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. read more

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 1st 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. read more

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 ... read more

For the most part, everyone here is knowledgeable and nice. They've all given me advice for my workouts and for shoes. The only negative experience I've had is when one of the reps put me in shoes that ended up hurting my ankles and keeping me out for about a month. The next rep looked at the shoes and the way I walked and said the previous person overcompensated for my pronation. They put me new shoes that have been much better. I will continue shopping here. read more

Jessie and the other salespeople all helped find the best shoes for me. Highly recommend this store.

I was a litttttle hesitant to come in here because I'm not a runner, I'm not really a power walker and I'm not really in shape. Buttttt I'm getting in shape and my physical therapist said this was the place to go to get the right shoes. See, all my life I bought the "right shoes" which were really just the pretty, on sale shoes at DSW.com that I bought without being able to try on. See, that wasn't smart. I came here needing to take a deep breath because I didn't know what some of the specialty running items were even for in the store and I thought I would stick out like a sore thumb. I came in on a not overly busy Monday night after work and they were bustling but not horribly crowded inside. A few associates said they would be with me shortly and I went to the women's section to start looking. Naturally I gravitated towards the pink shoes bc I had no idea what I needed out of a shoe. Aaron came up to me and started asking some questions about the kind of activity level I have, complaints I've had with shoes in the past and I showed him my current Mizuno's that were looking kind of sad from a lot of wear and tear. He took me over the treadmill to have me do some walking so he could see how I land on my foot with each step. It's interesting to watch yourself walk up close since you start realizing that you roll to one side more than another, strike differently on each feet, etc. After treadmill time, Aaron brought me some shoes to try and explained why each one MIGHT be a good fit for me. However, he explained that it was up to me to decide which one felt the best. We also talked about some great Balega socks that they sell that are wonderful for people who blister easily. I ended up buying a few pairs that day and they are like walking on clouds!! Ultimately, shoe #5 (Altra brand) was the winner for me. They only had them in stock in this not so lovely bright orange color (I have big, size 11 feet, so orange shoes were not a selling point for me). Aaron was nice enough to order them in a much nicer pink/purple color that was right up my alley. The best part is, if you wear the shoes and feel like they're not a good fit, you can bring them back and they'll find you something that works better for you. I'll be back!! read more

I went by Front Runner today after doing some errands, hoping to be sized for a pair of running shoes. I've used my previous pair for a few years now, and thought it would be good to have a discussion with a specialist in regard to sizing, pronation, supination and so forth. With the right information, I might have even been in a position to purchase shoes on the spot. When I walked into the store, most of the employees appeared busy with customers. I went over to the wall of Men's shoes, looked at some of the styles I was interested in, and waited for someone to come over. I thought that picking up so many of their shoes would have been enough of a cue, but after 15 minutes or so of waiting and talking with my mom about what was available, I moved to the middle of the store, thinking I'd be more visible. Yeah, didn't make much of a difference. Two of the four who were working told me they'd "be right with me." Apparently that was supposed to come after they helped two other elderly men that arrived later than me. A third who seemed to be shooting the shit with a friend, and dismissed me when I first walked in, proceeded to help a young woman right as she walked in the door. At this point, I think I had been waiting around 20 minutes. At the expense of sounding immodest, I'm a tall, athletic, 21-year old guy. Realistically speaking, I was the only one in the store that actually looked like they ran. Not to say the employees weren't good at their job, but at the same time, I didn't feel like I was missing out on some indispensable service. That being said, I experienced terrible service at Front Runner. There were just as many customers as employees. There were plenty of occasions for them to engage me: when I walked in their store, when I was picking up shoes, when I stood right next to them, etc. I felt like waving goodbye to them with the money I had in my pocket. Won't be giving them another chance at it in the future. read more

Great store. I went into the store with my wife, with NO intention of getting new shoes, and I was so blown away by the one-on-one customer service and attention that I bought a pair of shoes myself. I've been into the store several times since then and I can verify that all the employees are as attentive as the one that waited on me. Highly recommended if you're looking for high quality running/cross-training shoes. It should be pointed out that you typically pay top-dollar for items here. Not that they're overpriced, because I've compared pricing and some of Front Runner's items are cheaper than Amazon or other places online. It's just that you're dealing with high-end items to begin with. Great store, great employees, great selection. I'll definitely be going back. read more

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. read more

Unfortunately I just had the most distressing experience with the owner of this store. I purchased a pair of $180 Adidas UltraBOOSTs in April of 2019 for an extended trip abroad. I came to the store to have my foot fitted for the correct size shoe as I would be doing a significant amount of walking. The salesperson did not have this shoe in my size (9.5 or 10) and kept insisting I needed a size 10.5 which he did have in stock. I knew when I paid for the shoes that they were too large for my foot (toe long and the heel slipped) but I felt the salesperson was annoyed by my questions and he knew best as he was the professional....and I just needed a pair of shoes as I was leaving for the trip the following day. Got home, decided they were just too big and put the shoes on the shelf in my closet and forgot about them. Quarantine time allowed me to clean my closet and locate the sales receipt. I called and was told by Allie (super nice young lady who is very polite) that they would be happy to exchange them for a shoe that fit me properly. I did not want a refund, just to exchange the shoes for a half size smaller that fit! Came into the store, located Allie and she spoke to the owner. I was told because of the length of time since purchase that they could do nothing. Ok...that's fine. On the way out I saw the owner and very politely let him know that, while I took responsibility that I was not prompt in taking care of the return, I felt it was the responsibility of his employees to fit me with the correct size shoe. He grabbed the box from my hand and his exact words were "I don't give a s*it, I'll give you your money back". Excuse me? I told him I did not expect money back, only asking to exchange for a pair of shoes that fit properly. I asked for my shoes back and left as his behavior was embarrassing me and the employees and other customers were staring. I've purchased many shoes here and have recommended this business to others in the past. This was my final visit. Apparently, the current climate is making people completely lose all sense of manners, politeness and common human decency. Why would you speak to anyone in that manner when you depend on customers to purchase your product? read more

This is the best running store in Columbus, and a great location as well. I went in on a Sunday right after they opened, and both my husband and I were helped immediately. We had one-on-one attention--each of us was helped by a different member of the staff, and we each had the opportunity to try and compare several different shoes. We ran around outside and tested out a few pairs before buying. The service was excellent and the selection was top notch. I checked out a few places before buying my shoes here, and none had the level of service and selection I found at Front Runner. read more

Went to the one at worthington square. Fantastic service and I came home with some shoes made for walking!! Thank you Joseph!

I came to front runner for a new pair of running shoes, obviously. They were awesome. They are so friendly and they are not pushy. They are there to help you find the best shoe for your running style. The girl that worked with me had me walk so she could watch my stride. Just by that she was able to find a few different shoes that would be best for my feet. They have you run outside to try each shoe out until you find the best fit. I got my shoes here and I love them. I will be coming here from now on. read more

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. read more

My co-worker and I decided to start training for a 5k and I knew if I wanted to start running I needed to invest in a better pair of shoes. I heard good things about this place so decided to check it out. I seriously can't rave enough about this place. The staff was amazing. When I went in I was kind of scared that it was going to be really hardcore and not for beginners. But they were super friendly and helpful. I tried on about 14 pairs of shoes to get the right fit and they didn't mind at all. They gave me training material and all kinds of tips on beginning running. I spent exactly what I thought I would on the shoes... but probably would have spent more just because the service was so great. Oh and so far my shoes are amazing. Definitely will be buying ALL my running shoes and apparel here from now on. read more

I have been going here sine I started running when I was 12. I've never been tempted to go anywhere else. The customer service here is phenomenal- they WILL make sure you get the right shoes, even if you have to try on 109028987589 pairs. They're thorough and ask about everything from mileage to price range, and they're very good at diagnosing your stride and any problems you may have. I've never experienced any sales pressure to buy something I didn't want or need. This is a great place for runners of all levels. read more

First class customer service! My wife and I visited the kind, knowledgeable folks here to buy very different running shoes. Trail for me, road for her. On both accounts, the store staff (Kyle and ?) were patient and had many informed suggestions. Tip: Try on as many shoes as you can from their ridiculous selection and trust your feet. You'll know when you have the right pair. read more

I went to Front Runner on Sunday, 8/27/17 and got there around 12:30 pm. There were a lot of customers there, but I didn't have to wait long. I had been trying to find a new pair of running shoes for an upcoming half marathon but after returning shoes from two previous running stores, I came here. The sales guy was outstanding! He took me through the fit process including video-recording my gait on the treadmill and a scan of my feet. Using that info to select potential shoes, he let me run outside in several different models. I finally decided on a pair of Mizuno Wave Inspire shoes. What a difference in how my feet and legs feel after running in these shoes! Thank you, Front Runner. read more

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.... read more

I keep wanting to love this place. I always try to shop local when I can, so I wanted to try this place before I went with Zappos, and they had a lot of really nice shoes in really fun colors and styles. So. Three of the four times I've been to the store I've been greeted right away by someone who asked me what I was looking for, measured my foot, watched me walk, and brought out shoes they recommended. This is all fine and good. The employees were always really nice to me, and I felt really self conscious going in because I'm very new to running and pretty overweight. I was worried they wouldn't take me seriously because I'm not a pro at running. This wasn't the case, everyone was great. The problem is that twice of the three times I've been fitted, the sales staff didn't even let me try on some of the shoes I wanted to try because my feet are wide. It's true that my feet are wide, but I've been able to wear regular width running shoes for the most part and there were a lot of styles I wanted to try. The first time this happened, I went ahead and made the purchase and ended up hating the shoes. I didn't take them back because I was trying to give them time to break in, but it never happened. That was a few years ago, and I've had several pair of regular width Brooks that I've loved since then. So I went back recently looking for a new pair of Brooks, and the sales woman refused to even let me try the ones I wanted on. She measured my foot and then brought me the most god awful white orthopedic shoes I have ever seen, and said "these are really all that will work for you." I told her that I really wanted to at least try on the Brooks that I wanted, and she just shook her head and said they wouldn't work. I mean I was ready to drop $140 on a pair of shoes, and she wouldn't even let me try them on. I asked her three different times to try them on and she just kept pushing the ugly monstrosities. I ended up leaving empty handed, and bought the shoes I wanted on Zappos, and guess what, they were perfect. If she had just let me try on the shoes, I would have bought them. Instead, I spent my money at a huge corporation. So I won't be shopping here again. The staff have all been pretty nice, but they just don't seem to take into consideration my preferences and experiences with other shoes I have tried. read more

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. read more

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! read more

I love this place. The customer service will make your drive from across town. I have not seen better in any business.

Great local store. Employees are knowledgeable and willing to listen to your past running history to give you the best recommendations. They let you give the shoes a test run in the parking lot outside or on the street instead of just walking around in the store. Good selection of apparel as well as nutrition products too! read more

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! read more

I am too heavy for my own liking and I decided to buy a new pair of running shoes. I happened across Front Runner looking for a particular pair and boy, how lucky I was. I first spoke to a fellow named Steve on the phone for 10 minutes while driving there, and thought now unusual it was for a person to speak to me about possibly buying a shoe and being genuinely interested in caring about it. Different. When I showed up, I thought I'd look up Steve. No, another fellow named Andy helped me, and what a great experience. I went through about 7 shoes, all the while thinking "This is the pair!" every time. Wrong! He didn't get upset at all, either. I ended up picking a pair in which I had left the left one on of the two while trying new types on with my right foot. I realized that while trying all the new ones on on my right foot, the shoe on my left foot felt really comfortable the whole time, so I put the right one on and immediately felt right at home. I try to get bargains all the time, so I can buy more stuff with the extra money I save. But I do not mind paying full retail here, as they earn every penny. They go the extra mile, they care and you know when you leave you made the right decision. read more

Front runner is the best experience I've had getting shoes it's easy fast and the employees are nice and are willing to wait to find you the perfect shoe I would always recommend coming here if you need new shoes read more

After having foot surgery, I was encouraged to buy a new pair of shoes at Front Runner by my physical therapist. I have never, ever spent more than $25 for a pair of 'tennis shoes' as I've always called them, (no, that's not related to the surgery I needed!) so it was really difficult for me to accept the prices here. After choosing a simple white pair of shoes, I was fitted and told I couldn't get that pair, my foot needed a different kind (I roll out, most roll in). I was shown another simple, white pair, but they didn't have my size. I offered to pay the $90 at that time, but after the salesperson went up to the desk, he returned and said they would collect in a week when my shoe came in. When I went in to pick up the shoe, I was told the supplier had raised the cost, and I owed $120. I refused and they were not even interested in talking with me. A couple of days later I finally was able to reach a manager/owner who took the cost to $100, but never admitted what I was saying - that while I was there the staff realized the shoe price was going up, or possibly already had, and they were not marked correctly. I did pay the $100, only because I looked everywhere for something similar without luck and needed the new pair to continue therapy. While they are comfortable, they do nothing for the roll, and are no better than shoes I can get at most any shoe store for less than half the price. For runners this may be a great place, but for the average person, go somewhere else. read more