Running Fit

I gave Running Fit a call and explained what I was looking for and why. They assured me they could help me and I headed over.
Sam greeted me and was enthusiastic as he discussed what he thought was best and where we should start. After watching me walk and making a preliminary assessment, he brought out a number of shoes for me to try. He helped me understand how I should feel, generally, and helped me understand that my natural comfort was important, too.
We continued this process until I settled on a pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 16’s. (I also bought a pair of Asics trainers.)
Sam helped me feel totally comfortable in discussing my ignorance with regard to shoes. He answered my questions thoughtfully and candidly. He didn’t try to sell me on any of the shoes; rather, he wanted to help me find exactly what I needed. I highly recommend Running Fit and recommend Sam even more!

I went into Running Fit for the first time in awhile this week with a friend visiting from out of town. As we entered the store he said, «if they have those shoes I want, I am definitely going to buy them.» Whelp they had the shoes, but the employees tried very hard to ensure that we did not make a purchase. There were three salespeople and one other customer in the store, and it was nearly impossible to get anyone to pay any attention to us, e.g., go get shoes from the back, ask if they fit… you know, basis expectations of decent service. My friend was giving me quizzical looks as we were being poorly served, and I then remembered: every time I have been in this store, staff have been rude and unhelpful. It’s great to support a local running store, but with experiences like at Running Fit I’d recommend just logging onto zappos, saving money, and not getting treated like dirt.
Giving them two stars instead of one, as I am a big fan of Running Fit *races*, especially the TRex tri series. But I will probably never buy products because the customer service at this location is abominable. Maybe they should just transition to an event management company?

I’ve gotten several sets of shoes and some running clothes here; the clothing selection is heavy on Brooks, Adidas, and Nike, and there’s a nice selection of shoes. The staff is all friendly and helpful, with varying levels of expertise.
Anyone here can help with basic questions — and the new people are usually good at grabbing one of the pros when needed for weird foot issues, comparisons between old and new shoe models, and the like.
There’s also a larger location out on Jackson Road, but I really like being able to easily walk or bike in; driving to a running store always feels weird.

I’ve visited the Running Fit store on Washtenaw Ave in Ann Arbor and really loved it. The staff there made me feel very welcome and comfortable.
On walking into this store in Downtown Ann Arbor, I was surprised by how unfriendly the staff was. When I walked in, the one young (maybe college-​aged) guy looked at me and my parents and didn’t even acknowledge that we had walked in. Not even a smile! It instantly made me and my family feel as though we were merely a hassle. I had loved the Washtenaw Running Fit store so much that I wanted my parents to get fitted for shoes here as well and was going to purchase shoes here. This definitely didn’t happen because the staff was so unfriendly that my parents didn’t even want to try on any shoes.
Oh, and he was completely friendly to the next group of people who came in… whatever that means.
Disappointing, but I would suggest that you go to the Washtenaw location if you actually want people to treat you like a customer… and not a nuisance.

Recently bought a pair of running shoes here and supportive arch inserts and so far, I love the shoes. Bought the Nike Structure 18s and although a little bulkier than I normally like they’re very comfortable and stylish. The staff here was able to tell me why every pair of running shoes I buy wears very quickly on the mesh on the toe box, which was very helpful for me and improving my form. There were a few things I wasn’t a fan of… I asked for my gait to be re-​evaluated and the staff just asked me to walk a few feet away and back. There’s a treadmill in the store and in my opinion, actually seeing me run would be better for evaluating. Also, this store has a relatively small selection of shoes. I would love to see a bigger selection but overall a great store.

I used to run more than I do now and I’d go through running shoes pretty quickly. What I loved about Running Fit is that they are so helpful. I could come here and ask them questions and they would be very friendly and patient. As I’ve learned more about health and running I realize how knowledgeable the staff here is. It’s not quite 5 star worthy because it’s not a one-​stop shop (it’s pricey and doesn’t have everything one would need so I’ll prefer shopping online or in a larger sporting goods store for some items). I’d still refer people here in a minute.

Top notch staff, great service, no pushy sales, and really everything a new runner or experienced runner could ever need.
Great selection and they even had sizes for me along with all the tiny runners lol.

Good little store.
They have an ok selection of shoes, but running fit would benefit from a little more variety. I just wish there were more specialty running stores within the Ann Arbor area. I couldn’t help but feel a little limited in my options.
The staff is very helpful, knowledgeable, and patient as I always suffer decision anxiety in situations like this. They let me run in several different shoes so I could get a feel of how they would respond and even recommended one of the cheaper shoes because it fit more with the running needs I described.
However, to get extra stars a running store has a enter the instructional realm. I need a store to look at my foot and stride and use that to steer me towards the right shoe, and maybe even give a few pointers. That just didn’t happen here, and I wish it would.

Running Fit is excellent. They sponsor local events, have knowledgeable staff who can help you out with both tips and specific running problems you may have and have the best local selection I’ve found for running gear. They also are very well informed in the local running scene and can point towards good areas and nearby races.
I was leery of running in Michigan winter but my distaste for cold running was lesser than my hatred of treadmills so I bit the bullet and went down to ask for their advice. They set me up with a very reasonably priced set of gear and I spent the entire winter running very comfortably. It’s gotten to a point where I’m now wondering how I’ll make the switch to hotter running again! I also grabbed an excellent spring/​summer running shirt and shorts at an absolute steal of a price that I got to try out while out of Michigan that performed amazingly.

Running Fit is great. Sales staff is so knowledgeable! I have been running in Nikes for years and decided to switch when I got a Garmin instead of the Nike Plus. I went in to Running Fit with a shoe in mind and after explaining that I had been using the Pegasus for years they recommended a couple other choices. The one I had researched was not a neutral shoe that I needed. Had I not had the sales person question my choice I would have ended up with the wrong shoe! Thanks Running Fit! You Rock! Rookie or Veteran runners I highly recommend Running Fit for all of your needs! I even got a Run A2 magnet for my car!

I don’t know what came over me last year but I decided, hey! I’m gonna run a 10k! Had I ever ran a race? No. Had I ever ran more than a mile? Nope. Did I frequently feel like vomiting after running. Why, yes!
But there you go. Once I put my mind to something lord help me it’s gonna happen. So I started ‘training’ using the same trail-​running shoes my step-​father bought for me my freshman year in college. With 10 years of wear on them (I went hiking and running down hills a lot) I thought maybe it was time to buy something that didn’t have holes on the side, the sole worn down, and the arch support doing more harm than good.
I’ll tell you a secret: I think stores like this are goofy. You see all those fancy sports things for all those hardcore runners. And I thought, ‘Not me!’ But then it was me. I was there. Getting fitted for shoes.
I actually rode up on a BMX in skate shoes. I felt kind of out of place but immediately was warmly welcomed. Workers were very knowledgable and friendly — I have really wide feet and really flat feet (thanks, genetics!) so it ain’t a small feat [snarf at the homonym] to find a pair of shoes that fit well for me. I actually had two guys helping me at one time which made everything easy and efficient. I was there during a lull, though. Weekdays during the day or evening seem best for maximum help’age.
They measure feet, they watch you walk, then you try some on, and then you take the top fitters for a spin around the block. Now THIS was the most awkward part. Running around the block in downtown while businessmen, homeless people, and sorority girls are staring at you like you’re nuts because you’re in normal clothing and clearly not a runner… it’s weird. It’s helpful to give the shoes a try but yea. I felt funny. Like someone with bad acne in middle school. So you may want to come prepared in some fairly sporty clothing.
Long story short, got a great pair of shoes that actually weren’t that horrendously priced. They ordered them in from their warehouse and/​or other location since they didn’t have my exact size. They followed up well — quickly and professionally. When I came back, I have to admit that the unfamiliar male and female worker were not nearly as attentive as the first two male workers. Seems to be some disparity here. Luckily I was just picking up and cashing out.
I may not be a runner (though I DID do the whole 10k without stopping or walking once — perhaps a pathetic goal but I’m still proud), but I have been a tennis, volleyball, and basketball player as well as an avid snowboarder and, well, a baker (when I had to stand on my feet all day). So I know finding shoes for my feet is a pain in the arch.
These people came through for me and even with all the Zappos in the world, I’m coming here to buy my next pair of running shoes.

Running Fit puts on fantastic running events. I don’t frequently go to their brick and mortar store to buy running gear, however, I’ve recently latched onto their running community and participated in a couple of RF sponsored races. My favorite races with RF thus far have both been Trail Runs in Michigan state parks, both of which were well staffed and well run with free GU along the way. Their email newsletters are also highly relevant resource for runners in the MI area, with information on regional events, races, training tips, gear, etc.
Overall, a great resource for Michigan running fanatics. If you go to their store, make sure to take advantage of the Student Discount if you’re a student. It’s a small percentage off every purchase.

I typically feel neglected at Running Fit… sorry guys, I want to love you… but your customer service is lacking… no one ever helps me unless I start moving shoes around…

I’ve been in RF a few times and never seem to get any help. I just sent in on a Sunday to grab some running shoes and thought I would help a local store versus ordering from Zappos. The person who helped me left me to ring up someone, but chatted with them while I was waiting. When I was about to leave with my shoes, I noticed my friend was still waiting to get fitted, but instead decided to help someone eles. When I brought it up that my friend was waiting, she replied, «Oh, that’s Sunday, it’s busy and they are just going to have to wait!» I was floored. I wanted to return my shoes, but really needed them. That’s the last time I help our local RF store!

Running Fit was not my first choice when I started running two years ago. For some reason they seemed more expensive, BUT shortly thereafter I went in for a second opinion on shoes/​gear and have been thoroughly impressed.
The employees here are helpful to even the most ignorant of beginning runner and generally have great recommendations. It is a little intimidating to walk in though and be surrounded by all these fit people who know alot about the gear, but you can get over that.
There is a wide selection of shoes and the prices are actually very consistent with internet running store prices. They have frequent sales and are very active in promoting running in the community.
My only complaint would be that during the sales rushes, the space gets very cramped and it becomes hard to find a salesperson. That’s a rare occasion however and there is plenty of good to outweigh that. RF has become my running Mecca in Ann Arbor.

I came in here when an ex-​boyfriend of mine had it with his black Converse sneaks and decided to «upgrade» (relatively speaking) to a pair of New Balances. The staff was awesome, but even more cool than that is the fact that during lunch hour you can watch people decked out in business suits, trot down the block in sneaks testing out some goods. It’s a great photo-​op.

I’d probably come here before the other Running store down the next block over. The staff was more friendly and helpful. The lady that asked us for help was even on crutches! Now that’s service for you. The other staff person was giving advice on which shoe to buy and was very responsive to the questions that customers were asking. The seem to have a bigger selection. It’s disappointing that there’s no sale section…

Helpful staff. The prices seem high, but the quality and selection are good.