Pacers Running

Love love love Pacers. I run a lot and will not purchase runners anywhere else.
Pacers is a specialty shop for running equipment. All the sales personnel are trained to know what the latest shoes are, the features of each shoe and can compare and contrast different brands.
They also run so they can give you first hand experience with different brands as well. Pacers also has fun running groups that are free to join.
I was blown away the first time I was fitted for shoes. I was put on the treadmill and my step was analyzed for the best fit for shoes. They didn’t just ask what size I wore, they wanted to make sure it was the best shoe for me.
The last visit I bought my 4^th pair. I also introduced my brother to the store as a friend did the same for me.
The guy was also able to look up my purchases from a few years ago as I couldn’t remember the brand I was looking for.
Spending money at Pacers is worth every penny. They educate you on your purchase instead of feeling like you’re just spend a few hundred dollars on just kicks.

Come to Pacers if you are preparing for a race or need to get outfitted for run training. Pacers’ staff did an excellent job preparing me for my first marathon last Fall. Their staff is enthusiastic and knowledgeable about running and has a genuine interest in getting you ready with everything you need to train or race. In addition to merchandise sales, staff will offer advise on training tips, nutrition etc. They also sponsor and lead weekly training runs in various areas of the DC area. The in store inventory is kind of lean and on the expensive side. If a particular item is not on hand though, the staff does do a good job of checking the other DC area Pacers and will transfer the item over for future pick up. I give Pacers a good amount of credit for training, running and completing my first marathon!

Great help by Joe i think his name was. I needed orthopedic inserts for better arch support for my plantar fasciitis. He spent about an hour with me measuring my arch and getting the right insert.

Manager, Joe Schultz, has twice provided me with the perfect shopping experience. He carefully listens, discusses all options, and thoughtfully finds the best match in a running shoe. Excellent value all around.

The #ForEveryRun is more than just a hashtag. I’ve truly enjoyed the support and motivation provided by the weekly runs this year. I love the community collaboration I’ve seen with Shake Shack (I build the schedule around the 2^nd Tuesday of the month), Barre3 and others. I love that the run leaders either organize by FB or email to ensure all know which vendors, which dates and any special events. As for staff? They are first rate. It’s fun when you can see employees actually enjoy their work (yes, joking and goofing are part of it).
I can’t wait to see if Pacers Princeton does more another run series. I discovered them while visiting my +1’s family. Let’s say visiting the quasi in-​laws will be much more fun if I can plan it around races!

Unbeatable Running Community — The manager, Joe, and his awesome wife Sonia work tirelessly (without letting on that they are working at it at all) to create and support the best running community I’ve ever seen. Nearly every day they are putting people together by leading runs from the store or supporting their own and others’ running and social events throughout the year. I can’t say enough about this. Their work has changed lives in what could be a very me-​first, Type A, workaholic existence for hundreds of people. Top-​notch people are all around you when you join in a fun run from this store (and I mean that in a general «good people» sense, not just «accomplished runner» sense, although you can find that too if that is what you are looking for).
Knowledgeable Staff — Joe, the manager, knows running, having been a runner himself for years and years. He hires people who have incredible enthusiasm and knowledge about the sport as well (many of whom were first acquainted with the store as customers and fun runners, he curates his staff from here and other sources, it seems, to find the best people). All around good folks who love what they do and that results in a great experience for customers. And this goes for whether you are a beginner who mostly walks, or whether you run 100 miles a day at a 5 minute pace. They treat everyone the same, and they treat everyone very well. They love running and they will do everything they can to help you love it too.
Fantastic Inventory — Again, store management knows and loves running. They interact with their customers and fill the store with things that people actually need and like to use to make their running experiences better. If they happen to be missing a size or color, there’s a good chance one of the other store locations will have it and they can bring it over to the most convenient location in a day or two.
Great Location — nice walk from King Street Metro, good neighborhood and Potomac River running routes nearby. A must-​stop shop on any King Street/​Old Town shopping trip.
On a personal level, this has been my favorite running store from the first time I walked in the door over a decade ago. I was new in town, and going out with the Thursday night fun run (now they have a FREE organized run almost every day of the week, but back then it was Thursday only) finally made me feel like I had a life and some friends and something to look forward to week after week in this new place. Years later, even when I have no reason to be in the neighborhood, I’ll sit in the DC traffic to get back to run with the group from this store or buy the gear I need from the knowledgeable people here. It’s worth it every time.
Because the people from whom I buy my shoes here really care about running, and actually run with me, they know my form, they know my mileage, they know my goals. They provide better shoe and gear recommendations, some that have helped me overcome (and likely avoid) injuries and helped me to achieve some of my best race times (and most fun running seasons).
I’ve moved away, but if I need a piece of gear, I try to wait until I can make a trip back to Pacers Alexandria. You can go here to buy a pair of shoes,… or to fundamentally change your life for the better in a new city. Or something in the middle, like finding the best shoe and gear recommendations and meeting some great training partners.

I’ve gotten several pairs of running shoes from these guys and they always do everything they can to make sure the fit and type of shoe are right for you. Being a personal trainer, I know how important it is to have the right tools for the workout you’re looking for and these guys know that. They always have good deals going on too. Customer for life!

I would say borderline between 3 and 4, here’s why. If you go in and need insight on what shoe to wear, I noticed the older (like maybe in 30s) salespeople were thorough and had you running outside, treadmill etc. The much younger (early 20s) bunch just brought a ton of shoes out, had you try them then fine’. I usually learn a lot each time I get a new pair but today the youngin brought out 4 pairs then waited for me to pick one. Yes I feel a tad old to semi complain about the age being a factor of customer svc skills. I debated on going elsewhere but I really needed the shoes. He did know which ones to bring out though and switched up the type I normally get so we will see how that works out. There is a 30 day return policy w the box. I came here because last time I had one of the older guys and was very thorough. Showed me diff products that would be helpful for diff runs.

Friendly folks. They know their business and offered several suggestion for running shoes. Competitive prices. Excellent vibe. I’ll be back.

Delete review, wrong business!

They are awesome! They will work with you for as long as they need to until they find a shoe that will work for you. Their policy is to give you 30 days to test out each new pair of shoes. Yes, EACH! So if you buy pair 1 and after 25 days they aren’t working, take them back and you only pay (or are reimbursed) the difference in price between pair 1 and pair 2). Walk out the door with pair 2 and a fresh set of 30 days to test out that pair. They really care about the customer. Love them, 5 stars.

Finally found a place with the right shoes for over pronator aka no arch folks with Achilles and knee issues. Thank God… no more buying shoes from regular stores for this guy. Figures Old Town has it all :).

If you want a great pair of running shoes come see Kevin. He was super helpful and very knowledgeable. It is exactly what you would want in customer service.

After running my last marathon my knees were sore and I wanted to try some of the new maximalist shoes on the market. Was looking for Hoka ONE’s and found them @ Pacers. KATE was very knowledgeable and brought 4 different models and brands to try on. Felt in LOVE with the new Hoka Bondi 4. So far I have ran for 4 days and I have felt no pain in my knees or any part of my body. PACERS is the place to shop if you are a serious runner. They support law enforcement. And military (10 o/​o) discount… and you have a 30 day «running warranty «!

This place is a little pricey, but you get what you pay for. This establishment has knowledgeable staff that can get you fitted properly and running the right way! Thanks to them I was able to finish last year’s Army 10 miler… couldn’t have done it without their help!

I know I can save a few bucks by shopping online for running shoes and accessories, but I’m more than happy to pay a little extra for the service I get at Pacers.
I recently replaced my running shoes at pacers. I’ve been wearing the same make and model of running shoe for almost a decade. This year, I experienced every runner’s worst nightmare: the manufacturer of my favorite shoe significantly changed the way it fits. Pacers happily exchanged my shoes not once but TWICE until I found my new model of running shoe. Their return policy is amazing: run in the shoe for two weeks (or is it 30 days now?) — if you don’t like it, bring it back. Amazing!
Plus, it’s a pleasure to go to a running store where every employee is passionate about running. Their advice on gear is always spot on.
Oh, and I almost forgot: they are active in the community, too. They organize a bunch of races and fun runs. My favorite is the Port City Joggers and Lagers.

Pacers is more than a running store, it’s sort of the Cheers of the Alexandria (and beyond) running world. I’ve been running with the group that meets at this store Tuesdays and Thursdays (7PM) and Saturday mornings for six years. (It’s free! Come run!) The store and the staff are truly part of the community. Joe, the manager, has been running the running group with his awesome wife Sonia for longer than he has been running the store (and much longer than I’ve been going).
They are helpful and knowledgeable and welcoming. They can help you find the right shoes (and let you return them within two weeks if they don’t work for you). They can help you figure out fueling for a longer race, or help you find the right accessories for running in the dark, the cold, or whatever else you decide you want to run in.
Pacers Old Town is hands down the best running store I’ve ever been to in my 15+ years of running.

I just wanted to mention their return policy, and that it actually works!
Pacers lets you try any pair of running shoes for two weeks, and then bring them back if you are not satisfied.
This was the case when I got shoes with the superfeet inserts. I tried them and didn’t like them, so I brought back the inserts. No problem, they took them back, credited my Visa!
Then I found that the shoes were not working either. So, a week later, I returned those too. Pacers had all my information in the system, the staff worked with me to pick a new pair of shoes with more support, and then they did an exchange/​credit with no problems.
Pacers has its act together. Thanks team!

Received a gift card for the store. I compete in field events for track and field, but I figured I would find something useful from the store instead of giving the gift card away.
When I walked in the store, a male asked me if I needed any help. I replied no because I had already researched what type of store it was. This man followed me around the entire store! Watching and speaking to me as if I asked him a question. I was so ready to get out of the store and I will tell my parents (I’m a teacher) to never purchase a gift card from there again!

Pacers is a store for runners, staffed by runners. Although you may not get the kind of discounted prices you’ll find from online/​big boxes (but do note that they have a loyalty program which effectively gives you 10% off), I would pick Pacers any day for its excellent customer service and convenience.
When I visited they had me hop on a treadmill to see how I ran, then recommended several shoes to try on based off of that. I was very satisfied with the shoes I got, but if I wasn’t, then they have a very generous return policy — you have a week or two to decide whether or not you like what you bought.
If you need help finding a shoe, then look no further. The sales people here know their stuff and are able to give excellent recommendations — and explain them!