Naperville Running Company

Full service shoe fitting and not pushy toward any brand. They watch you walk, run and size you proper. They know their stuff and are super friendly. Also offer the 10% discount when you sign up for their mailing list.

Have been to the store a few times and again had a wonderful experience. My husband walks a lot and needed a new pair of shoes so we stopped in Sunday. Everyone in the
Store is so helpful, they take the time to fit you with the proper shoe. Is always busy
For a reason but they never rush you. Now we come here all the time for our shoes
HIghly recommend to everyone.

I love this store! I got my first pair of actual running shoes over a year ago! They fitted me with several different pairs of shoes and had me try them out on a treadmill! Plus, I had my kids with me and they had toys and building blocks available to keep them occupied! I went there last week to get KT tape for my knee and they helped me figure out what could be causing my pain! I will be coming back for sure!

Ashley did an excellent job fitting me for a pair of shoes. She was very patient in explaining the different types of support and after trying on close to 10 different models, I found the right ones!
I was very happy with the experience, well worth a visit.

I sent this email to my Naperville ROMEO group (retired old men eating out) after my experience on Friday. It says everything: For what it is worth… Naperville Running Co lived up to it’s Unilocal review as the best place in the area to buy running shoes. I wanted to share it with you as it is rare for a local merchant to offer excellent service and still offer competitive prices. I have walked past this store dozens of times on the way to Starbucks always believing that as a «running» store, they had nothing to offer me.
Because of my diabetic neuropathy, I looked on Unilocal to find a good shoe store to replace my exercise shoes. (When I was telling Kati’s father in law about the place yesterday, he mentioned that he has developed flat feet and his shoe size grew by 2 sizes in the last 10 years… I concluded that as we are aging, many of us are having issues with our feet!)
This is the note I sent to my kids:
I mentioned yesterday what a great experience it was to buy Mom’s and my shoes from Naperville Running Co.
This morning I looked up our 3 pairs of shoes on Zappos to see how much extra we paid. Whatever it was, I felt it was worth it, to get the expertise they offered.
I am happy to report that on both of our more expensive shoes ($ 120 Brooks and $ 150 Asics) we actually paid less. The list price was exactly the same but we saved an extra 10% by signing up as email customers. The Nike shoes Mom bought were $ 90 at NRC and $ 75 on Zappos.
It is also worth noting that the salesperson we had (Marisa) spent an hour with us and guided us to 3 shoes that received great reviews on Zappos for performance and fit.
It is my new favorite place to go for «tennis shoes»!

The staff was wonderful. Shannon helped fit me in a pair of Hoka’s after trying ½ a dozen other brands and styles. She made the experience comfortable for me. She listened to my personal needs and asked what the primary purpose of the shoes would be for. I will definilty be returning to Naperville Running Company for future shoe needs.

Only came in to buy some socks but I just wanted to give a shoutout to this store for their friendly employees and great location!

NRC is a fantastic store. Their customer service and knowledge of shoes and what works best for runners feet is second to none. We can go anywhere to get shoes, but can’t go anywhere else to get this level of service from a running shoe store. Their staff are runners themselves, and a lot better then I can run, but they make you feel special and taken care of from the minute you walk into the store. I have been a customer there since I ran my first Chicago Marathon 6 years ago!!!
A great independent running store in downtown Naperville.

I had an excellent experience at Naperville Running Company. I stopped in on an impulse while in downtown Naperville for other reasons since I had been having trouble with my most recent running shoe purchase. The staff there finally diagnosed my issue — being cramed in normal width shoes! While I didn’t end up purchasing there they did offer to order my size and also let me try on a bunch of different shoes. I feel like they actually listened to my concerns and didn’t just try to stuff me in shoes they had in stock and could sell me right away. I will be back for sure when I need a new pair of running shoes! Special kudos to their team — great people!

This is the kind of place that hires well. You can come in and explain exactly what you want to do or describe some issue you’re having and they can tell you exactly what you need. They aren’t pushy and they don’t try to upsell you. The prices are equal or less than everywhere else and it feels like a neighborhood place with expertise.

Can’t believe I haven’t written a review for them before. Not that they need more gushy reviews!
I have visited many times and have had all excellent experiences. I’ve brought many friends and family members to the store to get properly fitted for shoes as well. I think only one friend had an issue with the shoes they fitted for her — she started experiencing quite a bit of pain not long after wearing them around, and they were great about replacing them with a pair that worked better for her.
In my experiences anyway, either as the customer or the supportive shopping sidekick, their sales approach is completely hands off and low pressure — they will try to bring you what you ask for, they will advise qualities to look for if you are a running shoe novice and aren’t sure how to choose. But they won’t push you to pick any specific pair, they might mention the sock sale they offer when you buy shoes or note the presence of a sale rack, but they don’t pressure you to upgrade your insoles, throw on a bunch of extra purchases, etc.
There was another recentish review that talked about what high turnover they seem to have — I have seen many of the same faces over multiple visits, so that sounds odd. They do seem to hire some folks studying at the nearby college, so maybe they move on when they’re done with school?
My favorite story for them — I was wearing my first pair of running shoes for a while when suddenly I started getting blisters on the side of one foot. I brought them in to investigate the problem — turns out there was a small tear on the insole that came with the shoes. The person who helped me said he thought he said he happened to have an extra pair that would work in the shoes. I asked him if I should buy a pair of insoles that they were selling and he said the pair he was going to give me was free, so I should try that first before paying money for a different pair of insoles. I really appreciated that.
They also offer many free group runs for local runners, as well as reasonably priced programs like training for different races, improving running form, etc.
It’s located in the middle of downtown Naperville, and anyone that’s been to the area knows parking can be tricky. There are two free parking garages within a block or two of the store. Even those can fill up when it gets busy, but usually you can save yourself a lot of circling.

I received a reply/​apology from Unilocal just now and although the apology was appreciated, they said they contacted me but they have not heard back from me… Truth is I have not spoken to anyone from the Naperville Running Company, received any email, or had any other form of communication with them other than their third party apology. I run a business of my own and am readily available via cell phone, text, and email… And now this only brings my review down even further.
The problem I had with their salesperson was that he looked at the shoes that I had on, assumed that the previous salesperson had done his job, and then rather forcefully told me that I could take his recommendations or not… When I got home I checked my previous shoes and the ones before were not the same model and were the ones I ended up buying off of Amazon and am quite happy with. This leads me to believe that quite possibly other salespeople just rely on the belief that the previous salesperson did his job, but that is only conjecture on my part. I do know that they have a very high turn over because I don’t see many of the same faces twice and from it would seem that the owner has just lied to me or about me, but that is only conjecture as well.
I have been buying shoes from this store twice a year for the past 6 – 8 years and I have taken friends and family there. My girlfriend and I were just there 2 weeks ago. We both thought salesperson was rude, he talked me into buying shoes that weren’t my first choice, and hurt my feet as soon as I walked out of the store in them. I got home and promptly ordered the shoes I wanted off of Amazon and they are perfect. I am seriously considering not ever going back and I definitely can no longer recommend this store any longer.

I was surprised and the variety of brands to choose from. I was impressed with the overall look of the store. I was astonished and the professionalism and knowledge of the staff. It makes a difference when I have help sizing, fitting, lacing, and evaluating my footwear choices at no extra expense for the shoes.
NRC is the #1 place to buy running shoes in the area! I’ve found other places with good selections and well made shoes, but no other location that has a full staff of professionals who treat all clients with complete care.

In a very fitness-​minded community, NRC has found a perfect home. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful running and athletic store in our midst (literally right in the middle of downtown Naperville, near Washington and Jefferson). The staff is tremendous, selection fantastic, and setup for helping you find the right shoe is perfect.
Every time that I’ve been into NRC, a salesperson has approached me quickly and greeted me warmly. When I’ve been in to find a new shoe, the process is pretty in depth and their staff is so knowledgeable in helping to find what you need. They have a track right in the store to check out your gait and also a treadmill with a camera in the back to show you how you’re running and record your stride. You can try on as many styles of shoes as you like while running around the store in them to see what works best for you.
Not sold yet? NRC also has free community events all of the time. Check out their website for more details. They frequently have free runs that start from the store, and often these are hosted by shoe companies that will let you run in one of their new styles, to try them out. I’m not sure if they still do it, but last year they offered free 3 – 6 mile runs from their store every Thursday at 6:30pm. The running group was great and so encouraging. If you’re looking to train and get tired of always running by yourself, this is a wonderful way to keep motivated, make new running buddies, and get to try out new shoe styles for free!

What a great little running shop in downtown Naperville. I love this store. I would actually move closer to Naperville just so I can be closer to this store and meet other single runners. It’s that good.
The staff are super cool, all runners too and they’re pretty knowledgeable of about everything to do with running.
Although the prices are slightly more elevated compared to Road Runner sports, you’re getting quality service here and they really mean well when they’re helping out with your running needs.
They also give out military discount… sweet.

My girlfriend and I came to buy shoes because we recently started running 4 – 5 days a week. Each time we run we are in a lot of pain and discomfort. I heard about this Store from my best friend, who started running also. She bought a pair of shoes from here and saw a huge difference.
I was extremely impressed by their customer service. Unfortunately, I cannot remember the employee’s name that helped us. But he was assisting us for definitely over an hour. He was very calm and helpful. He was concerned that the shoes my gf chose weren’t the best, so he did everything possible to find the perfect pair. Even when walking with my new shoes, I can see a difference and it feels great!
I definitely recommend this place. Their products and customer service are outstanding.

First of all — I did not buy shoes. My boyfriend was there to do so! But, I tagged along and was able to experience the wares & customer service.
I was NOT disappointed! Everyone was helpful and full of useful information, but not sales-​pushy. Even though I was not the shoe-​purchaser, they included me in conversations and talked to both of us. It was nice.
If I ever decide to run (in event of zombie apocalypse) I will return for shoes!

If you are serious about running in any capacity, you need to come to Naperville Running Company.
The staff will assess and fit you for your needs. I trust these people because they are proof that their product works! I’ve been here twice, and you can tell that the entire staff is made up of runners. Kind of a good thing with a business like this.
I took a buddy here because he’s been having some back and foot problems while running.
Prices range from $ 100-​$ 180 for shoes. Here’s my thing: you can go to a big box store and maybe pay $ 60 dollars for a decent pair of running shoes. They might not fit your gait or have the correct support, but you won’t die if you go out running. The probability of you getting older (fact of time) and injury occurring increase exponentially with this very fact. So, why not be properly fitted, pay a bit more, and have the shoes (most likely) last a bit longer because you’ll take more care of them?
This is a runner’s paradise! Full disclaimer: I do not believe long distance running is the best tool for fat loss. That does not mean it is an excellent cardiovascular and mental tool for anyone out there, because it is.
It’s worth it to go here if you are serious about running.

As most others are saying, more positive reviews aren’t really necessary here, but I’ll still share my story.
As a North Central College runner, my feet had a rude awakening to the mileage increase come my sophomore year. Time after time, I went to Dick Pond as I always had, and shoe after shoe suggestion, they never got better.
I was beginning to think that my feet were indeed injured, not stressed, until I went to Naperville Running Company. Amber (my teammate at the time), came out balancing at least 12 different pair of shoes, and I finally settled on the Brooks Adrenaline. Nearly ten years later, I still buy the same pair (and thoroughly look forward to the wild colors they now produce to!).
I also love that they partner with local businesses. I know that they offer discounts to NCC alum, as well as members of the Edward Health and Fitness center, which is super neat.
Their current location is ultra cute, with a track and all, and everyone there knows their ish. I owe Naperville Running Company for saving my feet, and bringing joy back to running again!

Do you guys even need another five star review? Let’s be real.
I had no idea that I was an overpronator until I came to NRC. I’ve always been active and assumed that my knee problems stemmed from the fact that I hate wearing pants; I can’t be the only one who has a grandmother who insists that knees need to be covered lest you get early onset arthritis. Not only did I find a pair of super comfy shoes with just the right amount of stability, I was greatly inspired by the woman helping me. She had just completed her first ironman and while my half marathon doesn’t exactly compare, it was definitely exciting to hear about all her runs and the training. These people are straight up amazing and I definitely felt their positive energies rubbing onto me.
I did feel a little shopper’s remorse after I walked out, but after I did a quick web search for the same shoe, I actually couldn’t find a better deal online. Amazing.