I came in looking to try on some running shoes. I mentioned I had done some research on my own online and the guy working said that he had much more experience fitting shoes to people than online research ever could. While I don't disagree, I definitely felt talked down to and that my opinion on my own feet and own experience with running shoes was discounted. He also said that if I was serious about purchasing THAT DAY, he could do a whole fitting with me, but if I wasn't, then I shouldn't try on shoes that day. read more

This running store is semi-hidden in plain sight on the main commercial street running through Kerrisdale (the storefront is recessed from the road), but despite its small size, it sure packs a punch! The merchandise is top-of-the-line brands, from shoes to apparel to accessories. There were some brands I had never even heard of here (although my kid said she knew of these lines. I'm thinking specifically of the ON brand of shoes from Switzerland, but there were other brands as well). Super cool running shoes, some futuristic, all state-of-the-art. And lots of name brands I'm familiar with, too. So the product lines offered here run the gamut from mainstream to elite. The price ranges are likewise broad, depending of what you are looking for. (Note: I did see some cool apparel on a sale rack, and these prices were slashed, so I wonder if their running shoes also go on sale at times). What made this store stand out is the expertise of the employees here. They are all serious runners who know their stuff. I appreciate how they won't try to sell you on something that isn't right for you (regardless how much the item might cost). For someone like me (i.e., totally NOT a serious runner! Probably the antithesis of a serious runner. Someone who just aspires to stay upright when crossing any race's finishing line. lol!), I rely on this type of expertise to steer me in the right direction, as there are SO many products out there, I don't know the first thing about what is available in any given year and what would work best for me. read more

I had a traumatic experience at the store which I'm still recovering from. I have fibromyalgia and it's very important that my foot is in the right size of shoe. On my first trip there, one of the staff said that they had the exact same new balance running shoe that I'd been wearing for the past few years. I told them that the shoe was size 10. When I tried on the shoe they brought out, I told them my toes felt very cramped and they said again that was the exact same shoe I had on my foot and that it will take a while for the fabric to open up because the shoe was new. A note that this store does not refund anything - it is exchange or store credit only. I've been going to the store since the 1990's so trusted what they were saying. After I paid, they said," you want to wear those out of the store, don't you?" Of course, if I did that without the shoebox I would never be able to have an exchange. Of course I said no. The shoes ended up hurting my toes so when they took them back, the same staff person admitted that my big toe was too close to the front and that they change the models up every year. So the staff person hadn't been honest in my first buy. Since I was stuck with them, I decided not to make a fuss about this. What ensued were several more exchanges over the course of two months. They were fitting me in shoes size 10 1/2, and always, I would express that my left foot would be banging around and in pain in the shoe. With each exchange, it was a 45 minute bus ride there and back, and another week of my foot getting hurt in the wrong shoes. My anxiety also started spiking as I was afraid it was my fibromyalgia preventing me from finding a shoe that would ever work. I decided to go to Foot Solutions who then sent me to another shoe store and the clerk there in one minute deduced that I'm actually size 11 1/2 in the left foot and size 11 in the right and no wonder none of those other shoes were working. I also learned that as we age, our foot size can increase and also the way shoes are sized changes. When I told my actual size to the original store, there was no response and not even a polite apology for the mistake. I had to find out on my own which shoe to ask them to order in for me. I was okay with them making a mistake but then some of the staff started speaking to me in a frustrated and abrupt tone. They seemed frustrated to even give me a receipt and my store credit was miscalculated $20 less and I had to point out their mistake. Unfortunately, a lot of companies don't make 11 1/2 and the one company that did that work for me was also experiencing defects in one particular model, which the store knew about. When the shoe they ordered in for me had another defect, a staff member spoke to me in a very frustrated tone and asked what they could do for me since everything seems to hurt my foot. I had to remind them that all of my exchanges had been due to being in the wrong size and manufacturing defects. I felt humiliated and unsupported and after that, scared to call the store or even go pick up the next shoe I asked them to order, which thankfully is working. This experience has spiked my overall anxiety and has negatively impacted my mental and physical health. I will not be returning to the store, especially since every other running shoe store in town offers full refunds and, as I am now finding out, have much better customer service. I will say that there are some people at the store who are kind and they do have a wide selection, but if you choose to go here, make sure you know exactly what size you are and exactly what shoe you want. read more

When I walked in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer a year or so ago, The Run Inn sponsored our team with Clear FM. Their support included giving the whole team a huge voucher towards a pair of sneakers, a shirt, hat, socks, and probably some other cool stuff. I'm sure I'm neglecting to mention something. Even though my friend and I each had a voucher, the staff at the Run Inn on 41st treated us just as if we were paying customers. The store clerk also took charge of the situation, suggesting shoes and sizes. I really love it when shoe salespeople know what they're selling and how that will work for you. As a result I got a great pair of shoes that are only just wearing out. Time to head back to the Run Inn soon, I think. read more

I was misfitted at another shoe store (that same store X). I felt heel pain and had gone to a closer store X location and the manager checked out my shoes, looked at my feet and told me I was just adjusting to the shoes. Soon after, with an enlarged achilles tendon and tendonities in my other knee, I went to a physiotherapist who told me that I needed a neutral shoe instead. Granted, they took back my old pair of shoes but told me that if they fit me according to my physio, they won' t take responsibility and sold me a pair that was $56 more expensive. I had wanted to go one week later to see if I could get a sale pair but was told that they don't cover sale shoes. He also checked my feet and didn't seem to want to agree with my physio. Anyways, I went back to The Run Inn and bought the same pair for $30 less! read more

Great selection of Nike runners. From Flyknit Lunar to Lunarglide to Zoom Structure, they have it all. Prices for Nikes are pretty much the same everywhere so what distinguishes this place from others is their level of service. I was introduced to a newer model, the Air Zoom Odyssey, which i was told is the 'Cadillac' of Nike support shoes. Funny the staff member 'checked out' what I was wearing while I was just browsing, occupational habit maybe? From personal experience, if you want adequate arch support AND decent cushioning from Nike, go for the Lunarglides. I had a pair of Zoom Structure 17s, the default shoe for pronation control at the time, but the support and cushioning were gone in like a month. The Lunarglides are far superior on all fronts. Long live Lunarlon! read more

Bought some soccer shin guards for my daughter there. Told the person it was for a 10 year old girl. Showed me 2 pairs. I took the larger pair. So small I couldn't even get the foot piece on her foot. Went back to get a refund and they said exchange or in store credit only. Gave them the shin guards and walked out. I hate companies that don't stand behind the stuff they sell. I would never go back there. STAY AWAY!!!!!!! read more

What an experience! I have been a customer at Run Inn Kerrisdale for 4 years and each time I'm looking a shoe just simply based on looks, Chris laughs at me. Not to make fun but to educate me on the type of shoe I should be wearing for the activity I'm doing, my gate and to adjust for my problematic knees. The knowledge he has about shoe materials and how they are constructed really helps me make a choice on the type i need based on a professional shoe fitters opinion. Now I know why some running shoes are $80 and why some are 200$. I will never by random shoes at a big box store again. Thanks to Chris, Karen, Tom and Steve. Keep up the great work! Shop local and shop in person. read more

Great neighbourhood store! I've bought a few pair of shoes for myself and kids, as well as various other items and I always receive very good service. I highly recommended this store! read more

I was introduced to this store by an ex g/f about 9 years ago and I only stopped attending their running clinics because I moved out of town. I started up with their Thursday clinics again and will join their half-marathon clinic in January. They are very unpretentious and have a lot of walk/runners and groups for faster runners as well - I am somewhere in the middle. The owner is a big, gentle giant who really cares about his customers and it's obvious from the moment you start talking to him. I am a diehard Nike fan (they make me want to get up and run and that's all that counts in my books!) and for a while this store was exclusive to adidas but now that they have Nike as well I will be buying all my shoes and running clothing at the Run Inn. read more

I guess you can say that I ran into this store (lame joke I know). I came in here in passing as I noticed that they carried some energy enhancing supplements and gels which the nutrition place a few blocks down did not sell. I picked up a few packs for some show nights and badminton. The guy at the store Steve was really really nice and informative. I have always been curious about run clinics. He took the time out to chat with me about some of my options. Good selection of shoes and some clothing. read more

I would recommend this store to both beginning and serious runners. Their product knowledge is the best - as running successfully depends on your shoes fitting properly I send everyone who ever asks me about running or marathoning to this store. I have bought shoes there for over a decade, and I've had a decade of marathons with no major injuries so I hope that gives some evidence to their success. read more

On my second visit to this store, I was helped by the owner, a big teddy bear of a guy. He was great; asking me what type of terrain I run on and where, and he looked at my old pair to see the wear marks. I told him I have always stuck with the same brand so he gave me a couple styles to consider. It's interesting to meet an owner; he was telling me about personally viewing various shoe factories and how he thus knows how much technology goes into that piece of rubber and fabric that goes on your foot. I like that it's a smaller shop and not part of a big chain. I once tried to sample runners at that large outdoor fitness co-operative store (you know, that one that started out as a small company) but could have gone grey waiting for someone to help me. Always happy to support a small shop where you can meet the owner and know everyone there has a vested interest in giving top notch service! read more

I went to a big box store for a new pair of comfortable shoes. Bought a pair of running shoes based on the advice of the salesperson. Tried them out at home. Not comfortable, poor fit. Not satisfied for the price I paid. Returned them, and went to Runn Inn based on a friend referral. A very helpful, patient young man ( Tim ) with excellent knowledge of shoe brands and types took the time to find the right pair of shoes for my needs. I am not a runner or athlete, just a poor old broken down person with bad knees so it was important that I got the right shoe. I was impressed with how Tim knew what I needed. I bought a pair of shoes there. The real test was wearing them to work. Lo and behold, finally...comfort ! Hooray ! I will definitely go back to the Run Inn when I need another pair of shoes, and highly recommend this store to anyone looking for quality customer service. No hard sales here, just top quality service. Than you, Run Inn ! I know other people will want to cross the border to save money on shoes, but I believe in supporting local independent businesses. I place value on my time, so making a drive and waiting at the border is a waste of my time , not worth the bit of extra money you might save in the USA. read more