Running Room

I was in The Running Room yesterday to purchase my dad a pair of shoes from the bargain room. He is an amputee and his prosthesis fits amazing in Asics running shoes, so I pretty well know what I need and do not require any help.
While I was there today I witnessed something awful. A manager, named Andy (Andee?) was really belittling a trainee on cash. The trainee asked for help with a transaction, which I think is fantastic, I wish that more new employees asked for help instead of providing bad service. HOWEVER, when the manager went to help him she was BEYOND rude to him. She quietly asked him not to fold a receipt that he had already folded and put away. He was then tending to the customer again, in my assumption, to then go back to the folded receipt. With zero tact the manager scoffed at the trainee, rolled her eyes and snapped at him. «If you would unfold the receipt like I told you too.» then grabbed everything out of his hands. She informed the customer that «Usually his receipts would be arranged a certain way but clearly the „trainee“ didn’t know what he was doing.»
How is someone supposed to learn if that is how they are treated? In my opinion, it does not matter if he has done it wrong or not. Patience and perseverance is something that is meant to be taught in running, it should be taught in customer service as well. If I was that trainee I would have left right there on the spot, no one deserves to be spoken too like a dog, no matter what the circumstance. The Running Room really needs to look at who they have representing the company. Both my mom and I left disgusted and at the same time started to discuss how rude this woman was.
I wont be enrolling in any more of their clinics and I most definitely will not be shopping with the running room anymore. Your company is only as good as your employees are.

This is a great place for a beginning runner to find their bearings. Yes, the beauty of running is that all you really need for running are running shoes, BUT — did you know there are optimal running shoes for you (to maximize efficiency, decrease injury) based on how much you rotate your feet in or out, and what part of the foot you strike the ground with?
It’s hard to do research online and know «how» you run without actually seeing it as a 3^rd person. The Running Room offers free gait analysis — they videotape you running on a treadmill — then slow it down and measure your degree of pronation/​supination, and how your feet strike the ground. Based on that, they can recommend you several pairs of shoes that would be optimal for you.
After I tried on probably a dozen pairs of shoes (with the worker helping to bring out each pair in multiple sizes and undo the shoelaces), he didn’t bat an eye when I narrowed it down to a few and told them that I wanted to read more about them online before making a decision. No pressure to buy whatsoever, even though he’d spent almost an hour helping me. I felt bad for taking so much of his time and asked for his name so that he could get credit for it next time, but he told me that he didn’t receive commission for sales.
I have been happy with their product (when I finally bought the shoes), and yes, as Tineke said, there are free samples of product (coconut water, deodorant) there for the taking at the front desk! Also take their magazine — they have coupons for different sales, up to 15−20% off at times, which definitely helps with their steep prices. Also, there is a clearance section in the back with last season’s running shoes, you can often score a nice discount, but coupons can’t be used on this product and it is usually nonrefundable.
They have learn-​to-​run clinics (and 10K, half marathon, marathon training clinics), and host free runs twice a week. I haven’t taken these but I have friends that have taken these clinics from scratch as a non-​runner and now running marathons. They also have tons more technical running gear for you more seasoned runners too.

I’m so seriously impressed with the Running Room on 109 that I can’t stop raving about it.
The Hubba Hubby needs new runners so this was our first stop. I have a pair of runners from there, from years past, and totally forgot how much time and care that they put into the process. We truly felt that they gave us all the time needed, that they were really listening to his needs and that they weren’t trying to make the quick sale. As it turns out, the first pair that Ed, our fabulous sales person, has suggested, is the pair that we went with. And just a side note, I loved how Ed asked his coworker if she could please «go to the back and grab X shoes for my new friend». Again, we really felt comfortable and at home. To us, this was a larger purchase, and we were completely at ease.
And I was super happy to see, as I walked through the store, that they are bringing in some larger sizes. The ladies clothing goes up to a 2X. and they even have sports bras in some larger sizes (both larger cups and band). I shared my happiness on this size selection (I happen to currently be a 2X and some stores just don’t have the selection that I crave) and was told that it’s something that they’re currently testing. So I’m spreading the word here to let you know that they carry it… and that they’ll continue to carry it if there’s a demand for it!
Upon checking out, I was chatting up Hannah about clinics, free runs, etc., which all sounds like fun (yeah, I said it, it actually sounds fun) as it sounds like beginners like me could really learn a lot and connect with great people. I like the idea that they share info on nutrition, products, how to, stretching, and so much more.
Lastly, they have some freebees at the front, samples to try. You better believe I’m now smelling great with my mini deodorant and feeling hydrated with my coconut water sample (just kidding, you can’t pay me to drink coconut water. I keep trying it because the idea of it sounds so great but it really tastes awful). :)
If you bring your dog, there’s a water dish at the front for them. Or I guess you could water your kids too. jk

Customer service is low on priority list here.
Despite calling ahead for item to be on hold, and told it was… It wasn’t placed on hold.
After wasting time dealing with getting the item out of the case, I was told my an employee to wait for a certain till, as it would be quickest.
Rather than take my money, the (seemingly) manager said, «actually, I’m going to have you go over to the other till» and proceeded to go visit with the people who were there for some clinic.
Both the manager and his cashier got snippy with me when I shared the frustration with the fellow behind me in line (also waiting to give money, with product in hand).
The only thing this store has going for it is its inventory. I won’t be back unless I can’t find what I’m looking for anywhere else.

This is a great Running Room! Huge store and enough bathrooms. Lots of selection for clothing and fuel, and I stocked up on a few things while in town to save on tax. Knowledgeable and helpful staff. I was surprised how slow/​inefficient the check-​out process was though… might have come on a bad day or something.
Prices are high — it’s not a Running Room thing, but a Canadian thing in general.
It offers the walking/​running clinics like the other locations across Canada and the Sun/​Wed run groups as well… if I was still living here, this is a great location to start off from due to it’s close proximity to the river valley and Saskatchewan Drive, making for some nice runs.

Pretty much the première location to purchase running shoes!
Here’s a secret though, go get fitted by Linda at the Kinsmen Sports Centre location; she’s the expert — and she’ll tell you if the shoes you need are where she’s at or if you need to come to this 109^th street location.
Also, tonnes of selection re: clothing, nipple savers for those men getting overly rubbed, bib belts for races, oops, brb, gotta run …

I’ve been running for about 10 years now and this Running Room location is where I go to get my shoes and shop for new workout wear. They will give you a gait analysis and give reliable advice on shoes-​critical for anyone who plans to put on some miles or take up running (or walking) for the first time. The wrong shoes will cause injury and take you out of action. Losing motivation is death to the new runner and injury is agony to a run lover.
They carry both the store’s brand and other brands such as Sugoi, Nike and Reebok. This store’s selection is pretty good and includes running, walking, and triathlon friendly gear. I haven’t taken a clinic from this store but know a lot of people that lead and take clinics at this location.
Prices are consistent with other stores dedicated to runners (or other active wear for serious athletes as opposed to lounge-​wear).
It’s nice to be able to support local business and enjoy both excellent service and reliable product.
Breath move and love life!

Very friendly staff, many of which are quite knowledgeable. Like all Running Rooms their Running Room gear are somewhat expensive but not more so than brand name gear.
This store is quite big and roomy. They often hold clinics and although I’ve never attended one, I would guess this location is a much better venue to attend clinics than other locations due to the abundance of floor space.

Running Room is an awesome store for people who are looking for high quality athletic goods, from shoes to clothing and wrist bands etc. I’ve been to this location a few times and love the staff. They’re really friends and approachable and know a lot about running, cross training and other athletic forms.
I’ve tried on shoes that I’ve wanted to buy (but didn’t because I still own an awesome pair of Nike Free shoes from 2008). One of the staff members really help me understand what kind of shoe would be good for me by making me walk around in my own shoes and also by checking with me about how I run; i.e. whether I run with full soles on the ground or with upper sole only etc. etc. (I know the latter aint so good, but given my weight issues, it’s better for me to do that sometimes).
Also, they’ve got a summer running camp on Saturdays, I believe where you can join various people and go running. I think they have different levels so that people like me don’t get discouraged when tall marathon runners are whizzing past me!

Just to be clear. Running Room is not a room in which you run. It’s a store that supplies you with all the gear you need if you are a serious runner. Even if you aren’t a serious runner and need running gear they can help you out.
I was most impressed with the running clothes they had that allowed you to stay warm while running in the winter. The staff here is great and actually do a lot of analysis on you and your foot to help you pick out the best type of running shoe. I am not a serious runner but I know getting the perfect shoe makes a huge difference.
If you want some real running shoes and accessories then come here. most other athletic stores don’t take care of you.

The Running Room is a store that sells running gear — shoes, socks, coats, vests, tights, shorts, tops, as well as nutritional supplements and running watches/GPS’s. Staff in any Running Room are runners themselves and truly are in the know when it comes your needs, regardless of your running experience or fitness level. Most certainly on your first visit you’ll have a consultation with a staffer who will analyze your gate, stance, ankle rotation and foot shape in order to ensure you have the proper shoe for your foot. Believe me it’s worth the time doing this, and worth the money you spend on your running shoes.
This location has an outlet room at the back of the store — check this out before you buy as you may find the perfect shoe or running clothes.
Now, let’s talk about about the Running Room’s clinics. I seriously started running 5 years ago and have completed numerous 10K, half and full marathons. If it had not been for my first learn to run clinic I would never have had the motivation to carry on. There are a variety of clinics designed for someone with no running experience to those training for full marathons, ultra marathons and iron man triathlons. It doesn’t matter what your body shape or what your fitness level is as you’re part of a larger team. It’s hard to explain but once you start it’s hard not to want to run faster, farther and better your self. Yup, a bit of rah rah psychology here.
In conjunction with the Running Room is the Walking Room, where you guessed it, you learn to walk. I know it sounds a bit odd, but it’s a opportunity for those who want to get out and walk, those wanting to exercise in a group setting to those training for walking marathons. Again, there is something for everyone.
You don’t have to enrolled in a clinic to run with the Running Room. Regardless of what Running Room you frequent group runs take place Wednesday evenings at 6:30 and Sunday mornings at 8:00. This provides motivation, safety and camaraderie.

I had gone to the doctor about some pain in my knees and she suggested getting a good pair of running shoes to wear while I work out. She suggested the running room.
I came here in the evening and I walked up to the counter where several employees were standing and I told them I needed a hand buying some new shoes. One guy said he would be happy to help me and he took me over to the running shoes. He had me take off my shoes and roll up my pants so he could see my ankles and asked me to walk back and forth a couple times.
He assessed my shoe needs and started to show me some options. I admitted that they were out of my price range (about $ 150) and he said they had a huge sale in the back and brought me back there.
He picked out shoes for me and let me try them on and see what I think. I ended up finding a pair of Nike shoes for about $ 100 and I love them!
This store is great for any runner. They have clothing and shoes and accessories of all kinds. The staff are super helpful and really know their stuff.
I know they also host running work shops, so if you are looking to improve your technique or you’re training for a run, check them out.

The Running Room is the best place to go if you are serious about running.
These guys have everything! The selection of shoes is great and the shoes themselves, are incredible. I love them!
They have a lot of clothes — even clothes to run in winter here in Alberta. And they have a lot of clothes. It’s not just a rack or two — there’s a lot.
The staff here is very knowledgeable too. They have to be. Running is a science so they need to know what they are talking about.
The Running Room also has a running club (you’ve probably seen them running around the area in their running jackets with reflectors).
This really is the place to go if you want to get into running or even walking for the sake of fitness. It’s a really great place.