Bob Roncker’s Running Spot

Being relatively new to the area and in desperate need of a new pair of running shoes, I headed over to Bob Roncker’s this morning because they were the one store I knew from seeing them at the Flying Pig in the past. As a student on a tight budget, I get nervous about being overcharged at specialty running store like this. I was helped by Daniel (I think?) and he was so helpful and friendly. He was very knowledgeable and I really feel like I left with the right shoes for me at a reasonable price. Awesome place! Thank you!!!

After running consistently for about seven months now, I felt it was time to make an investment towards a pair of nice running shoes, and the first place I considered to shop at was at Bob Roncker’s Running Spot. Built upon a foundation of superb customer service, this store helps you find the shoe to satisfy your running needs and is essentially a Cincinnati tradition for runners. They evaluate your walk and stride to make a recommendation that fits your style and will even factor in your running goals. Even with personal favorites, the employee who helped with my purchase presented the benefits of every shoe I tried on and allowed me to jog outside for a few minutes to get a feel for the shoes I was stuck between — definitely not something you could do online.
If you are a newbie in the running shoe area, I highly recommend stopping by Bob Roncker’s Running Spot to start your journey. Running shoes are pricey no matter where you look to purchase them, but do your feet (and yourself) a favor by checking the Running Spot to find those perfect shoes for you. You will not regret it!

My wife and I bought shoes from this location last weekend, as we’ve both started to get serious about improving our health. When we went into the store, they spent time fitting us and making sure we got the right fit.
What really impressed me, though, is their service after the sale. After a week, it turned out the shoes I had bought didn’t quite work for my feet. The store took them back no questions asked and helped me find a new pair that fits perfectly. Their staff even remembered my purchase from a week ago.
I listed them as pricey, but only because good running shoes are not cheap. Their prices are the same as Zappos or Running Warehouse, but the service is much better. If you’re new to walking or running, getting fitted for real shoes is essential, and Bob Ronckers is great.

Very friendly and helpful staff!

Love, love, love this place! I recently went to try and get some quality running shoes since I had just been running in some generic Nike shoes I purchased at another shoe store. I was immediately greeted and helped by an awesome sales associate Matt. Even though I had absolutely no clue what I was looking for, he asked me some questions and then came out with multiple shoe options! I tried on about 5 shoes and fell in love with the first one I tried on. He showed me how to lace them up properly and even showed me the best socks to wear with the shoes.
He was patient with me, and really took the time to help me even though I came in totally clueless about what I was looking for. I will definitely be back!

Love love love the Rocker’s crew. Between the killer running/​walking groups, shoe museum (check it out, for serious), and asphalt-​kicking selection of gear you are sure to get into tip top shape for the Flying Pig or even a walk around the park. Their coaches in the groups are super helpful, most have been in the marathon-​ing world for years. Almost all are volunteers, so it’s really their passion that drives them.
Check out their bi-​annual shoe sale, it’s to die for. If you’re not picky and don’t mind digging, you can get great shoes for $ 50 – 65. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, the staff are great about helping you out and telling the issues you may be having. A great pair of shoes fixes knee, hip, even back issues. Trust me, it’s worth the investment.

Ed Colley has the patience of Job. I was not as easy customer. He not only listened to my running shoe requirements, with effort he found the running shoes that are a perfect match for me. Thanks Ed.

Superior service. Need to buy running gear? The sales force here makes sure you have exactly what you need. From measuring, to encouraging you to run around the block in several pair of shoes to get what suits you best, they do whatever it takes. They even have perfect sock recommendations. Love it here.

If I was rating Roncker’s for their support of the local running community, I’d give them 5+ stars. But the customer service I experienced twice at the O’Bryonville store was abysmal.
I started running about two years ago, and was told by friends that one of the most important things was to get good-​fitting shoes. So I went to Ronckers, where about 5 people were in the store. I started looking at the shoe display, waiting for someone to be available to help me. For 15 minutes, I watched as other people who came in after me got helped while the staff ignored me, then left and went to Fleet Feet (where they were awesome). All honesty — I don’t have a typical runner’s build. I’m significantly overweight, and I thought maybe that’s why I was ignored — that they didn’t think I was serious about buying shoes anyway.
Fast forward 6 months, and I’m gearing up for the Flying Pig ½. My trainer told us to get some of those gels or beans for nutrition during the race. I was in the neighborhood, so I went back to Ronckers. I don’t like the gels, so I asked for a couple of packets of the beans, which were behind the counter. The girl rings me up, and says «you know, these aren’t just candy, they’re for running fuel.» I’d like to say I had a snappy retort, but I was floored and speechless. I mumbled that I knew and I was doing the ½ pig the following weekend. She kind of laughed and said «good luck» condescendingly.
So never again.

Good, old-​fashioned customer service. This place is amazing. The staff are knowledgeable, oh-​so-​patient, and any runner (or just any person) should go here to get some athletic shoes. I have fickle feet– stress fractures, surgeries, etc.– and I always have trouble finding shoes. There were actually multiple options here. They let you walk around as long as you like, and will keep on trying until they find the one, not necessarily going for the most expensive one. They also have a decent selection of inserts if you need extra support. I can’t believe I’ve waited this long to come here, but this is definitely the place to go to buy running shoes from now on.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get serious about running until after I moved away from Cincinnati but Bob Roncker’s is still my favorite running store. The staff is always so friendly and helpful — they’ll explain features of each shoe, watch your gait when you run and suggest the appropriate shoe and are always smiling. And my first pair of ‘true’ running shoes came from the Running Spot! Wish I could say more but the reviews below me can fill in the gaps.
Bottom line: if you’re a runner or trying to get into running, go see Bob’s people. You will not regret it.

I LOVE the Running Spot. This is a true community business. The Spot puts San incredible amount of effort into organizing training groups, clinics, and helping with local running events. The Spot really gives a lot back to the community and gas a true desire to share a love and passion for running and walking.
All employees and coaches are very down to earth and approachable. Other training group members are are very encouraging as well. I personally feel like I come out way ahead value wise with the training groups and the high quality perks (like a free pair of socks and a tech short).
The employees at the store locations know shoes and are excellent at making recommendations without being pushy. Prices are reasonable, especially for a small business.
If you’re thinking about a training group or looking for shoes that fit really well this is the place for you– also the sock choices are fantastic (yes socks make a HUGE difference).
Take a chance on a training group or a new way to buy shoes (or the tried and true way) and I bet you’ll be as impressed as I am.

A bit of background: over the past few years I have been running for exercise/​stress relief pretty often. Prior to this, I played a lot of soccer (still do, just not as often), and was therefore used to wearing cleats that were pretty tight fitting on the foot. When it came to my other exercise shoes, I would periodically go to a chain store and grab a pair without much consideration. I had no idea what the word pronation meant, or why adequate toe space was important.
I recently realized that my running shoes were putting me in a fair amount of pain and were way too heavy. I had done one of Bob Ronker’s trail runs in the past and decided to make my way there after reading all of their glowing reviews. I was not disappointed!
I was greeted by a nice guy named Ed who sat me down, took measurements of my feet, and basically put me through a running science class. He brought out two pairs of shoes that matched the skirt I was wearing (did he do this on purpose? I guess I’ll never know). After deciding on a pair of shoes, I spent a decent amount of time in and out of the dressing rooms trying on running shorts. I didn’t feel rushed at all and Ed and the other employees were always willing to help with any questions I had.
What’s nice about Bob Ronker’s is they don’t rush you, allow you to walk around in the shoes for as long as you want (inside and outside of the store), and they don’t try to push the more expensive options on you. It’s a super laid back atmosphere, but they take their customer’s time and concerns seriously. Price-​wise, I didn’t see a difference between here and the chains — except here you get more personal attention and can bring your shoes back if they’re not working out for you. Win-​Win. I will be going back for any other running needs I might have!

I agree with everyone that the customer service is really good, at least in comparison to any other place in town. As a long-​time runner, I have definitely been to places with sales staff who seem to have a degree in «Running Science», if there is such a thing (how amazing would THAT be!) and there are stores with more product. However, this is the best store in Cincinnati and I will continue to support local business and give this place MY business.

As a runner, I know first-​hand the importance of good shoes. For a long time I got all my shoes from Fleet Feet since it was on the way home from work. But after less than steller service for two purchases in a row, I decided to try out Bob Roncker’s. And I’ve never been back.
In my experience, buying running shoes is not all about looks. And the prices are basically the same everywhere you go (even online.) So what matters to me is the customer service. Each time I go to get new shoes, the sales rep watches me walk around the store without shoes to see my stride and also measures my feet. They will also take a look at old running shoes if you bring them. Then they will bring out several pairs and highly encourage you to try them all, sometimes a different shoe on each foot. And if they don’t have your size in a shoe they will offer to call another location. I’ve worked with many of the sales people and each of them is a runner and has run at least several half marathons.
One other perk to Bob Roncker’s: they want you to be satisfied with your shoes. Unlike normal shoe stores, you’re allowed to return/​exchange shoes after having worn them. As a matter of fact, they suggest that you wear them for a run several times before bringing them back so that you’ve had time to exchange them. I recently bought a new pair of shoes and a couple weeks later realized it was their annual christmas-​time sale where the entire store was 20% off. I was a bit bummed that I didn’t get a chance to save $ 30. So I went back to the store, without a receipt since I somehow misplaced it, to see if they would do a price adjustment. When I asked the salesman, he was happy to refund my $ 30. Overall, they’re just concerned with you finding shoes you like and making the customer happy.

Great customer service! I walked out with a very good new pair of running shoes and purchase them from a very knowledgeable staff. They were set on getting me into a pair of shoes that addressed my needs not their profit margins.
Don’t bother with the chains — you’ll pay the same price here.

I trained for the Flying Pig back in 2009 and became a fan of Bob Roncker’s Running Spot, their staff is very knowledgeable about the running shoes they sell. They take the time to measure your foot, find out what type of shoe you’re looking for, if you’re going to be training for marathon, walk, etc and the right shoe for you. I’m a pounder when I run so I need lots of cusioning so Nike Vomero works for me. I’ve stayed with this shoe style for several years.
They also have a variety of accessories and now carry Keen, Merrel shoe lines for casual wear.
Their annual 20% off sale is the weekend prior to Thanksgiving and great time to stock up on favorites Nike shoes, running pants, tops and Thorlo socks!
Also their training programts are top notch, I would not have finished the Flying Pig without the help of my trainers. The best $ 100 I spent and received tenfold in return. Thank you!

My mother has foot problems and has been on the hunt for high quality walking shoes for quite some time now. Someone suggested Running Spot to her and I accompanied her on the trip.
I love that they know what they’re doing here. We were with our saleslady Shauna for nearly an hour, but instead of being annoyed like most salespeople would be, she was genuinely interested in making sure my mother found a pair of shoes that fit perfectly and made her comfortable. The salespeople here are incredibly knowledgeable about different shoe types and the general needs of feet. I am thoroughly impressed.
Finding parking can be a pain in the neck, but the customer service alone is worth the hassle. I noticed also that there is not a very wide selection to choose from, but they’re more about performance here than style.
You should prepare yourself to spend, because the shoes are not cheap, BUT you will walk (or run) out with shoes that fit you perfectly and on the off chance you’re not 100% satisfied, they do have a no hassle return policy. Shauna explained it by saying that they’d rather you return the shoes and try to find something that works than be stuck with shoes that don’t fit or make you unhappy.
Now that’s a deal! I’ll definitely be back.

I have mixed feelings about this place…
First with the good– I have been suffering with plantar fasciitis and just can’t get rid of it, so I decided to finally break down and buy «real» running shoes. $ 140(!) later and I have a pair of Brooks. One day after buying my shoes, I made the crazy decision to break in my shoes by running in the Fox and Hound 5k. I was very concerned because I had been having foot pain even on short, slow runs. But, miraculously, no foot pain at all during the race!!! To me, they are worth their weight in gold just for that.
The bad– I was pretty put off by my sales lady right away. The way it works there is that they measure your feet, watch you walk, talk to you about what type of running you will be doing in them and then they bring out the best shoes for you. No choice in style or color here. When I said that the look of my shoes was somewhat important to me, I got a talking to about the fact that they don’t sell «fashion shoes» here and if looks was important I should go somewhere else. She then pointed at my $ 80 «fashion shoes» that I had bought in the running section at Dick’s and told me that they were what caused my foot problems. I could kind of understand if I had walked in with $ 20 Wall-​Mart shoes, but I had spent real money on my shoes. I just don’t like being talked down to… It got better once she came back with the shoes, but it just put a sour taste in my mouth.
In the end though, I can’t deny that my feet are feeling better, so I guess I am a believer too. Serious runners looking for good shoes should definitely stop in.

Having taken up running 5Ks, I kept seeing this place on the sponsor list. I gave blood a few months back (shout out to Hoxworth! go now and give some blood.) and in the goodie bag was a $ 10 gift card to the Spot. How could I not go?
Parking can be a little tricky in this area, but there are meters or free spots on the side streets.
I walked in and was just a little confused by the layout. Quickly a worker recognized the «first timer» look on my face and directed me to the lower level where the men’s shoes are located.
I talked with a very helpful person that let me try on several pairs of shoes and answered some of my running questions during the process.
I settled on a crazy neon green pair and am in the process of breaking them in as we speak. Crossing fingers that they will be the perfect shoe for me.
The lower level has a bulletin board with upcoming races and training sessions. The Spot’s website has a great online calendar for races and training opportunities. There are even free consultations for those with foot/​leg pain. Cool!
I may never go longer distances than 5K and their stuff might be cheaper online or at other places, but this place has great workers that treat the customer well. I’ll be back once I wear these new shoes out.