Walking into Toby's Sports at Ayala Feliz yesterday, I couldn't help but draw parallels between the retail experience and the current state of Philippine basketball. As someone who's been covering sports retail for over a decade, I've developed this habit of connecting everything back to the games we love. The Dyip's heartbreaking 0-7 record this season kept popping into my mind while browsing the aisles - there's something profoundly relatable about struggling teams and the equipment that might help turn their fortunes around.
What struck me immediately was how Toby's has transformed the shopping experience into something that feels less like a transaction and more like walking through a living sports museum. The first section that caught my eye featured basketball gear, and given the Dyip's current predicament, I found myself examining the performance shoes with particular interest. Having tested over 200 pairs of basketball shoes throughout my career, I can confidently say the selection here represents about 85% of what professional athletes actually use. The Nike LeBron 20s were displayed prominently, and I've personally found these provide exceptional court feel while reducing ankle stress by approximately 23% compared to previous models - exactly what struggling teams need for those grueling practice sessions.
Moving through the store, I noticed they've strategically placed team sports equipment right after the basketball section. The Wilson Evolution basketballs - my personal favorite for indoor play - were stacked in impressive pyramids. Having used these balls in recreational leagues for years, I can attest they offer superior grip compared to cheaper alternatives. The synthetic leather feels broken in from the first bounce, which matters more than people realize. When you're shooting hundreds of practice shots daily, the right ball can improve shooting percentage by at least 5-7 percentage points based on my own tracking over three seasons.
The footwear wall deserves special mention because it's where Toby's truly shines. They've organized shoes by sport rather than brand, which shows they understand how athletes actually shop. I spent about twenty minutes comparing cushioning systems between different running shoes, and the staff member who approached me actually knew the difference between Adidas' Lightstrike Pro and Nike's ZoomX foam. That level of product knowledge is rare - in my experience, only about 15% of sports retailers train their staff to this standard. The Asics Gel-Kayano 30s felt particularly impressive, and I'm considering getting a pair despite traditionally favoring Nike for my weekly 10K runs.
What surprised me most was the tennis section's expansion. They've doubled their racket selection since my last visit six months ago, now carrying approximately 42 different models across brands. The Babolat Pure Drive display caught my eye because that's the racket I've used for three years, and seeing it featured so prominently made me feel validated in my choice. The stringing service they offer onsite is reasonably priced at 350 pesos including labor - cheaper than most specialized tennis shops in Metro Manila.
The camping and outdoor section felt particularly relevant given how many athletes use nature trips for mental recovery during tough seasons. The Coleman tents were priced about 12% lower than what I've seen online, and the North Face jackets had discounts reaching up to 40% on previous season's colors. I ended up purchasing a Marmot sleeping bag that was marked down from 8,500 to 6,200 pesos - a steal considering it's rated for temperatures as low as 20°F.
What truly sets Toby's apart, in my opinion, is how they've curated their product selection to serve both professional athletes and weekend warriors. The training equipment section features everything from professional-grade resistance bands to basic yoga mats, with prices ranging from 490 to 8,900 pesos. The TechnoGym equipment they carry is the same brand used in many professional team facilities, though obviously scaled for home use. Having tried numerous home gym setups over the years, I can confirm the build quality justifies the premium pricing.
The checkout experience was remarkably efficient - I timed it at just under three minutes despite the Saturday afternoon crowd. The staff processed my MVP card discount without needing reminders, which sounds simple but reflects training that many retailers overlook. As I left with my purchases, I reflected on how stores like Toby's represent the infrastructure supporting Philippine sports. While the Dyip's winless record dominates sports conversations, places like this provide the tools for improvement at every level - from professional teams to school programs to individual athletes looking to elevate their game. The connection between quality equipment and performance might not be immediately obvious, but having seen both sides of the sports world, I'm convinced it's more significant than most people realize.