Potomac River Running

OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! Lauren was excellent in explaining the process they use of having a customer run on the treadmill in order to understand how there running pattern is. She brought me several examples of shoes that she recommended for me. She was pleasant, patient, and professional. She also facilitated a special request I had which goes above and beyond in my opinion. Lauren is fantastic and the customer service experience was low effort and pleasing. I will definitely return when I need new kicks.

I just bought a bunch of stuff and was actually thinking about posting a goid review since the lady was so nice and helpful. Then comes this woman Meghan she was so loud and starts complaining about the «mess» the lady that had helped me made.
And I thought: dude I am buying 500 dollars! Im sure you can manage to put the stuff away and clean «our mess».
Funny how a very nice pleaseant experience can go bad in a second.
Meghan was very rude to the lady that was helping me «the customer».
This woman needs to go for a run!
I will go back but will call ahead make sure this rude and loud woman is not there!!!

I’ve run on and off for a number of years. About 4 years ago I suffered a stress fracture in my foot and as soon as I got back to running I suffered another fracture, this time in two places in my foot and I gave up on running. After having a baby last year, I needed to get back in shape and started running again. I immediately started having pain in my foot again so I decided to come to PRR to get fitted for shoes.
The salesperson who helped, I can’t remember his name, was very helpful. He listened to my concerns, got me on the treadmill, and we looked at the video of my foot placement. He then offered me several shoes. I finally settled on the Saucony Hurricane ISO. I“ve been running with absolutely no pain ever since. I wish I had come here years ago! I will probably sign up for their running 101 in the fall to keep me on track. Thanks again PRR!

Great customer service can make all the difference sometimes. Sharon was knowledgable and patiently helped me to find the shoe i was looking for and then when they didnt have my size in the color config i wanted, she found it for me at a neighboring location. She did so, with a smile and without making me feel like i had wasted her time. Great service.

I am currently enrolled in the half marathon program. The plan is excellent, unfortunately there is no coaching at all! I could have simply purchased a list of training sessions and just do it myself.
The so called coaches wouldn’t even know my name, when running at the track or on the road I NEVER heard someone say something like: «good job, you need to work on posture, or have checked your heart rate? I think you are running too fast». Very unprofessional and they simply don’t care.
The do Care about selling… that’s for sure and communicate well trying to sell.
Not recommended for training if you expect coaches to actually coach. ok if you just want run with a group of people.

I am sure this is a great store, but the staff that day was less than great. She did not make you feel welcome and seemed a little snobby, no smile there! I left and went to the Road Runner Store, Sterling and what a diff. experience altogether. Warm smiles greeted everyone and they just made you feel very welcome.

This place was amazing. Great experience in the store. I got to test out my running shoes before purchasing and they really and give great advice about running.

Running… something I haven’t done for a long time, but something I wanted to take up again. I had purchased some Reeboks some time ago and while they were fine for the gym and walking, every time I tried to run in them I would have issues with my calves cramping and various muscle aches. I know this was partly due to the way my foot struck the ground and decided if I was serious about this goal, I needed to get a better shoe.
Enter Potomac River Running — the associate that day was in training according to his name tag. I wish I could remember his name because he did an absolutely wonderful job helping me. He listened to my goals, concerns and the problems I was encountering. He then got to work, first measuring my foot. I was shocked to find out I was wearing a shoe that would be considered too small.
Next, my feet and legs were filmed as I was walking and running on the treadmill. Once done, we watched the film back while he told me what was wrong with my stride (supination) and gave me pointers for running with a better stride. I had several pairs to choose from and all were comfortable so I narrowed it down and got back on the treadmill to see which felt better. I was also encouraged to try them outside — nice touch!
The shoes were expensive, but not hurting myself while attempting to start running again is so worth it! You may find a bigger selection elsewhere, but you won’t find better customer service or a better fit. I was very pleased with my experience here and when I need new shoes, I will be back to this store.

Have visited this store at least 15 times. Never once have they had my size in the shoe I want. This time I was looking for a new model of a shoe. They had it out but sales rep brought out the old model and said they didn’t have the one on display. Told me they were the same, not from the reviews of the shoe. 1 star for poorly trained staff, never having my size (9). I try to shop local but they make it difficult. Try road runner sports for better selection and a well trained staff. This was the Reston store.

As a devoted treadmill runner, I had some problems when I began racing in 2013. I was experiencing a variety of aches and pains (knees, shins, ankles, etc) that I was not familiar with. A friend of mine suggested I get properly fitted for shoes and mentioned PRR offered this service free of charge. On a whim, I stopped by one afternoon for a fitting.
The fitting included a measurement of my feet, a discussion of my problems and then a test run on a treadmill. There is a camera zoomed in on your feet so they can watch the way your foot strikes. Depending on your arch and foot strike, your shoe needs will vary. Well I learned I have a neutral foot but had been wearing stability shoes thus causing my discomfort. I was given several recommendations. Not only was I encouraged to try them all on but to get back on the treadmill as well as run outside the store. I definitely appreciated this approach. While I did make a purchase that day, I did not feel the least bit pressured to commit to anything.
Last year I signed up for the distance training program with PRR to help train for the Army Ten Miler in October. The 12 week training course had me adequately prepared for the ATM. I’m currently enrolled in the spring training session as I get ready to gear up for my first half marathon this spring (YIKES!). The coaches/​staff at PRR have helped me step up my racing game in a major way. I am all set on hydration (love my Nathan belt), nutrition (Gatorade chewies), footware and a few great sports bras (don’t skimp on these ladies).
Whether your new to running (check out the 101 class) or an avid runner, PRR has what you need. The friendly and helpful staff will be able to assist with just about anything.

I’ve never had a professional fitting before & I was very impressed. I had the nicest woman help me today (wish I could remember her name, she wore a red shirt) and she went out of her way to find me the perfect shoe. She had me run on the treadmill & checked my stride & then had me run through the store! I ended up with the perfect pair of shoes. Awesome experience!!!

I have been running on and off for 2 years now and have been plagued by shin splints almost the entire duration. I came to Potomac Running and they gave me an few extensive tests that isolated my issue and found me a shoe that not only fits amazingly, but makes the whole workout easier on my body.
Really friendly staff and a dickton of shoes in stock, can’t go wrong.

This is my second experience with PRR, and I’m glad that the Reston location is just as great as the Tyson’s one.
I came in on a Saturday just before noon, and there were a good amount of folks in the store. The staff was really helpful and helping everyone out with fittings and advice if needed. They are not pushy at all and really just want you to feel comfortable with a shoe that fits your needs.
I wore my old Glycerin 8’s in and said that I wanted something similar but not necessarily Glycerin’s again. My sales rep come out with 3 boxes of shoes, and I tried all of them on. I was stuck between 2 very different-​feeling shoes, so she suggested that I hop on the treadmill and evaluate them for myself. I did several 30 second sessions to see which one I liked better and eventually picked the Saucony Ride 5’s.
The experience here is just what you need from a running store — a large selection of shoes, a knowledgeable and patient staff, and equipment that helps you evaluate your choices.

Solid Running store in Reston.
Very good selection of running shoes (they carry Newton — very hard to find). Getting help can be very spotty in here. You almost have to know what you want. They have a small selection of gear that tends to be more for women than men.
I have purchased shoes here before and was never told they have a loyalty program (that is free!). If you spend $ 250 you get I think a $ 25 reward — which sucks that they told me about this after I had already purchased two pair of shoes from them. So if you buy ask to sign up — incase they don’t tell you about it.
Nice to support a local and small business.

PRR in RTC has become my running home base in Reston! I am in two of the training programs. I give them 4.5 stars only because the support during the long runs on Sat. is sometimes a bit lacking. They ran out of water on a 95 degree day but I am spoiled from being in the TNT program where they provide everything under the sun at the half way mark — so you pass it twice. I would only suggest that they move the water/​Gatorade so it’s not at the start/​finish point.
As for the training programs, they are pretty comprehensive with morning and evening runs and a track workout. I would recommend anyone sign up who really wants to advance their running skills and get all the 411.
The store is full of great gear and it’s typical for a high-​end running store. You’re gonna pay higher prices than a Dick’s but if you’re a serious runner it may be worth having their expertise when picking out a shoe. For the running clothes, you could go to a cheaper place. So i would say, go to PRR for any shoes and the training programs. Happy running!

Unfortunately I did not have a good experience here a couple of weeks ago. I came in to get fitted for a new pair of running shoes. I have been a runner for a number of years, run 3 half marathons and the MCM so this is definitely not my first experience in being fitted.
First, when I walked in the two of the sales people were helping others, there was another person who saw me walk in, did not greet me and I had to go to her to ask for help. She was not overly friendly but that is not what made my experience that bad it was her lack of knowledge.
While her attitude was much to be desired, the other two staff members where very engaged with their customers and appeared to be very knowledgeable.
I was asked to get on the treadmill to do my run analysis, it lasted approximately 3 seconds, not sure how you can really check how a person runs in that short period of a time but she thought that was suitable.
She tells me what kind of shoe (s) I should try, asks my size (doesn’t measure me) and brings out the shoes. The whole time she seemed so uninterested and just wanted me to hurry along and pick a shoe. I ended up going against my gut and picking a shoe — the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12, out of 2 others she offered me.
The next day I tried out the shoe on the treadmill, I was in excruciating pain from my ankle to my calf in my right leg just 1 mile into the run, not your normal breaking your shoe in feeling. Of course I brought back the shoe and luckily the manager was there so I could explain my whole experience. The manager was very apologetic, but I did tell her I would not be coming back for another shoe fitting at PRR.
I ended up going to Road Runner Sports in Falls Church and had such a great experience. It ended up the woman at PRR fitted me in stability shoe that was too much stability for my mild pronation and high arches. I went from the Brooks Adrenaline at PRR to the Brooks Ravenna at RRS.
I guess it was a blessing in disguise.

This is the second running store I’ve been to where they use a thorough investigation of your feet, stride, form, etc. to help you pick the best shoe.
I was very happy with the service. The last time I went through such a consultation was back in 2006. I ended up buying the same pair of shoes over and over again for years, but recently decided I wanted to change up my stride to more of a forefoot strike instead of the rear foot strike I had previously used. I picked a shoe on my own last year to help facilitate that, and now that my stride/​form has changed, I decided I should get a professional opinion.
The salesman at Potomac River Running looked at how I walked, how I stand, looked at a digital shot of how my feet spread out the pressure on this screen, watched me run on a treadmill with a little camera aiming at my feet, and had me try on four different pairs of shoes.
I’m not saying it wouldn’t be possible for me to find shoes that work as well on my own, but this made it a lot easier. Their prices are higher than most other places, but I’m willing to pay them for all the consultation that comes with. Next time I’ll just order the same pair somewhere online.
Whether you’re an experienced runner or a new one, I recommend at least stopping by. They’re not super pushy, though if you do go through the entire consultation process, you’ll probably feel at least a little obligated to buy something, as it probably feels crappy to make them do all that and walk away with nothing.
Check ‘em out.

So I’ll be quick. Ran for 9 years under Uncle Sam. Stopped running for the past 4 years. Just started running again and a friend referred me to PRR to get evaluated for shoes. I was concerned that their focus would be to sell me e most expensive shoe in stock. I was pleasantly greeted at the door by Danielle (even in the midst of helping another customer) whom I told to take her time and I would wait for her to evaluate my gait. As soon as she was done, she asked if I was familiar with the process to which I responded yes (a sales rep had given me a thorough explanation over the phone) and she immediately put me onto the treadmill and watched me walk for a few then run for a while. She explained what she was seeing and escorted me to my seat as she told me she would bring back a variety of shoes that fit my need (great shoe, nothing more, nothing less).
When Danielle returned with 5 boxes of shoes, she allowed me to try them as I needed and was very «mum» unless I asked for her input. This gave me ease that she was not trying to «sell me» on anything or one particular shoe. When it was done, I left with a shoe that I previously HATED to run in (sorry Nike) but this one was light enough and supported my foot JUST right in the little trot that I did up and down the isle. I’ll be headed to the gym later, so let’s see how they perform after a few miles.

I own running shoes now. Real ones. That cost more than a hundred dollars. And I walked out of here feeling –great– about the investment in my taking the first step toward training for the Unilocal triathlon relay later this year!
At Michele D’s recommendation, I popped in here after running a few doors down to return a gift scarf at BR. All the reps looked like they were busy working with other customers, so I browsed the shop for a little bit, scoping out the various apparel and running gadgets (water bottles, sport packs, pedometer-​thingamajigs) in this little shop. Eventually, I made my way back up front and was helped (by who I later discovered was a Saucony brand rep).
The most fascinating part of being fitted for shoes here is that they have a treadmill in a store, with a live video camera pointing at it from behind, so you can see the back of your shoes on a TV screen above your head as you jog. The employees here dissect your gait and explain what they’re looking for, point out rolling (pronation?) and then clearly explain the various options of shoes, and pick one of the three for your type of foot: floppy, supportive, or super-​rigid. And, uh… no… those aren’t the official names. I’m not a real runner (yet?), so I don’t recall them off-​hand.
Regardless, my measly semi-​arches require the support type of shoes, and I then got to sample three different brands of support shoes. Nike, Asics, and Sauconys. I immediately ruled out the Nikes upon putting them on. They had this weird bump under my foot — apparently it’s called a tarsal lift or something like that. Meh. Both Asics and Sauconys were equally comfortable, and my salesperson had me put one of each on my feet and walk around. I ended up picking the Saucony’s because of their fit. I think it might be the first time I’ve ever selected a pair of shoes –without– paying any attention to their aesthetic in my life.
At no point did I feel rushed or pressured. The folks that work here seem to all be super-​avid runners, themselves. The gentleman who later helped me out with shoe selection had actually run the same triathlon that we signed up for, and provided some general tips and guidance. Who knows, maybe we’ll end up running into the PRR folks, since the owner (?) coaches for Team In Training.
All I know is… with this kind of financial investment in my well-​being (and the health of my lower joints), I damn well better be motivated to kick my rear in gear. And now I feel well-​equipped to do it!

I’ve been running passionately for about 4 years now, and have gone through a lot of pairs of shoes in that time, I’ve ran a lot of races ranging from 5K’s to marathons so I know what I want my shoe to feel like. The problem with most running stores is that their personnel don’t really respond to what your feet need, they pretty much scan you up and down, maybe look at you run and say… oh use this shoe it looks like you over/​under pronate. 75% of the time they have diagnosed me wrong, and my feet have paid for it. But no more, thanks to Potomac River Running, in Reston.
At PRR I have never had such customer service, they checked and rechecked my running gait and made sure that the shoe I was using was helping me out the most, while making sure that me feet still felt good. You may think that this is how most running stores operate, but it isn’t. Most just look at your run in your old shoes and then say oh try these… feel good… ok cash register is over here. PRR has given me the best 1 on 1 time I’ve ever had, and sometimes that means you’ll have to wait a bit longer if someone is in front of you, but it is worth it to get exactly what you need! They also have all the other standard running/​athletic gear including clothes, nutrition, hydration, stretching.
There are a lot of running stores in the area, and I feel like this one gets looked over a lot because it is in the «boonies» of Reston. I can only make it here because I work close by, but they just opened a new one right down the street from me in Arlington… woop! So I know that this will be my store for a long time!