VA Runner

I love VA Runner! I went in last night because I’ve been struggling with shin splints and they gave me some drills to do as well as some stretches to help relieve my pain. They worked with me for quite a while to find a new shoe (mine were well past their prime) and they made sure the shoe was what I needed for my personal stride. The sales rep then even showed me how to lace them so my heel and ankle were better supported. Great service!

I have been buying my shoes here for years. All of the people that work in the store are knowledgeable and can help you find the right shoe. The best part of coming here is that they keep you in a database so they know exactly what shoe make and model you bought last time.

I’m an underpronator. I was given shoes for an overpronator. IE Given shoes to restrict pronation when I need shoes to PROMOTE pronation. Needless to say after severe shin pains and by pain I mean the most INTENSE burning of your life, I knew these shoes were not for me. However, since I was just beginning to run, which I explained, I originally thought this was normal until my friend and avid runner told me otherwise.
Supination or underpronation targets the weight to the outside of the foot. The foot pronates very little. This is the rarest form of running and I get that, but my medial shin splints on the inside of my feet are angry. Supinators have high arches generally but because of being barefoot most of my life and constantly (I was raised in the south) mine are not nearly as high as they once were and due to these things I have now suffered a stress fracture on top of the shin splints or «tibial stress syndrome» according to the doctor because the impact to my body increased. I’ve been told this can take up to 6 months to heal and that makes me so sad.
Had I received the right shoes and had my gait be accessed properly, this wouldn’t have happened. Since most running shoes are designed to offer extra stability and motion control to target overpronation my ankles kept twisting and I just thought I was getting old and clumsy out of no where. I’ve ordered shoes for underpronation and I’m hoping those will help when I’m healed enough to really get back into it. But, I require an ABSOLUTELY neutral shoe that is LIGHTWEIGHT WHICH PROMOTE pronation, they don’t restrict it.
The only thing that I’ll say is that they do not properly know how to access a gait and even if they would have put me in a true neutral shoe instead of one for overpronation I wouldn’t be experiencing these issues right now. I’ll embrace the suck, suck it up, tape it up and run on during my 5k on December 12^th but, then I have to take a break until I’m healed. Here’s praying it’s not a 6 month recovery time.
The staff was all super kind.

Professional, courteous, and helpful staff. They carry a wide selection of apparel and accessories. And across the street from Wegmans.

I’m a huge fan of VA Runner. If you have trouble finding runner shoes, this staff will work with you as long as you need to ensure that you leave happy. Also, if by chance you don’t like the shoes you’ve purchased after you get them home, you can return them without trouble.
The visit that officiated my love for VA Runner was a few months after I had knee surgery. Once my rehab was complete, I went back to wearing the ASICS 21 series. I thought there wouldn’t be any problem, but after a few runs, I got a pretty annoying case of plantar fasciitis. Turns out the arch in my left foot had fallen (somehow) during recovery, so the high block in the ASICS was causing the painful issue.
When I went to VA Runner to test out some different shoe options, I really gave the staff some work. Because my feet aren’t tracking or striking the same way anymore, finding one pair of shoes that works for both of my feet is really difficult. After trying on and running in about 7 different pairs, and swopping in and out different insoles, we decided on the Brooks Pureflow; a neutral shoe.
It’s been over 2 years since this experience, and I’m still wearing Pureflows. I may not always buy them from VA Runner, because I’m able to find them for a better price elsewhere, but I’m still very thankful to the staff for helping me on that initial visit. If you’re in the need of running/​walking/​lifting/​work shoes, don’t hesitate to utilize the knowledge of the VA Runner staff.

This has been my running store for years– It was recently bought out so how that rolls out remains to be seen, but if you want an excellent pair of running shoes, tips on running or someone who can find a shoe to fit your unique foot and current ‘issues’ ask for NATE BROOKS. He is the BEST you can find and this small town is lucky to have him. As a runner and coach himself, he’s got the knowledge and passion for running that makes VA Runner what it is. If you want to test out new shoes come to a fun run at the store when an Asics, Hoka, Mizuno rep is there– you can put in 3 – 5 miles on a test pair to see if it’s what you are looking for. They have always had the shoes I want in stock or in the store within days. Through IT band issues and a messed up mid-​foot Nate has been there to give me advice and get my back on the road to recovery!

I have used this store for years, and don’t know what I’d do without it. They’ve helped me out time and again with finding the right running shoes, as I’ve slowly improved my running form in response to injuries. Nate is amazing, but honestly most every associate there I’ve worked with really seems to know their stuff, in terms of evaluating your running form and helping you find the right shoe and fit for you. This summer I took my son in for his first real pair of running shoes – and they did a great job with him as well. This is one of my favorite businesses in the Fredericksburg area, and I can recommend them without hesitation.

I would give this store a zero but Unilocal does not allow that.
I went to this store because I needed a new pair of running shoes and thought I would splurge and go to a true running enthusiasts store to get some good ones. Wow am I disappointed.
After trying on different shoes and running in a couple they determined what I needed. The girl helping me said she would put in the order and that it would take 2 – 3 weeks to get them in.
I waited 3 weeks for a call to come in — nothing. I waited another week — nothing. Finally I called them only to be told that they could not find my order. Then they found that the order was incorrectly placed and that, because of my size, it was back ordered and that they would be in within a month. I waited the month and still not call so I called them — again. Again, they could not find my order. When they finally did find it they said that they had been busy and that it had not been ordered — AFTER A MONTH! I asked them again to place the order. The girl said she would and that the shoes should be in by Friday or Monday at the latest. As you might have guessed — no call on Friday and no call on Monday. I called them again on Tue (this time a bit frustrated). They said that they shoes were still on back order and that they had no estimated time when they could arrive!!! I have a race in a couple of weeks and NOT SHOES. They said that they could recommend some others and «try» ordering those.
I said no thanks and that I would take my business elsewhere.
These guys are definitely on my NEVER AGAIN SHOP THERE list. The place is a true joke.

I really wanted to like this place. I like to support local shops.
Sadly, my experience there wasn’t great. The young kid that helped me seemed very rushed and disinterested (I saw him leave for lunch right after he checked me out-​which explains his haste).
I was looking for a new running shoe after wearing Asics for eight years (they changed the design and they no longer worked for me). I explained what I like in a shoe and the clerk brought out several possibilities. His selection made me nervous because I need a neutral shoe and he brought out a range of shoes.
I tried on several and ran outside in a few of them. I picked a lighter shoe with less cushioning. I liked the feel of the shoe but I was concerned about how my knees would react. The clerk explained that I had nothing to worry about because I could try them out for 14 worry free days.
Three days and two short runs later I knew they were not going to work. I tried to return them. The manager told me that I could not return them but that I could exchange them. This is not what I was told originally but I need shoes so that’s okay.
I decided to just upgrade to a more cushioned version of the shoe I originally purchased. I paid the extra 20 $. They didn’t have it in stock but said they would order it and I would have my shoes in three to five business days. Not ideal, not tragic either.
On day three they called to tell me the shoes I want are on back order until October. Four months is too long wait. At this point they told me I could 1) come in and try something else. Not a workable option as I found the shoe I wanted. 2) I could have store credit. 3) I could wait until October.
I ordered them on Zappos instead and got them the next day.
I’m 145 $ worth of disappointed. I will eventually use the store credit, but I’m frustrated by this and really feel like this all came about because the kid helping me was hungry and wanted lunch.

This is the only place I buy my running shoes. Over the years they have provided me with solid shoe recommendations, the service is stellar and they even have helpful advice for common running ailments.
I am a loyal shopper because they consistently earn my business.

Huge Selection! However, the majority of sales associates are HS students and customer service gets a little shaky. I have typically waited more than 15 min for assistance. I once recommended many of my athletes for this running store but considering not doing that anymore. Once you’re in front of an associate, you’re golden. However, you’ll be waiting a while. Novice runner will get plenty of attention with fit and type. Expert runners who just need a size to try, expect to wait. Best bet to arrive on a weekday.

Ah, a runners dream store! VA Runner is great as far as I can tell. I had never been to one but they sponsored the Fredericksburg Blue & Gray Half and 5k (which was very nicely organized by the way)
The store is on the larger side you’re likely to find what you’re looking for here… shoes, shirts, jackets, leg warmers, arm warmers, fun runners accessories. The staff was nice too.