West Seattle Runner

Last year i signed up for the Float Dodger 5K at the West Seattle Farmers Market only a week beforehand. I had a blast and even won the costume contest! When it came time to bite the bullet and invest in a real pair of running shoes, I knew it had to be from West Seattle Runner. I was helped as soon as I came in and Tim offered me a few pairs to try on. It was shortly after the new styles were released and he grabbed some discounted pairs (and who doesn’t love a sale?!) He asked about my running goals and told me about the programs and group runs. I wish I lived in West Seattle still so I could train with the neighborhood! I also had a question about my recent purchase and Lori responded to my e-​mails quickly. Thanks West Seattle Runner for the great service and amazing Saucony shoes!

Every time I come to this store, I find what I need… whether it’s a reflective vest, a new hat or shoes that work for my feet, this store has what I need. I also appreciate the weekly emails I get from the store that give me updates about group runs, West Seattle running events, etc. West Seattle is a great running community, and this store has provided us with a friendly home base.

Been running for two years and now I have a favorite running store. I have purchased stuff at their old store — clothes, accessories, Garmin watch, etc. Today, I decided to check out the new store and go on their evening run. I did pass the store the first time driving down the street but found it the second time. I do like the new store being on street level instead of the second floor like the old store and it had a good feeling inside. Kind of like their neon sign. If they had that on a shirt I would probably buy it. The sales person was excellent and helpful not pushy at all. I think she is the owner but not sure. I’ll ask next time. I did go on the 6 mile run which was great, such a nice day running along Alki Beach. I did get to test drive a pair of Hoka Clifton shoes. They felt just as good as my favorite Brooks Ghost 7, but a little different. Ended up buying a pair for myself and ordered a pair of size 5 for the wife. Can’t wait for those to come in. Definitely my favorite running store which will get all my future business. Looking forward to the next run. I clicked moderate for the price range, but if they had a button between moderate and pricey I would have choose that. Good shoes aren’t cheap. Thanks, Paul aka Don

Like others here have said, they have very nice staff and great customer service and a great selection. The storefront is very difficult to find — we drove past twice before we figured it out — but I’m guessing they will fix that.
The real problem is that I just am not happy with what they recommended for me. While they did watch my walk a little bit, it was a very basic and cursory examination and in the end the shoes they said were the shoes for me are just not something I can run in. I’ve tried, and I think they didn’t really listen to my requests (I said I needed a light shoe, and while it wasn’t clear that this was the case in the store, the shoes they sold me are significantly and noticeably heavier than my last pair of running shoes). The shoes make my toes fall asleep. I’m not sure if I can return them, since it’s been two months, but I cannot use the shoes they sold me. The guy working with me was young and while that doesn’t mean he’s not knowledgeable, he wasn’t confident, which was obvious since he kept looking to his two co-​workers for approval when he was working with me. Unfortunately, the co-​workers were working with other customers and weren’t able to help him, and I suspect his more rookie knowledge resulted in the shoes I’m not happy with. I totally believe he’ll learn — and probably already has — but unfortunately I can’t use these shoes.
However, while I don’t trust their shoe-​fitting skills, they have great merchandise other than shoes and they know a lot about that as well. I got fantastic headphones and the guy working really told me in great detail about the options and made knowledgeable recommendations. So, I would definitely return for other running gear, but I will go elsewhere for shoes, preferably a place that does a real shoe fitting and foot analysis that’s more elaborate than «walk 20 feet.»

Recently signed up for my first half marathon and realized I probably shouldn’t continue running on my 2 year-​old shoes. I’ve been training with a running group hosted by WSR, so I figured it’d be appropriate to take my business to them since they’ve kindly offered so many free workshops, seminars and gave tons of pointers to the group.
Lori spent WAAAY more time helping me than I even thought fair, bringing out pair after pair of shoes to judge my comfort level after doing a quick gait analysis. A couple hours later I went home with a new pair of Brooks (in what I like to call «OMG Orange!»), a foam roller and some other swag. She was incredibly patient with my indecisiveness. I was pleasantly surprised that the prices didn’t feel «Local Shop» upcharged, and I absolutely didn’t financially regret not going to some big box store for a better deal (with lesser service, obviously).
The staff is kind and awesome and the selection seems great. ⁵⁄₅ will buy again.

Great customer service + great selection is a winning combo. The storefront is very (too?) subtle, so it is easy to drive by if you blink. Outdoor signage would help let the West Seattle community better known that there’s a local shop catering to runners and anyone interested in losing winter weight.
Sales team is knowledgeable and can guide novices to the best options in the desired price range.
Prices are on par with most other running stores.
Will def return.