When traveling, locating the best local shop for running can be a game-changer. Whether you’re looking for a local run club to hit up, or are in desperate need of Gu or Shot Blocks for a long run, smaller run shops are always worth checking out. Sure, Target, Dicks or another larger-scale store might have exactly what you need, but if you want to be surrounded by other runners and learn what’s going on in the local running scene, these are the places to check out. Supporting your local small businesses helps them continue to thrive and keep doing what they do well. Plus, you’ll likely get the kind of personal attention that you need when picking out a pair of running shoes, whether that means you’re running on the treadmill or getting gait coaching, these shops are here for your every need.

Fleet Feet

Portland, ME: While this is a chain, it’s the most low-key chain, and one that we’d recommend going to. We love the one here in NYC, and our friends in Austin and Portland are big fans of their local shops as well. In a moment of desperation, the Fleet Feet in Portland saved me from running out of fuel when I had to knock out my first big long run while training for the NYC marathon. I don’t know what I’d have done without it.

309 Marginal Way ⇱ | (207) 773-6601

San Francisco Running Company

Mill Valley, CA: Check out the Mill Valley location or San Anselmo one, then be sure to sign up for the Strava run club to check out the local loops and the SFRC newsletter to stay up to date on all things SF running related. There are loads of trails to be discovered and the SF shop is here to help you do just that.

247 Shoreline Highway ⇱ | (415) 450-7031

Bull City Running Company

Durham, NC: In Durham, North Carolina, runners turn to Bull City. Find everything from the latest sneakers from Altra to Maurten (the newest big deal in nutrition), and everything in between. The local hotspot also runs a track club and a slew of events throughout the year, including an opportunity to test out the ElliptiGo, Meb Keflezighi’s off-duty training regimen.

202 W North Carolina 54 #109 ⇱ | (919) 265-3904

A Runner’s Circle

Los Angeles, CA: Located on Los Feliz Boulevard in Los Angeles, the Runner’s Circle shop has all of the best shoes alongside free running events every week. It’s been a staple in the community for over 12 years, helping runners in the area to find the perfect shoe for their specific gait. Have a nagging ache? Book a spot with the certified physical therapist during the week to see if you pushed a little too hard at your workout last week.

3216 Los Feliz Blvd ⇱ | (323) 661-8971

Runner’s Alley

Portsmouth, NH: A Runner’s Alley has all the newest sneakers and is the spot to check out for a variety of run clubs in the area. The hotspot also has storefronts in Boston, on the Cape and parts of Connecticut. As one of the oldest running shops in the state (it’s been around since 1997), it’s filled to the brim with knowledgeable staff members who love running and walking. A recent highlight includes the new Picky Bars from pro-runner Lauren Fleishman — the hard to get bars that actually taste good.

104 Congress St. ⇱ | (603) 430-1212

Philadelphia Runner

Philadelphia, PA: The City of Brotherly Love turns to this independent and locally owned running store when it needs a fresh pair of running flats or track spikes. Hit them up in Center City, University City, Manayunk or Glen Mills. Sign up for group runs and get notified about upcoming races. Schedule a shoe fitting online so you can go in, chat about your injuries and running preferences and then work with a sales rep for a customized shoe experience.

1601 Sansom St. ⇱ | (215) 972-8333

Heartbreak Hill Running Company

Boston, MA: Named for the famous hill that crushes Boston Marathoner runners, the Heartbreakers are proud to be Boston strong. Check out their three locations in Cambridge, Newton and South End to attend free run clubs and studio classes with BQ run coaches. The brand offers treadmill classes and outdoor runs, as well as singlets, sneakers and more. You can also sign up for one-on-one coaching if you need an added push to achieve your goals.

652 Tremont St. ⇱ | (617) 391-0897

Boulder Running Company

Boulder, Colorado: It was the first running store in the country to offer video gait analysis, and now continues to help runners move injury-free through training — which as any runner knows is the key to running longevity. Boulder is the hot spot for all things fitness-related, so it’s worth checking out when you’re in the area.

2775 Pearl St. ⇱ | (303) 786-9255

Sports Basement

Sunnyvale, CA: Shop all your favorite brands like Asics, Brooks, Nike and Saucony, then check out the events page. Pad your running practice with a Sunday yoga class, or relax at the end of the day with your crew at the Wine Fest. There are loads of free classes, film festivals, fun runs and more.

1177 Kern Ave. ⇱ | (408) 732-0300

Runner’s Roost

Lakewood, CO: Since 1977, Runner’s Roost wants to help you enjoy the run. It has won best specialty running store in the state by Competitor Magazine year after year and it makes sense. With recommended training runs listed on the site (and easy to find) and a plethora of events every weekend, the Roost is the place to go to help get you ready for your next big race.

7978 W Alameda Ave A ⇱ | (303) 991-1851

Tortoise and Hair

Glendale, AZ: Based in Glendale, a suburb of Phoenix, Arizona, the Tortoise & Hare shop has one of the best names on this list. The customer service is unparalleled and the free running clinics, yoga and special runs are all highlights. In 2016, it was on the list of Best Running Shops in America from Competitor Magazine. Stop by for one of the well-attended donut runs, yoga classes or pizza and pint runs. There’s no stopping this crew.

17570 N 75th Ave #605 ⇱ | (623) 792-7900

Brooklyn Running Company

Brooklyn, NY: This independently owned specialty running store, that opened in 2013, is where Williamsburg resident runners like to hang out and run. It’s practically right off of the Bedford L train stop and there are plenty of bike racks out front for you to cruise over on your steed. Head over for a new pair of shoes or gear and then try it out on one of the many runs that start here all year long.

222 Grand St. ⇱ | (718) 782-7866

Berkeley Park Running Company

Denver, CO: You wake up on a Saturday morning, head down to your local running shop, hit the beautiful trails and knock out your long run, then weave your way back into town to end back at the store. You head straight to the tap room to cool down — that’s the type of store Chris Sullivan started in July of 2017 and has continued to operate since.

4568 Tennyson St. ⇱ | (720) 499-5124

Skirack

Burlington, VT: While you might think this store is more of a winter operation, it’s a 365-days a year type of place. As a sponsor of the Vermont Marathon, Ski Rack is a one-stop shop for all your running needs whether you’re hitting the trails or road. Since 1969, the shop has been centrally located in downtown Burlington to help outfit you for all your activities. The store also has a 30-day fit guarantee so if you’re not happy with the shoes, return them and test out another pair.

85 Main St. ⇱ | (802) 658-3313

Highland Runners

Atlanta, GA: Born in 2012, Highland Runners is located in the Virginia Highlands in Atlanta. The in-store gait analysis helps you learn proper stride, and educates consumers on why being a forefoot/midfoot striker is so important. Shop brands like Mizuno, Newton, On, Topo Athletic and more, plus all the accessory brands you can think of: Lululemon, OOFOS, Swiftwick, Balega, etc. One of our favorite parts? The Shake Shack Run on the second Tuesday of each month. Run, then fuel up with loads of protein (and cheese, and pie, and whatever else suits your fancy at The Shake).

1393 North Highland Avenue Northeast ⇱ | (404) 549-3309

Big Peach Running

Atlanta, GA: The Atlanta-based shoe specialty store makes sure that everyone leaves happy. The sales associates are trained to help anyone and everyone get the proper shoe fitting whether the customer is 12 or 72. The customer service gets rave reviews and the seven locations around Atlanta make it easy to find one that suits you. Big Peach also runs social group runs complete with changing rooms, bathrooms, water and a shower in case you have to run to work or a dinner after.

800 Peachtree St. NE ⇱ | (404) 602-9903

Run With Us

Pasadena, CA: In a non-surprising move, the sales reps at Run With Us in Pasadena are helpful and delightful. Customers love the constantly-updated apparel and accessories, as well as the nutrition and gear advice. Run With Us offers Monday night fun runs and Sunday trail runs to help you get acquainted with runners in your area.

235 N Lake Ave ⇱ | (626) 568-3331

Charm City Run

Baltimore, MD: Founded in 2002 by a couple that loved their local running shop in Austin, Charm City Run has expanded immensely. If you’re thinking about starting to run, Charm City has the class for you. With seven locations in Maryland, CCR training groups help get you ready for everything from 10Ks to marathons, no matter your running experience level.

1713 Whetstone Way ⇱ | (410) 645-8266

Hanson’s Running Shop

Grosse Pointe, MI: Local guides love Hanson’s Running Shop, especially if they have any running injuries. The local team will work with you — possibly even have you run outside — to make sure that the new pair you pick out is the right one for you. There’s a storefront in Lake Orion, Utica, Royal Oak and Grosse Pointe. Every single location is over 20 years old (except the newest spot, Lake Orion, which opened in 2006).

20964 Mack Ave ⇱ | (313) 882-1325

Skinny Skis

Jackson, WY: The Skinny Skis team was first created as a company that loved Nordic skiing, which you likely could’ve guessed. It’s now open year-round and serves a variety of different sports, including running. As tourism continues to grow in Jackson Hole, so too, does the need for rental gear and quality products. In 2014, Skinny Skis celebrated its 40th anniversary. Whether you’re trail or road running, or both, this is the spot to check out for all your needs.

65 W Deloney Ave ⇱ | (307) 733-6094

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