Providence Running Company

The best word for this store is shiny. Even when it’s closed, it’s well lit (not sure why).
$$$ is correct.
Usually empty. I’ve come in here a few times to browse but, because it’s so empty, it’s a tad uncomfortable because I feel the pressure to buy something. The employees are friendly and don’t push anything onto you but the general atmosphere is that of other shops in the Wayland Square Area that don’t seem to get much traffic.
If you’ve never owned running shoes, you can get fitted here. I can’t comment on how that particular service runs (ha!) here, but usually how that goes is you’ll come in, choose a pair of shoes, and run on the treadmill while being recorded (I’ve done it several times at other places but, yeah, it always feels embarrassing). Then, they’ll analyze your gait and stride and note whether you over/​under protonate and then offer recommendations accordingly for shoes. Owner’s a nice guy that seems to care about finding the right product for the customer.
Expect to pay full price for shoes, running gear, and the like here. Seems well stocked with the latest gear/​accessories/​gadgets/​gels/​etc. Came in once for some Clif Shot Bloks, which were priced as expected. They do weekly runs, but can’t comment on those.
Owned by the same company that took over JackRabbit in New York (Running Specialty Group), so despite the name, it’s not actually a ‘local’ business.

I have not purchased running shoes in something like 15 years and decided it was time. I do not like the Mall or huge sports stores with people dressed like referees as sales associates. They intimidate me. I walked into Providence Running company expecting to walk right out.
Instead, I told the friendly sales guy what I was looking for and he immediately picked a bright neon pink Nike. Oy. Any less glaring colors? Yes, it also comes in black with a white swoosh. Within three minutes, he delivered my shoes to me, I tried them on and VOILA! Sold!
Great, friendly service. Attractive store… nice addition to Wayland Square. Oh, and YES I could have paid less for them somewhere else I am sure, but why not support the local businesses?

Oh that new sneaker smell. I think they are pumping through the ventilation system.
The store a well stocked with the most fashionable sports attire for your next walk along Blackstone blvd.
Oh and in case you didn’t already know neon is back in style. Brightly colored shoes adorn the back wall of Pvd Running Co. and this is where I found myself on Saturday afternoon. Gazing, just not directly, at the shoes from Mizuno, Adidas, Nike and Hoka.
The sales associate helped with quite a few different styles in the most subdued colors I could find but no luck until he picked a pair of Hoka’s — not a brand I was familiar with but the associate knew his stuff and convinced me to give them a try, and I did, despite their neon laces.
They have a treadmill so I was able to take them for a test run — I wonder if perhaps I could cancel my gym membership and Justin in the store when it’s raining.
Store prices were a little steep but it’s Wayland Square so I wasn’t exactly expecting DSW prices and the service made up for the extra few dollars.
When I run through these Hoka’s I’ll be back, but next time I’m wearing sunglasses.