organization of many sports retailers, Sports Universe creates natural flow between sections that often leads customers to find equipment they didn't know they needed. I can't count how many times I've gone in for a simple pair of shoes and emerged with new resistance bands, grip strengtheners, or recovery tools I discovered while browsing. Their product selection seems curated rather than just comprehensive, with staff regularly rotating stock based on seasonal sports trends and customer feedback.
Shopping at Sports Universe has taught me that finding the right sports equipment shares much in common with athletic performance itself. We often overanalyze technical specifications when what really matters is how the equipment feels and performs during actual use. The store's environment encourages this experiential approach to selection, supported by knowledgeable staff who understand the nuances of different sports. Just as my coach realized we needed to stop overthinking and start playing, athletes sometimes need to step away from the spreadsheets and reviews to simply try equipment in person. For anyone in the SM North area looking to enhance their active lifestyle, Sports Universe provides not just products, but solutions tailored to your individual athletic journey. The next time you're questioning your gear choices, remember that sometimes the best approach is to stop analyzing and start experiencing—both in sports and in finding the equipment that will help you perform your best.
