The Run Inn

I guess you can say that I ran into this store (lame joke I know). I came in here in passing as I noticed that they carried some energy enhancing supplements and gels which the nutrition place a few blocks down did not sell. I picked up a few packs for some show nights and badminton. The guy at the store Steve was really really nice and informative. I have always been curious about run clinics. He took the time out to chat with me about some of my options. Good selection of shoes and some clothing.

Although I am not new to running, I am not elite or even that great at it so browsing in a running store can sometimes make me feel insecure. The fellow who helped me today at the Kerrisdale location was great. He was not pushy, nor too chatty about different brands etc. I like that at other running stores, I have been asked about how and where I run, even asked to walk around in my socks, etc. This did not happen at TRI however, my guy did come back with informative comments when I prompted him with queries. It wasn’t like he was pushing me to get to the counter to pay up, but I would have liked for him to investigate more to be sure I was making the best purchase. Still, he made me feel informed when he did answer my questions, and he was super friendly. The kind of guy you could chat with at a party even if you didn’t know him, but he wouldn’t make you feel weird or creeped out. I didn’t spend a lot of time trying on various shoes, as I stick with the brand that has always worked for me. So it was a brief shopping experience but overall a good one. They had good post holiday sales on clothing and assorted gear, and friendly service. I will return!

I was introduced to this store by an ex g/​f about 9 years ago and I only stopped attending their running clinics because I moved out of town. I started up with their Thursday clinics again and will join their half-​marathon clinic in January. They are very unpretentious and have a lot of walk/​runners and groups for faster runners as well — I am somewhere in the middle. The owner is a big, gentle giant who really cares about his customers and it’s obvious from the moment you start talking to him.
I am a diehard Nike fan (they make me want to get up and run and that’s all that counts in my books!) and for a while this store was exclusive to adidas but now that they have Nike as well I will be buying all my shoes and running clothing at the Run Inn.

I was misfitted at another shoe store (that same store X). I felt heel pain and had gone to a closer store X location and the manager checked out my shoes, looked at my feet and told me I was just adjusting to the shoes. Soon after, with an enlarged achilles tendon and tendonities in my other knee, I went to a physiotherapist who told me that I needed a neutral shoe instead.
Granted, they took back my old pair of shoes but told me that if they fit me according to my physio, they won’ t take responsibility and sold me a pair that was $ 56 more expensive. I had wanted to go one week later to see if I could get a sale pair but was told that they don’t cover sale shoes. He also checked my feet and didn’t seem to want to agree with my physio.
Anyways, I went back to The Run Inn and bought the same pair for $ 30 less!

When I walked in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer a year or so ago, The Run Inn sponsored our team with Clear FM. Their support included giving the whole team a huge voucher towards a pair of sneakers, a shirt, hat, socks, and probably some other cool stuff. I’m sure I’m neglecting to mention something.
Even though my friend and I each had a voucher, the staff at the Run Inn on 41^st treated us just as if we were paying customers. The store clerk also took charge of the situation, suggesting shoes and sizes. I really love it when shoe salespeople know what they’re selling and how that will work for you.
As a result I got a great pair of shoes that are only just wearing out. Time to head back to the Run Inn soon, I think.