Front Runner

I have been buying all of my running shoes, my kids’ running shoes and my kids’ spikes from Front Runner for the past 8 years and I have never been disappointed. The staff is very knowledgeable which is helpful since both kids wear orthotics and I have had shin splints and plantar fasciitis over the years. The staff takes great care in making sure you have the right shoe for you. They also stand by their products which is important when you are making a pretty sizable investment in a pair of shoes. The one time we had issues with a pair of my daughter’s shoes, Front Runner made sure we were completely satisfied. You cannot get this level of customer service in a big department store. With this, they have made me a lifelong customer. Thanks, Front Runner!

FrontRunner just gained a loyal customer! I had gotten fitted for new shoes in March. After running in these shoes for a couple of months, the blisters I had gotten with my previous shoes started to develop again. I decided to go back to FR and ask for advice, assuming I’d be walking away with new socks or shoe inserts. Maggie offered her assistance and agreed new socks could work, but also suggested we should re-​size my feet. She found some different shoes for me to try on, and told me we could exchange them for my current pair, even without the original receipt. I was blown away. Not only did she tell me why and how I was probably getting these blisters, she also went above and beyond with shoe and sock recommendations and replacing my shoes! Thank you Maggie and FrontRunner!

If you have any issues with sneakers and need a good pair of athletic shoes, I highly suggest Front Runner even if you’re not a runner.
Bryant M. took me for my inaugural visit because I needed some walking sneakers. My last pair did not fit me super well and I have issues with stuff like shin splints and heel pain, so I wanted a pair to take to Chicago that would be comfortable enough to do all the walking. We went on a Saturday, so there was a wait – this is not a place where you pick out shoes and flag down a harried worker to rummage for your size.
How it works:
You take a number. When your number comes up, you work with a Front Runner employee to help you pick out the best pair of shoes for you.
They watch you walk to see if you pronate or do anything else unusual while walking. They measure your foot. Then they help you pick out shoes based on how you walk and what you need them for.
It’s been a LONG time since I had my foot measured, and it turns out I have been wearing the WRONG SIZE SHOE for years. I still mostly have to wear the wrong size because I have a wide foot, but having the correct size shoe for my walking shoes is magical. I barely even feel like I’m wearing shoes when I put on the ones that I bought.
Service was great, too. The person helping us was friendly and had no problem tag-​teaming us efficiently (that sounds kinda dirty but it was just shoes, I swear).
The shoes aren’t cheap. My pair was something like $ 125 (though there was a sale so I got them a bit less expensively). While I could have gone on Amazon and gambled on a pair for less money, it was worth the extra to me to get a pair that really suited my needs. Great job, Front Runner.

Incompetence at its finest!
Pros: Everyone who works here has an absolutely amazing personality. Unfortunately, that’s where my compliments end.
Cons: After returning a pair of shoes that gave me shin splits, I found a pair that fit perfectly! They didn’t have them in my size so I ordered (and paid) for them. I went back to the store a week later to find out that THEY SOLD THE SHOES I HAD SPECIALLY ORDERED AND ALREADY PAID FOR TO SOMEONE ELSE. They didn’t call me, mark anything down, or even offer to order another pair. They didn’t even apologize!
I asked them to order the same pair and have them shipped to my apartment. I also happen to be moving and told the sales associate that it had to be there by the following Friday otherwise I didn’t want to shoe. He assured me that they would be there on time. That Friday came and went and, you guessed it, no shoes arrived. I went by the store and told them to cancel the order. The sales associate didn’t even know how to find the order, gave me attitude about it, AND THE SHOES HADN’T EVEN SHIPPED YET (AGAIN, THIS WAS AFTER SHOES SHOULD HAVE ARRIVED). I cancelled the order and will definitely never shop at the store again.
Save yourself from unnecessary headaches and never shop here!

I’ve been going to Front Runner for about 15 years now and always enjoy buying new shoes there. The staff is super friendly and helpful. They are always a great resource to talk about training, racing, community events, etc. It doesn’t matter if you are a runner or a walker or if it is your first time trying the sport or you’ve done 50 marathons. Everyone genuinely seems to enjoy running and talking about the sport, so they’re definitely a great resource. Front Runner does a good job of helping you find the right type of shoes to fit your feet, training habits, and aches ‘n pains.

I’ve had nothing but bad luck with shoe stores my entire life. I have hard-​to-​fit feet, and since a terrible experience in 2005, have done all of my shoe shopping via Zappos.
But I needed a pair of real athletic shoes to compliment my 5-​mile-​a-​day walking habit. I recently got news that my hip is out of alignment and my Chuck Taylors were to blame.
Front Runner was amazing. They fitted me properly. I’m not a size 12 like I thought, but a size 13, and the majority of my foot is pretty narrow. In less than 10 minutes, the salesperson helped me find a shoe that fit my personal style, was comfortable, and fit so well, I don’t want to take them off.
I’ll never buy athletic shoes online ever again. Now if only there were a Front Runner for heels — I have a wedding I’m in in August …

They are really great about working with you to watch you run/​walk and analyze your gait, so that was nice. Every time I have been there the sales people spent over an hour with me. I can’t complain about their attention t their customers, definitely spend a lot of time on each one. Not sure how they have time to get to everyone when they spend so much time with each person. HOWEVER, every time I have been I have ended up with the wrong shoe for my foot partially because they wouldn’t let me try on what I wanted, telling me that the shoe I wanted wasn’t going to work for my foot. I actually left really sad the last time thinking I was doomed to orthopaedic shoes for life. I later bought the Brooks I originally wanted online and they were perfect. This place might want to take customer preference into consideration a little more, at least let people try on the ones they want to see how they feel. You might make more sales if people are able to try on what they want, not just what you recommend.

New to running and training for the Cap City Half in May, I need to stick to my training plan… but its snowing and hitting the negatives after wind chill… so that sucks. I can’t do a treadmill because treadmills suck and the indoor track at my gym is 8 laps to a mile so pretty boring for a long run.
I cam here and explained my predicament (I’m from California originally. I had no idea what I am doing).
They helped me with all the gear, explaining the pros and cons of each. Some of its pretty expensive but it IS specialty gear and it probably is a wise investment to keep me running in the freezing weather. Well being a poor student, I checked the prices on Amazon (don’t worry, I was going for a run the next morning so I needed this gear… I wasn’t just trying on and being online… I swear! I was just curious) and the prices were the same PLUS shipping. So far so good. Then the man working with me (the owner?) point out which gear was FORTY PERCENT OFF. Well now I was beating Amazon by FORTY PERCENT… PLUS SHIPPING!!! That doesn’t happen very often, especially at local stores so what a huge win.
The next day I went for my run. February in Ohio. 13 degrees with tons of snow. I was fine! The gear he recommended was amazing. I greatly appreciated his advice. I will be back for all my running needs!!!

The customer service at Front Runner is top-​notch! The sales rep watched my gate and measured my arch to find the best fit. They helped me find shoes that feel like clouds on my feet. My old shoes were so old that I was killing my calves. My performance has actually improved!
They also donated my old shoes to people in need. That warms my little heart :)
I took of a star because aesthetically-​speaking, I didn’t see as many good looking shoes. I would suggest a larger selection of cool-​looking shoes without sacrificing quality. It would also be nice to have some for those that frequent Crossfit. I am one of those people that wants function as well as fashion. I want some tight kicks!
Also, I think it would be nice to have a larger selection of workout clothing and some that isn’t as pricey.
I would definitely come back here for the help I received. Great store!

This is one of my favorite places to shop. I’m not an avid runner but when I needs a new pair of activity shoes, I come here. There are many places to get quality shoes but great service is hard to find. I have a feet issues I won’t go into and they put me in an affordable, comfortable, quality shoe every time. I had never heard of Brooks or Saucony before going here but now Brooks are my favorite brand. I’ve been there three times so far, the first time I went with a pair of Saucony and wore them out. The second time I went with Brooks and just loved them. Now, a few years later, I went back and again purchased Brook and also a pair of Nike. The staff is what keeps me coming back, extremely knowledgeable, friendly, caring, and courteous. I can’t wait to need another pair of sneakers…

I absolutely adore Front Runner! I’ve gotten sneakers here for the past 15 yrs, strong. The customer interaction, the care, the attention, this place puts your comfort and lifestyle first, NOT just marking down another sale.
My feet tend to fall in and roll out when walking, thus from the get-​go, I was in good hands. I remember my first trip here. It was explained to me that I was to stick with walking shoes that give good arch support. Saucony, New Balance and Brooks are the best for my feet.
I normally get a new pair of tennies every couple of years, and am forever indebted to this establishment for detailing my situation.

Front Runner does it again!
After a summer of wearing too many flip flops, I knew it was time to get myself back into some proper shoes. My ankles and my arches are thanking me profusely.
I knew there was only one place to go for athletic shoes, so I hurried off to Front Runner. Since I wasn’t a first-​timer, I knew this was going to be the most painless retail experience. I walked up, met Barry, and off we went to try on shoes.
Barry watched me walk for a bit and then confidently brought out several pairs of shoes for me to test. We talked through each pair, and then I made a few laps to see how I liked them. After about 30 minutes, I decided on a new pair of Asics.
Before I left, Barry reminded me that if I didn’t like them after a few days, they’d gladly take them back. I’m so thrilled to have found such a trusted source for footwear. The folks at Front Runner are the best – they’re kind, educated, and love helping people.

Thanks to the other reviews, I knew what to expect when I went in to Front Runner to get fitted for some good running shoes. I’ve been running about a year, so I am still an absolute newbie, and I was a bit anxious that I wouldn’t know what to say, or would be lost when the salespeople were talking to me.
I was met by a freindly staff member, John, when I arrived. I told him I needed some good running shoes, and he asked me a bit about my running habits. I told him briefly, and then he watched me walk to «analyze my gait» I presume, as has been discussed in reviews and on their site. He said he’s be back in a few minutes, and returned with five pairs of shoes for me to try on.
I loved the first pair, so he left one of those on, and then did a side-​by-​side comparison of each of the other pairs. (Can I just say that it is a relaxing time to have someone unlacing and puting your shoes on for you, then tying them back up, and doing it all over again? I loved it!) I ended up going with the first pair I tried on, and I am very happy with them. Worth the price to feel good when I run.
The whole experience only took about 15 – 20 minutes. Just what I was looking for!

Probably the best shoe store I’ve been in.
The overall customer service was great.
Katelyn (sp?) patiently took the time to learn my needs, critique my stride. & give me a multitude of options of shoes.
Now, her 1^st recommendation turned out to be the winner. But, she insisted on me trying over a half dozen or so more to make sure.
I went w/​the Brooks Ravenna 5’s. Unfortunately, this location only has them in bright red. For various reasons, us gingers ought to stay away from anything so loud & red, lol. So, she called the Worthington location & had them hold the gray & neon green ones that suit me better.
Yes, she was just doing her job. To me, it’s nice to be treated so well by an employee.
I shall both recommend & return this wonderful establishment.

Great place to get all your running gear. Personal service and great selection. They actually listen and care to what you want and need. If they don’t have it they will get it. It’s always nice to support the local businesses instead of going to a big chain sports store. I always see the owner at both locations. Check out the other location next to the Worthington Mall next to First Watch.

I really enjoy coming to front runner to find new perfect running shoes for myself. Staffs are so nice and helpful finding shoes and I enjoy talking to them.
They listen for what you want and it’s so worth paying extra!

I’m not a runner. Not by a longshot. I just have high arches, flat feet, and my ankles cave inward so bad I cannot walk, jog, run, or even turn around without twisting or spraining them. So why the heck did I visit this place today?
For the reasons above. My dad was referred here by his podiatrist while his custom orthotics are being made, and he said he was so impressed that he literally told the staff he’d swing round to pick me and my brother up and bring us in to get fitted for insoles and shoes.
I haven’t had my feet measured in years. YEARS. I have never had someone analyze the way I walk and stand. The gentleman who assisted me was Mark, who was very down-​to-​business yet personable. I learned that while I can comfortably wear a size 8 in women’s, my right foot fits a size 7.5 and my left foot fits a size 7, and that my left foot is narrow while my right foot is regular width. Huh. Never knew that.
Mark had me walk with my trainers on, then off, to see how much I was correcting and compensating (trust me, it was a LOT). He went to the back to grab a pair of shoes to test as our baseline/​control. They were comfy and as I walked around in them, I could literally feel my feet and ankles behaving (if they can behave) more normally. I wasn’t correcting.
The shoes we tested first were a bit small, so Mark took them back and brought out a bunch of boxes, all size 8s, and had me try all of them, first with a size 8 of the shoe I’d just tried on my right foot, and a shoe from a different brand on the left. I fell in love with the New Balance shoe and wound up getting it and its mate. Gel cushioning in the heel and toe, near-​perfect arch support, and loads of support on the inside of the heel to prevent my ankles from caving.
I was very, very impressed by the staff and the way Mark took care of my needs as a customer. I definitely plan on coming back at some point!

When I went to Front Runner, I was reminded of the Quicken Loans commercial, «Customer service isn’t the most important thing, it’s the only thing.» This place redefines customer service. From the moment you walk in you’re greeted by an associate who will help you find whatever you’re looking for, and who can give you advice on anything fitness related you might ask.
If you need a pair of running shoes, you should probably go here. They’ll analyze the way you walk, ask about you’re running habits, and find a shoe that works for you. It may be slightly more expensive than elsewhere, but it’s definitely worth it. I’m definitely a soccer player first and runner second, but if I need something running or even just gear related this is the place I will be shopping. It is the type of place I’m happy to support.

I’ve been coming here off and on for years for all of my (minimal) running needs. I’m a severe over-​pronator, so I always need a shoe with the most shored-​up arch. Trust the people here– the one-​on-​one attention is amazing. For example, Barry helped educate me a little bit on how running shoes are designed to fit, and why certain parts of the foot need to be placed in certain parts of the shoe. Seems like a no-​brainer, but I’ve been wearing my shoes too small.
An extra bonus (and extra star) for being able to pick up my race packet (not just for me, but for my running-​mates, too) for Saturday’s Jingle Bell Run. I wasn’t expecting to be able to kill two birds with the proverbial stone, but it saved me loads of time. Apparently, you can usually pick up your race packet for most of the charity runs here.
My only (very minor) gripe is the whole «go run around outside» thing. I think it’s definitely good to run in your shoe a little bit, but when I lived in Boulder they had a running shop there with treadmills that would video-​record different strides and analyze the changes with the various shoes. I don’t like having to go out in that awkward parking lot on Lane Avenue and run around on my own. Some treadmills where the clerks could see the stride and adjust shoes/​sizes would be a nice addition to the already-​amazing service.
On a similar note, if you run «a mile or so» in your new kicks and they just don’t feel right, Front Runner will take them in for an exchange.

I am an AVID deal junkie. I have to think very hard before I buy something substantial at full price. So take it from me when I say that Front Runner is one of the few places that I am willing to spend extra money due to their extremely knowledgeable and affable staff.
I just got back from Front Runner after buying new shoes. Here I am, a patron of Front Runner going on 3 years now and I can’t believe I haven’t written a review yet. For shame. These guys are the bees knees. Honestly. Don’t pull an «Amazon» here and try on the shoes and then order them off the internet. Front Runner is very much worth supporting, mostly due to their superb customer service as others have pointed out. In fact, looking at my shoes on Amazon right now, I can see that the price is exactly the same. Why bother with that nonsense? Plus, don’t you have some pavement to pound?