Profile

Kirsten Marino opened Slope Sports in 2002 after leaving her job in credit-card marketing to focus on her passion: running. The narrow Park Slope store with light wood floors and a white tin roof carries high-quality, all-weather, and all-terrain performance gear for runners, walkers, and cyclists. While Slope Sports does not carry some brands that Modell’s and other sporting giants stock — such as Reebok and Northface — it offers an array of specialty brands, as well as more individualized service. Customers who come in for shoes are personally fitted for proper support and shown options from manufacturers like Brooks, Asics, Saucony, New Balance, and Teva. Shoppers will also find women’s tank suits by Sugoi, sports bras by Moving Comfort, and backpacks and waterproof hats from Mountain Hardwear. And the shop organizes free running and cycling groups that meet once a week in Prospect Park. — Caroline Kinneberg