Running Lab

This place is amazing.
Regardless if you are a new or experienced runner, the staff here knows what they are talking about.
I love the simplicity of the store and how they get straight to the point. They ask you about past running shoes, if you’ve ran before, etc. They then watch you walk to see how your feet react normally and bring out a lot of shoes that they think would be great for you. Once you narrow it down to ones you like, you can run on the treadmill to try them out but they will also evaluate and videotape your run. This is where they will help you figure out areas that you need to work on to improve your run.
Additionally, you have 30 days to return/​exchange the shoes if they don’t work out. And you can actually wear them outside and still return/​exchange — pretty sweet. I definitely recommend going here! Oh, and they don’t have just shoes — they have socks and accessories as well!
Average price of shoes 100 – 120? I believe anyways!

Trustworthy, polite & knowledgable. Love these guys. I’ve been buying shoes here for the past 4 years (… I think). And I have nothing but accolades. Even if you are not a «runner,» and are considering starting – come here. They offer great sales & events for seasoned runners as well.

Employees are very knowledgable, friendly and never judgmental
They even put you on a treadmill, video tape and provide tips!

I had a very good experience with the running lab. The bar for me had been set high with Playmakers in East Lansing. the Running Lab watched me walk, talked about my running and gave me some interesting options with shoes that I hadn’t seen before. The guy I worked with there was sharp, a collegiate runner. He put me on the treadmill, filmed me and analyzed my moments. He had some great tweaks to my foot strike that made a big difference. Similar to playmakers, they also promote the Good Form Running technique, so the feedback was very familiar for me.

I wish this was every running store. The people there love running and it shows.
Decided to come here after my last experience with a different local store, which left me with shoes that gave me huge blisters. Not good. I’m currently training for the NYC marathon, and just getting into more minimal drop shoes. That’s where my technical expertise ends. Having a store like this around is immensely helpful. Their whole goal is to get you into the right pair of shoes for you and they don’t cut corners.
Mike, who was awesome, listened to all my needs and concerns, looked at my old shoes, watched me walk barefoot, looked at my arch, measured my feet and brought out several pairs to try on. We slowly whittled that group for 6 down to 2 and then he had me hop up on the treadmill. After I was satisfied, we watched the video analysis to see how my foot was landing and the responsiveness of the shoe. He also gave me a few pointers on my form and suggestions for gels, socks, and blister prevention. The entire time there was no pressure, and he was really patient with my indecisiveness.
Selection was great and offered a wide variety of brands and styles. Personal attention was fantastic and it seems like they foster a lot of regular customers, as Mike knew a couple by name. Return policy is out of this world. Returns within 30 days even if worn!
I have actually never had a better experience at a running store. As long as I’m in Ann Arbor, I will not buy shoes anywhere else.

I was so happy to drive a little longer than normal to check out Running Lab in Brighton. My friend and I went on a Wednesday morning to get fitted for new running shoes. I am recovering from an injury, so am pretty much starting from scratch. Mike helped me get the right shoe and was very helpful in analyzing where my form needed help. I did not feel intimidated or embarrassed that I am not a speedy runner gal. The individual attention was awesome and I would highly recommend it for runners of all abilities. Being so close to Ann Arbor I have my pick of running stores, but am happy to drive a little extra to Running Lab.