5 star customer service. They brought out ~7 different pairs of shoes to see which ones felt best, analyzed my walk, and answered all the questions I had. Will be returning for future pairs of running shoes! read more

I stopped by The Running Center today as I've needed a new pair of workout sneakers. My go-to brand is Asics, but I was told that they didn't have any in stock. After doing several things to check my feet stability and gait, the salesperson (I wish I remembered his name because he was so helpful and patient) brought out 4 different brands and styles of sneakers for me to try on. All were very comfortable with each one fitting as good or better than the next. I finally chose a pair of Saucony sneakers, and I can't wait to start using them. I know that if for some reason they don't feel comfy, I can return them within 30 days. So, I always feel confident when buying sneakers here. Some might find it a little pricey, but I think it's a great deal knowing that I've purchased excellent quality sneakers for my feet from knowledgeable staff. I highly recommend The Running Center for sneakers to exercise/run in or for casual wear. read more

Running Center - Shoe Stores Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Running Center is our "go to" place to buy running/ walking shoes! We found this place after one of the high school coaches sent our daughter there for track spikes. I was so impressed with their customer service and gait expertise that we haven't shopped for athletic shoes anywhere else. They are worth the extra drive and time. I can buy Brooks running shoes other places, but Running Center has been so good about keeping my feet in good shape that I just prefer to stick with a place that really cares about you. Our son has very large, hard to fit, feet and they have been able to properly fit and special order shoes for him with ease. We had such difficulty prior to finding this store. For years, I was wearing the wrong shoes, but because they were my size, and a pricey brand, I didn't question whether they were right for my feet. It was only when I took my daughter in for her spikes, that they told me that my shoes weren't fitting my gait very well. They were Nike, but I realized that yes, my feet were NOT happy. I bought my first pair of Brooks that very day and now I come in religiously to update them after they hit their mileage. Did you know that you shouldn't wear your exercise shoes for everyday? I didn't until they told me. ‍ Did you know that your shoes wear out before they look worn? The expertise by the entire staff is what keeps us coming back over and over again. I may pay a few dollars more than if I ordered online, but I wouldn't get the customer service that we've come to trust if I went that route. They have a seriously generous return policy. I have used it exactly once! I tried a different shoe that fit well in the store but after 4 miles in one day I knew I'd made a mistake. Even though it was my poor decision, they took those shoes back and got me back into the right ones immediately. There's a running shoe store at International Mall but they don't come anywhere close to the knowledge and service that we get from Running Center. That store may be flashy and have a juice bar but that's it. All shiny and nothing where it counts. We are happy to shop here and I just picked up my latest pair today!! I can't wait to take them for their spin tomorrow!! Whether it's shoes for student athletics or just for you to feel good wearing, The Running Center is exactly what you need. read more

Running Center - Brooks - Shoe Stores Near Me - Tampa, Florida

I wanted to confirm I was running in the appropriate running shoe, therefore a sneaker store at the mall wouldn't have cut it. The Running Center did not disappoint. Upon my arrival the staff was courteous and attentive. Chloe was helpful, measured my feet, provided an assessment and confirmed I was wearing the appropriate running shoes. Although they did not have the size I needed in stock she ordered them to ship tomy house free of charge and three days later I have my shoes! read more

Running Center - Brooks Adrenalines! - Shoe Stores Near Me - Tampa, Florida

This is a great resource for Tampa's running community: good selection of clothing and shoes and knowledgeable staff.

Best shoe fittings in town! The salespeople urge you to try a variety of brands and types to assure you get the right shoe. A+

Running center may not offer the same volume of shoes as other high end stores like fit2run, but they more than make up for it in the service department. Fit2run and RC are two of the better known running shoe stores in the bay. Having tried both, the running center gets a slight edge, primarily for the attention a quality service that I received from RC. I've been experiencing arch pain on my right foot, (a common issue for runners). I was advised by Fit2run to try an insole that would provide a better arch support. Long story short, my foot pain only got worse after a few months using the insoles, so I decided to try RC. Bob at RC gave me a foot analysis and recommended a neutral shoe with less arch support. He felt the insole had too much support and added to the pain. He let me run outside to test out the shoes and offered tips and great service. Unfortunately my pain has lingered but I've noticed improvements in my foot while using the new shoes. RC is more of a hole in a wall, but you get what you need and more. read more

My husband recently had hip replacement surgery. His podiatrist recommended the Running Center, not only because of his recent surgery, but because of his other foot issues. He loved the shoes he bought. A couple weeks later I also bought a pair of shoes. Chloe analyzed my gait and recommended Hokas. Loved them so much we went back and bought a second pair. The staff is very knowledgeable and can recommend the right shoe for you. You can pay a few dollars less at Dicks but the knowledge the staff has at this store and the quality of the products they store is worth the extra 5 bucks. Support local businesses!! This one is definitely worth supporting!! read more

Great store. Lindsay is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Her Advice is spot on. I stepped in to pick up some supplements and walked out with new socks, a better understanding of my running posture, a new brand of shoes to fit my running style and hopefully a place I can continue to buy from. Mike was great too. And Bill the owner was around and also friendly. By all means shop here for your running needs! (They offer military discount here) read more

Running Center - Shoe Stores Near Me - Tampa, Florida

When you check in on Yelp you get a 10% discount coupon I was at TACE on Saturday and happened to see this Running shop and decided to stop in. The owner was super friendly and helpful. He asked and answered questions. He was interested in me not only as a customer but as a fellow runner. He asked where I lived and run. I told him the Riverview/Brandon/Valrico area does not have good areas to run like the North part of the county, St. Petersburg, or Clearwater. He did give me a tip for an area in Valrico that I will definitely check out in the near future. I'm so glad I checked in on Yelp because I received 10% off of my total. They had a wide array of running shirts, bras, socks and shorts. They also will perform a gait test on you in the store to help you purchase the perfect sneaker for your feet. Great Shop! read more

Dustin was very knowledgeable, helpful and patient with my shoe selection. When you shop small and local there is always such a huge difference in the quality of service compared to a big box retailer. I highly recommend this store and will definitely be back. read more

Chloe was so helpful! She really took time to explain why she picked the shoes she picked for me to try. I feel like I learned a lot about what I needed, and was in no way shamed for being ignorant as a newer runner! read more

Bill is a personable, knowledgeable runner, examined my stride & pronation thoroughly.. I will continue to share my money with him. Only one area for improvement- a means for custom insoles on site. read more

This is bar none the greatest running store in existence. They have an amazing selection of shoes, every running related product you could ever dream of, and the staff is composed of very friendly runners of all ages. Skip the big Wal-Mart like chains and visit this independently owned shop. read more

I'm not a runner, but I am a very active and I always struggle with what sneaker to buy. My struggle ended the day I walked into the Running Center. The staff will analyze the way you walk, will have you run on a treadmill for further analysis, and will ask you a bunch of questions about the life of your feet. So what you ask? The people that work here know about feet, shoes, and how the two should pair up. They will set you up with footwear that actually suits your needs. The service is beyond umpeccable (I think Lindsey was the name of the young lady who assisted us), and they really know thier stuff. The price of the footwear is a bit higher than what you would pay at a big box sports store, but the quality of the shoes sold here seem to be better. The addage "you get what you pay for" is true. If you aren't involved in a lot of exercise you probably don't need the running center. If you do exercise, I highly recommend trying the running center. Your feet will thank you! read more

I'm not a runner (yet) but aspire to be soon. I did some research and located this store . I was impressed with the knowledge and favorable reviews , so I invested the hour plus drive to get there. The staff was incredible ! They were very knowledgeable and seasoned runners that not only knew what my feet needed , but were accommodating and friendly to someone like me who isn't a super runner , or even a casual one. My feet have never feet so good ! I was so happy I ended up getting 2 pairs of shoes. These guys know their stuff , even when I didn't have a clue. Thank you Running Center , I'll definitely be back ! read more

I went to The Running Center to get a good pair of running shoes because I was training for my first half marathon. The experience was sorely lacking, to say the least. The guy helping me basically threw a pair of shoes at me, said they were the only shoe for my foot, and acted like he wanted me out of the store as fast as possible, even though I was the only customer there. All my attempts to engage in polite conversation were met with monosyllabic answers. I have shopped at other running stores before and since, and this is not the service you should expect from this kind of establishment. The one point in their favor is that all their shoes are the same price to keep you from buying a shoe based on price. But I'll pay more money to have my foot and stride properly evaluated elsewhere. read more

I went in to pick up my bid for the 5K Manatee Run and had a few questions about training and everyone there was very nice and eager to answer my questions. The next week I went in to purchase some insoles for my new running shoes and I am glad I did! Thanks for the hook up. Looking forward to shopping there in the near future. read more

I went in with questions and received plenty of attention and answers. I was helped and did a quick run on the treadmill to see how I run. The young lady helped me choose the perfect shoe for a decent price. I'd come back here again. read more

I'm always hesitant about running stores, I feel like most people that work there are not as knowledgeable as they'd like us to think they are. HOWEVER, I had been having some serious problems with my feet, with feet pain during runs over 8 miles and I was set to run the Goofy this past weekend at Disney (The 1/2 on Sat and full on Sunday!) I went in with my old shoes in hand and the two girls that helped me were AMAZING. I'm certain they didn't know what to do with me...the wear on my shoes they said they'd never seen before!! They did tell me that the last version of the Brooks I had were known to NOT be all that good...they put me in the 17s with a cushion insert and I thought I felt a difference right away. They were leery of me wearing these new shoes for my races but I honestly had no choice! For my 13.1 on Saturday I had ZERO foot pain...and on Sunday, the pain didn't start until mile 20, and it was NOT as bad as I had previously experienced in my other shoes and inserts! I want to go back in and give them huge hugs!!! I was so afraid I'd never ever run pain free again, but this weekend showed me otherwise!! These people know their stuff and I couldn't thank them enough!! read more

I really like this independent running store. The owner, Bill, is very proud of everything about his store. He's very knowledgeable about all of the product in the store, and his knowledge extends to a runner's feet. While he has a treadmill to analyze the stride and pronation of each customer, he also does a lot of it by looking at the stance and stride of the person while standing and walking in front of him. He takes great care to ensure that each person is taken care of individually. It's a smaller store so doesn't have the massive selection you might find at larger box stores, but the care and time put into the customer experience here makes it worth going back. read more

In my opinion, the best run store in Tampa Bay. Staff is knowledgeable and helpful, decent selection of shoes and gear, and I appreciate their military discount...worth the little extra drive I have to make to get there. read more

If your a runner this is the store for you. Most runners know the importance of a well fitted running shoe for comfort and to reduce injury. Unlike the larger running store I got the personal attention I needed to find the right shoe for me. The staff did not use strong sale tactics nore did they try to up sale me. I left with a wonderful pair of new shoes for my next race! read more

Excellent! I decided it was time for a new pair of shoes. I was excited to be immediately offered a customized fitting session where I found the most comfortable pair of shoes I've ever been in. It's because they were fitted properly to my specific gait, size, and the way I bare weight. The owner and associates gave me individualized attention and were very knowledgable. I typically rummage through sale racks to get a good deal, and I decided to "bite the bullet" for a better shoe- but it turns out their prices are very competitive! The owner is an industry guru-he even took time to help me find the type of race I'd like in the area. read more

My first visit today. Lindsay helped...she was great! Analyzed the wear pattern on an old pair of shoes to ensure any issues were addressed. Measured my feet...never knew one was bigger than the other! A new pair was ordered for me, in a color I chose. I look forward to getting them in and wearing them. In the meantime, I could not be happier with the great customer service from a professional, knowledgeable person. I might add, I am not a runner...just someone with feet that offer challenges for fitting in a good shoe. This store is the perfect example of how to run a business! Thank you, Lindsay, for a great experience! read more

Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Their "fitting" computer showed me, for the first time in my life, that my leg problems may be from improper fitting. No sales pressure on any particular shoe or price point...they just listened to my story and my goals, brought out a few samples, explained the reasons for each shoe and earned a customer. Thank you! read more

The Running Center, at first glance, appears to be a hidden jem tucked inside one of Carrolwood's small plazas. Considering I always perfer to give my money to an indie store whenever possible, I figured this store would fit the bill. Unfortunately, this store has absolutely no stock whatsoever. Many of the shoes they carry are outdated, the staff is a little too shady on what *they* think you need, and the owner doesn't really seem "into it." While he may love to run, he doesn't seem to like "running" a running store. In fact, the store gives off that "as soon this stock is sold we're shutting down" sort of vibe. In my humble opinion, that's not really the type of place I trust. Sorry Running Center, but I'll take my hard earned money elsewere. read more

This place is great. I stopped in to be fitted properly for running shoes, and they looked at the tread on my old shoes to check for over- or under-pronation or heel-striking, assessed my gait and measured my feet, then recommended two shoes that would be good options. They have a treadmill in-store so you can try out the shoes, and also have a generous 30 day return policy in case your shoes don't work out. Both the salespeople (one of whom is also the owner) I spoke to were very knowledgeable. To top it all off, afterwards I checked the price of the shoes I bought here versus Amazon's price, and these guys were spot-on. I like being able to support a local business, especially when they offer great service and competitive prices! read more

We shopped at six stores that specialize in running shoes. The staff of each had no real experience with the track shoes we were looking for. We arrived at the Running Center late on a Sunday and were met with experiences staff that spent so much time with my Granddaughter to find a shoe that she needed. They had to special order her shoes. I will skip the other sports stores and shop at this location for all my granddaughters track needs. read more

Just got back from the Running Center. Very attentive people and a great selection of shoes. They did a gait and foot pressure test and fitted my son perfectly for cross country running. Highly recommend. read more

What a great customer service and nice store! Got the perfect running shoes here! I will be back as soon as I need my next pair!