Super quaint locally owned running store in midtown Phoenix. I am an avid runner and have shopped at just about every other running store in the valley. Pricing is pretty much the same wherever you go. What sets Runners Den apart are the experienced and expert runners that work there. They might not have the fancy treadmills and screens to evaluate your form. But running on a treadmill in front of an 18 year old that hasn't ran more than a 5k in their life doesn't do you any good. And in the end they always try to upsell you a shoe insole that will cost you an arm and a leg. At Runners Den they take you out to the street and watch you run and allow you to take the shoes for a quick test run before you make the purchase commitment. This store is meant for real deal runners. I will not buy my running shoes anywhere else! When you stop in say hey to Craig. He always has a good story and joke to tell and can teach you a mean runners knot. read more

This store knows running. I recently started running again and needed some new shoes as my knee was bothering me. I did a lot of research online and was all set to pretty much buy the most expensive shoes out there. Why? Because they're the best right? Well, there are so many choices nowadays that I was a little overwhelmed. So I decided to go to the Runner's Den because I heard such great reviews. I walked in and the sales associate asked me questions about my background, mileage, etc... He had me remove my shoes and examined my feet. He then had me walk back and forth. He quickly noticed a slight anatomical difference in the foot on the leg that was giving me knee pain. He also measured my feet and found my left one to be 1/2 size larger. He suggested three different models that would be ideal for me. I told him I was partial to Saucony so he grabbed me a pair. I put them on and we went outside and I ran back and forth on the sidewalk. They felt great. The best thing is was the model which was best for me was the $99 one - not the $140 one I would've purchased if on my own. I'm a mid-foot striker with little pronation issues. Most of the expensive shoes are for heel strikers or those with pronation issues. I also purchased a shoe 1/2 size larger than normal as I've always been trying to fit my larger foot and compromising on overall comfort. I've been wearing shoes too small for me in the past. It's a small store with an excellent reputation so you may have to wait if they're busy. Also, you'll pay retail prices. However, I saved in the long run by buying the shoe that was right for me. I love this store and my new shoes! read more

I went to Runner's Den for my first time today, and had a great experience. I was helped by Craig, who asked me a few basic questions about running to help determine what kind of shoe I need. Next, he watched me run in the shoes I was wearing and then recommended three pairs to try. He watched me run in each pair and I decided on a pair of shoes that feel great. Well, stupid me, I forgot my debit card so they held my shoes while I went home to get it. When I returned later, Craig was helping other customers, but Nate helped me out by answering more questions I had. I ended up switching to a different model of shoe than I had originally wanted, and I walked out happy with my choice. Both employees were really friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. I'll definitely be back. Thanks, Runner's Den! read more

Runner's Den is more than just my running shoe store, they are so very important to the running community here in Phoenix. From sponsoring races and and having running groups to train with for an upcoming run, they're the best in the Valley. I highly recommend stopping by this local shop for your running needs - and get out there go! read more

I bought a pair of running shoes here last november(2009). After a short wait it was my turn. .The young woman asked me to walk away from her and back and then said she knew exactly what type of shoe I needed. I had told her that I didn't want to spend too much, since I was new to running and not sure how much I'd do, and she brought out shoes in the price range I expected ($119.00) and they fit fine. I've worn them in a couple of races and I love t.hem. The give me the right support and are totally comfortable. Great socks, too. This is a great store, but as another reviewer said, parking is almost non-existent. Would have 5 stars if parking was better. read more

My mom bought a pair of shoes at the Runner's Den and was improperly sized. The shoes were only worn once and the manager is not willing to return the shoes. It appears to be the work of a deceptive employee backed by the manager. Buyer beware. read more

This place is FANTASTIC. They offer better advice than any podiatrist I've ever been to, and are so genuine and honest with their advice and recommendations. Don't go anywhere else for shoes, ever! read more

Runner's Den is the place you want to go when looking for your next pair of running shoes and new active gear. The customer service there is second to none! The one-on-one experience was phenomenal. They work with you to find the best fit and there is no sales pressure at all during the process. They take their time in assessing your needs, they encourage trying on several shoes, watch you run in them, ...it's incredible! I will be definitly be back when I need a new pair of running shoes. read more

Anyone that runs frequently should been fitted for shoes here. They are very knowledgable and their prices are reasonable.

Thank you Runners Den! My husband recently purchased a Garmin 910 for me and I have been using it religiously. This morning, for whatever reason, it crashed and would not transfer data to my computer. I tried to reset it myself, didn't work. I called Garmin (35 minutes wait time to talk to anyone). I tried to email to get help from Garmin (3 day wait). I have a race on Sunday and really needed some help so I took it back to Runners Den where my husband bought it. They called the Garmin rep and got them to replace it for me so I had a working Garmin for my race. They were very responsive, friendly and helpful! Definitely going to keep going there! read more

I love how knowledgeable and friendly the employees are. Always leave with a great shoe and really feel like I am taken care of. Have been coming for 3+ years and will continue! read more

top notch customer service! If you want expert running guidance in terms of the best shoes...go here!

Great little store. Barry there was super knowledgeable and helped me tremendously. I am new to long distance running so the extra advice really helped. read more

Where do I even start? I love this place. Every time I have visited I feel like I'm part of the family at Runner's Den. I have been to so many specialty running stores all across America and Runner's Den is hands down the best. The staff is knowledgable and friendly and I've never felt rushed. I love all things running and I could LIVE in this store. Thanks, Runner's Den. Keep up the great work. read more

I am a 70 year old who enjoys racewalking 5 K's. After carful observation of my gait and feet, the staff person selected a pair of shoes, they were perfect! The stall are knowledgeable professionals. This is the ALL TIME best experience I have ever had when it comes to fitting athletic shoes. Thank you Runners Den! read more

I had another great experience at this store. It was close to closing time, but that didn't matter. Because I have bought numerous shoes over there, I usually know what I need. However, this time I had the added issue of shoe inserts from my podiatrist, which didn't phase my salesman one bit. He was gracious and knowledgable and I was out of there in 30 minutes or less....which was great! read more

Not much of a runner but started running on a treadmill. After 20 min my feet hurt so bad I could hardly walk. One trip to Runners Den and they hooked me up. Just finished my first Pat Tillman run and my feet are the only thing that doesn't hurt. Thanks guys. read more

Great customer service and top of the line running shoes!

you pay a bit more, but get the assistance you need from the staff to help you pick the right shoe

This is a great place to shop, unless you have to return something. I bought a pair of shoes and socks, something I have done for many years at Runners Den. After wearing the shoes a couple of times only on a treadmill, I realized they were not a good fit. I had the receipt and the purchase was made 1 month ago. My plan was to return the shoes and buy another pair with a better fit. I assumed the return would be easy. I was wrong. The store manager was very rude. He was unwilling to return the shoes and socks. Finally, he agreed to return just the shoes and said, how lucky I was that he would take back used shoes. Again, the shoes were worn inside on a treadmill a couple times. Then he asked me if there was another store that would take back old shoes? To answer his question, YES. Road Runners has a better return policy - customers do not get hassled. Plus, the prices are slightly lower. I hope this information helps. read more