Runtex Far West

Location is closed

Wow, it’s hard to say what’s happened to RunTex. It used to be such a great local shoe place, particularly the location on Town Lake. This location is like the Twilight Zone. They have about 10 racks with about three items hanging on each one. That’s it. There’s a tiny selection of shoes.
The second I walked in (and I was the only one there) the guy at the counter says «I’ll be right with you» and walks into the storeroom. What? Fortunately another guy comes out of the storeroom and asks what I want, probably after seeing my eyeroll. The first guy comes back and goes right to his big novel he’s reading, apparently priority number one for the workday.
With no selection and crummy service, it’s unlikely I’d ever go back. It’s too bad, RunTex used to be a local institution. I wonder what happened.

After suspecting for a few days that the shoes I was currently working out in were making my knees hurt, I decided to do something about it. I had always been leery about going to a place like this because I was certain it would cost an arm and a leg. However, I knew that I could spend $ 50 at DSW and get some possibly ill-​fitting shoes (again) or pay double that and get some that I know will fit. I opted to try Runtex simply because they were the closest running store to my house. I walked it there, was measured, tried on a couple pairs of shoes, ran around the store, and walked out with my wallet only $ 111 lighter.
Money saving tips: Use the Unilocal app to check in. Doing this will save you 15%.
OR
Trade in your old pair of running shoes for a 10% discount. They will recycle or donate them for you.

I would highly recommend you know what you want before you decide to go to Run Tex. If you are looking to putter around and try on lots of shoes, then you’d have better luck at Dick’s or Academy. If you really need one-​on-​one help picking out the shoes that work best for you, and are prepared to possibly put in a little extra time waiting for the right ones, then Run Tex is best.
I’ve had issues with foot pain for about a year now. I went to Run Tex and explained to Charles who was working that day what was going on. He was very helpful and patient and listened well. Based on my needs he recommended a few shoes, and when the shoe I wanted to try wasn’t in the store he called down to another store and had them set it aside so I could try it the next day. He also recommended I bring in my current shoes to try some inserts to see if that might help.
It took a little extra time to find the right shoes, but it was well worth it. He even gave me an extra 10% off just because. I should add that I felt no pressure to buy anything despite the amount of work he was clearly putting in at finding me shoes, which is not typical for a personal shopping experience like that, and I really appreciated it. They also have a great return policy (if you run on a treadmill or workout indoors then you can bring the shoes back if they don’t work for you). I left with a pair of Mizunos with which I am VERY happy.

I’m not sure what RunTex really does any more. Their stores seem to be closing left and right, and those that remain are nearly empty. I thought maybe their training programs have become a bigger part of their business, but I just spent 10 minutes on their site looking around and didn’t see anything about classes either. I guess they’ve just been passed up by the other, more dynamic shops in town like Rogue and Texas Running Company.
Anyway, about this particular location… I had a $ 100 gift card to RunTex, and headed to the Far West location for a new pair of shoes. The man who helped me was very nice and knowledgeable. He found the one shoe in the store (out of maybe 8 men’s shoes on display) that would work for me, but unfortunately I needed a half-​size bigger. He called all the other stores, but none had a motion control shoe of any type in 11.5. Since he said they expected a shipment the following week, I gave him my number and he said he’d if they arrived. Two weeks go by, so I call back and get a different guy who says they don’t have any and don’t expect any more shipments.
Luckily I remembered the brand and model of the shoe, so I just went to Sports Authority and grabbed an 11.5 for about $ 30 cheaper. They even had them at Academy.
So, RunTex, what is it, exactly, that you do? Also, anyone want to buy/​trade a $ 100 gift card?

Went there on Sunday ⁴⁄₁ (maybe it was an april fool’s joke?). I walked in wearing my worn out Adidas asking if they could help me buy new running shoes similar to the ones I was wearing (lightweight trainers). Salesperson said they didn’t have any. Suggested I try Zappos or one of the other online retailers. If I wanted big box service I would have just ordered my shoes online. I said I wanted to keep my money local if possible, he called other stores to see they had any similar lightweight trainers in my size. Nada. Sent me on my way. Two stars because he saved me some time by not trying to help me. Went to Texas Running company and got great service, extremely helpful sales person talked to me about what I wanted, watched me run and helped me figure out what I needed. Lesson learned.

My friends suggested I purchase my next pair of athletic shoes at Runtex because I spend more time walking and jogging. However, I knew it would be a jump in price, not the typical $ 40-​$ 50 I spent at a sporting goods store or discount stores. The main reason I went to this location was the Unilocal discount which I am so glad I had because I did pay twice the amount I have in the past.
Yes, the store appears as though it has a limited selection. Yes, the shoes are expensive, and I found the same brand at other stores for much less than what I spent; however, I needed help and Runtex provided that. Not only did he make sure I had the right fit but he also gave me instructions on how to pick shoes in the future. Therefore, I don’t think of it as I paid a great deal for a pair of athletic shoes but rather that I paid for the shoes and advice from an expert. I will admit, though, I probably won’t spend this much again unless I take up running.

If you’re a new runner, you must, must go to Runtex for «gear.» I’m taking a beginning running class at UT (for non-​runners) and they recommended Runtex as one of several places that offer a student discount on shoes.
The gentleman who helped me was totally knowledgeable about getting the right fit. He had me walk, then jog so that he could look at my feet and determine what would be best for me. After measuring, he brought out two pair for me to try. I’m the type that really appreciated this narrowing down of options, since I’m so new to this. I tried both, he gave additional feedback, and it was easy to pick the right pair.
The student discount was really nice, and he also let me know that I could return the shoes if I started having problems, as long as I didn’t run on asphalt. This is such a relief, since you never know how shoes are going to hold up once you wear them for an extended period.

If you’re looking for a good running store, go to Texas Running Company instead.
Runtex is paying way too much for their store space — they could literally fit all of their merchandise into a shed. The staff is very friendly and helpful, but this store does not have anywhere near the selection that it should.
You can certainly do better!

Fast friendly service from Charles and Gene. They’ll help you get the best shoe for you and if you check in on Unilocal you get a discount. Thanks runtex!

I’ve bought shoes from RunTex before, and have always had a good experience. I love the personal attention, what can I say? And when someone asks you to walk a straight line (that isn’t the cops), you feel like a supermodel! OK OK, maybe Mike was just checking out my feet, but I’m sure he loved my runway style.
Over pronation? No problem! I got a great pair of shoes that look and feel good. With my check in on Unilocal,I got 10−15% off my purchase.
So why isn’t it as good as it gets? Well, let’s just say you get what you pay for. My shoes before discount were $ 130. A few weeks later I found them online for $ 80. Now, I don’t feel ripped off because I feel good supporting a local business that really does give great service. I had no idea what my walking style was, or which shoes would have worked for me. I tried on a few pair and Mike didn’t push at all. I never would have bought THESE SHOES if it weren’t for RunTex. Will I purchase my next pair online? If I decide to go with the exact same shoes, yes.