The Running Lab

I have purchased shoes from the Running Lab for the past several years. Most recently I purchased a $ 150.00 gift card from the Running Lab, being that they closed the store, Californian Law requires the retailer to refund the gift card money. First and foremost before any final bills and or sale of the entity. I will call my lawyer to confirm and then proceed on collecting the value of the gift card.

This place is now closed. I’ve driven by several times and the lights are off and all of the merchandise has been moved out.

What the heck! Online hours say closes at 7. Sign on the window say closes at 7. I’m here at 6pm, having driven 30 minutes through traffic, to find this place closed. No signage to the effect. I’ve bought a few pairs of shoes over the years and had a good experience, but this is ridiculous. In this economy, if you aren’t open during posted hours, something’s wrong with your business. I guess Snails Pace will be getting my business back after all!

Came in with my husband to get a couple pairs of running shoes. We signed up for the diagnostic, which was pretty cool actually. We picked out a pair of shoes so we would have the $ 20 towards them we’d been hearing so much about. When I got home I checked our receipt and we were charged for the diagnostics with no credit towards the shoes. I went back and asked and they said they stopped doing that a few weeks back. A little warning would have been nice, and I’m kind of shocked they didn’t honor it. It kind of makes buying shoes there pointless. I would probably only recommend it for the diagnostic, but I’m pretty sure you can get that other places for free.

I walked in here pretty set to buy a new pair of tennis shoes. I was looking for a little advice on different options as I’ve been having some knee pain on longer runs. The guy working was nice enough (by nice enough I mean he wasn’t rude but I am pretty sure he was either having a really bad day or simply hates his job, I don’t think he even half smiled once). He told me it would be 20 some odd dollars to do an analysis on my gait, but if I bought shoes it would be waived. I was a little surprised (isn’t helping you pick shoes their job?), but I was pretty set on buying some shoes.
So after some measuring, some fancy sticky sheets of paper made for me to step on, and having the sales guy watch me walk (by the way, I was being fitted for running shoes, but was never once asked to run for him to look at my step or to try the shoes) I was trying on pairs of shoes. The measurement the guy took put me in a size 8 and I told him I normally buy an 8.5 to allow room for swelling. He told me I must be putting my shoes on wrong and I should get the 8.
OK, so I should have left at this point but I really wanted some new shoes. I was shocked again when I checked out and they were $ 145. For some mizunos.
I went home and tried them back on and decided that yes, they were going to hurt my toes just like the last ones, they simply weren’t big enough.
Then I looked them up online. That’s when I got really irritated. These were $ 85 shoes. They were $ 85 at every single sporting goods store and shoe store I looked up. Back to The Orange Circle I go. Here I encounter really not very friendly sales person #2. She will not let me return them. Apparently you are not allowed to return things there. She tells me «that’s not true, you can return them for store credit.»
Excuse me? That is not a return. That is an exchange. If your shoes are entirely overpriced I’m sure your other merchandise is too. I do not want it. I tell her how over priced the shoes are.
«Yeah,» she says, «we don’t lower the price as quickly as anyone else.» She won’t help me and I leave with size 8.5 overpriced shoes.
Has this place heard of customer service? Yes they stuck me with overpriced shoes and they got my money, but I will never be back.
If you love unhappy sales people and overprice merchandise that you can’t return, this is the store for you.

I can’t believe it! Finally I am wearing a running shoe that fits and feels great! Wow I am so happy that I stepped into The Running Lab. From the minute I walked into the store I knew I was in good hands. Ashley took great care of me and asked me so many questions to understand what I needed and if I had any existing challenges, she did a technical fit for me and even let me run around the block before I decided on which shoe I would be most comfortable in — just a perfect experience.
Thanks Ashley I will definitely be back to visit when I need anything running related!
Awesome! :)

These folks at The Running Lab have horrible customer service AND they stereotype you as you walk in. I was in my comfy shorts, t-​shirt and flip flops after a hard core lift class.
I came in here looking for a pair of running Asics I’m looking for. First thing that came out of the girls mouth was are you here to shop or browse around… Hello! How about a «May I help you or can I help you find the right shoe?» I was in shock and felt like I was being rushed and the owners are just chatting away at the front counter. I was in the middle of explaining to this young lady what I was looking for, when she interrupted me and said, «we have a fitting fee of $ 20. if you buy shoes from us we waive the fee, otherwise we don’t» Boloney!!! Who charges $ 20 just for fitting? I can go to Finish Line or Sports Authority and ask their customer service for any pair of shoes and they would gladly assist. For the most part or should say, I shop at
. They have OUTSTANDING customer service. I stopped here because it is very close to home and figure I should contribute to the community.

I can’t give a 4-​star because I wasn’t thrilled with my purchase, but that’s probably just because I’m not an avid runner. The girl that helped me out was really knowledgable, did an analysis and put up with me complaining about the color choices. But, I usually buy a 9.5 and she told me to buy an 11. I feel like the shoes are boats, but after talking to my runner friends, they assured me this is right. The selling style was a bit abrupt, but I appreciated the professionalism and will be back!

Never Again!
The first time I went to buy my shoes the girl was very nice. Well it turn out the running shoes they recommended weren’t the perfects shoes. I went back to exchange them. They were not nice at all, I didn’t get the same attention I got the first time. At first, the girl was being very pushy trying to get me keep the shoes I had bought. I’m sorry but if I don’t like the way my running shoes feels why should I have to keep them?? I was very disappointed! I expected for them to treat me the way they treated me the first time. I guess I was expecting to much. I would never shop here again for shoes. I’ll have to find another running shop!

Over two years I have been to three different stores specializing in fitting running shoes. This is the first store that really made me believe they stood behind their product. It took four fittings with three different show styles — each one I tried independently at my gym for 1 – 2 miles. The staff actually helped problem solve my issues as a team, and I am now running better than ever. It’s a big deal because I have not felt comfortable running in a long time. Thank you!

This place has an AMAZING assortment of fashionable running shoes and attire. Yes, runners love fashion … =)
They have bright blue, pink, yellow, greens… comes in Mizuno, Adias, Nike, NB … probably one of the larger selection of Mizuno’s around. I really appreciated that they had a well balanced selection between women: men’s stuff. They have a clearance section in the back where shoes are 50% off. if you’re a member the prices are even cheaper.
I didn’t realize this but there are at least 5 different ways to tie your shoe depending on your pronation and the kind of feet you have. Apparently, it allows for better running comfort. Guess I’ll have to try that out.
… as for the Unilocaler mentioning only fit people shop here — — not true. Service was good and staff was helping everyone who wanted it as they came into the store.

I stopped by The Running Lab today to look for some new running shoes. After wandering around the store looking at all the clothing and shoes, I never heard either salesperson (they both saw me walk in) say hi or offer any help. After about 15 minutes of waiting (the salesperson actually helped a person that came in after me instead), I decided to leave. It’s easier to stop by Dick’s or another sporting goods store for my running shoes and clothing. I’ll find a better selection of items and MUCH better customer service.

I like being pretentious and enjoy shopping in places that cater to one specific demographic. The running lab is just that right kind of pretentious and I thoroughly enjoy shopping for other people here. Yeah, I don’t do running. I kid. The Running Lab is great and serves to runners that like to keep it fresh even when they run. I personally enjoy wearing running clothes everywhere, so this store is quite the necessity for me. What can I say? I am a lady that likes to be prepared to run away from people and things, flying objects, motor vehicles, shopping carts, ect. I am scared. All. The. Time. So definitely come here if you are a person that likes to work out in cute running shorts, shoes, and enjoys sporting expensive leather running bags. For that one stop shop for all the running necessities, come to the lab for sure.

I feel like the only people they hire at this store are really fit and attractive people, because when I came in for a basic shoe fitting, that’s all I saw, and that’s why I give this place a 3.5.
Anyway, it was definitely the most awkward thing having a really attractive guy analyze my feet for well over 20 minutes. I think feet are disgusting. They’re the ugliest part of a human body on most people. So it was very hard not to feel awkward when he was staring at my legs and feet, and me walking, trying to figure out what shoe would fit me best. He was very professional the whole time and showed no recognition of my slightly obvious awkwardness. It was even more perfect when my phone rang in the middle of him putting on my shoe (my ringtone is «Fly like a G6»). At least he finally laughed and cracked a smile.
All the shoes were pretty pricey but what can you expect if you want a really high quality shoe that won’t cause you an injury. I was kind of annoyed that the guy wasn’t so vocal about their discount for apparel and shoes. I heard that the shoe fitting was free over the phone, but when a lady came into the store and started asking him what kind of shoe she should get, which at this point he decided to help her and leave me standing there barefoot and clueless for about 5 minutes, he told her that the shoe fitting would be free only if you bought the shoe, kind of forcing me to buy a shoe so I wouldn’t have to pay for the fitting.
Overall, the shoe fitting was really informative and helpful, but next time I really think I’d rather request a girl to fit my shoe for me. Feet are just too personal to talk about with a guy.

Du DU DUUUUUUNNN, the saga continues…
Since my mom must keep her store credit, she ordered a shoe that the other running store properly fitted her for, she gets a call saying they were in.
She then battles Chapman at rush hour arrives at the store and they tell her «oh no your shoe didn’t come in today.» She says, «But you called me and told me it did!!!»
No explanation, no I am sorry, NOTHING, blank moronic stares.
If you’ve ever traveled from the hills on Chapman to the circle during rush hour, and back, you know that that alone is enough to make you want to strangle someone.
Another thing I noticed is that this glorious retail store only stays open for 6 – 7 hours a day… seriously, who the F do you think you are???
This place REALLY SUCKS HAIRY DONKEY B***S!!!

I have to thank Unilocal for introducing me to The Running Lab! I think I saw them mentioned in a Weekly Unilocal.Perfect timing, too, since I was in the market for new running shoes.
My girlfriend and I arrived at the store around 1p on a Saturday. There were no other customers, so we were helped right away, but the store filled up while we were there. However, the shoe dudes didn’t rush us or anything and gave us their full attention.
I can’t believe I’ve never had my feet analyzed before! The process took about 20 minutes and then my shoe dude brought out the best shoes for my feet. I think I tried on 3 or 4 different pairs of shoes, running a lap around the block each time, before I settled on a pair.
The entire process was easy and fun. I only wish my shoe dude spent more time explaining what he observed from analyzing my feet. I later read through stuff on
to get a better understanding of the whole process. If you don’t want to spring for the $ 20 analysis (which is waived if you buy shoes there), there is plenty of information on
and
for you to analyze your own feet and find the right pair of shoes for you.
I would recommend The Running Lab for runners of all levels. They have all sorts of gear, too. If you need new running shoes, you might as well get the analysis done!

I am not a runner. But I want to be a runner. I might not be able to claim a whole lot of miles under my running shoes yet, but I knew I needed the right kind of shoes to help me get there.
Whether you’re a newbie like me or just completed the NYC Marathon, The Running Lab is a great place to go for shoes and gear. For one thing, it was great to get a complete analysis of my feet and bio-​mechanics, something which I’ve never done before. The analysis is $ 20, which they waive if you buy the shoes. It is a very thorough and enlightening 30-​minute process, to say the least. Cue to thoughts running through my head during the analysis:
(Wow, my feet really did grow after pregnancy… how weird, one foot is a half-​size bigger than the other… oh good, I guess my feet aren’t as flat as thought… I have to walk for you? What is this, America’s Next Top Runner… Jesus, do you really have to weigh me in public?)
Like I said, it’s a very thorough and educational experience.
The people helping me knew exactly what I needed, and after trying on a few different shoes and walking around in them, I found the perfect pair. I ran in them for the first time this morning and it felt like I was floating on air.
Considering I also want to «look» like a runner, I also needed to pick up some new running gear. The selection of running attire was very good and I managed to pick up a great sports bra, shorts, socks, and a warm long-​sleeved top, perfect for running in the cold early morning hours. I thought the prices were reasonable and the customer service was very good. They apparently have a club membership, but I believe that would be best for serious runners that go through a lot of shoes. I’m not quite there yet. Not even close. But, if anything, I know my new kicks will help me get there! My knees, on the other hand, not so much.
Suggestions if you’re going to get the analysis: wear or bring socks and wear shorts.

2^nd Visit: I had to take off a star because they were very understaffed (only two people on a Sunday afternoon) and there was quite a wait to talk to someone about shoes. They really needed at least another person to take care of quick questions and cashiering so the salespeople could concentrating on the lengthy process of analyzing people’s feet and having them try on a bunch of different shoes. If I’d just walked in wanting to buy a packet of gel I would’ve had to wait god knows how long.
Once one of the salespeople were finally able to see me, they were very friendly and helpful, but that brought up another issue that I found troubling. The last time I came here they did that feet analysis thing and I was told my feet were wide, so I got some wide Asics. Well, turns out that only ONE of my feet were wide, but they neglected to tell me that, and the narrower foot’s been experiencing problems for the past couple of months that totally make sense now. Basically, the problem the wider foot was having with tighter shoes (slight toenail trauma) wasn’t as bad as the problems the narrower foot gave me wearing looser shoes (sore inner foot, hip pain). If I’d been told that only ONE of my feet were wider, I might have thought twice about switching to a wide size. Anyway, I tried on a couple of other shoes this time and then ended up going with my old brand Saucony. It was a learning experience, for sure, but not in the way I’d intended.

I started experiencing foot pain about a month ago. I didn’t know if my running shoes were beginning to break down or not so off I went to A Snail’s Pace. My last few pairs of shoes were ordered over the phone. I’d call the store and they would order them for me. Now, I was told, they are no longer being made. Great, now I have to start the process of fitting all over again.
Instead of going back, I remembered my Unilocal buddy Steph W.‘s review of Running Lab. She wrote about a much more detailed approach to the proper fitting. As soon as I walked in, I saw what she meant. Rather then restate everything in her review (she was right on) let’s just say I was put through all of the mentioned tests and given an evaluation of the type of physical issues I have and the type of shoe I need to keep my running body happy.
Kylie took great care of me. She obviously knows her stuff and was very sweet to deal with. She did not say my previous evaluation was wrong, rather she explained what she saw and why she was recommending a completely different shoe than I have ever worn.
I feel and look good and can’t wait to try these new kicks on the mean streets of Huntington Beach.

In need of a good pair of running shoes, I ventured into Old Town Orange for a visit to the Running Lab. After a quick discussion with one of the employees, Jess, I found out that they provide custom fittings for customers. For ten dollars (waived with purchase of shoes) and about thirty minutes of your time, they analyze your feet measurements, bio-​mechanics, and even foot pressure patterns to find the best shoes to match each customer.
As promised, I was pretty much in and out of there in thirty minutes (even with several interruptions from incoming customers). After my individual analysis, I was presented with three different sets of shoes for my feet (Asics, Mizuno, and Saucony), tried each pair on, and only had to decide which pair I’d like. Jess was happy to answer all of my questions and even didn’t pressure me into a quick sale (even with several other customers waiting close by). It was really refreshing to find this level of service in a small running shop such as this one.
Anyway, the Running Lab is located on Glassell, just north of the Orange circle/​plaza, near Two Little Monkeys, Frog’s Breath Cheese Store, and across from Citrus City Grille. Not only do they have a good selection and stock of running shoes (e.g. Adidas, Asics, Brooks, Mizuno, New Balance, Nike, and Saucony), but they also carry a decent collection of running wear, accessories, and high performance foods and drinks.
If you or anyone else is looking for a good pair of running shoes, I’d quickly recommend the Running Lab. I was very impressed with their service, selection, and efficiency. I hope you are, too.
Note: their website claims they are closed on Sundays, but they’re not.