I live in Chicago, but was visiting family and decided to stop at Runaway shoes on the suggestion of my father. Cheaper sales tax for the win!
They were pretty busy for a Saturday morning, so I had to wait a few minutes to be helped, although I was acknowledged right away and the sales associate said she'd help me in a minute. I came in with an idea of what shoes I wanted, and told her so. She took a look at the shoes I currently had and explained they were a different type than what I was looking for, at which point I explained those weren't working for me so I wanted to try something.
As the store was busy, two of the sales associates 'tag teamed' working with me, which I didn't mind because both were friendly and I didn't have to keep repeating what I was looking for. They both listened as I explained what worked (and didn't) with my current shoes and what I was looking for in new shoes (I'm coming off a tibial stress fracture, so I need cushioning). I ended up getting the BRAND NEW Brooks Levitate, which they told me was first being offered that day (whoop whoop!).
They were also understanding when I explained I was from Chicago and, if there was an issue with the shoes, I likely wouldn't be able to bring them back within the period for returns. They were nice enough to put a note in the system to extend that period until I was up next, as long as the shoes were still in good condition.
Overall, they were incredibly helpful and offered good advice in picking out a shoe. I never felt rushed (even though they were busy) or pressured to pick the higher end shoe (I came to that conclusion on my own). Even though I don't live in the area, I'd definitely go back there if I had the chance. read more