Pacers is more than a running store, it's sort of the Cheers of the Alexandria (and beyond) running world. I've been running with the group that meets at this store Tuesdays and Thursdays (7PM) and Saturday mornings for six years. (It's free! Come run!) The store and the staff are truly part of the community. Joe, the manager, has been running the running group with his awesome wife Sonia for longer than he has been running the store (and much longer than I've been going). They are helpful and knowledgeable and welcoming. They can help you find the right shoes (and let you return them within two weeks if they don't work for you). They can help you figure out fueling for a longer race, or help you find the right accessories for running in the dark, the cold, or whatever else you decide you want to run in. Pacers Old Town is hands down the best running store I've ever been to in my 15+ years of running. read more

Went again last night, just to stop in and look around, as my out of town friend was interested in seeing some local shops. I love that they carry oiselle brand apparel - their half marathon shirt is awesome and I want to purchase it after I complete my first half in January =) Also, side note to my last review - AWESOME news...they are EXPANDING! There is a sign in the window of the place next door and it says "Early 2011" for their expected expansion open!! read more

I know I can save a few bucks by shopping online for running shoes and accessories, but I'm more than happy to pay a little extra for the service I get at Pacers. I recently replaced my running shoes at pacers. I've been wearing the same make and model of running shoe for almost a decade. This year, I experienced every runner's worst nightmare: the manufacturer of my favorite shoe significantly changed the way it fits. Pacers happily exchanged my shoes not once but TWICE until I found my new model of running shoe. Their return policy is amazing: run in the shoe for two weeks (or is it 30 days now?) -- if you don't like it, bring it back. Amazing! Plus, it's a pleasure to go to a running store where every employee is passionate about running. Their advice on gear is always spot on. Oh, and I almost forgot: they are active in the community, too. They organize a bunch of races and fun runs. My favorite is the Port City Joggers and Lagers. read more

Much appreciation for a full-service run store. Had the good fortune to find Pacers Alexandria after coming across their podcast. When in town for business, always make time to join an evening run on Tuesday or Thursday, or an ass-kicking crosstraining run on Monday. Pacers social runners are friendly, and stratify well into different pace groups and training goals. Of course, the store has all necessary run accoutrements starting from shoes and including lights, gels, and a reasonable clearance rack. read more

Pacers is a great example of why it usually makes sense to go to a specialty store for the right sports equipment and apparel, instead of a box store. In most box stores, you go to the shoe department, pick a sneaker that aesthetically appeals to you and some 16 year old finds you size in the back. Good luck finding the right sneaker for you. At Pacers, the process is completely different. First, when you show up in their store, the sales folks are attentive and extremely nice, no matter how busy they are. They talk to you to figure out if you know what you want or if you need their expertise. I always ask for their guidance. They look at you current sneakers, ask question about how you use them (mine is being lazy in my arm chair), then ask to see your stride. Afterwards, the start bringing the sneakers out and don't stop until the right pair is on your feet. It is then off to the sidewalk outside so you can jog around to see if they feel right, while the salesperson determines if they fit your stride. This place is great for runners or just folks (like me) who have problems finding good, comfortable sneakers that deal with your foot's unique characteristics. Just be warned, this is not a box store with crazy sales all the time. They don't over charge, but I haven't seen them discount either. read more

I first found Pacers because I am training for the Marine Corps Marathon and I wanted to find a running group. The "Fun Runs" that Pacers help are great. I have been able to run 6 days a week with a great group of people. Now onto the store. I was finally in need of some new shoes so I headed over to Pacers on a Friday after work. Now, like I said above, I found Pacers because of their running group. When I walked into the store I saw a few folks that I run with, and right away I was asked if I needed help. The staff was great, and I really like that they put you on a treadmill and video tape you running to see what type of shoe you might need. When I lived in San Diego, my store there had a track and they just watched you run, but the video taping me while I run on a treadmill is over the top. I was able to see just how I ran and what angle my ankles went. This help me, and the staff member pick out a great shoe. Thanks for the help Pacers! read more

I have been a customer here for about 9 years and I love this place! The company as a whole offers great races and events, but the Old Town store adds even more. The fun run group is very welcoming and great for all abilities... even walkers! The group is great for both training and being social. The staff is great with helping you with shoes and running gear. Some reviews knock them for having to wait 10 minutes to get help (OMG, first world problems!). If they are busy, be patient. It's worth the wait. The will watch how you walk and run to identify what shoe(s) work best for you. Big box sports stores aren't going to do that for you. They are very knowledgeable and give you a few options to see what you like. My only complaint would be on the apparel. It's more of a Pacers issue rather than this specific store. Not everyone wants to pay a million bucks for a Nike shirt. Options at different price ranges would be nice. read more

UPDATE: Used to love this place. But service was the key here - and now it's the undoing of the place. Disappointed in the place not once or twice but 3x lately... I'll be taking my business elsewhere... Runners can be fickle folks. Esp when it comes to what they put on their feet. Im a Brooks man myself (pronator) and Pacers is the place to go to make sure you get what you need so you can get up and go. Staffed by dedicated runners, they take pains to size you, watch your stride and put you into the proper shoe. And if it doesnt work after a day or two? Bring em back. Thats the way to build loyalty and Im loyal enough to traipse out of town to get my kicks. It's also a central spot to catch up on races in the region or find a group to train with.... read more

Wow wow wow, I had an excellent experience here. Upon walking in I was greeted by smiling faces & an associate offered me assistance. i was looking for a comfortable running shoe for my relatively flat feet. He closely observed my gait & chose 3 shoes which best suited my needs. I wasn't rushed at all. It took me about 30 minutes to decide which shoe I wanted & the staff was still friendly & attentive. This place also has great quality running accessories (stop watches, special socks, supplements, etc) and they announce running events & running groups. Another perk, they offer military discounts (I love saving money). The shoes are reasonably priced too. My asics cost about $110, not bad. I will be happy to return for another pair of running shoes, great experience. read more

Love this store! Been shopping here for years and I love everything they do for the community and all the events they have, so I basically only buy my shoes from Pacers. I also love their new loyalty program! Their staff is so great too! Sometimes they might be a few dollars more than what you find online, but it's typically just by a hair. Not worth it to not support this business. Also, most runners know/expect that a good pair of shoes will cost them $100. It's definitely busy there on the weekend and they have a good amount of staff around, it would be good if they had one more staff member working the floor to help. But I really can't complain, they are as attentive as it gets in this area. I love thier fun runs and their races are like a runner's dream. I just did the GW Parkway 10 miler and it was fantastic!! I rave about it constantly! The Old Town store is my favorite location (I used to frequent the Clarendon one when I lived there) and they just expanded the space and added a treadmill for testing which is great! read more

When my running shoes had more miles on them than I could ever possibly count (had been three years since I replace them!) I went to Pacers. The service was fantastic and a rep took the time to ask me questions, watch me walk barefoot (to get a sense of my gait) and brought out four different brands/styles of running shoes for me to try. I put on each pair and then we went outside so I could run for a block or so. I tried each pair, went back and forth between two selections before finally deciding. I never, ever felt rushed to make a decision and the rep never tried to influence my decision but did ask me questions to help me figure out which one felt the best when I ran. In the end I came away with a pair of shoes that I love, fit and feel great. They even have a 2 week (I think? double check the length of time) return period. So if I got home and ran for a few days with them and changed my mind they would take them back. (again, double check their policy with them first.) Great experience! read more

In customer service, there are three types of people: Those who don't care at all, those who are willing to bend over backwards, and those who are willing to bend over backwards to take it up the ass. It is all about going above and beyond. I suppose what I am trying to say here is that the customer service I experienced at Pacers was phenomenal. If you have an issue with this location's personnel, you likely have broken cognitive processes. One of their associates took me through a lengthy, detail oriented gait analysis process all while assisting other customers -many of whom seemed very high maintenance and ornery. He suggested several shoe options that worked well with my gait and took the time to make sure I had a good fit. The man didn't lose a step! He was even doing some accounting work before he asked if I needed some assistance. These folks are about follow-through and accountability. They're a great small business and their rewards program will definitely keep me as a customer. I've been to their locations in Crystal City and Silver Spring, but the Alexandria location is a flagship! read more

The #ForEveryRun is more than just a hashtag. I've truly enjoyed the support and motivation provided by the weekly runs this year. I love the community collaboration I've seen with Shake Shack (I build the schedule around the 2nd Tuesday of the month), Barre3 and others. I love that the run leaders either organize by FB or email to ensure all know which vendors, which dates and any special events. As for staff? They are first rate. It's fun when you can see employees actually enjoy their work (yes, joking and goofing are part of it). I can't wait to see if Pacers Princeton does more another run series. I discovered them while visiting my +1's family. Let's say visiting the quasi in-laws will be much more fun if I can plan it around races! read more

I've never been the "running type," but on my list of things to do before I die is to train and complete a marathon. Well, the last time I tried to train was maybe 5 years ago when I was still sporadically smoking. So, fast forward 5 five years to a time when I work out every day, train heavily in martial arts, and have logged in countless hours and miles of trekking and hiking... I signed up for my first 10K and the Army 10 Miler. Hmm, this means I need new shoes. I bought my first pair of running shoes at this location (oh, and the location in Clarendon does NOT have the same level of service or personality of the Old Town location) and had such a positive experience, that I decided to go back. I had actually jogged down from DC on the Mt. Vernon Trail. No one seemed to care I was a lil sweaty (okay, a lot sweaty). The wonderful thing about this Pacers is that it is staffed by runners. The staff are dedicated life-timers in the sense that they have been working there a significant amount of time, know their stock and they know running. Here, they look at your gait. They ask you questions about the shape of your feet. They bring you as many pairs of shoes as you need to try on and encourage you to go jog up and down the block in each and every one of them. My friend who was with me needed insoles, and the gentleman helping me pulls out a foot model (one of those faux bone ones which emulates how all the foot bones move) and demonstrated how each type of insole helped the foot move correctly. This is a place where no one tries to upsell you on the most popular or most expensive kind of shoe. They want the one that feels the best to you. You can return shoes for up to 14 days after purchase for any reason. And although they don't have openly displayed sales as specialty shop rarely does, they do have discounts. If you are a member of Washington Sports Club or many of the area running clubs, you get a 10% discount. Sometimes registering for various races will get you a discount if you bring in your registration. But this store goes beyond in store service, they have two free runs a week at the crack of dawn. They also hold various free running clinics. This place goes beyond full service. Its a dying art, but boy is Pacers keeping it alive. read more

Great customer service. Went in for running shoes and they did a basic gait assessment and gave me plenty of options to try on. They were very helpful in listening to my likes/dislikes to find the right pair of shoes. Additionally they have a great return/exchange policy so you can try the shoes outside and decide from there. read more

So, I had an issue with not recieving a pair of shoes I had ordered in a timely fashion. I was a little irritated because I needed them in time for a race and because the employees all seemed to be a little confused as to why it was taking so long for the shoes to come in. The manager, himself, called me after reading my review and did everything in his ability to get the shoes to me in a timely fashion. Thanks for the personalized attention. I would defnitely suggest purchasing from this store. read more

This review is really for the Clarendon and Old Town locations. I signed up for a fitting at the Clarendon location and Lance helped me wade through a half dozen pairs of shoes or so. Lance spent nearly 1.5 hours guiding me into the right shoe. At the end i brought home a pair of Mizunos because they felt amazing the few times i ran around the block. When i got home i went for a longer run and by mile 2 they felt terrible. I was really disappointed. I went back a couple of days later and met another young man (i forgot his name - Eric?) who guided me to another shoe, the Hoka Arahi 4 (after another hour of trying shoes). But he thought i might like an Asics model at the Old Town location, so he called got them to hold it and off i went to that store. There, Breanna met me and i tried the Asics - but that didn't work out. So she came out with three more pairs, building on what i said about my experience. She guided me to the Arahi 4 as well. I exchanged my Mizunos (which i had ran 4 miles in) for the Arahi 4 - no problem. Pacers has a great return policy! I'd like to say that is the end of the story. But after a half dozen runs, my knees were great but the sides of my feet were killing me. I called the Old Town store and spoke to Megan who said they had a pair of the Clifton 7 in and I should try those. So i went back put the Clifton 7 on and - BAM - what a great fitting shoe! Yet another nice woman (whose name i didn't get) helped me with that. I was able to exchange the Arahi 4 for the Clifton 7 - even though i had ran 20 miles in it! And FINALLY I got the perfect shoe. The point of this review, multiple people are the Clarendon and Old Town stores worked with me to get me the perfect shoe for me. They never got exasperated at my pickiness or made the returns difficult. They wanted me to be happy and i am. I will never order running shoes online again. The customer service at Pacers is a rarity these days, and they will get my business again in a year when i need a new pair! THANKS PACERS STAFF! read more

Pacers, how I love thee - let me count the ways: 1) Their staff are always knowledgeable and helpful, without being pushy in the slightest. I always get the feeling that they truly want me to get the right product for my particular needs, to help me be a better runner (or other fitness goals) - and not just sell me some shoes or a sports bra. They want to see me succeed in my goals. 2) They always carry a great selection of shoes and apparel, and even accessories. I do wish they'd maybe carry a few more running caps (like breathable baseball type), but otherwise they keep a great variety - and if something isn't available in my size, they'll get it from another store in a matter of days. 3) Paces races are always fun, professional, well organized, and energizing. Whether it was the cray winter weather trifecta on the St. Pat 2015, or beautiful spring day for the Parkway classic, races go on with excellent planning - and also incredible communication (unlike some bridge races which shall not be named). Their website for races is updated with details, late-breaking updates, and they'll e-mail you as well; A+ for awesome communication to race participants. My only gripe about Pacers races would be that I wish there were another option for us non-beer drinkers. I know a lot of runners love drinking beer at like 9-10am after a race, but I'd so love if I didn't have to waste/donate that ticket stub as part of my entry fee! Maybe donuts? A slice of pizza? Something besides beer? 4) The 'Pace the Nation' podcast is thoroughly entertaining. Great banter about the nutritional content of Reece's Peanut Butter cups and appropriate lengths of running shorts, or inspiring stories from local runners and pro guests as well. Hilarious, interesting, and well rounded. Pacers makes it easy to support a local business - it's not just a running store, but really a great asset to the community. read more

Received a gift card for the store. I compete in field events for track and field, but I figured I would find something useful from the store instead of giving the gift card away. When I walked in the store, a male asked me if I needed any help. I replied no because I had already researched what type of store it was. This man followed me around the entire store! Watching and speaking to me as if I asked him a question. I was so ready to get out of the store and I will tell my parents (I'm a teacher) to never purchase a gift card from there again! read more

LOVE this store! The staff is awesome - super helpful, knowledgable and patient. They always have a great selection of products available, and the store is clean and well organized. Pacers also does a lot to foster a great running community in the area, including free group runs every day of the week, fun runs, and local races. Truly an asset to the community. Shout out to Megan for being really legit and patient while I tried on 18 pairs of shoes. You rock! read more

I have purchased three pairs of running shoes here over the past few years and will not buy them anywhere else. The staff really go out of their way to help find the right fit based on your running style. I am not a serious runner by any means but I've always felt welcome and that they are happy to have me as a customer. read more

Glad I stopped in for some new running shoes. Good selection and decent prices. Nice to have a local store to buy from instead of ordering online. read more

Been in Alexandria for 40+ years and finally went in for a professional shoe fitting. Always knew Pacers was a quality running shoe store but my appointment with Jeremy solidified my thoughts about Pacers. Thrilled with my purchase of shoes and looking forward to going back in the future for my next pair. Thanks again Jeremy. read more

My husband is training for a marathon so we stopped in here to get him fitted for a running shoe. There is no parking at this location but there is street parking available . We went on a Sunday so we only had to park about a block away. The young lady who helped us was very attentive, knowledgeable, and did not try to rush us to move to the next customer. She really took the time to listen to my husbands issues and running style. The shop is small but it's clean, well organised and should have anything you need. If we ever need running shoes again this will be THE place. read more

I don't live in the area and only had experience with this store as they were the pick up location for a 10k race packet in the area. I not only enjoyed my in store experience, but the Pacers group organized the 10K race, and it was one of the smoothest, most professional, and well run races in which I've been involved so far. Parking was a bit of an issue, as it is in Old Town Alexandria and street parking can be tough, but we got a spot on the next block. The store is large, well stocked, and they were having a nice sale for packet pick up. The staff members were friendly and attentive, but not overly hovering. Selection was nice. I'd visit again if I'm ever in the area. I would also definitely sign up for another race they organize! read more

I was looking for running shorts. Most "sports stores" sell shorts that go to my ankles. I dropped by to see if they had anything. BAM! Found exactly what I was looking for with the help of their wonderful staff. read more

Was here over the weekend to pick up a fresh pair of trainers. The girl who helped me was very nice, patient, and knowledgeable. It's clear that the folks who work there are serious runners themselves. It's great to see a place with a real commitment to customer service. I was very surprised at how busy it was at 5:30, when they close at 6 on Saturday. It made me a bit surprised they don't stay open until 7 or something, but they've been around for as long as I can remember so I guess they know what they're doing. read more

Found the perfect running shoe with the help of a very attentive and knowledgeable sales team. Their customer service is above the rest. Chris, a sales associate, even took the time to suggest local running routes for me. I'm only shopping at Pacers for all my future running needs! read more

This place is a little pricey, but you get what you pay for. This establishment has knowledgeable staff that can get you fitted properly and running the right way! Thanks to them I was able to finish last year's Army 10 miler...couldn't have done it without their help! read more

If you want a great pair of running shoes come see Kevin. He was super helpful and very knowledgeable. It is exactly what you would want in customer service. read more

Finally found a place with the right shoes for over pronator aka no arch folks with Achilles and knee issues. Thank God...no more buying shoes from regular stores for this guy. Figures Old Town has it all :). read more

I am a complete running newbie. Seriously. I haven't even managed to go for an entire run yet. Only runwalks. But hey, this is something I need to learn how to do. I mean, how long will I survive in the zombie apocalypse without being able to out run them right? But while I have been endeavoring to learn this art of running, I have run into a problem. My adidas, purchased in 1999, that had seen me through high school gym class were aparently past their prime. I guess if you can feel the beetle that you just stepped on through the sole of your sneaker it's a sure sign that it's time to trade them in for a new pair. So, after receiving many recommendations for Pacers, I strapped on my old gym shoes and took them out for one last stoll. A mile and a half later, I entered pacers. I marched up to the first sales person I saw and implored for her help. After a series of diagnostic questions she got me out of my old faithfuls and started helping me find shoes. She had me walk around in my socks, run down the street in 4 different pairs of shoes, and had me set up with a brand new pair of Sauconies. I was really impressed with not only her attention and knowledge but she was also incredibly friendly and made me feel completely at ease in my new setting. As I walked out the door in my new sneaks I hardly spared a glance for the old pair that had found a new home in the trash can. read more

Great experience both times I've made purchases of running shoes. I even made an exchange and they treated it as if I were making a new purchase -- which is important. I'll be back every time I need anything athletic. read more

my favorite place to purchase running shoes - Chris was awesome today. great service. Look forward to the completion of the renovation.

Sean G. is dead-on about this place. I went there to get a new pair of running shoes and never had such attention lavished on me - ever! The guy even had me go out on the sidewalk outside and run up and down the street so he could evaluate my gait to see what kind of sneaker would be best for me. They have a decent selection for a small shop (but I do wish they had more) and they carry all sorts of other runner-type paraphernalia. Even if you live in the District it may be worth your while to pay them a visit (or the Arlington location). read more

I went in a few weeks back to purchase a top as I left my work out tank at home. When I walked in I wasn't greeted which is alright with me as I don't like to be smothered but as I started looking around I noticed one of the fellas following me. No Biggie. I decided "Hey; if you're going to follow me might as well help me look for a tank top!'. The one I saw I asked him if they had it in my size and he said he didn't have it (this is without even looking through the rack). I Said "Ok". I decided to look for myself and found my size and turned around(he didn't expect me to notice I was noticing him too) and said " what do you know you have one in my size! I had come straight from work and had my backpack w/ laptop so I decided to place the bag down to make him feel more "comfortable" . At the end I myself found what I was looking for and will only come back for the quality of the clothes' not the customer service... We all might not be a size 4 but it's 2019; fitness comes in all shapes and sizes! read more

They are awesome!! They will work with you for as long as they need to until they find a shoe that will work for you. Their policy is to give you 30 days to test out each new pair of shoes. Yes, EACH! So if you buy pair 1 and after 25 days they aren't working, take them back and you only pay (or are reimbursed) the difference in price between pair 1 and pair 2). Walk out the door with pair 2 and a fresh set of 30 days to test out that pair. They really care about the customer. Love them, 5 stars. read more

Think the gal at the register profiled me as a non customer because I am old and fat. Went in to actually buy socks or tape. And I could have been talked into a new pair of shoes but as soon as she finished with customer at register she disappeared and everyone else was busy. read more

I've gotten several pairs of running shoes from these guys and they always do everything they can to make sure the fit and type of shoe are right for you. Being a personal trainer, I know how important it is to have the right tools for the workout you're looking for and these guys know that. They always have good deals going on too. Customer for life! read more

Cool store with friendly attentive staff and a good selection of shoes