Often Running

I’ve been buying my shoes here for the last 7 years. Don’t mind paying a little bit extra because the customer service is always great. All of the staff are very helpful and extremelyfriendly. If you really care and are a hardcore runner, this is the only place to go.

I know this will not be a popular rating. I am not trolling here. I have personally had a bad experience here. This was shocking to me considering I had a good experience 3 years ago.
When I went to the store it was very busy. That is generally a great sign. Lots of people shopping that know the staff by name indicated return customers. The fact that the staff also knows the customers name is a good indicator of that also.
The problem started when I told the sales clerk (We will call him John. That is not his name but it will help with the following.) that I wanted to get colorful shoes.
The other sales clerk (Lets call him Allen. Again, this is not his real name.), who is clearly the main person here. Everyone knew him by name, all the other sales clerks passed every thought through him… and so one.
I was told by Allen, that my feet were too wide to wear women’s shoes. I have been wearing women’s shoes for a long time. I do not have huge feet. I wear a women’s size 9. I really got the feeling that Allen thought I was ridiculous for wanting to have pretty shoes, as if I was clearly out of my mind for even considering it. I was very clear that I wanted women’s shoes so that they could be nice looking. John was trying to help me, he said that he also values the appearance of the shoe. Allen told John to bring me some men’s shoes to try, «for fitting». They NEVER brought me another women’s shoe. When I finally received a colorful shoe, the color was crossing guard neon yellow! Other customers were treated well, catered to, told about an array of other colors, and not talked down to. The other women there, were given women’s shoes, and were giving me pity smiles. Like they knew he was treating me different. They were runners.
The longer I was there, the angrier I became. I do not feel I was treated as a customer. I feel like Allen believed I would be worshiping him for his knowledge.
I was not happy with this service, and did not buy any shoes.
Basically, if you are a runner or some sort of athlete, you will be well cared for at this shop. If you appear to be someone just looking for everyday shoes, you will likely be treated like I was.
I feel like I really need to say this again. John and Allen are not the real names. I do not feel it would be right to put the real names up. So if someone working there is named John or Allen (somehow) do not associate them with this review.

This is a great shoe store. Their selection is fairly large, and they have a respectable variety of shoes for the runner, jogger, walker, etc. The most impressive thing about Often Running is the personal attention a customer receives. The sales person talks with you about your activity level and any foot problems you might be having. They then help you select a shoe, and (at least my sales person) actually helps you put it on, including tying the laces. I was amazed. It was the kind of service shoe stores used to offer 30 years ago. Before you look at buying a pair of athletic shoes in a chain/​department store, you should definitely check-​out this store.

Often Running is connected (actually part of) Vitesse Cycles. Bloomington doesn’t have much to choose from when it comes to running stores, but Often Running is the best. They will help you find a shoe that fits your stride, which is important for preventing injury. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful.