Ragged Mountain Running Shop

I got my first pair of running shoes that actually fit me correctly here, and for that I am forever grateful. I ran my first half marathon in those babies.
I headed here on a busy Saturday looking for better running shoes, and even though the place was a little too packed for my liking, there were definitely enough helpful employees on hand to evaluate my running style. At one point, I had three people helping me, and they asked a manager to come by and check out my final selection just to make sure I was making the most perfect choice possible. These people really care about runners.
The reason it gets a four out of five is just the space. On a crowded day made it hard to have space to walk/​run so that my running could be evaluated. I ran into people a few times. I’d still come back anytime, but might look for a less busy moment if I’d want to get an evaluation again!

After my first experience in RMRS, I can’t help but give them five stars. They’ve perfected the process of recommending running or walking shoes that fit you well and will provide you with the support you need. Excellent customer service, a super efficient system, and rather reasonable prices sealed the deal for me.
I am by no means a runner – I’m starting out running more this summer and decided a good pair of running shoes would be a good investment. Though the shop was quite busy, as soon as I walked in, two of the employees came by and asked if there was anything I needed. I admitted I was a beginner and needed some advice on buying shoes, and I didn’t feel judged in the slightest. Both were eager to help and had me take a turn walking and then jogging up and down the store barefoot while they watched from the back/​front and then from the side. They figured out immediately that I have a low arch (good to know) so they pulled out a pair of shoes that work well for that. I tried them on and they had me do the same thing – walk and jog up and down the store – to check that they worked well for my gait. Soooo comfy, but I wanted others for comparison so they found a couple similar makes from different brands to let me try on. They were super patient while I tried them on and eventually decided on the first pair (though the others felt pretty good too)!
Another great thing: they took down the brand and make of the shoes I picked out and added it to their registry, so if I come back they know what shoe I like. Overall RMRS has an efficient and helpful process, and I would highly recommend their service!

Immediately upon arrival, Erin came over to assist me. I’m a lifelong athlete, but I am just getting into the running world. Erin watched me walk and run in order to determine which shoe would be the best for me, and she took prior injuries and health issues into account, too. She walked me through her thought processes while helping me decide on a shoe. She was friendly and helpful during the whole process, and I’ve loved running (pain-​free, I might add) in the shoes we decided on. Their prices are also very competitive; I was surprised and impressed by this. Mark and his son were incredibly friendly and helpful, as well. I’m moving away from Charlottesville, but I am glad that I got my introduction to running at Ragged Mountain!

Excellent service and competitive prices. They will watch you run and pick out a custom shoe for you after analyzing your gait.

Great customer service!
It took me 2 pairs of badly self-​chosen sport shoes and one ankle pain to get to Ragged Mountain Running Shop. I’ve spent there almost an hour trying multiple pairs of shoes, jogging around the shop and consulting the outcome. People working there are not only professional but also very kind and patient.

Great experience with very attentive staff and helpful advice about shortening my stride.

The moment I entered the store and made eye contact with a sales associate the gentlemen came over, smiled, and was ready to help. I was in the market for a new pair of running shoes but had no idea where to start. The sales associate was friendly and offered to evaluate my walk and run to help me find the best fit for my feet. Since he was still relatively new another seasoned sales associate came by and offered advice during the evaluation.
The whole evaluation took about 20 minutes; the trying and buying portion capped my time off at about an hour. Both associates were patient and offered helpful advice throughout. They offered different types of shoes based on slight increases in support and explained the differences. I really appreciated the excellent customer service and ended up purchasing a pair from a brand I hadn’t considered in the past due to the great support the shoes offered.
If you’re a runner or walking enthusiast I would definitely recommend stopping by RMRS for it’s great customer care and the willingness in which they want to help. There are also deals and sales throughout the year; make sure to check their website and signs when entering the store. I managed to snag 15% off due to my affiliation with UVA. Sweet!

The customer service at this place is superb. I was greeted by friendly staff immediately upon entering, and Garrett helped me find a great shoe for my running style.
If you do any sort of running/​jogging, you HAVE TO buy shoes here. They have great resources for runners and everyone is very knowledgable about all things running.
My sister is going to come here for shoes when she visits me!

I went here looking to get advice on what running shoes to get since I have serious shin splints. I didn’t plan on buying the shoes but the staff was so amazing and helpful that I did! They watched me run and walk barefoot then in 5 different pairs to make sure they fit and worked well. They even gave me a free booklet of places to run and races I can participate in.
Toon away a star because they only had a few brands and colors in certain styles. They didn’t have under armor. Also their workout clothes wee super expensive and not a wide selection. The majority of their sports bras were xsmall (not cool).
Overall awesome running shop

I love Ragged Mountain Running Shop! They are everything, and a little more, that a local running shop should be. I bought my first pair of shoes here after wearing my old ones out. I was part of the 10 Miler training program coached by Mark, and he encourages people to come and out and ask him for advice. He gave me advice and fitted me for a pair of shoes. I had a back injury in the past, so he custom-​made a support for my arch. Coach Mark and Ragged Mountain Running Shop are the BEST!

Let me say, first of all, that I love how Ragged Mountain helps the community. They put on great races, and they do a lot of help out the university whenever they can. I think they’re an important part of the community, but from now on I will be taking my business to a different running store.
I feel like the kids they employ are always trying hard, but you’re always competing with whichever of their friends walk in the door. I’ve gotten really inconsistent advice, and it’s been pretty frustrating. Thankfully, they do have a very generous return policy, which I have used many times.
In general, I like this shop. However, it’s becoming very consistently inconsistent, so I feel the need to take my business elsewhere.

Walkers welcome!
I was a bit reluctant to visit a running shop when I am not a runner and do not look like one. But I needed new hiking/​walking shoes on short notice, and was greeted with prompt, knowledgeable, and very helpful service. Turns out, 20% of their customers are walkers. Got tons if expert help with my many shoe issues and ended up with a pair I’m very happy with, plus some fitness shorts to round out my gear for an impromptu hike in c’ville area. But, I’d drive out here just for this shop next time I need shoes.
This shop is located in quaint college area of town with lots of neat shops and eateries. Just note, there’s not much parking (except for running shop’s private lot which you MUST get validated for by shop employee), and traffic is hairy and frustrating due to many pedestrians who have priority.

RMRS is an absolute gem. Mark and Cynthia have been central to Charlottesville’s strong running community for decades. I have been coming to this shop for 15+ years, during which time the running expertise and local, family-​owned atmosphere have persisted. The staff are the most knowledgeable of any running store I have ever been to. I live in CA now but still wait for trips back home to buy shoes here.

I’m from Miami and every time I walk into a runner’s store I feel like I’m getting the hard sell, so i never stick around to buy. Thankfully, I DID NOT get that feeling AT ALL at this cute and stocked little shop and I finally got to spend the time I needed.
Because I felt so comfortable I decided to go ahead with the a gait analysis and finally find the right shoes.
Man, these guys know their stuff and I learned a LOT. Katherine was super helpful and the owner even chimed in a few times to point out little nuances in shoes, fits and my feet. I have been a lifelong Nike loyalist for no good reason, but these guys found me a pair of Brooks trail shoes which I would have never considered.
Fast forward — they found me the perfect shoes. I needed cushion and stability for what I do and had previously been running in lightweight minimal shoes and my knees had been suffering. My knees, feet, and legs are thanking me now. They’re thanking the Ragged Mountain Running Shop even more.

I loved this shop! It was in a really cute area! The staff was AMAZING! They really knew what they were talking about and took time to find the perfect shoe! We are from out of town and needed some good running/​walking shoes! I’m so pleased with my visit there! When we come back to town we will defiantly visit again! :)

I have been in many running stores in many cities and countries over the past 35 years, and I think that this is the best one that I’ve ever visited. I stumbled across it while looking for a place to park on a busy football game day in Charlottesville. The parking attendant said «are you here to shop at the running store», and I said, «oh, er, yes, I guess so». My wife and I then spent the next hour browsing the store: not only the merchandise, but also the great memorabilia and local running information. I’ve been to running stores that try to show that they’re connected to the local running community, but I’ve never been to one that makes it look so genuine. They have a very good selection of products too. I can’t comment on their service or their prices, but if I lived locally (alas, I don’t) it’s the kind of place that I’d want to patronize.

Great service and comparable prices to anywhere else– online included. With the student discount and free tshirt, it would not make sense to buy anywhere else.

4÷26÷13
Second purchase from these guys in less than twelve months. First, last Sept. for a pair on Nike runners. The staff evaluated my gate walking and running and took into consideration my pronation and tendancy to experience shin splints etc. and reccomended what proved to be an excellet pair of shoes I would have otherwise never considered.
Today: Walked into the shop w/​a friend who was making an exchange when I discovered that they also carried a full line of Birkenstock sandals (I was planning on driving all the way down to Short Pump to Saxon Shoes (another fine buisness BTW) this weekend to try on sizes and various models. Ragged Mtn. saved me the time, and gas expense PLUS the shoes happened to be 10% off on this day.
This place is great and the staff is awfully helpful and enthusiastic about what they do. Parking is even convenient. GO!

I highly recommend this store! I received such great service. I tried on a pair of shoes that fit okay. The woman working at the store said «We want perfection, not just okay». She ordered more shoes for me to try until I found the perfect pair (in my favorite color, too). I appreciate the staff’s expertise and the reasonable prices. I will definitely go back to Ragged Mountain for my next pair of running shoes!

Nice!
Stopped in last night (well, more like rushed over 5PM quitting time at my job across town) to use a Groupon I purchased for $ 30 worth of running gear! Had meant to stop in many a time in the past, but for some reason or another, never got around to it.
The shop itself is nice — larger than you’d imagine from the outside, that’s for sure! Staff was friendly without being overbearing, and were being helpful to all the customers that needed assistance with shoe fittings and what not.
I ended up purchasing a new hydration belt, plus a variety of new Clif Shot Bloks for marathon training, plus a pair of plastic shades for the bright sun & high temps that have already reached Central VA!
Will definitely be back if I ever need any running gear in town =)