Charm City Run

1^st Unilocal review (exited to participate)! So I visited Charm City Run last weekend to try out some new shoes. (obviously I need new shoes to help with my new years resolution). The staff was great, everybody I spoke with was friendly and anxious to help. The selection was more than adequate however the prices seemed a tad bit high. Other than that, I left with a new pair of running shoes and recommend them.

After years of buying running shoes online my feet were starting to complain, so I decided to get fitted at a proper running store. My experience at Charm City Run was very positive. The associate who helped me out was very helpful and friendly, and the shoes that I bought have served me well so far. Prices were obviously a little bit higher than I was used to but not by that much, and the small increase was totally worth the service that I got.

I just started running a few months ago, and finally decided it was time to buy a «real» pair of running shoes. I was super nervous about going in because I didn’t really know what I was looking for or even what questions to ask. Going to have a stranger figure out what shoes you should wear just seemed like it had awkward written all over it. I was SO pleasantly surprised! The young lady who helped me led me through the whole process, was incredibly competent and professional, and was super nice! In addition to analyzing my gait and finding me a great selection of shoes to try, she asked lots of friendly questions about how my training is going. I even got some recommendations for places to run in Baltimore since I’m new to the area. It was anything but awkward. Granted, their cheapest shoe is $ 100, so be prepared for that. Overall, I couldn’t be happier with my experience.

Return Policy is a problem !!!
So I just moved back to Baltimore. My GF decided she would like to take up running. So WE are now running. The problem is that she has a very narrow foot and I have a very wide foot. We stopped by Charm city run in Henry Row on late Sunday evening to get some shoes. As first time customers the staffer was very pleasant and helpful in picking out shoes. But the fit was okay but not great. As we were checking out I mentioned that we where going to go to a few other stores that were opened later to see if we could find a better fit. At no time did he mention the return policy nor was it posted or on the receipt. If he had we would have held off on the purchase until we found the right fit or maybe special order a pair of shoes.
Long story short Monday afternoon we found shoes that fit perfectly at another store. I went to return the shoes we brought (less then 24 hours before) and was told of the return policy.
I just think Charm City run should be up front about the return policy and a little less «shady» especially since we mention shopping around for a better fit.

Charm City Run has been my go to running store since I started my amateur running career a few years ago. I have no regrets. I’ve tried some other stores, but my favorite is CCR.
The best thing about CCR stores are the organized training groups. I’ve done them more or less continuously for a few years. They have top notch running coaches that get to know you and your running style so you can be sure that when you inevitably need a new pair of shoes, you’d be getting the right thing.
The groups are a great way to meet people too. I’ve met some great friends this way. We’re all crazy runners that say things like, «we’re *only* doing 5 miles today.» This is all facilitated by the greatest running store in town.
In my experience, CCR has a great selection of shoes, even with my larger than normal size. And, if they don’t, they can order from one of the other stores around the region.
Did I mention customer appreciation? CCR gives training group members 10% off all retail purchases. And, any purchase earned points that count for store credit on future purchases. It’s a great deal.
Join the CCR Family! Buy some shoes, join a training group, and have some fun.

Ridiculous pricing, staff doesn’t have their stuff together and when returning a pair of shoes, not only was I given the run around but when I caught an employee (manager actually) in a lie she told me, charm city run no longer wanted my business. I wrote corporate and was profusely apologized to but I will NEVER work with them or buy from them again. Terrible company, I’m willing to bet they will go out of business in a year. Never been treated so appallingly by someone in customer service.

Participated in the Pancreatic Stride Run/​walk event today. I have volunteered at this event for years. I was so disappointed by what I observed today. Huge disorganization and unkindness displayed by Charm City staff to individuals who have lost loved ones and came out in fellowship to support one another in memory of loved ones lost. Would never consider this organization to assist with a walk/​run event. A true disorganized disaster. So disappointed…

I am a big fan of small businesses and Charm City Run, but I must admit that I am pretty disgusted with my running shoe purchase. I purchased a pair of Brooks running shoes last year from Charm City Run. I got on their treadmill and they observed my stride. They gave me a shoe that they recommended for severe pronation. I have been experiencing pain with these shoes over the past few months so I decided to go to Road Runner shoes in Elkridge. I went through a battery of tests, which were more current and more extensive that Charm City. They were very surprised when I told them what shoes I was currently using, and they told me that was definitely not the shoe for me. I have a very high, wide arch and the shoe Charm City Run recommended (and I purchased) are made for people with flat feet. Needless to say, I was pretty upset when I realized I spent $ 140 on shoes that I can’t even use. I bought another pair of Brooks in a different running category from Road Runner and they seem to be working much better. The staff at Charm City is very friendly and always attentive. The apparel section is small but you can find a decent selection of Under Armour, etc. During the summer, they often keep the doors open so it’s hotter than you know where… I like to run out in the hot weather but I like to shop in AIR CONDITIONING. Just my preference:) If you’re looking for running shoes, I’d suggest Road Runner in Elkridge, MD.

I’ve finally picked up those running shoes that I had been talking about in my previous review. Still not quite «there» as far as running is concerned, but I’m walking a LOT more than I had been and my NBs finally bit the dust. So I went there last week and talked to a professional (and I have no doubt that he was professional), who then had me walk up and down, run on a treadmill, and made several recommendations. I ended up with a pair of Saucony Omni 12s due to extreme overpronation — and after a week of having them, I can only say that my feet feel much better, I’m using muscles I never knew I had, and my back no longer hurts.
The shoes were 120 dollars — for me, a staggering price point, but for the relief I’ve felt in them this past week, well worth the expense.
Charm City Run continues to treat me professionally, despite the fact that I’m not «in the sport» yet. I have gotten encouragement from the running community here to keep practicing and keep trying, which makes all the difference in the world to me. I’m considering signing up for a training group soon.
If you’re at all interested in running, this is the place to be. And the «group runs» in the neighborhood are to be expected — this is one of the locations where training is held. Perhaps if one is walking their dog, they ought to join in and run — I’m sure the community would welcome them as warmly as they have me.
Highly recommended.

I came here on a Sunday. I’m about to start training for my second half marathon and I needed new running shoes. There was only one sales rep and he was quite busy with 2 other customers when I walked in. I walked around the store to see what they had since it was my first time coming here.
Picked up some Clearance gear and tried it on while I was waiting. I made my way to the running shoes so I could be next to get help.
The sales rep asked me what I was looking for. I explained that I needed running shoes. I walked in wearing my current running shoes as a base of what shoes worked for me. I also explained that I stomp when I run and that I’m prone to shin splints. He looked at my current shoes and said he was going to bring a few options out for me. I ended up with three pairs. 1 Asics and 2 Brooks. I did a few laps in the store and they pretty much felt the same at first. I was told to get on the treadmill to see how I ran and thought I was going to go for at least 2 mins and he asked me to stop running withing 15 seconds. I was running in the Brook’s Trance and he said they were perfect and they felt good to me. They were $ 150 just like the Asics option I had and was considering buying. I wanted the Asics because I was already familiar with them but they didn’t feel as light as the Trance so I went with those. I also found an awesome running Bra on clearance, I call it my boob armor because they don’t move. The bra was on sale for $ 40 but when I was waiting I did a quick search and they were $ 50-​$ 65 everywhere else so I did drop $ 207 but it was worth it for me.

Love this shop and all of the people who work there.
I actually run with them on Thursday nights at 6:30p pretty regularly and can say that they’re much cooler than a lot of the other running shops /​groups around the area — not snobby or act like they’re elitist runners or anything of that sort, just really down to earth people who enjoy running and promoting it in the community.
Prices as far as running shops go are extremely fair and everyone in the shop is very knowledgeable. Plus they have a treadmill in-​store so they can analyze your gate and strike patterns if you’re looking for a new shoe but not sure what to get.
3 thumbs up!

This is where you go to get your running shoes in Baltimore. I am not suggesting that you do this, I am telling you to do this. My wife and I have been coming here since they opened to purchase shoes and not once have we had a poor experience. The selection and styles of running shoes at this location are unbeatable. The customer service, knowledge about the shoes and general overall knowledge about running are also outstanding. They can special order shoes for you if you need something not at their store. The store also has a good selection of running accessories like watches, water gear, Gu, braces, etc. The clothes selection isn’t the biggest but they do have some good stuff here. I got a great pair of running pants here. They do put together some group runs during the week for all levels of runners. Wednesdays are usually their Lunch break runs that go from the store to Ft. McHenry and back; Thursdays are their fun runs and they group you by pace and you just go. Just join the mailing list when you go there to receive the informational e-​mails. Another reason we like to purchase our running shoes here is for the charitable work they do. They do sales promotional events where a percentage of the sales for a certain Saturday will go to the SPCA or an animal rescue program. Again, go, get your running shoes and be happy that you are about to go run in the right pair of shoes for you!

Awesome running store in the city. The friendly, knowledgeable associate listened to what I wanted, watched me walk, brought out shoes that might work, watched me run around the store in those, and answered more of my questions. I was in and out in 10 minutes with shoes I love for a reasonable price. They also had a good selection of workout clothes. Location is convenient with lots of parking, and I like that they organize races and running groups, as well as give back to community organizations.

Great workout clothes draws me right into Charm City Run along with the colorful and bright running shoes. I would like to see prices next to all the shoes so I know how much they cost but I guess I already have an idea of how much they cost. And runners are supposed to be focused on how well a shoe works for the type of running and feet we have and not on the price so I guess that works. I went with the awesome Brooks pure connect shoes this time in a fun dark maroon with a splash of yellow. They’re the medium support out of the pure line Brook recently came out with and I so far I love them. I’m not quite sold on the Newton’s yet just because of the price and the colors don’t quite grab me just yet. Thank you for the great service and 10% military/​police/​fire fighter discount you applied. Next time I won’t wear jeans to try on shoes so that I can run around on the mini store track or treadmill. I also took advantage of the winter items that were on sale and admired the Under Armour colorful gear.

Baltimore is way overdue for their very own Charm City Run store. We are all thrilled that the store is finally open in the new McHenry Row location. Like all of their stores, they will do a great job in matching your running style and foot to the proper shoe, and they also have a great selection of running gear and accessories.
They also moved quickly to become part of the neighborhood with a Thursday evening run group around the harbor. The group meets at 6:15 currently (it might move back a little with the extended daylight hours).
Baltimore has a huge running community, so this is a great addition to the city, and I am sure they will quickly become a must-​stop location in Baltimore for all the runners.
No reason to drive out of the city for your rungear Baltimore!