Very helpful and informative. We purchase my son's running shoes and cross country spikes from here. Always satisfied when we go there.

Rhode Runner was "AWESOME" Great ! Friendly & promt service...very helpful! Still bragging.....will definitly go back to shop more! read more

As a new runner, I had been getting a lot of pain in my legs. I went to Rhode Runner after being recommended by a friend who is training for a marathon and it was the best thing I could have done. They will have you take off your shoes and will study how you walk to determine what kind of support you need. The girl who was helping me brought back a few choices for me to try on and I was amazed at the difference. She suggested I run on their small indoor track or take a spin around the block in the sneakers to try them out. The shoes I ended up getting fit like a dream. They don't look like anything I had in mind, which is the only bummer but for the sake of my gams it is worth not having "the look" I was going for. Besides, It's probably best not to have any attention grabbing shoes while working out, best to divert any eyes away from me while I'm beat red and sweating like a whore in church. Price-wise it's fairly expensive but you are getting great quality and great service. read more

I walked into Rhode Runner a morbidly obese, middle aged person who hates running, but needs to do it. I damned near had a full on panic attack going in, because the prospect of going into a real running shoe store was really scary. After Alan took 2 1/2 hrs to properly fit me, and show me how badly I was running (*hard* heel strike, over-long stride- no wonder I had so much pain!), and how to run properly I walked out still 120 lbs overweight, and still middle aged, but with hope. He never talked down to me, despite it all, and showed me that it's possible to start running, even at my age and size. I can't say I *like* it yet, but I hate it much less than before :) He asked me a *lot* of questions, listened, and was able to translate what I said I wanted into the right sneakers for me. I figured they worked on commission, but they don't. Alan took the time to help me, when he could have easily just put me in "good enough" shoes and gotten on with his day. Instead, I left with 2 pairs of sneakers I *love*, as well as a bit more confidence about my attempt to run :) Great place, and I will definitely be going back! read more

I really love this place. It's nice to be able to shop at a locally owned business with great products and knowledgeable staff. I've been running on and off for a while now nothing marathon length but enough to keep me moving. I had a few pairs of running shoes in the past but they were always something I got on sale or bought because I thought they felt great. Finally I decided to go to Rhode Runner and speak to people who not only knew shoes but knew running. The guy who helped me took a look at my running shoes I had and also had me jog/run down the little track area they have so he could analyze my run. After that he went into the back and pulled out three different shoes all from different brands so I could try them on, he grabbed them all knowing that I didn't need much support after checking out my stride. I was able to jog down the track a bit and see what I thought and also was able to speak to them about what I liked and didn't like about each pair. I ended up buying the ones that felt the best and they told me I was able to return if they didn't look terribly worn. I went home jumped on my treadmill a few times and they were killing my feet. I brought them back to Rhode Runner (in the allotted time) and I was able to exchange them for a different pair. This pair worked out great and my feet are super happy! Thanks Rhode Runner! read more

Fantastic! I needed some help finding good running shoes after having issues with my feet and hips. I went on a Saturday and did have to wait about 30 minutes but the store is really nice and everyone was so friendly so I didn't mind. The guy who helped me was great - he asked me walk then asked if I had trouble with my angels rolling in which I do and I totally forgot to mention it to him! He quickly knew exactly what I needed and totally got the fact that I didn't want big chunky shoes either. I'm really happy with my purchase so far and the great customer service. They also have a $10 coupon through Yelp which was really nice. read more

OMG - thank goodness I complained to the right person about my sneakers not fitting or I would've never ended up here purchasing the most comfortable pair sneakers I have ever owned, and I currently have about 15 pairs. I am not a runner but, I do walk a couple miles every day and I just wasn't feeling love from any of the ones I own. I was greeted immediately by a very attractive gentleman, which has no bearing on my review, just a bonus!, I believe his name was Anthony, in any event, he was so nice and extremely helpful! He watched me walk up and down a "runway" to see my gait, measured my feet and said he will be right back...he returned with 5 different pairs of sneakers (no prices on the sneakers or boxes, but I think if you are at a specialty store it's for a reason and aren't really bargain shopping!) he sat on a stool in front of me and proceeded to put each pair on me, Buster Brown style!!! He helped me narrow down my choices and found me the perfect pair! I will never get sneakers anywhere else, definitely worth the trip!!! read more

I get all my running gear from here- sneakers, gu, fuel belts. The staff is always very friendly and helpful. They helped me find the perfect pair of sneakers. I have extremely flat feet and a bunion, but I have had no pain during my half-marathon training with the shoes that they fitted me with. Great store. Only con is very poor location with difficulty parking. read more

Where to begin? The associate Ray could not have been more knowledgeable. He checked out my gate and selected three running shoes to try I am so happy with the pair we selected. Don't forget to check in with YELP for your discount. I will go back! read more

My boyfriend and I visited Rhode Runner for the first time this past weekend. James helped us out and we had a great experience. We are new runners and have always purchased Nikes, just based on style alone. I learned that Nike wasn't a good fit for me and left with a pair of Brooks. I noticed that they didn't have prices on their shoes, so I expected to leave paying around $200 for sneakers. NOPE, $120 super comfortable and affordable. Even though they weren't very stylish, they are extremely comfortable and I have noticed such a difference on my runs already. We will definitely be back thank you! read more

A great place to have in Providence. Awesome staff as well!

I'll admit I only came here once, but that's just because I only HAD to come once. I decided I wanted to pick up running and a little research taught me I should get professionally fitted. A friend recommended Rhode Runner as the best running store in the state, and I'm inclined to agree. Even as a totally inexperienced runner, I was treated with respect and care. The staff checked out my pronation, had me try on several sizes, styles and socks, and let me take out a few pairs for test runs. I walked away with Mizuno Wave 6s that have carried me hundreds of miles beautifully. I'll absolutely come back for my next pair when the time comes. read more

People, if you are serious about running come HERE. I am not a hard core marathoner by ANY stretch of the imagination, I just need to run without pain. I was met by an experienced salesperson who took off my shoes (HINT always wear or bring your old running shoes to the store with you for this purpose), examined the treads, watched my gait, then suggested some great options. The selection is top notch, the gear is certainly a very high quality, too. Oh, and not only did I leave with a great new pair of shoes that I am happily breaking in, I got two offers for some great running clubs and lots of local race info. Just try to get even an ounce of that customer service just a few blocks away at a major chain that happens to be on Thayer. I had stopped in that chain store for all of five minutes, figured out the young salespeople there had little if any experience with running shoes, got generic advice about where to find local races, and left searching for a dedicated running store. SOOOO happy that this gem is in Providence! read more

Alex, the clerk who helped me, went ABOVE and beyond to ensure I was satisfied with my purchase. he was knowledgeable, intelligent, charming and handsome - and was very patient when I had difficulty deciding on a sneaker. BEYOND happy with my decision to chose Rhode Runner and so grateful to have Alex to help me. read more

I have gone to Rhode Runner 5 times in the 10 months I have lived in Providence and not once have I been disappointed with the experience. They have a great selection of products from compression sleeves, to clothes, to of course running shoes. The also have a great staff that is extremely friendly and very knowledgeable. I would recommend them to anyone who is a runner, whether your just starting out or are an accomplished runner. read more

I love coming here, and the fact that so many packet pick ups are on site is both convenient and dangerous for my shopping problem. The staff are so knowledgeable and encouraging, whether you're an elite marathoner or training for your first 5K. Anyone who runs RI should stop at Rhode Runner first. read more

Rhode Runner is my favorite place to buy running shoes and gear. The staff will analyze your gait on the indoor running track, and fit you with the perfect pair of running shoes to match how you run. They have a large selection of different shoes and take the time to make sure you are fitted correctly. All of the staff are very friendly, personable, and knowledgeable. They are experienced runners and seem passionate about running. RR also has a large selection of any other type of running gear you could want. I have bought running shoes from Rhode Runner several times a year for the last 2 years, and will continue to do so. Excellent service and selection! read more

Professional, courteous, uber knowledgable. The best possible service you can get when it comes to running. Worth the extra $. I LOVE supporting a local business, too. Big box stores can't compare hold a candle to this store. :) read more

Love this place. They took the time to fit both my husband and I with running shoes, and I've never been happier with a pair of sneakers!

Rhode Runner is the ONLY place I go to buy shoes. Not only do they carry the latest gear and shoes, but they are also staffed with the best runners in the area. What better people to tell you about shoes than the people who win all the races in them! The prices are very competitive and they offer plenty of perks. read more

This was the first time we went in there and they were extremely helpful. They had a nice selection of high quality shoes.

Thank you....Thank you.....Thank you! I love the sock for my plantar facitis! The new sneakers are great too! I really appreciate you giving me the discount too! I will be back to your store again. read more

Been having some trouble with leg pain with the running shoes I've been using. Saw the great reviews for Rhode Runner here on Yelp and decided i needed to go in and see for myself. The young lady who helped me out was great. Brought out 3 pairs of shoes out for me to try (all of which felt much better than my overpriced Air Max). Cant wait to get back out on the road with my new shoes. Only store i see myself buying my running shoes from here on. read more