Let me start with saying that I am a gal who does NOT run. But I am a beginning walker with new fitness goals in mind. I have been walking in these inexpensive Adidas I got at Costco for years now, and since I've been upping my activity level recently they have begun to completely break down and I decided it was time for a pair of "big girl" shoes. I walked in on a random weekday and was greeted by Brittany who finished up with the customer ahead of me and then spent the next probably hour giving me one-on-one attention because lucky for me, it wasn't a busy day at the store. She first put me on the analysis machine to see what my foot length/size is, my arch, heel width and a bunch of other details I don't even recall but apparently they all play a role in finding the right shoe. We discussed what my typical usage would be (like pavement vs trail running), what issues I have currently, and then she brought 3-4 pairs out for me to get started. I felt like a kid in Payless in the 90s running up and down the aisle to prove to my mom that the shoes fit. After each pair I shared with Brittany how they felt, what I did and didn't like, whether my heel was slipping out the back etc and she'd run to the back and grab a couple more options. We probably made it through 10 different pairs before I finally settled on one that I really liked. Side note, I really appreciate that throughout the entire process, there was absolutely zip-zilch-nada-ZERO pressure to make a purchase. I've heard horror stories from friends about other running stores, which is another reason I've avoided going to one in the past, especially since I'm a total newbie and have zero knowledge of my own to make a choice, I was worried I'd be swayed in the wrong direction. They didn't have the shoe I liked in my color preference and size on-hand, nor was it at any of the two closest stores, so Brittany was able to special order my shoes for me from the warehouse and have them shipped directly to me at no cost. She shared their return/exchange policy and I was on my way. Brittany made the whole experience such a fun and painless process - I wish I had come here sooner! Now I can officially retire my treadless, falling-apart-at-the-seams cheapie shoes and move forward with my new goals in my fancy new shoes. I will definitely be back! read more

What I like about this store is they do not have a membership program that goes up in cost every year, they have a free rewards program. Along with great service and selection. Also convenient pick up or delivery to your house. I have been shopping here for decades. read more

.... I've bought shoes from the running center in Redlands... but I decided to get new walking shoes here....... So we tried the local running center store in Carlsbad....It's been a minute since I've walked regularly... I need to get back to 20 + miles per week.... The staff was knowledgeable and helpful.... read more

Running Center - Shoe Stores Near Me - Carlsbad, California

It was my first time in and had a wonderful experience. Thanks to Ethan, I was able to walk out with the perfect shoe for me. My family and I will certainly be back whenever we need new shoes! read more

This is the only place we buy shoes anymore. My wife goes through shoes quickly as she is on her feet 12 hours a day at work. Their shoes are cost comparable with other stores but that have a small mighty knowledgeable staff. And they turned us on to ON (CLOUD) shoes our very favorite new brand. They have a great reward program and awesome sales. So we don't even bother going anywhere else anymore. Shop local! read more

Running Center - Super Bowl Sunday deals! - Shoe Stores Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Walked in today because my brother needed a pair of shoes for track, Ethan and Brittany were of the utmost help. I've never had such a great experience at a Sportswear store like this. They showed my brother a variety of shoes and he found the perfect pair, super helpful and definitely recommend. read more

My boyfriend and I came in today for new running shoes. We were helped by Sophia and Ethan who were extremely knowledgeable and helped walk us through a bunch of different shoes. They were super welcoming, patient, friendly, and ultimately made the experience! We both left with new shoes that were super excited about and feel great in. Will be buying all our future shoes here. Thanks again Sophia and Ethan! read more

Very knowledgeable and helpful! Shout out to Ethan for helping me find the perfect pair of shoes.

Love the service here and that's what keeps me coming back. Thanks to Ethan for all his help!

Experienced, knowledgeable, personable, and patient, are all words I would describe the staff at this incredible running store. My daughter and I are training for a Ragnar run and she recommended this store to me. I brought my 87 year old mother along too. The staff couldn't have been more accommodating to my mother, and helped me find my next favorite pair of shoes. They had such a great sale going on. I got two pairs... plus socks! You won't be disappointed. Truly helpful staff. Don't see that every day! This is my go-to store for running apparel from now on! read more

The service was impeccable. They gave you one-on-one assistance and helped you make the right decision. Sales associate Brittany was outstanding. read more

Visited the Carlsbad Running Store in Carlsbad yesterday, I hadn't been in there for quite some time, truth is I forgot it was there. I'm so glad I stopped buy, and glad to know they're thriving and doing well. Through a process of elimination, Carlee put me into a very comfortable pair of Brooks but in the process I also found a 2nd pair (New Balance) that was equally comfortable, so I bought both pair. I have to tell you it was one of the best buying experiences I've had in a long time. Customer service at it's very best! Thank you Carlee :) read more

I can't recall the name of the employee who fitted me for tennis shoes after my podiatrist recommended Hoka's. She was knowledgeable, efficient, friendly and extremely helpful. Best experience in a shoe store in my life. I'm goi g back soon to get some sandals for me and my daughter. read more

told em i had an arch that needed special support, and he suggested a shoe and said "your foot will adjust after a couple weeks". felt like he wanted to make a sale instead of make sure i was satisfied, so i didn't trust him. however, he did suggest an insert that would work for my Converse after using the foot pressure machine for free, so that was nice. didn't wanna pay that price, though, i'd rather take my chances with dr. scholl's. read more

Thank you Carlee & Running Center for making my first visit an amazing experience! I used the Aetrex foot scanner to find a better long distance running shoe & Carlee was there to guide me throughout the entire process with an enthusiastic attitude that was so welcoming! As beginner runner looking for some guidance I'm so thankful I found Running Center. Wish I could give more than 5 stars, I'm very happy and satisfied with the shoe selection, sizing options, customer service and value of being able to use the Aetrex scanner. I posted photos on Instagram of the scanner and started recommending running center in Carlsbad! read more

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I have been going to the Running Center for running shoes for over a decade now. As a lifetime distance runner, I have been very happy with their selection. But the main reason I have always come back is due to their astounding service that all running stores should emulate. Other stores I have gone to have tried to up-sell and sometimes have had only functional knowledge of the shoes they sold. Here, the staff want me in the best shoe for me, regardless if that results in a sale. Because they are runners themselves, they know the importance of getting the right fit for the activity you want them for and have the knowledge and insight to help you find it. Even through I am no longer a local, I still come to this store whenever I run my shoes down! So if you love to run or just want to try it out, I can honestly say there is no better place to go. read more

Yes! 5 stars. Carlee is a great staff member. Very helpful and VERY knowledgable about the shoes. She described the differences and made appropriate suggestions. The Running Center carries s nice selection of shoes Easy parking in front of store Jim Murphy read more

I didn't even know this store existed (if you're facing Vons, it's to the right and has its own parking area) until four different people raved about a specific brand of shoes they bought from here. I came to check out Hoka, and after a brief assessment of my needs, the employee helped me narrow down to two styles with different levels of support. He was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable! I decided to buy both, and after I learned about the rewards, he told me he'd put the 2nd pair on hold for me so I could use the 15$ discount on it. I knew going in that it was going to be spendy, but it's the same price as the Hoka website (only difference is, customers can do 4 payments on the website, or collect rewards points and help a small business here). Not to mention, my wallet is fine if my feet, legs, hips and back are happy! Overall, a wonderful shopping experience (actually, two because I came back the very next day), and I look forward to filling my sneakers needs here. Pros: - exceptional customer service - tons of parking - prices comparable to other stores/online - easy-to-use rewards program Cons: - rewards expire in 6 months read more

I have been wearing the Brooks Beast shoe for many years now. I love the comfort and they are one of the few I can find in a 4ee width (yes I have fat feet). I looked around and found them at Running Center in Carlsbad. Although they are about 65 miles from me, they do ship. I spoke with Carlee who was super helpful. She had my size needed and shipped them out that day. I received them the next day and am very happy. I have tried the other big name brands but they either don't have the width or aren't as comfortable on my feet but this review is for the business. I would recommend this business whether it be on line, on phone or in person. Great job. read more

I came in for running gear and everything was very organized and great prices on clothes. They have every shoe available for running, and the staff was super friendly and super helpful. I will definitely be coming back with my daughter and continually coming back for more gear as I need it. I would recommend this place to everyone. read more

Carlsbad Running Center is a shining gem of personalized customer service. Too many business these days have lost the personal touch and just don't seem to care. This is not the case with the Running Center. They are a mom and pop store with a general manager that strives to help you find exactly what you need. We won't shop any where else. Thank you all for your great store and customer service!!!!! read more

First off, I will always be grateful for how kind they were to me during my fight with cancer. During treatment, i was having a lot of trouble with getting in nutrition but they stepped up to help me. Ok, I love to support local! The personal touch when working with the customer on our running needs and beyond! Special thanks to Carlee and George for their support and motivation! read more

Great personal service. Knowledgeable and friendly staff and solid selection of products.

I started running about 15 years ago in my mid 30s, late to the game, and struggled with having very long and narrow feet and finding shoes that fit properly. I went to RR Sports and was snowed by the tech and some college student who talked me into a $200 pair that made my hips hurt, and then found the Running Center. I adored the one on one personal approach and the time the salesperson spent with me watching my gait to ensure the perfect fit. Though I now walk more than run, I still call in every 6 months now for a new pair and to say hello. I love the neighborhood feel of this store and couldn't recommend it more highly. read more

I have never had such a logical and thorough approach to finding the correct shoes in a shoe store before. Carlee, the manager, spent all the time necessary to choose the correct orthotics and then show me the correct shoes so that I could choose. She is so knowledgable and helpful and cheerful throughout the experience. I am already experiencing relief from pain and a comfort on my feet that I haven't had for a while. This store is a hidden gem! read more

Super helpful rep Carlee, was patient, thoughful and went out of her way to make sure i Understood, and was comfortable with my new purchase! Customized service that is second to none!! Thanks again, Carley! read more

Competitive pricing, calm atmosphere, exceptional customer service! It's worth it. You are worth it! I have purchased several sneakers from The Running Center dating back to 2009. Why has this taken me so long?!! Carlee recently helped me narrow my options and make another purchase. She listened. She was informative, upbeat, sincere, and ultimately helped me pick what would best suit my needs and budget right now. You are a gem Carlee and much appreciated. This is the "WHY" to shopping here. My feet have been through hell and I want the best. Leave online and big box stores to other goods and support their local, personalized service read more

Carlee was immediately helpful as soon as I walked in and directed me to exactly what I was looking for. She also answered some important questions about other shoes too. Her enthusiasm is infectious and her competency appreciated. read more

I love this place. I've been exclusively buying my tennis shoes here for years. They have a a large selection of shoes. When you go in you'll get evaluated and then you'll try on multiple pairs of shoes to see which feels best. They have a small staff but they are all very knowledgeable and kind and want you to find the best pair of shoes. I've never had any issues with the shoes after purchase. They often have sales on shoes and they will ensure that they're finding shoes within your budget. read more

Carlee is amazing! She is super attentive and very very knowledgeable! My boyfriend and I stopped in last night to get him a new pair of shoes, she gave him a big selection and answered every question/concern he had. (He is running his first marathon in January) Carlee shared with us a little about her running journey and gave him helpful advice in regard to the marathon. The experience with her was so wonderful by the end of it I decided I wanted a pair as well. Highly recommend coming here if you are in need of new shoes, even if you aren't a runner! read more

Carlee's help was everything you would want when looking for a comfortable pair of shoes for uncomfortable feet. She was tireless in assisting me, and I enjoyed our conversation throughout. It felt like stepping back in time, to when personal service really mattered. Carlee went above and beyond to ensure I found the perfect pair, and I left not only with comfortable shoes but with a memorable experience. Truly a rare gem in today's world. - Caron read more

Carlee is great and even though they didn't have my size in stock she had it quickly delivered to my house. Great experience!

Carlee was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable in helping me pick up 2 pairs of shoes for work. Any question I could've possibly had she has an answer for, and she always did her best to be quick, professional, and friendly. Highly recommend this store, especially with their variety of shoes to accommodate all kinds of feet!! read more

Running Center in Carlsbad is amazing. I was happily surprised at their large selection of shoes as well as their selection of shoes that were on sale. Carlee helped fit me and made sure I had the perfect shoe size for my feet. Excellent customer service. If you're a runner in the north county area make sure to pay a visit to running center! read more

Carlee from Running Center gave us exceptional customer service and experience. The value for what you get at Running center is wonderful. They have very good selection and if you cannot find what you are looking for in the store they order it for you. Great people as always. read more

Was needing some new running shoes and stopped by Running Center in Carlsbad. We tried on a few pairs of the new Altras and they ordered some from another store nearby. Super excited and had a great experience in store! Thank you! read more

Carlee at the Running Center is fantastic to work with. She is super patient and knowledgeable. The store has several brands of shoes, and inserts, as well as a really cool foot measurement device that lets you know (and more importantly lets Carlee know) what to look for in accommodating your feet. They also have socks and running apparel. I feel very comfortable recommending this store, and we plan on being repeat customers! read more

If I have anything to say about this store is this....GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE! Nina helped us out and was a amazing! She helped my wife find a new pair of running shoes, and provided such an amazing experience. I'm so glad we didn't go to Dicks sporting goods, as we planned to go there first. You guys truly have made a long lasting customer. Thank you so much. Thank you NINA! read more

Was in the market for running insoles and this was my first time trying the Running Center. Carlee was very informative and patient with the process. She ran me through the foot scanner and then had me try on different options for my set up and needs. She answered all me questions and I left with a pair of insoles that have worked as advertised. Thank you again Running Center and Carlee! read more

Great/outstanding service. They always have my size, brand and running shoe color I prefer in stock! Yay! Overall excellent experience.