This place is a gem. After being given the run-around at the mall, and sent on a wild goose chase to get the brand of running shoes I wanted, someone finally suggested this place. I walked in, and everyone was just so helpful. They didn't have my size in either shoe that worked for me, but ordered the right size in both, and didn't ask me to purchase in advance or anything. They called me when they got info on when the shoes would arrive, and updated me when a big storm threw a monkey wrench into the expected arrival date. They really know their stuff, and the staff are super helpful and cheery and good-humored. I walk a lot, and want a good shoe that supports me in all that walking, and I'll be coming back here to buy those shoes when the pair I just bought from them wear out. Riverside Runners has made a new customer out of me! read more

I have about 5 different brands of running shoes just sitting in my closet for various reasons. Here, Shelly measured the length and width of each foot individually, had me bend at the knee, and brought out several styles to try. We finally found a pair that I was confident fit perfectly! Also offer wide sizes which are generally hard to find at Dick's, Super Shoes, etc. which was a huge plus for me. My toes are very happy I tried this place out. read more

Riverside Runners - Shoe Stores Near Me - Lynchburg, Virginia

I would never inter Riverside runners agin in life. I took back a pair of work shoes to exchange them with the receipt, box and bag it came in plus spending the remainder of my gift card.The lady at the counter said no way you can exchange or get a gift card for them. I said no problem I will just get more socks and leave.While I'm searching for socks i over hear a conversation with the cash register lady and another customer The customer i will call Becky a nice individual said she's bringing back shoes she took off her feet in the store with no box or receipts or gift card and handed the lady her shoes. over the counter. The lady said no problem I can take care of you.Get whatever you wan. I will never ever go back in riverside runners again. No stars Shame on you cashier lady read more

My husband and I went in today - Max was phenomenal! So patient and great knowledge of their shoes and what would best fit. Grateful for Max's help!! read more

I have been buying shoes here for 3 years. They have an amazing return policy. Keep your receipt and you can return shoes within 30 days after purchase. The helpful, knowledgeable sales staff helped me choose the best shoes for walking and eventually running. read more

I now know why online shopping is so popular. It's the lack of customer service at businesses like Riverside Runners that makes sites such as Amazon, Dicks, or (insert your favorite footwear brand here) so glorious. No confrontation, no deception, no passive aggressive behavior, and a fabulous refund policy. A relative, now confined to a nursing home, was in need of footwear. Years ago she frequented RR when her health still allowed. Her visiting the store now was an impossibility so I called to see if they would accommodate us. I was aware of the no refund policy, but since my relative could not try on the sneakers at the store I wanted to ensure a refund would be granted under the circumstances. I was told, "We will work with you." Long story short, it was a lie. The footwear did not work out for my relative and RR did not stand by their words. This despite the fact that she did not take a step in either pair at the nursing facility. I wound up having to get a pair of shoes for myself as only a store credit was permitted. While we like to support local establishments, in this case, save yourself the aggravation and head for your computer. read more

Cannot say enough good things about this store and especially Donna who worked with us. She measures your feet and analyzes your stance and puts you in the best shoes for your feet. My husband's plantar fasciitis was a huge problem until she got him into Hoka's and then yesterday I bought some Brooks from her and it is like walking on pillows - I will definitely be back!! Thanks Donna and thanks Riverside Runners!! read more

Not sure about what it is here, but, since coming to Lynchburg you find yourself meeting super nice people, decent people and people who seem to want to brush you off and are a waste of their time. I met a mixture of these people in one person when I went here. They all happened in heats, in that very order, in a matter of 20 minutes. I sorely needed new running shoes after wearing down two good pairs of Brooks in two years. Spoiled by awesomeness from Jack Rabbit's in NYC, I was excited to come for a new fitting at Riverside since well... they specialize in running. In my head, I knew not too much had changed with my stride, but I still expected to be assessed or offered to be assessed at the least. I walk in and browse a little bit, and am approached by a nice young man. I told him my story and he brought me the current version of the shoe I was wearing, and a different brand with the same specs. I tried them on and felt the difference... did a mini jog in place... And felt like I was assessing myself. I asked questions, and got answers like, "Well, it's all up to you." "It's all about what you feel and what you like." Um, no. What I'd like is for you to let me know that based on the specifications of each shoe, which would be better for the way I run, how much I run and which would prevent what's bothering me when I run. When you are about to drop more than $100 on running sneakers, you need that history and education to make the best decision. He did not ask me to run around the store (or on a treadmill, which I sadly didn't see in the store...) to watch my stride, nor did he seem to understand that my older shoes caused me pain because they were over their mileage. I'd like to have a place where they hire well-knowledgeable runners as employees, or someone just plain well-knowledgeable about the products in the store. Not a fan, got more out of my own research and personal testing. read more

Came here to see an Elliptigo, with honestly less than total commitment to buying. I just wanted to see one in person and see if it was a viable idea for buying later. An hour of superb treatment by the owner and several test rides, I bought one on the spot and took it home. Focusing on the customer (ie us), explaining all the options without getting too technical, and most importantly listening to us made the sale. This was really good customer service and we plan on returning despite the distance. Store itself is clean and well organized, thoroughly stocked without being overly cluttered. We will definitely be back. read more

Awesome running store. It locally owned and operated with friendly staff. The staff make it a personal experience to help get you into the right shoe and get the gear you need to accomplish your race. A wide selection of shoes and apparel. read more

My first experience was a pleasant experience I went in the summer of 2016 and the sales person seemed knowledgable and was very helpful. I was able to find the shoes I needed that would work for my orthotic. Second experience was not so pleasant. When I went to the store I had the same sales woman from the first time. The woman measured me and brought out several pairs of shoes for me to try. The initial shoe that I tried on felt fine but she insisted that I needed a bigger size, which I understand shoe's vary, but somehow my foot had went from a 8.5 to a 10.5. I walked around in the store in the 10.5 and clearly the shoes were to big. I tried to explain to the woman that the shoes were not the right size for me but she proceeded to go back and forth with me that they were the right fit. She insisted that the 8.5 and 9's that I had tried on before the 10.5 could not have been comfortable and then she told me she couldn't sell me the shoe I wanted that was not the right size ( I don't know why you can't sell me what i ask for, if it's wrong then thats on me). I explained to her I don't understand how my foot jumped in size so dramatically and how she had previously sold me a 8.5 in the first shoe I purchased so why the change. She finally went and looked in her computer and saw what she sold me the first time so she brings that shoe out and finally we agreed on a shoe that was a size that was more accommodating to me. When I get home she had still put a 9.5 in the bag so the shoes still had to be returned. When I went back to the store a second time I had a different male salesperson who was easier to work with he re measured me but conveniently they were out of the shoe in size 9's. Finally after three trips I had a manager assist me who seemed very knowledgeable. She was able to finally get me the shoe I needed and she even looked back at my first purchase from the summer and agreed that she would not have sold those shoes to me after looking at the first shoe on my foot. I think this last visit will be my final. I understand that they may be "experts" on shoes but I shouldn't have to go back and forth with someone telling me that a shoe is to small for me when the shoe is flopping off my foot. At this point in life I know what I'm comfortable with and you can tell me that something may not be right but if I go against that that's on me. read more

This is the only place I go to now for athletic shoes. The employees are extremely knowledgeable and they have a great selection of sneakers and running shoes . They will spend as much time as you need to meet your needs. They actually measure your feet and put the shoes on you and lace them up and tie them . In my book the only place to go. read more

Excellent selection and great staff...if I do say so myself! Lynchburg's only specialty running and walking shoe store! Will treat you great from the second you walk in the door to the moment you run out in your new shoes. The new location is amazing!! read more

Bought a pair of shoes there once and never will again. I was told they could assess my stride etc. & find a shoe to help w/ my knee pain when I ran. Not only did the shoe not make any difference at all in my knee pain but they were expensive & the worst pair I have ever owned. I ended up w/ bruises on the tips of some of my toes, having to 'adjust' my toes when I ran b/c of pinching & had a bruised toenail on each foot that eventually had to fall off after running a 1/2 marathon in them. The shoes that I bought at Meijer Grocery store for a normal price w/out a 'specialist' helping me have been way more comfortable & also stood up to the pressure of my next 1/2 marathon. read more

The low rating is due to your store policy. I bought shoes for my son. I got them home and they did not fit properly. We returned to the store with the new shoes and receipt to exchange them for a pair with a better fit. The original pair was 160.00 and the replacement was 120.00. I assumed the difference would be refunded back to my original method of payment, but was informed by the manager that their return policy would not allow a refund of money and they could put the difference on a gift card. My thoughts were, "I didn't pay with a gift card." Because of this they have not only lost my business but every person I encounter I will let them know as well. Seems to me, it is more important to satisfy their bottom line then to keep a customer happy. Mind you, this was my second pair of shoes I purchased from them within 2 months, totaling close to 300.00! Had my experience been different, they would've gained a faithful customer and good word of mouth advertisement. ##notcustomerfocused read more

I tried to get waited on today at RR for a new pair of shoes. I have been fitted there before and loved the shoes and the customer service. However, today your salespeople just weren't in the mood I guess. Two of your associates were assisting other customers. Even though they walked right past me, they never acknowledged my existence. The other two were on the phone for the first 5 or so minutes I was in the store. After getting off the phones, they then proceeded to talk to each other for another 5-10 minutes. When, finally one of them came out from behind the counter, she made eye contact with me and quickly made a beeline for the customer coming through the front door. Shame on you! I try to buy local as much as I can, but I suppose I will have to start frequenting a chain store since RR does not offer customer service anymore. I will also be letting all of my friends know that since the move, it's just not the same.... read more