Road Runner Running Store

The staff is amazing and so knowledgeable! Have been coming here for years and I love it. Thank you to everyone who works there! Best running shoe selection!

I was visiting RVA from out of town, and stopped in Road Runner to try on a pair of shoes that isn’t carried anywhere near me. Upon entering, a man (who called himself the manager) was interviewing a woman to hire, which included telling her in a bravado drenched voice that «All the men that work here are lean, fit and pretty fast» so that might make her uncomfortable. I tried to place my jaw back in it’s socket as she uncomfortably laughed it off.
My salesman was exactly that, a predatory used car salesman type who wouldn’t stop doing his best Captain Morgan stance over the top of me while I was trying the shoes on. I explained I just wanted to try on this pair of shoes, and why. I run ultramarathons, strictly trail, and I needed a specific shoe for my purpose. When I tried on the shoes and they didn’t work, the man continued to try to bully me into buying waterproofing spray, socks, and then another pair of shoes I specifically did not want that weren’t even in store. After politely refusing multiple times he expressed his disappointment in me; «You really seemed like a gambling type to me. Those are the shoes you need.» When he tried to mansplain (again) what trail running was and how it worked, I called Fleet Feet from inside of the store to see if they had what I wanted, and promptly left for there.

Won’t buy shoes anywhere else. Brandon was great, pulled 5 or 6 pairs of based on what I needed and my budget. Love the shoes, experience was awesome. Buy your shoes here, your feet will thank you.

Went in looking for advice and shoe ideas more than to purchase. Sales people were knowledgable and gave me a lot of time and ideas even though the store was busy and I was upfront on my intention to not purchase. Great staff, very friendly, and prices are on par with similar focus stores.

Staff is great and extremely friendly and helpful. I was visiting from out of town and even joined their Monday night group run at 7. They welcome all paces and keep you motivated throughout the run. I felt very welcomed and it was clear that the staff has a passion for fitness and do a wonderful job!

I was able to get fit for a pair of shoes. They took time to fit me and gave me several to choose from. The store was a little busy but they had time for me. Getting to the store was a little hard. That could be cause it was a weekend and the shopping area around them was really busy.

Road Runners is now and will always be my go-​to for running shoes and gear.
Aside from the helpful sales associates and fabulous selection of shoes — the store stands by their products.
I trained and ran in the Monument 10k last year in a pair of Saucony shoes fitted for me at Road Runners. After having some non-​running related foot issues, I went back to Road Runners before training for the 10k again to purchase a pair of shoes that my podiatrist recommended. Worst. Decision. Ever. My feet and knees were in excruciating pain. I went from enjoying running to unable to get over two miles without tears of pain and frustration. I truly believed that my running days were over.
As a last resort, I took my shoes back to Road Runners seeking advice and they exchanged my torture devices for a brand new pair of different shoes! I fully expected to completely finance a new pair of shoes especially because the pair I had bought had been worn and were nearly a month old. Road Runners made getting back on my feet again not only a drama free experience but also an enjoyable one. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Supporting local businesses is always wonderful, but it is extra special to support a store as great as RRRS. They have become our go-​to for running shoes and gear over the last year and a half, and I don’t think we will ever look back.
Every time I have gone in, someone has immediately offered assistance. Instead of just grabbing the first shoe that *might* work, there are always lots of options brought out to experiment with. With there help, I realized my old running store put me in the wrong size shoe! Talk about a life altering change when you are logging tons of miles marathon training. The staff are also really friendly and eager to fill you in on running events/​locations throughout Richmond. Highly recommend them for all your running needs!

I still feel the same way about Road Runner as I did in my previous review; however, I am taking them up a star overall because today I had an unusual issue that could’ve easily gone against my favor, but they went above and beyond to make sure I was pleased. You just don’t get service like that every day, and I completely appreciated it!
Because of that, I will be a customer for life.
Thank you, Road Runner!

Super friendly staff with a wealth if knowledge on all products. Vast selection of both shoes and attire for all tour running needs. Pop in and look at the black board for future events and races.

I am new to the area and had an awesome store I went to for running shoes back in Roanoke. I needed a new pair so decided to try this place out.
I was helped right away by a very nice guy. Wish I got his name so I could give him the mad props he deserves. He was extremely knowledgeable and spent plenty of time with me to find the right pair. He didn’t make me feel rushed even though it was a busy Saturday afternoon.
Will definitely be back in a few months after I wear this pair down.

I’m new to running, but when my toes started to go numb while jogging I knew it was time to go shoe shopping. Thanks to all the great reviews I decided to check this place out.
I was quickly greeted at the door and was asked if I could be helped. I was evaluated barefoot, then with a pair of «plain» running shoes. I was able to try several different shoes that might meet my needs before selecting the pair I wanted. There was no pressure to buy. I was even offered time to think about it if I wanted. I ended up with a great pair of Saucony’s and will definitely be back!

This store is exactly what is expected from local business running stores. The staff was more than knowledgeable about their shoes and running in general because they were speaking from personal experience when giving suggestions. The icing on the cake was that the shoe I wanted I’ve only seen in all black, here they had it in other colors. Great store with a great staff.

I am very impressed with this store! As soon as I walked in I was greeted and asked if I needed any help (I surely did!). I’ve had shin splints for as long as I can remember, and while the minimal-​style shoe seems to work best, I’ve been looking for something with just a little more cushion – but not much. Other reviewers have pointed out that they watch you walk/​jog which is it what happened with me as well, and then after a few questions, the guy assisting me offered some suggestions. But here’s what makes this place special:
For the *first* pair of shoes the guy recommended, he walked to the clearance rack. I went into the place expecting to pay about $ 100 – 120 for a fancy pair of shoes, and I walked away paying $ 50! I tried on 3 different pairs, but ultimately I liked the first pair best.
They might not have gotten the most money out of me today, but they definitely gained a loyal, long time customer. Great employees make this a great place.

After going to the mainstream footwear stores to look for running shoes, it was time that I had taken advice from some serious runners. Footlocker, Champs, and sadly, even Dick’s Sporting Goods were not very much help in determining what were my proper needs when it came to this category. I had worked at Champs Sports years ago, and my knowledge of footwear had surpassed the part-​time employees «wealth of knowledge». I wont knock those places if you’re looking for some dope J’s or some Air Max 95’s, those are the spots to look for the latest colorways and models.
But yea…
I had been told to check out Road Runner in Carytown, so I took that advice. Shortly after entering the store, I was approached by a lady that asked if she could assist. I mentioned my dilemma in needing to find some good kicks to run in. She asked, so I told her my expected distances and surfaces I would run on, and next she watched me walk bare-​footed in the store. She was able to tell me what style of running shoe and support would work best for my needs. I will admit, I am very particular when it comes to spending money on «wants» vs. «needs», so she brought out about 4 different styles of shoes, and 1 style she had brought out 3 different colors. Needless to say, I took my time and walked/​ran throughout the store. She had to assist other people, but she did make it a point to check in on me as I was determining what shoe I wanted. After nearly 40 minutes or so, I had finally found the right shoe! Unilocal even offers a 10% off check-​in coupon which I had noticed once I got good GPS signal to check in!
This store is a must-​visit spot if you are in the market for running shoes. They take the time to assist you with your needs, and have a great deal of patience being that most shoppers are expected to try out several different models of shoes to find what meets their liking the most. After I wear out this pair, I will definitely be revisiting this store for the next pair

As a new runner, i entered Road Runner with little expectations as to what type of service i would recieve. I left the store with expectations i believe few company’s can meet. This is a great store. The staff was curtious, knowledgable, and patient. I asked alot of questions towards regaurding the many different shoes and was appreciative of the patience and service that was provided to me. No pressure to buy anything, although i did, and definitly no rush to get me in and out quickly. A truely good shopping experience for both new and experienced runners.

Amazing… I’ve lived in 3 different states and this is by far the best store visited.

If you are looking for anything having to do with running gear, you should not go anywhere else beside Roadrunner. This is hands down the place. If you buy running shoes, they pay attention to your feet, how you walk, how you run, etc. They even go so far as to have you run laps around the store.
In terms of running apparel: great selection, but wish there were more stuff made in the U.S.
Someone asked me if they are more expensive than the athletic chain stores around the area. Absolutely not. You spend the same here as you would anywhere else, but the selection is actually better at Roadrunner. They are also a fantastic resource for runners – ask them anything. They even encourage you to get involved in the community by signing up for weekend races.
Also, good with exchanges. I had to exchange a sports bra, and they were 100 percent cool with it. No questions asked. I love that.

I’m new to running and doing my first 10k so I stopped in for new shoes after hearing multiple recommendations.
I was helped by Andrew who was really patient and listened to me when I talked about concerns I had and issues I had been having while running. Like others said, you walk/​run around their mini indoor track so they can see how your feet land. Turns out I’m a neutral runner– learn something new everyday! After that, he had me try on about 5 different shoes until I found the right fit and didn’t try to pressure me into buying a pair or brand I wasn’t comfortable in.
I left feeling good about my purchase and with a little extra running knowledge (runners loop so my shoes are tied tight in the right places!).
All in all — I’m a fan!

The personal/​customer service in this store is not to be matched. They have a small indoor track, watch you run and then make recommendations for shoes based on… well, I don’t know, the voodoo that they base it on. The way your foot lands, pronating, etc. Things I can’t see or verbalize, but they can. You can try on all of their suggestions, run a little and see what works for you. Great system. They have never steered me wrong.
And the whole thing really pisses me off. I want to go in and buy those really styley shoes with the greens and pinks and browns but no. The shoes that work best for my feet are always the most boring, generic lookings things imaginable. I know I won’t get shin splints, that my feet will be supported, that I will be less likely to injure myself with a shoe that really works for me blah blah blah.
Please, Road Runner, please encourage Brooks to make their next generation Adrenaline really snazzy.
See you in a couple weeks for a new pair.