The Runners Shop

I have given this store two tries, and they only had one job — to fit me in the right shoes for me, and both times they did not do a good job. the first time, I was given the shoes that gave too much support and the second time they sold me an already discontinued model that gave me blisters from hell.
the third time, I did an extensive research and went to the Running Room, where I bought the shoes that were exactly the opposite from what they were saying I needed. I successfully trained for a marathon in them and ran that marathon with no injuries.
I also found some of sales associates there overpatronizing, like they are cool knowledgeable runners and know better. We all started somewhere, so this attitude is a mystery for me. I go to the Running Room now. at least their employees admit if they really do not know something as opposed to be pushing me to make a sale.

Awesome service, very personable and extremely knowledgeable. I’ll return in a few hundred k :-)

I can’t believe it, after spending several hours in this great place, I actually left with a pair of amazingly comfortable running shoes. I came here because of the Unilocal reviews, my feet have always been hard to fit. I am old school and expect decent service that is professional and knowledgeable. My experience:
1. First went to Running Room at Leslie/​York Mills. I mentioned «kinda wide» and they told me to go to New Balance, who have wider models. Never measured me or tried to fit me, just didn’t want to be bothered even trying.
2. Next stop NB. Was given a wide shoe, reminded me of Kramer’s leaping trainers in Seinfeld. Thought this must be how Bozo the clown felt.
3. Sportchek, Yonge St. flagship store. Left with a pair that was 159.99. Sales guy told me there was no BOGO sale on footwear that day. Found out a few days later that it was still on for a week at another Sport Chek, and that it was cancelled last minute at the flagship store for only TWO days. Why didn’t the sales guy tell me other stores might have it on still, and that every Sport Chek does its own thing? Returned the shoes, with a gut instinct that they weren’t the best for my feet.
4. Returned to same Running Room store. Sales lady didn’t even measure my feet, seemed very lazy and nontechnical. Had no confidence in this sales lady, who clearly didn’t know which were best for my feet.
5. Runners Shop. Cozy store, not just shoes. Knowledgeable and confident staff, personal service, great sale prices on top brands, and staff with the patience of Job.
I’m not a runner or even a regular exerciser, lol, but if you need the right running shoes for your feet, and professional, respectful staff with no attitude or pressure — I doubt there is a better store in Toronto for a proper running shoe fitting. I left with a dreamy, super-​cushioned $ 99 pair of Saucony’s. A bonus was I got a sports bra on sale for $ 29.99. Thanks again Runner’s Shop, you’re now my go-​to for athletic footwear.

A small store hidden away in an office building with a patient personal touch!!!
Came here after having bought the wrong shoes at another store a few months back and after trying to find shoes at the Running Room location in Rosedale (poor wide size selection). The gentleman here patiently helped me try on a 5 – 6 pairs of shoes, checking the toe space, width, having me run down the building hallway, until we had the best fit for my feet.
This is the store I’ll be returning to for my running needs!

Location is quite hard to find if you don’t know the area. The store is located in an office building, but at the very back of the building via a long hallway.
The store itself is quite small, but they seem to offer everything that a runner may need and offer brand names merchandise.
The staff can be a hit or miss, but for the most part are usually quite friendly and will acknowledge me as I enter the store most times and only sometimes will they offer me assistance because if they’re busy with a customer already, they probably will not acknowledge me.
I don’t venture here often, but come at least a couple of times a year for race kit pickups and would stop into the store to quickly browse. Therefore, I cannot comment too much on checkout service and knowledge of staff members.

After reading so many good reviews I was looking forward to visit the store. I am sorry to say that I did not have a great experience.
OK, I am not the sportiest looking person ever. I still run, and I wanted to buy a pair of running shoes. I stepped in there were two staff there. One greeted me right away and another protein bar eating, sporty looking runner in full running gear was reading a runners magazine at the cash. She looked at me once and for whatever reason, never spoke to me or looked at me another time.
The staff I dealt with turned out to be just a little knowledgeable, and when he had to asked questions to the other staff and would just say: ‘well it depends what you are looking for.’, while still sitting at the cash, not looking at me. Questions such as ‘have you ever ran?’ would come up often (and still directing the question at the other staff!). Would it have been a nicer thing to take over, if the other staff have been asking you so many questions?
I have had better experience at the Running Room, at least I would get really attentive service even though they know my running speed is not any faster than someone speed walking.

BEST EXPERIENCE IN A SPORTING STORE EVER!!!
Alright, that is an extremely subjective statement, but I stand behind it 100%.
After 2 years of hard work, my current runners were ready to be chucked right out, and I desperately needed a pair to replace them. They were from an *ahem* other running store downtown, and I was really not pleased with the service. After hearing good things re: The Runner’s Shop, I set out to find them (which, in truth, was a tad difficult, but more on that later).
When I walked in, there were two employees, and one customer. Wanting to really get into finding the best runners for my feet, I didn’t waste time by staring at the shoe wall in confusion, hoping someone would come by and ask if I needed help; I went right up to the lady not helping the customer and asked for help. She was more than happy to oblige. And oblige she did! I spent nearly an hour, got a very thorough assessment (both by questioning, watching, and actually looking at my feet) and tried on upwards of 8 pairs of runners until I found what I’m hoping are going to be a really solid pair. She was courteous, fun, both technically and personally knowledgable, and was happy to help me find a less expensive second pair for the gym. Unlike at the *ahem* other running store, she didn’t make me feel rushed, or like I was taking up her precious time asking questions. I left with two great pairs of shoes and a new regular shoe store.
The Good
— The service is amazing!!! Though I went straightaway to ask for help, another gentleman came in, and within a few minutes, he was greeted, but not attacked.
— They know running stuff, and their products. I didn’t feel pushed into buying the most expensive pair on the wall.
— It looks like a full-​service run shop: everything from shoes to socks to clothes to accessories to gels/​nibblies, and all good quality stuff.
The Not-​So-​Good
— Remember how I said it was difficult to find? It totally is. Across from the ROM, in the building where Grand-​n-​Toy is, down a hallway to the side. I lived in the Annex for 3 and a half years, and had no clue this place existed.
— Though they have all the elements of running «stuff», their selection isn’t wildly amazing. The size of the place is rather small, so the amount is understandable and reasonable.

Best place to get the proper runing shoes in Toronto. Highly skilled staff, wide selection and totally unbiased to brands or price point. They simply want to get the right shoe for you. Great experience!
I am giving them «only» four stars as I’d hope they had a wider selection of clothing. It’s great, but not «five star» great.

The Runner’s Shop is where I always go to buy shoes now. Got some at New Balance, feet in agony and lost a nail, went to Runners Shop and they took one look at the shoes and my feet and diagnosed the problem. And found the right shoes for me.
They only carry brands that actually function, not just look good, and I’ve spend as little as $ 90 and as much as $ 150. Haven’t been let down by their recommendations yet and never had to ‘break in’ shoes. When asked about other shops, they wouldn’t say much.
I actually really liked the clothing selection. It’s not pink washed, and the staff really know their stuff so I was able to get a good sports bra (two years old now and still fantastically, er, binding) and socks and some running tights that are attractive. (Other people ask where I got them.) It’s not Lululemon so you won’t find anything low rise, so if that’s what you’re after you might want to try elsewhere.
Have recommended this store to two friends who went there and were very happy with the product and service too.

Great place to buy running shoes. They can watch you run down the hall and recommend some shoes that fit properly for you running style. Friendly and not pushy.

The Running Clinics
The running clinics are very supportive. The coach designs a personalized program for you, and you are assigned a group that runs at your current mileage and pace. For the very slow runners there is always a club member to accompany you and you are never left to run on your own. The clinic really does their best to accommodate your ability and pace and they give really good tips on training and injury prevention. The yearly clinic is a fraction of the cost of a gym membership or a yoga membership, so if you would like to start running or if you like to run in a group, this is a great place to go.
The Shop Gear
The store is small but it only stocks high-​quality gear. The clothes are designed to last more than one season and are priced accordingly. You really have to go into the store as the website isn’t really an accurate representation of their inventory.
If you are buying a pair of shoes — whether you are into a high-​end motion-​control shoe or are looking for a minimal shoe — the store only stocks items that have been thoroughly tested by the runners. The sock selection is amazing, and there is a good selection of compression gear.
The staff don’t try to make you buy things, rather, they ask you your needs and recommend accordingly.

This is where I bought my most recent pair of running shoes and I will be back for sure. The staff are very attentive and know the mechanics of running. They take a look at your feet and current shoes (if you’ve brought them) as well as your stance and gait, AND they ask you about any injuries you’ve had. Only then do they start bringing you shoes to try on, and they don’t stick to just one brand, they bring you whatever they think would work best for your feet. I tried on several pairs and was encouraged to go run up and down the hall to get a feel for them before choosing a pair. The shoes I got are awesome, very comfortable and have decreased the aches and pains I was having with my old shoes.
They also do running clinics on a regular basis which are suitable for a range of runners (beginners to marathon-​level athletes). I haven’t gone to any of them but I do like that they offer them.
Like the other reviewer (josephine h.) I took off a point because of the selection of clothing. They do have some great stuff at reasonable prices, but the store is pretty small, so if you’re looking for a running jacket or a sports bra, you might have better luck at a bigger store.
I highly recommend going here if you need running shoes!