Runner’s Image

Excellent service, friendly and knowledgeable. High quality shoes and socks. who knew socks made such a difference? Love the location!

This will be your last stop running shoes great service knowledgeable staff. Gentleman size me up and for once I got the shoe that fits my foot and running style. Will no longer go to the big box stores they have everything you need here so give them a try if you want the best running shoes not some kids telling you what they think you might need …

Best athletic shoe store around! Came in for my first pair of running shoes and staff spent over an hour with me. They watched me run to see what type of shoes I should be wearing and than had me try on a ton of different pairs. When we realized that the normal width wasn’t good for me, they ordered me wide widths and called me as soon as they were in. They go way above and beyond! Prices are same as big box stores but with exceptional customer service. Will go back every time I need shoes!

I’m a new runner and stopped here to get some shoes and advice. They fit me perfectly and I’ve got 160 miles on them
These are good people!

I walked into Runner’s Image six months ago as a brand new runner, knowing very little about running shoes (bar what I’d read on the internet).
The person helping me took his time to watch how I ran (on the treadmill) and then brought several pairs of shoes for me to try on.
I took the first pair home and tried them at my gym, realising they weren’t as comfortable as I hoped. I took them back and without any problem, the folks were happy to replace them with a different shoe (Brooks Adrenaline).
Four months after walking into Runner’s Image, the wife and I decided we would be running a 5K. I went back to Runner’s Image to buy a Goretex version of my Brooks Adrenaline! We have our first 5K next week (weather permitting)!
Again — excellent customer service — these folks really know their stuff! I’ve already recommended them to my work colleagues!

My 16 year old daughter just started running cross country and needed a good pair of spikes. I took her into Runner’s Image where we were greeted promptly and helped. The young man who served us was phenomenal. He asked great questions and brought out every possible shoe in my daughter’s size for her to try on. He also gave her a ton of helpful tips, which really eased her mind as a beginner. She selected a shoe and was thrilled with her choice. I didn’t even know that customer service still existed on this level. I have told a ton of people about my experience, and I feel like there is no place else I would rather give my business!

I can do nothing but rave about Runner’s Image. I’ve gone here since I was a child. First for swim suits when I swam on various teams and then switching over to running shoes as I picked that up. This is a fantastic store with extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and personable staff. This is the ONLY place that I will buy running shoes and have done so for years. I frequently recommend Runners Image to anyone looking for new running shoes, especially new runners that don’t know what kind of shoe is best for them. Keep up the good work!

As a relatively new runner, I knew very little about running shoes; however, I did my research online prior to entering the store. It was a Saturday afternoon and the store was very busy with only 2 people working, an older man and a younger man. I stood in the store for 30 minutes before either worker even acknowledged my existence, and he did this by saying «We will get to you soon. It’s good thing you bought your electronic toy.» (referring to my smart phone). I watched both workers help customers and it was very clear the younger man was superior. He helped his client try on at least 8 pairs of shoes and after he pair he watched her walk and/​or run on the treadmill. When it was finally my turn, I was stuck with the older gentleman. He had me stand and told me I have lower arches. I’ve always thought I had higher arches, so I was surprised by this. I explained to him how long I’ve been running and he looked at my current shoes (just cheap Nikes bought at Kohls). He didn’t seem to believe me that I had done has much running as I claimed. He had me walk 10 feet and then bought out 1 pair of asics to try on. He asked me how they felt, and I tried to engage him in some discussion about whether these shoes would help with my shin splints and back problems. He just said «I don’t know. Your current shoes aren’t really running shoes, so it could be a good investment.» He didn’t watch me walk or run. I said so this is what you recommend? He said, «I wouldn’t have brought this out if I didn’t.» I then looked at the other customer trying on all kinds of different shoes. I stated that this wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. He then said, «Oh you didn’t expect the shoes to cost this much?» I was really offended at this point — 40 minutes of waiting for someone to give me one pair of shoes and then assume I didn’t know how much running shoes cost?!. I then explained I expected him to evaluate my feet and running and recommend specific shoes for me. He claimed he did this; although, I never ran and when I asked what was unique about these shoes, he just said they were a good general running shoe. Oh, and I did the water test when I got home, and I do NOT have flat feet — somewhere between normal and high arches. Obviously, I didn’t buy the one pair of asics he showed me, and I will NOT be returning. Although, I did think about asking the younger associate when he usually works so I could go back and have him help me. Instead, I will shop online. I am usually a proponent of buying local and I especially support the downtown area, but I will not do that when the service is awful.

I agree with Sam O. Keep it local!!! The more you spend locally, the more your money stays in the community and benefits the community economically. Rockford needs it!!!
I got my first pair of Vibram’s. They are awesome. The service was great: genuine and knowledgeable. I will reccommend others and go back soon. Thanks Runner’s Image!!!
Also…I went in there specifically for the Vibrams… only store in Rockford that carries them.

Needed some new running shoes, and saw some good reviews on the google, so I stopped in. I was pleasantly surprised by the large selection for being a relatively small store. The two people working seemed to know their products very well. They didn’t just toss a pair of shoes at me, they worked with me, and found the best pair for me.
The prices were also pretty reasonable, and keeping your $$$ local is a good thing!
If I lived here, I’d surely go back!