They go above and beyond to find an item you're looking for. Courteous and professional service. They have a wide variety of athletic wear AND will ship it to you by Canada Post. These guys helped me out, it took effort and time and I appreciate their quality customer service. read more

The best shoe shop in Toronto! This is the only place I go for running shoes. I love that they really know their stuff when it comes to competitive running but they are equally welcoming to newcomers, and just want to support the local running community. They have a great run club too, with reasonably priced coaching. read more

Top quality service , friendly ,knowledgeable,patient and unhurried. Geared to running but also fitting people with the appropriate shoe for their needs . Definitely worthwhile to experience . read more

Amazing! Great service. Helped me find shoes that are perfect for my marathon training. Lots of space to practice running in the shoes. Patient and encouraging staff. Best experience i've Had in a running store since I lived in Boston! Highly recommend. Safe space for diverse people. read more

Literally blown away by the quality of service here. The staff was knowledgeable and incredibly helpful, making me comfortable as a beginning runner. They went out of their way to get me started on this journey and I couldn't be more grateful. I will never get running shoes anywhere else. Go in and be prepared for the best customer service you've received. read more

The Running Clinics The running clinics are very supportive. The coach designs a personalized program for you, and you are assigned a group that runs at your current mileage and pace. For the very slow runners there is always a club member to accompany you and you are never left to run on your own. The clinic really does their best to accommodate your ability and pace and they give really good tips on training and injury prevention. The yearly clinic is a fraction of the cost of a gym membership or a yoga membership, so if you would like to start running or if you like to run in a group, this is a great place to go. The Shop Gear The store is small but it only stocks high-quality gear. The clothes are designed to last more than one season and are priced accordingly. You really have to go into the store as the website isn't really an accurate representation of their inventory. If you are buying a pair of shoes - whether you are into a high-end motion-control shoe or are looking for a minimal shoe - the store only stocks items that have been thoroughly tested by the runners. The sock selection is amazing, and there is a good selection of compression gear. The staff don't try to make you buy things, rather, they ask you your needs and recommend accordingly. read more

This is where I bought my most recent pair of running shoes and I will be back for sure. The staff are very attentive and know the mechanics of running. They take a look at your feet and current shoes (if you've brought them) as well as your stance and gait, AND they ask you about any injuries you've had. Only then do they start bringing you shoes to try on, and they don't stick to just one brand, they bring you whatever they think would work best for your feet. I tried on several pairs and was encouraged to go run up and down the hall to get a feel for them before choosing a pair. The shoes I got are awesome, very comfortable and have decreased the aches and pains I was having with my old shoes. They also do running clinics on a regular basis which are suitable for a range of runners (beginners to marathon-level athletes). I haven't gone to any of them but I do like that they offer them. Like the other reviewer (josephine h.) I took off a point because of the selection of clothing. They do have some great stuff at reasonable prices, but the store is pretty small, so if you're looking for a running jacket or a sports bra, you might have better luck at a bigger store. I highly recommend going here if you need running shoes! read more

Best place to get the proper runing shoes in Toronto. Highly skilled staff, wide selection and totally unbiased to brands or price point. They simply want to get the right shoe for you. Great experience! I am giving them "only" four stars as I'd hope they had a wider selection of clothing. It's great, but not "five star" great. read more

The guys here were very knowledgeable and helpful! I got compression shorts, compression sleeves and new running shoes here. Highly recommend! read more

Points for longevity, if nothing else. Retail may be an endurance sport. Sports fads come and go, taking stores with them. I first came across the Runner's shop over 20 years ago. I was a high school student, stuck in a phys ed running class due to a scheduling snafu. After shambling about in my regular sneakers for a few weeks, I was directed to the Runner's Shop for something that would actually fit and might improve my performance on the track (spoiler alert: no). Running was not as big a deal. Running Rooms hadn't yet sprung up across the landscape, and good luck navigating the displays at your local shopping centre. Outside of a few niche stop, nobody knew anything and nobody cared. The Runner's Shop was and is Niche with a capital swoosh. They only stock a few models from a few brands, and if you fall a standard deviation or two off the size curve you're mostly out of luck. I still remember the yellow and black batman-looking Saucony Jazz sneakers I picked up back in the day...but have yet to find something I like as much since (...20 years later). A word about the staff: They're hardcore to the point of inaccessibility. I goof on competitors and chain stores, with their shiny happy college-bound staff, smiling at customers but fundamentally unable to answer questions beyond "do you have this in a 13?". But they do smile. The Runner's Shop seems like it hasn't turned over a salesperson since the First Trudeau took office...they are gaunt, hollow-cheeked, humourless stick figures, knobby of knee and ever so slightly bent at the hips. They would probably ace their annual physicals, and if I were to fire a starters' pistol they might launch into a Pavlovian 10K down Bloor Street. On one hand, I wish I had that kind of dedication. On the other hand, I'm glad I don't. I have a family I like to see. And I enjoy burritos too much. They're running-shoe savants, but more importantly they're not shy about giving you the once-over when you walk in. If you're not part of the club, you're ignored or waved off; like you don't get it and never will. In an age where "body-shaming" has become an actual word, smart companies have tried to make fitness as inclusive as possible. The Running Room offers walking classes (and may even branch out to those people you see in malls driving those sweet electric scooters). Goodlife has hit upon a $10-a month gym, where prices are kept low because staff leave you alone to get in shape at your own pace (I think it's a brilliant idea). I'm sure the Runner's Shop does well and provides excellent service to those it deems worthy. Me? I'll just head to the JCC down the street for a swim. read more

The Runner's Shop is where I always go to buy shoes now. Got some at New Balance, feet in agony and lost a nail, went to Runners Shop and they took one look at the shoes and my feet and diagnosed the problem. And found the right shoes for me. They only carry brands that actually function, not just look good, and I've spend as little as $90 and as much as $150. Haven't been let down by their recommendations yet and never had to 'break in' shoes. When asked about other shops, they wouldn't say much. I actually really liked the clothing selection. It's not pink washed, and the staff really know their stuff so I was able to get a good sports bra (two years old now and still fantastically, er, binding) and socks and some running tights that are attractive. (Other people ask where I got them.) It's not Lululemon so you won't find anything low rise, so if that's what you're after you might want to try elsewhere. Have recommended this store to two friends who went there and were very happy with the product and service too. read more

After reading so many good reviews I was looking forward to visit the store. I am sorry to say that I did not have a great experience. OK, I am not the sportiest looking person ever. I still run, and I wanted to buy a pair of running shoes. I stepped in there were two staff there. One greeted me right away and another protein bar eating, sporty looking runner in full running gear was reading a runners magazine at the cash. She looked at me once and for whatever reason, never spoke to me or looked at me another time. The staff I dealt with turned out to be just a little knowledgeable, and when he had to asked questions to the other staff and would just say: 'well it depends what you are looking for.', while still sitting at the cash, not looking at me. Questions such as 'have you ever ran?' would come up often (and still directing the question at the other staff!). Would it have been a nicer thing to take over, if the other staff have been asking you so many questions? I have had better experience at the Running Room, at least I would get really attentive service even though they know my running speed is not any faster than someone speed walking. read more

A shoe store for grown ups. If you want to "try" shoes served by a teenager that knows nothing about shoes (and doesn't care) while listening to loud hip-hop, you have many options. If you want a knowledgeable person to fit you with the perfect running shoes, go to The Runners Shop. read more

Location is quite hard to find if you don't know the area. The store is located in an office building, but at the very back of the building via a long hallway. The store itself is quite small, but they seem to offer everything that a runner may need and offer brand names merchandise. The staff can be a hit or miss, but for the most part are usually quite friendly and will acknowledge me as I enter the store most times and only sometimes will they offer me assistance because if they're busy with a customer already, they probably will not acknowledge me. I don't venture here often, but come at least a couple of times a year for race kit pickups and would stop into the store to quickly browse. Therefore, I cannot comment too much on checkout service and knowledge of staff members. read more

I have given this store two tries, and they only had one job - to fit me in the right shoes for me, and both times they did not do a good job. the first time, I was given the shoes that gave too much support and the second time they sold me an already discontinued model that gave me blisters from hell. the third time, I did an extensive research and went to the Running Room, where I bought the shoes that were exactly the opposite from what they were saying I needed. I successfully trained for a marathon in them and ran that marathon with no injuries. I also found some of sales associates there overpatronizing, like they are cool knowledgeable runners and know better. We all started somewhere, so this attitude is a mystery for me. I go to the Running Room now. at least their employees admit if they really do not know something as opposed to be pushing me to make a sale. read more

A small store hidden away in an office building with a patient personal touch!!! Came here after having bought the wrong shoes at another store a few months back and after trying to find shoes at the Running Room location in Rosedale (poor wide size selection). The gentleman here patiently helped me try on a 5-6 pairs of shoes, checking the toe space, width, having me run down the building hallway, until we had the best fit for my feet. This is the store I'll be returning to for my running needs! read more

Amazing experience with Justin and the entire team today. I wasn't rushed to make a decision, and all of the advice was genuinely knowledgeable and helpful. I highly recommend this shop. read more

BEST EXPERIENCE IN A SPORTING STORE EVER!!!!!! Alright, that is an extremely subjective statement, but I stand behind it 100%. After 2 years of hard work, my current runners were ready to be chucked right out, and I desperately needed a pair to replace them. They were from an *ahem* other running store downtown, and I was really not pleased with the service. After hearing good things re: The Runner's Shop, I set out to find them (which, in truth, was a tad difficult, but more on that later). When I walked in, there were two employees, and one customer. Wanting to really get into finding the best runners for my feet, I didn't waste time by staring at the shoe wall in confusion, hoping someone would come by and ask if I needed help; I went right up to the lady not helping the customer and asked for help. She was more than happy to oblige. And oblige she did! I spent nearly an hour, got a very thorough assessment (both by questioning, watching, and actually looking at my feet) and tried on upwards of 8 pairs of runners until I found what I'm hoping are going to be a really solid pair. She was courteous, fun, both technically and personally knowledgable, and was happy to help me find a less expensive second pair for the gym. Unlike at the *ahem* other running store, she didn't make me feel rushed, or like I was taking up her precious time asking questions. I left with two great pairs of shoes and a new regular shoe store. The Good - The service is amazing!!!!! Though I went straightaway to ask for help, another gentleman came in, and within a few minutes, he was greeted, but not attacked. - They know running stuff, and their products. I didn't feel pushed into buying the most expensive pair on the wall. - It looks like a full-service run shop: everything from shoes to socks to clothes to accessories to gels/nibblies, and all good quality stuff. The Not-So-Good - Remember how I said it was difficult to find? It totally is. Across from the ROM, in the building where Grand-n-Toy is, down a hallway to the side. I lived in the Annex for 3 and a half years, and had no clue this place existed. - Though they have all the elements of running "stuff", their selection isn't wildly amazing. The size of the place is rather small, so the amount is understandable and reasonable. read more

Great place to buy running shoes. They can watch you run down the hall and recommend some shoes that fit properly for you running style. Friendly and not pushy. read more

The Runners Shop - Sporting Goods Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Moving up from a generic pair of old Adidas cross-trainers and into the world of professional running gear was quite a step up for me both in ambition and cost (my college grad's income prevents me from indulging into the finer pleasures of the sport). I got myself a pair of Saucony's and can't wait to break them in first thing tomorrow. All I can say is, I appreciated the expert advice the staff gives you. When asked about their opinion of competitor Running Room, well, let's just say one of them had less than charitable things to say. I can understand, as the bigger chains tend to have a lot less expertise, and often implicitly shove the more expensive and flashier gear on you. Not the case here. Form here follows function, and from the setup of the store and the clients that came in greeted on a first-name basis, I knew I was in pretty good hands. They asked how I found out about the place, as if I'd somehow inadvertently stumbled upon a best kept secret of the running world. So yes, these guys take their running quite seriously, but they won't disparage you for not being "in the know", as the staff was both friendly and very informative, despite my having them scrounge around for gear to fit my budget. read more

Excellent service! For each pair of shoes that I tried on, the lady helping me watched me run down the hallway twice to see if she noticed anything wrong. She was really patient and I think I found a great pair. Only downside is the shop is a little small, tucked inside a larger building. read more

Great experience all-round! For a place that's hidden in the back of the ground floor of an office building, it was surprisingly busy. That said, the staff made every effort to help everyone and certainly didn't leave anyone unattended too long. I have a relatively large and wide foot, so finding the best fit can be tricky. Jeff was extremely helpful in bringing different shoes to try on. He was able to speak technically about the padding within each shoe and its best uses (short vs. long distance running). We even compared gradient of the shoes (but there's a running shoe specific term he used for that). Anyhow, he actually had me try six different pairs, run up and down the hallway and change things up to find the best fit. While Jeff also helped other customers, I absolutely feel like I got great one-on-one attention. We even had a great chat afterwards about Garmin watches and he was very down to Earth about their uses are and how to not pay for features you don't need. I was impressed. Not aggressive in the sale either (I didn't end up buying the Garmin there... but once I do some online research, if they're in the same price ballpark as other retailers, I'll definitely buy from The Runners Shop!) Lastly, I noticed another review or two talking about the small shop and small selection. I don't agree with the latter. While the shop is small, their back room must be quite large as I tried on six different shows in my size. You can't always get the colour you want, but no running shoe retailer can do that for you! Thanks Jeff, Rob and the other team member (I actually think she's the owner) who was working there today! Appreciated your help! read more

I can't believe it, after spending several hours in this great place, I actually left with a pair of amazingly comfortable running shoes. I came here because of the Yelp reviews, my feet have always been hard to fit. I am old school and expect decent service that is professional and knowledgeable. My experience: 1. First went to Running Room at Leslie/York Mills. I mentioned "kinda wide" and they told me to go to New Balance, who have wider models. Never measured me or tried to fit me, just didn't want to be bothered even trying. 2. Next stop NB. Was given a wide shoe, reminded me of Kramer's leaping trainers in Seinfeld. Thought this must be how Bozo the clown felt. 3. Sportchek, Yonge St. flagship store. Left with a pair that was 159.99. Sales guy told me there was no BOGO sale on footwear that day. Found out a few days later that it was still on for a week at another Sport Chek, and that it was cancelled last minute at the flagship store for only TWO days. Why didn't the sales guy tell me other stores might have it on still, and that every Sport Chek does its own thing? Returned the shoes, with a gut instinct that they weren't the best for my feet. 4. Returned to same Running Room store. Sales lady didn't even measure my feet, seemed very lazy and nontechnical. Had no confidence in this sales lady, who clearly didn't know which were best for my feet. 5. Runners Shop. Cozy store, not just shoes. Knowledgeable and confident staff, personal service, great sale prices on top brands, and staff with the patience of Job. I'm not a runner or even a regular exerciser, lol, but if you need the right running shoes for your feet, and professional, respectful staff with no attitude or pressure -- I doubt there is a better store in Toronto for a proper running shoe fitting. I left with a dreamy, super-cushioned $99 pair of Saucony's. A bonus was I got a sports bra on sale for $29.99. Thanks again Runner's Shop, you're now my go-to for athletic footwear. read more

It's an absolute gem in the city was recommended by my friend. There was no pressure to buy the most expensive flashy shoe on display and the custom service was amazing. They really know about their shoes...way more than your average mall shoe store. read more