Charm City Run

I’ve been here a number of times, recommended Charm City to friends, and recently took my daughter there for her first real pair or running shoes. Having spent a few times in vain at nearby box box sporting good stores — where you may like the price, but suffer in selection and service — I couldn’t have been more pleased with how well she was taken care of. The sales professional who helped us — yeah, they’re runners — asked a range of questions, offered a few alternatives, and helped us arrive at a mutual choice. Great experience. Charm City supports local schools, sponsors runs, helps people train, and is an all-​around running community supporter. So happy this small business, this specialty business, is here.

I was referred here by my podiatrist and told to purchase specific shoes for my flat feet. I bought the brooks addiction for $ 130.00. Too expensive btw. But the shoes were worse than my old shoes that had so little «support». They told me to get a size bigger than i usually wear. When i walked, my feet would come out of the shoe. Even with the orthotics that were made for me. So i went back to my dr n told him so he wrote them a not asking them to let me exchange them for better shoes. The best shoes that i tried on were the brooks glycerin and they were $ 159.00! So i exchanged them then found them online for $ 88.00. I just went to return these because they were so overpriced and the lady told me she can only give me store credit. WTF?! I NEVER come to this store! I only came bcz of my dr. I was forced to get store credit when i wanted the money back on my credit card. What kind of store doesn’t give you the option to return money the way you purchase it? Thats complete bullshit. Never coming here again or ever recommending them because they are SO overpriced and ridiculous!

I recently started to run more regularly, and a few of my more avid running friends suggested I get fitted. I went to Charm City knowing that I would spend more, but I would hopefully prevent future problems with better shoes.
I told the sales associate I was new to running and about my issues — pronation (wore orthotics as a kid), some knee soreness (slight medial rotation of both tibias) and splaying feet. The associate brought one pair of shoes for me to try. She used an iPad to film me running on the treadmill. Then she offered SuperFeet inserts and filmed me running again. We reviewed the video, but I had no idea what I was looking at or what I was supposed to see. As I was leaving another newbie arrived and I heard the sales associate tell her that they would try on as many shoes as they could and see what felt comfortable. Meanwhile, I had tried on one pair and was walking out after dropping over $ 200.00. But I thought maybe my issues made it a no-​brainer? What did I know?
The shoes/​inserts were so painful. I developed crazy blisters in places that I have never blistered before. I had blisters capping my center toes (the entire top of the toes). I had a blister that ran from the inside side of my heel to my arch. I thought maybe the shoes were just breaking in, but it was preventing me from running as much as I wanted. I sought advice from other runners and was told the shoes were not a fit. I went back to my old shoes, and called the store (within a week, but after running at least five times). They suggested I return with the shoes, and I was hopeful.
Their solution, however, was that I should buy even more stuff from them. The associate said it was «the right shoe,» and recommended I buy more expensive socks, which I had actually already purchased on my first trip. He recommended I buy body glide and rub it on my soles before running. He also suggested that I alternate the inserts each run. Fool me once. .. The first run without the inserts was a lot better though I still re-​blistered. At least I could run. But there was no way I could alternate. With the inserts, what was previously blistered skin became raw, open skin with a crack that tore into the quick.
I called the store again and told them my experience. The associate’s response was, «Well, I guess don’t wear the inserts then.» Great. These are truly the most uncomfortable shoes in which I have ever exercised. I honestly think I would have been better off at Foot Locker. I was only able to run by Duct taping my feet (suggested by a runner friend), and I cannot run as often as I would like. I also cannot afford to replace the shoes, but I will as soon as I can (obviously, not from Charm City).
After speaking to experienced runners, I felt inclined to write this review. I should have tried on more than one pair of shoes, clearly. After the fact, I found that the shoes’ manufacturer states the shoes are designed for flat arches (I am high) and normal pronation (I told them and it should have been obvious that I pronate). What bothers me most is that when I showed up with large blisters (that later split), their solution was to push more products than put me in the right shoe. I have not run in a week now, and still have a split in my heel. If you know what you are doing, I am sure their selection is fine. If you are a novice, do not go without someone else to guide you. Or go somewhere else.

I did not get fitted for shoes, but was there to see what they offered. I was helped by two female staff members for new laces and gels. They both gave good recommendations and genuinely seemed to enjoy working there and were knowledgeable. However while perusing the active wear and shoes several other staff members were hanging around and didn’t greet me at all. No biggie. I was able to find what I wanted. I will come back if I am looking for variety in active wear, and they do have a loyalty program.

Quite honestly I think one star is generous. I was so excited to have received a pretty decent gift card that I had specifically asked for from this store for the purpose of getting properly fitted for running shoes. I usually go somewhere else but a few people I know had some good things to say and it is also closer to me so gave it a go. Needless to say I was beyond disappointed with the service and was left wondering what all the hype is about. From the time I walked in and left I would say maybe I was there 15 minutes. My fault for not speaking up but honestly I was so shocked about how I was treated I just wanted to leave. When I came in on a week night it was not crowded at all, a younger man «waited» on me. I say waited loosely as for a lack of a better term he could have given two craps about helping me. I was clear that I was looking for a better running shoe and hoping to get fitted for a comfier better fitted one than what I had. He didn’t size me, he acted like he was doing me a favor just getting ones for me to try on, and basically sat there bored. It made me feel extremely uncomfortable and I just wanted to get out of there. Sure enough the shoe I purchased is ok. But definitely too small. I’m not saying he should have given me the royal treatment and yes I tried them on and gave a quick walk around but I walked out of there feeling pretty upset about my purchase when I had been really excited to be coming to a store that apparently was there to help those who want to run. He completely rushed me and just was no help at all. Shoes are expensive and I get mad every time I do wear them now that I didn’t speak up at the time. Especially since I saw 100% better service happening right next to me with a different employee helping someone else. Total disappointment that ruined a birthday gift.

I also have flat feet and love to wear heels. I can choose a great heel but when it comes to running shoes I can’t and Footlocker and DTLR just doesn’t cut it. My latest choice in running shoes were awful and my feet were hurting to the point I decided to stop running until I got a shoe that is for me. I did my research and honestly choose CCR since I’ve seen them at marathons and based on the location. Every specialty store IMO is pricey so I was prepared to spend maximum of $ 200 for shoes that will last.
I was worried about being judged for not being an avid runner or the typical athletic person (I’ve read stories) but I was not. I went in and was immediately greeted. I talked to the sales associate about my concerns and then we immediately starting my fitting which in my case consisted of me walking and him measuring my foot. He brought out several pairs of shoes, I tried them on and was happy with my selection.
As far as my cost, I paid $ 120 for my shoes. Which are cheaper than Jordans or other non functional sneakers. I went home after I purchased the shoe and found that it was the same price online at multiple shoe sites as CCR. I do like that they give you $ 25 off your next purchase after you spend $ 250. The shoes provide me with the support I need to get through my workout. I also appreciated the sales associate explaining when to replace my shoes and how to tell. Based on my use, my shoes should last me at least a year. I would def go to them again for the customer service, the genuine concern and the reward incentive for my next pair of running shoes (hopefully in a year).

I have flat feet so it is very difficult to obtain running shoes to use at my favorite gym, Brick Bodies Padonia. The staff were very knowledgable and actually selected a better version of the supportive running shoe I was replacing. The prices are fairly high, but I expect to pay $ 150 for a pair of quality supportive running shoes that will last a long time. I used to travel to Holabird Sports but Charm City Run has a better selection and better customer service. I liked their clearance rack for obtaining sweat reduction workout items. The shoes are the most supportive that I have ever owned. If you join their club you can save extra money for spending over $ 200. These running shoes made it through a very challenging 7 weeks boot camp I had to endure to obtain my current job and still look like new.

This location is just OK. I went into the store looking for shoes to help relieve shin splints while running. I was instructed to take off my own shoes and walk around the store. The sales associate then brought me two shoes which felt great yet I wanted in another color. They didn’t carry the other colors I suggested and they had to be ordered. I was then told the price which was $ 30 more expensive than what the brand and competitors were selling it for. This style of shoe is discontinued and the new style is coming out in August yet they’re charging the full price? There’s no price matching and I was told that they only did store credit for returns.
So:
–Low variety of shoes
–Expensive
–Store credit for returns
–Can’t return the shoes after they’ve been worn (meaning if you suffer from shin splints or any other type of injury, you’re unable to really test out the shoe to see if it works for you)
Save your time and money and head to Road Runner Sports.

1^st class running store. They have all the running stuff that need. They are friendly and happy to help fit the shoes or gear that you need.

Great store. Went there, they made me run, looked at my feet and step, brought me 5 – 6 pairs to choose from, stayed with me the whole time I was trying them on, no sales pressure absolutely! I ended up with two pairs of great kicks, plus got some running socks. These shoes are so good, they run for you! Price was not bad at all, as a matter of fact I came back home and checked Zappos and
, comes about the same. I love local stores and their awesome service at the store! When it is time to get new gear or clothing/​shoes, I go to Charm City Run, always.
People come there to get comfortable walking shoes too, any age. I saw some 80 year old ladies (in tip top shape!) and 9 year old kids getting their feet classy, everyone is happy and everyone has a great sales person by their side! Great store to get running info (races, clubs etc) too!

This little store is right next to Nautilus diner in Timonium. I disagree with the reviewer who said it’s hard to find, the sign is large and visible. Parking is easy. The sales people, while young, were extremely helpful.
I had gone to Holabird sports previously because their prices are a bit better and tried on 7 or 8 pairs of shoes before being told my «foot structure» (I have tiny but super wide feet) was just a complicated fit and it would be best to settle for some running shoes that just felt too big. When I went to Charm City, the young man (I almost said kid! I apologize) asked me to walk and then run without shoes on. He then ran to the back room and returned in 5 minutes or so with 2 pairs of shoes that he said had a wide base even in their non-​wide sizes. They both fit and felt great.
Minus one star because they are pretty expensive. They may be in the norm for running stores, I don’t know. I did find the running shoes I wanted a lot cheaper on the manufacturer’s website. They have apparel and other neat stuff which is just overpriced. The service and quality makes up for it.

«Runners need love too!» –Mike Epps in Next Friday (nope, never mind, that was actually said by me)
Charm City Run is a place where you can get quality shoes for runners of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner preparing for short course, or someone who is preparing for a marathon, you can find what you’re looking for at Charm City Run.
The employees here are definitely helpful when it comes to deciding which shoes fit based on your foot structure and running style. I had a female employee (forgot her name unfortunately) who helped me in deciding to purchase the Asics GT-​2150. This is after trying on two other pairs of running shoes based on my running style.
Also to note, if you bring in your old shoes, you can receive a 10% discount on your total purchase. I brought mines in and my total purchase price for my new shoes were discounted the full 10%.
Another cool thing that Charm City Run has is a list where you can sign up to be reminded when to purchase new running shoes. You can set the reminder based on a future date (recommended 6 months or 300 miles of shoe use).
There are other things you can get here like Heart Rate Monitors, stopwatches, apparel, running clothes, etc. I definitely recommend coming here for your running needs.

the lady that helped me out had me walk then run across the store to see how my feet are positioned. then brought out 4 pairs of shoes for me to try on. they also have a good selection of running gear — shorts, tops, bras, pants, etc. i’ve had my shoes for a few weeks now and am in love with them.

Informative staff, good running gear.
The location is a wee bit hard to find in Timonium but overall a good place for running shoes and other running equipment.