Pacers Running

I walked in on a Saturday for a new pair of shoes, and was helped immediately. From diagnosing my stride and videotaping how I run on a treadmill to explaining arch support and the different ways mizuno v saucony v others fit, the experience was pretty amazing. I was in and out in 20 minutes after trying on 3 pairs and browsing the rest of the store. Even after I decided on a shoe, they were happy to answer my marathon training questions.
A store with all of the essentials, staff who don’t waste time, and I walked out with exactly what I needed. Perfect.

Always a great store with knowledgeable employees. If you’re a new runner or old, normal arch or flat foot, you’ll find everything you’ll need here.
Prices are reasonable too — I’ve been getting my shoes here now despite access to the PX. Better selection and more colors. I love it.

They say the best pair of running shoes is the pair you go running in! I initally purchased a pair of adidas, and went back later that afternoon to try on a few more and eventually return them for a pair of brooks. It was great to work with someone who was as ‘geeked out’ about running shoe technology as I was, and who could speak to what kind of shoes I’d want in different kinds of training runs.
I’m not a new runner– I’ve done a couple big races and I kept purchasing the updated versions of the same shoes, so had a good idea of what I wanted in a new pair of shoes before I went in. I worked with Shannon, who did a gait analysis and helped me pick out a pair from a brand I’d never tried before. I’m picky about fit, weight, and style, so I appreciated her patience in helping me find a pair I liked.
Chris, who’s there almost every time I go in there (and I go in there often!) apparently has a degree in exercise science, so it’s fascinating to talk with him about things like Newton shoes or trigger point exercises.
The selection is more of a «capsule collection» — they have a few excellent pieces at a time, but frequently change over their inventory. I’ve gotten a few great tops from them, and they often have a great sale selection. Honestly though, I tend to get my running clothes from places like tj maxx and I go to pacers for shoes, nuun/​gu, and the excellent service.
A quick note– they sell these race-​bib magnets that you use instead of safety pins– these have changed my life and saved many of my favorite running tops.

First off, let me precede by saying prior to today, I’ve had many positive experiences at this store, however, I will be shopping elsewhere going forward.
This place does not honor loyal customers. I’ve spent who knows how many hundreds of dollars at this Pacers location this year for my marathon training, and then thought it’d be a good idea to register for their Clarendon Day 5k run; I pre-​registered and paid weeks in advance, however when I showed up race day to pick up my packet, they couldn’t find me in the system — even though I showed them my confirmation page. (Isn’t that the point of a confirmation page!?) Anyway, Gail (Pacer’s event mgr) re-​registered me. After the race, I found out the chip in my bib wasn’t working, and I did not have my race time recorded. STILL, Gail would NOT refund me my money when I requested. Instead, she advised that I still benefitted from the «shirt and socializing» aspects of the race. Are you kidding me? What a joke. Lost all respect for that company if they put clowns like this in charge of customer relations. I’m spreading the word about this Arlington Pacers location.

Went to buy a new pair of running shoes and they were amazing. Sales people are incredibly knowledgeable and they have video and a treadmill to look at the way you run/​walk to help identify the type of shoe that will be best for you. This is perfect for anyone with any type of foot issues.

I came to Pacers since I’ve been having really bad ankle and knee pain when I run more than 3 miles. I wish I knew the name of the guy who helped me. (All I know is that he has lime green running shoes). He immediately helped me as soon as I walked into the door. He set me up on the tread mill and immediately pointed out that I over pronate when I run and showed me through slow motion their awesome treadmill camera. He set me up with a great pair of running shoes and had me run on the treadmill again so I can see through the camera the instant fix the stabilizing running shoes did for me. I went straight to the gym and for the first time in a long time didn’t have ANY pain while running. The prices of the shoes are so worth it, especially if you run often.

Before Pacers, I bought running shoes from any random store. The older I got, the more trouble I had running more than a mile. My knees would just hurt.
After speaking with a few regular marathoners, they recommended I go to Pacer’s and get fitted for a proper shoe and vowed I’d be able to run again with no pain.
2 years later, I can attest. The right shoes make a difference. I’ve run a few 10 milers now. Just bought another pair.
The shoes are pricey with all the inserts and proper socks, but $ 200 is well worth the 6 – 8 months of use and benefit for your health.
Bottom Line — Get ready to get back into the running game.

These store hire sales people who are almost elite, right out of college collegiate, and sometimes elite –runners.
The youngish sales staff will typically try to be helpful with the knowledge base they have about shoes and the sport of running.
I think pacers started the fun run idea, and other running stores followed the trend. They have fun runs for beginner to advanced runners throughout the dc metro area. I have been on a couple of these runs and even though the idea is to get people to come together and socialize, which it does, I think sometimes the competitive streak of a few get in the way of the actual fun run idea. Either way, it’s a great idea and cheap to have the dc community get into shape.

I asked Pacers to order a pair of shoes for me back in mid-​April, and I was told that they would be in the store by the first of May. I called around mid-​May, and the employee I spoke to told me they were on backorder and should be in sometime that month. By the end of May I called again with a response of «I don’t know but they should be here soon.» I just happened to find the exact same pair of shoes online, so I ordered them and had them in hand in less than 48 hours, which makes me question the whole «backorder» theory. Pacers has yet to call and tell me that my shoes are in. It’s now August. The employees are friendly enough in person and they do seem knowledgeable about shoes and gear, but this is rather ridiculous. I won’t be attempting to order anything through Pacers ever again.

A salesperson recommended the Brooks Ghost running shoe, and I’ve been buying those ever since.
But, I recently bought a shirt on sale but they didn’t tell me it was final sale so now I can’t return it. It would be nice to know if something is final sale!
How is this even a policy in this day and age?

While the customer service is thorough and employees are knowledgable, the salespeople here are up-​selling too much and this store will nickel and dime you to squeeze every penny, which makes me more inclined to order online in the future and send shoes back if I don’t like them.
I’m basing this opinion on numerous visits I’ve made and from experiences that friends have had as well.
I walked in today to pick up a packet for a race and to take advantage of a 10% apparel discount and they wouldn’t apply it to the $ 100+ shoes I bought. They wouldn’t apply it to the lightweight socks they sell. And it’s not even that heavy of a discount.
They try to talk you in to buying pricey inserts over and over again (on top of the pricey shoes) which can make you feel uncomfortable.
Finally, I opened up a rewards account today and was disappointed that they wouldn’t credit me with the points I should have earned for the race I was participating in that day that had led me to Pacers for packet pick-​up in the first place.
I’d hope that Pacers thoughtfully takes these concerns into consideration

I’ve shopped at Pacers ever since I got back into running in 2008. Once I moved to the Court House area I’ve pretty much shopped this location exclusively. Always full of warm staff of runners who know their stuff! If the store doesn’t have a size/​color you may be looking for, they can probably get that item from another Pacers location super quick! Parking in that area can be tough, but not impossible… I’d suggest the Metro or park in the Trader Joe’s garage across the street… then Pacers can validate your parking after a $ 50 purchase. I don’t shop anywhere else for running shoes in the area… unless it’s another Pacers location!

I’m a running novice but a friend took me to this store to get a proper pair of running shoes. The staff was incredibly friendly and didn’t mind analyzing my run. They had me walk around, do some simple exercises, and run on a treadmill. They were able to tell me A LOT about how I run and even gave me some tips on how to improve.
Then they set me up with a new pair of shoes that fit me PERFECTLY! I’ve been running with the shoes I bought from Pacers for about a month now and I am still very pleased with them. I will definitely go back to Pacers for my next pair.
I had to give them ⁴⁄₅ stars because I only tried on one pair of shoes. Granted, they work great for me, but I would have liked to try on a couple pairs for comparison. If they don’t offer to show you a couple pairs, I would definitely ask!

Feel bad to leave this review after reading so many glowing previous reviews, but I did not have the same experience. I found the girl working today to be very rude and not the least bit helpful, well that’s not exactly true she did call the other store to see if they knew what I was asking for. I just did not care for her attitude when I first walked into the store asking for an item, that the company advertises they sell in Pacer’s store, she acted like I was an idiot.

Solid 5 Stars and a few extra for sparkle. This running store is top notch and that’s consistent with the other Pacers in the area. The staff *KNOWS* what they’re talking about. If you’re just getting into running or a seasoned marathoner, they will be able to help you out and share a depth of knowledge. Staff is professional, upbeat and approachable and you will see them running in local races. More than a running store, its a community. Plus its a small, family owned business unlike these huge, mammoth sized, corporate competitors.
So when you’re looking for a running shoe, they will fit you based on how your foot strikes the ground. There’s a treadmill in the store with a fancy computer hooked up to it. Then, they set you up with a rack of sneakers until you find the one that’s most comfortable. You can jog up the block or in the store. They’re very patient during this somewhat grueling process.

The staff here have been taught the merits of good customer service.
I was only shopping for an accessory (not actual running shoes) but the sales person sought me out, provided friendly advice and then left me to make my decisions.
The total selection was not quite as broad as you might get at a larger store but they seemed to carry top line brands. based on this experience I would consider returning to buy a pair of running shoes here in the future.

I lost my best pair of running sneakers ever in California last week, so I thought I would give Pacers a try. I usually go to Philadelphia Runner, but since I don’t live in Philadelphia anymore it’s time to find a new sneaker home :-(.
So I went in and stood around for about a minute. A sales associate told me he would be able to help me out when he finished up with a customer. I said ok no problem. I already know what kind of sneaker I need, so I eyed them all and made mental notes about what I was going to ask for. I waited about another five minutes and another associate told me that someone would be right with me. I said ok again. While I’m standing there a huge cockroach came running toward me. It scared me because I saw something big crawling out of the corner of my eye. I moved away fast and said, «oh that scared me». The second associate then made a snide remark about cockroaches being here before us and not going anywhere. I think he was annoyed that I moved out of the cockroach’s way.
I just decided to leave. I have not been running in five days now. I really want to go home to Philly just for Philadelphia Runner but I can’t or it’ll be another 7 days. Thanks Pacers. You da best… not.

I have heard great thing about Pacer’s for a few years now, so when I decided it was time for new running shoes I headed straight there.
I’ll preface this by saying I“m what they call an Athena, I’m a big girl, however I exercise and my doctor always remarks in how a good a shape I am, regardless of size.
I walked into Pacers and was pleasantly surprised, the store appeared to be well organized, lots of happy looking customers and employees. I walked straight over to the wall o’ shoes and started looking. After about 5 minutes of looking I started making eye contact with employees, and they all looked away! I wanted to shout HELLO! Woman with the intent to buy here needs help!
After 10 minutes I was done, I had watched employees helping others that walked over after me, I seemed to be the elephant in the room as they say. I stopped by the cashiers desk on my way out to ask about a specific shoe I wanted to see, and the woman seemed surprised by my question, however, even she didn’t offer to help me! She just said, we don’t have that one, and looked back down at the register.
I’ll bet if I looked like a runner I would have loved the store… not fitting normal ummm stereotypes, I hated it. Won’t be back.

Who would think I would be giving 5 stars to a shoe store?
But the experience is worth it. I tend to be someone who patronizes non-​chain stores, and Pacers fits that bill. They offer great service (for both the novice and experienced runner) that you rarely have to wait for. I love that they sponsor so many of the local races that I attend and their pricing is quite reasonable (gotta love a place that has a military discount!).
If you need shoes (or any sort of running gear really), this is the place to go.

I have been putting off buying a new pair of sneakers for months and months. Finally, I woke up this morning and decided to get some new shoes. I’m glad I finally walked over to Pacers.
The staff was knowledgeable, friendly, and buying shoes was painless. They analyzed my running style so that I would be sure to get the correct sneakers.
I think I almost had fun buying running sneakers… what?