The Trak Shak

Birmingham, United States

4.3

Open now

7 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:
+1 205-870-5644
Website:
www.trakshak.com
Address:
2839 18th St S, Birmingham, AL, 35209
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
130 ftNW Corner of 18th St S & 29th Av S
520 ftNE Corner of 18th St S & 28th Av S
530 ftNE Corner of 28th Av S & Linden Av
Categories:
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Accepts Bitcoin
No
Parking
Street
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Dogs Allowed
Yes

Today

Today 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Open now
Local time (Birmingham) 1:56 PM Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Business hours

Monday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Description

Specialties

The Trak Shak is first, a Running Specialty” store specializing in recommending the proper equipment for running, from accessories like watches to footwear. Second, whether you sit, walk, jog, stand all day, or just need a shoe, our fit process insures you are getting not only the right type of shoe, but the right size, as we measure each customer.

History

Established in 1995.

Valerie McLean, owner, was an avid runner in the 90’s, training and traveling to races in the US. She noticed the presence of running specialty stores in these cities she visited and learned they weren’t only retail stores, but fixtures within the running community, and realized Birmingham really needed the same! So, in 1995, she rented a house on Crescent Avenue in Homewood, fixed it up a bit and opened up The Trak Shak! Since, the store has embedded itself within the ever growing running community, helped build a thriving road racing scene and has been established as Birmingham’s «go-​to» place for all things running!

The Trak Shak also recommends

Oak Hill Bar & Grill

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Pubs

The Trak Shak says,

«We’ve been neighbors since 1998! Food, service, atmosphere, and owners are awesome!»

Cahaba Cycles

6

reviews

Bikes

The Trak Shak says,

«Great cycle shop with a wide variety of products! Mechanics and sales staff are top notch!»

EW Motion Therapy

Physical Therapy

The Trak Shak says,

«Top notch physical therapists, massage therapists, yoga, personal training and all around GREAT guys!!»

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7 reviews of The Trak Shak

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Birmingham, AL
I have been purchasing running shoes, clothing, and gear etc. here since 2006 or 2007 so I am now on a first-​name basis with some of the employees. That being said, there is a reason I keep going back to the Trak Shak. They will work with you to find the right running shoe. The first time I went there, I needed help because some shoes I purchased at another store made my big toe nails fall off on both feet (yes, it was gross). They explained what caused the problem and got me into the right shoe. I have been running comfortably ever since that first visit. The store also truly supports the running community and their Wednesday night runs are always fun.
Place rating: 5
Birmingham, AL
I love the Trak Shak folks. They are practically family by now. I’ve bought every pair of running shoes there since Cross Country in High School (when it was actually in a house).
Their regular Wednesday Night runs (5:30 at the curve) and involvement in so many local events is a testament to the fact that Val, Scott, Jeff, Tracy and crew love and support the Birmingham running community. That should speak for something.
If you walk in the Trak Shak, take advantage of their expert customer service, and then go order shoes online, may God have mercy on your soul.
Place rating: 2
Birmingham, AL
I went in here a couple of times to pick up some things for the running enthusiasts in my life. One experience was very normal, they didn’t have the exact shoe I was looking for, but pointed me towards a similar shoe. The next experience was much more memorable: Whoever was in charge had to finish their Frisbee game on the sidewalk before they came in the store to help me, and then they were acting like they were doing me a favor when I bought a $ 175 pair of shoes. I am the first person to «overspend» in the name of supporting local business, but I require kind, helpful staff in exchange. I can buy on line, and likely will next time.
Place rating: 5
Gainesville, VA
I love this place. They really know their shoes, and will analyze your stride and help you find what is right for your foot. Great prices, and centered around the art and love of running.
Place rating: 4
Birmingham, AL
I had an issue this week with a pair of shoes I purchased and Scott at Trak Shak in Homewood was kind enough to work with me to get it resolved. A great incentive to support local businesses.
Place rating: 4
Birmingham, AL
The Trak Shak seems to cover all of your running needs. I’ve purchased both shoes and compression socks from these guys and was happy with my service both times. That’s all fine and dandy, but it’s not what I think of when Trak Shak pops into my head.
You will rarely see a run in Birmingham that isn’t sponsored by these guys. Not only that, but they always seem to be an integral part of training for a race. They are a starting point for weekly organized runs through Homewood. They provide free water and Gatorade at the start/​finish line and some houses along the route have water as well. I start a lot of my runs from here, whether they are with a group or by myself.
Place rating: 5
Philadelphia, PA
I really like this store. They will observe the way you run and look at the mechanics of your stride and then make suggestions about which shoe you should wear. They told me I over-​pronate and recommended a stability shoe for my foot. The sales people are all very helpful and knowledgeable about running.
Also…they host a Wednesday night run (3k, 5k, or 8k… you choose) followed by free beer and pizza! The run starts at 5:30. It’s fun and a lot of people show up every week.
This is a great place for new runners like me.