The Running Depot

My experience was not a great one. I was looked at like i didn’t belong there. I wanted a new pair of shoes. I love Saucony. The gentleman who helped just didn’t educate me to well on any of the shoes, didn’t ask me what I was using it for, and didn’t put me on the treadmill. He was looking at me like wow this is such waste of time. I am so disappointed in this store I may not look like I am in shape, but I am on my way. I thought I would have had better experience here. I went to Dick Pond Before and was treated way better. They watched my gait and did other things. I guess I will have to travel to Dick Pond from here on out, because I got way better service there.

I heard about The Running Depot in a Fitbit forum about a year ago but put it off until now. Tired of buying shoes I was not satisfied with after I got them home. Pam, the owner, waited on me. Asked me about any issues I have, measured and checked arch and watched me walk. Started with a couple pairs to try, walked on treadmill, tried some more. I have wide feet! She probably spent at least 30 mins with me. Settled on a pair and then
decided to ask price. You might want to do that early on if you are on a budget! More than I have ever spent on a pair of shoes!
Overall the experience was very positive. Hopefully the shoes are also!

I went with my husband to buy a pair of running shoes. A great experience! The gentleman that assisted him analyzed his feet on a computer then filmed him running on a treadmill. From there, he hand-​picked a number of shoes based on his running style and body mechanics. They needed to special order his shoes in the end and they were ready in just a few days. Prices are good and customer service impeccable. It was nice to feel welcomed even though neither of us consider ourselves «hard core» runners. My husband even received a hand-​written note in the mail thanking him for his purchase. It’s nice supporting local businesses and with this store in our community, why would you even bother with a larger, chain athletic gear store? We will definitely recommend this store to friends.

I love to run outdoors for exercise and finally took the plunge to invest in some real running shoes. When I came to this store I was greeted immediately and helped. He asked a couple a questions which would determine my shoe type and came out with several shoes.
They don’t just rely on you saying that it fits well. They carefully watch how you are walking in them and adjust if needed. I’ve seen people who actually take running more seriously be tested on the treadmill and other various equipment to determine how you run and place your feet.
They are very professional and informative. They have classes and have all the info you need on all types of races in the NW suburbs. Their store not only sells shoes, but socks, clothing, accessories, electrolyte gel packs, etc.
Go here for your running gear!

Went into this store because they carried the Brooks Pure line which are not carried at the big box stores. Reminded me of the stores I frequented on the North Side of Chicago. Small, professional boutique type places which cater to real athletes.
I think it was the owner who helped fit me, but I’m not sure. She was obviously a runner and in good shape. She used the pressure pad and I walked on the treadmill and walla I was fitted.
They also carry all types of minimalist shoes and the prices are about the same as Zappos.
How refreshing to find an alternative to those piece of crap big box retailers in the burbs (Que drama) which are everywhere ruining the quality of my life ! Running Depot, you have received my blessing.

The staff are very helpful and knowledgeable. They spend a lot of time helping you find the best running shoe for your needs. You can even test out the shoes on their treadmill before you buy them. The selection is on the smaller side but what they lack in quantity the make up for in quality. They offer a great customer loyalty program and even have discounts for local health club members. I return to this store every time i’m in need of a new pair of running shoes. They also have a great running club that meets at the store, and it’s free to be a part of! Awsome store!

Checked them out for the first time to pick up a new pair of running shoes. I ran competitively in high school for four years and now I wish I had this store. Staff went out of their way to help me get a good fit on the shoes and was very pleased with the purchase. They analyzed my foot and so far the shoe has been very comfortable. Found the prices to be comparable to other stores like theirs. Can’t wait to stop by again for more stuff.

Deciding that I needed a better pair of running shoes, I went to The Running Depot in hopes of a better experience than going into a big box store in the area. What they lack in shoe selection they make up for in knowledge and can suggest the right shoe for you!
The employee working had me walk about ten feet in the store to see how I walked and suggested multiple shoes to fit my needs. When I asked her about the shoes she suggested and what they’ll do to better my run, she had a great answer that made sense. She was extremely patient and helpful, which means a lot since I am a beginner and have very little knowledge.
Don’t be fooled by the name, either. If you’re not into running but need a comfortable pair of shoes for walking this is still an excellent place to go!
Update: ⁹⁄₁₃
Went there again to get another pair or running shoes recently and explained to them what happened to my running shoes I bought here the previous time did. She had me stand on the pressure sensor machine to see my arches and had me run on the treadmill shortly to watch my gait and how I landed on my feet AND watched me walk through the store to see how I walked and then made a suggestion.
The shoes fit great, better than the previous pair and I’ve worn them for probably just as long as the other ones when they started wearing inside badly. No wear on these. Must have just been a bad fitting last time, the owner fitted me this time.
Like Kate said «What they lack in quantity the make up for in quality». Definitely check them out if you’re not opposed to spending a little more to get something that will really work for you.

This store is more than just the standard running store. It specializes in service. Buying shoes is not a 5 minute process, they are dedicated to making sure you have the right shoe for your needs and the right fit.
They also do a lot more than just sell shoes, they offer running classes, will hook you up with a private running coach if needed. Several times a month there are special seminars with guest speakers ranging from famous runners to women’s self defense. This is not a store it is a community. Everyone is friendly and encouraging. Stop by for the shoes, but be sure to ask what else they have going, chances are there is something that will interest you.

Pam, the owner, is great with shoe selection. She has a computer that analizes your food and then watches your running style and can help and not oversell you. She is also quite involved in the community and hosts a running group on Saturday’s with a great group of friendly runners of all skill levels. My wife is a walker, and she unfortunately loves to go in there and buy stuff. I am a TriAthlete and I find myself in there buying this and that.
The selection of clothing is specific to Running, and she is equipped to help you with warm or cold attire. She does not have Triathlon specific gear (I would recommend Runners High and Tri in Arlington Heights) If you are in the market for shoes, this is the place to go instead of Sports Authority etc. You will pay the same amount of money, and then have the correct shoe which makes all the difference.

The Running Depot has very knowledgeable staff. I have purchased shoes from other running stores and ended up with injuries, but every time I am fitted for shoes at the RD I never have issues. The owner even scans your feet on a fancy machine to determine your foot type, then has you try on several pairs and checks the way you walk to be sure they are suitable. I had no idea I was wearing the wrong type of shoe before coming here, and now it’s the only place I go. The location is great (scenic downtown Crystal Lake) and the running groups are friendly. I would recommend this store to everyone– from casual runners to experienced marathoners.

This is an excellent place to be fitted for running shoes. The staff know what they are doing and they take as much time as needed to get the right shoe for you. If you are thinking about running, walking, or you have foot problems and need a comfortable and supportive shoe, I highly recommend this place.