10 Running Stores in the Philadelphia Area
These local stores are not only running community centers, but they also have the hook up for all of your running needs, from shoes to shorts.
Shop for all your running-related needs at these 10 Philly-area running stores, like Philadelphia Runner. / Photograph by Caroline Cunningham.
Unless you’re a serious runner, chances are that you’ve been scoring your running shoes off the clearance rack at a sporting goods store. But you know what? You — and your feet — deserve better. If you’re ready to step up your running game (and your sneaker game!) there are a bunch of running stores in the Philadelphia area that are staffed with qualified professionals who can help you pick out awesome, comfortable, and seemingly built-for-you kicks.
Below, find 10 running stores that are jam-packed with everything a runner would need, including sneakers, gadgets, and apparel. They’re all worth a visit, especially because many of these stores host free group runs, run-centric talks and expos, and serve as our running community centers.
Born to Run Inc.
Where: 821 North Bethlehem Pike (Ambler)
Go here for: On-site fit and gait analysis.
We all know that buying quality running shoes can be expensive, so you might as well be sure you’re picking the best shoe possible for you. At Born to Run, you can test out any of their shoes on their in-house treadmill to get a good idea of how they feel when you catch your stride. Their selection includes everything from casual sneakers to competitive racing shoes and even those “barefoot” toe sneakers, plus plenty of apparel and accessories.
Bryn Mawr Running Company
Where: 828 West Lancaster Avenue (Bryn Mawr); 1 West Front Street (Media); 24-B South High Street (West Chester)
Go here for: A wide shoe collection, plus race management services.
With three locations, Bryn Mawr Running Company holds some serious real estate in the Philly-area running store game. Here you can find all of your running gear needs from sneakers to apparel and event gadgets like that fancy Garmin run tracker watch you’ve been eyeing. What sets Bryn Mawr Running Company apart is their race management service, which helps you design, plan, and execute a race from start to finish.
Fairmount Running Company
Where: 2023 Fairmount Avenue (Fairmount)
Go here for: The neighborhood feel.
This neighborhood store will outfit you in the shoes you need and desire for any upcoming training plans, races, or just-for-fun runs. Fairmount Running Company is a big local outfitter for track and field competition shoes and apparel, which is why they offer discounts to student athletes. Their brands include Hoka One One, Brooks, Saucony, and more. Oh, and all their staff members not only are runners themselves, but have extensive training in Gait-Analysis and Biomechanics—guaranteeing the best shoe for you.
Jenkintown Running Company
Where: 416 York Road (Jenkintown)
Go here for: Free shipping with code JENKRUN on their online store.
Okay, so you might be thinking: There are so many ‘Running Companies’ on this list, what’s that all about? Well, Jenkintown is the original Running Company — the O.G. so to speak. It all started in Elkins Park in 1981 where a guy named Bob Gamberg opened the area’s first local sporting goods store. Today, this location, like Fairmount (their sister company), is a big local outfitter for track and field accessories and equipment, but it also fits run-of-the-mill athletes with the sneakers of their dreams.
North Wales Running Company
Where: 111 North Main Street (North Wales); Their second store, All Kinds of Fast, is located at 214 Bridge Street (Phoenixville)
Go here for: Discounted team nights.
While “All Kinds of Fast” started as a joke, the name stuck for North Wales’s second location because it’s such a great motto, especially in the running store game. At either store, you can find local runners hanging out for events and talks hosted by the shop, and novice runners perusing the store’s selection — it’s really a place for everyone. Plus, they offer Team Nights, where your running team can redeem special discounts and win running-themed giveaways.
Philadelphia Runner
Where: 1601 Sansom Street (Rittenhouse); 3621 Walnut Street (University City); 4358 Main Street (Manayunk); 505 Glen Eagle Square (Glen Mills)
Go here for: Their blog, #MyPhillyRun, which is chock full of helpful information like training tips and neighborhood resources.
Okay, so Philadelphia Runner kind of goes without an explanation because, even if you haven’t stepped foot in their store, chances are that you’ve heard of them. However, if you’re unfamiliar, Philadelphia Runner is a great spot to visit for all of your running needs, from shoes to socks to sports bras. Their staff is friendly and super knowledgeable, as many of them are runners themselves. To sustain the awesome local running community, they host weekly group runs and events out of all four locations.
Road Runner Sports
Where: 921 Haddonfield Road (Cherry Hill); 155 Village Drive (King of Prussia)
Go here for: The 3D scan of your feet during a fitting to identify imbalances and pressure points.
Yep, you heard that right — they have the technology, in-store, to 3D-scan your foot. But that’s not all: They’ll also record your stride to help analyze your specific movements. The best part? All of this happens in 12 minutes (and it’s free!), and then you’re trying on shoes that feel like they’re made for you. That said, this chain carries all of the big brands including Asics, Brooks, Mizuno, Saucony, and more, in addition to their accessory and apparel offerings.
Run Shoe Store
Where: 533 Spring Garden (Northern Liberties)
Go here for: Shopping when you’re crunched on time. They’re open until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Run Shoe Store is all about the old-fashioned way of doing things, as in, they still use a shoehorn. However, their website is much more modern, featuring a running FAQ section, answering everything from how to find your gait to how to clean your shoes. If you’re looking for a running coach, Run Shoe Store can help with that too. Phil Clark is the founder and owner of the store AND he owns The Training Station Gym located right behind the store.
The Running Place
Where: 3551 West Chester Pike (Newtown Square)
Go here for: They’ll inspect your old, worn out shoes to analyze any telling wearing patterns.
At The Running Place, they’re all about finding you the right fit for whatever foot situation you may be rocking, from high arches to overly-flexible feet. They examine your feet to determine what category of shoe would best serve you while inquiring about any past injuries, goals, and running habits. Their shoe selection includes Asics, Brooks, Mizuno, New Balance, Saucony, and Hoka One, plus apparel offerings from the likes of The North Face, Under Armour, and more.
Valley Forge Running Company
Where: 305 2nd Avenue (Collegeville); 428 West Swedesford Road (Berwyn)
Go here for: Their shoe demo runs.
The Valley Forge Running Company community focuses on getting a feel for different shoes, proven by their brand demo runs. They aim to match each and every athlete with the shoe and gear that is right for their personal needs, though shoe fitting is their specialty. An in-store expert will assess your biomechanics and match you with some great shoe options based off your unique body composition and movements.
