A Running Start

Customer service is clearly very important to this place. Great place to buy shoes. Very knowledgeable staff.

If your new to running or not — don’t be intimidated by trying out a full service running store !! I was for a long time and I wish I had gone in long before I did, finally last month… Not only will you get a great pair of quality sneakers but you will get a great pair of quality sneakers that are fit properly for your foot. They know their stuff and will get your foot into its happy place ! Thanks Running Start!

Very helpful and friendly. I am a newer runner, and this was my first time getting a good pair of running shoes. My assistant helped a lot and I will return when I need another pair. Got a nice pair of Brooks!

Best retail experience EVER. And considering my habit for retail therapy, that’s saying something. I recently decided I wanted to run one of these charity 5ks, with plans for a subsequent 10k. Sad to say that I actually need to train for that. Up until a few weeks ago, I couldn’t reach the end of the block. My knee starts hurting, my shins bug me, I’m out of breath, etc. So. I find myself in Reading where my family lives, and I ask my brother, one of these marathon sorts, to help me find a pair of running shoes that’ll preserve my knees, shins, lungs, etc. He tells me, Go to A Running Start. He’s very insistent.
First of all, these people are hella nice. I mean HELLA NICE. If they aren’t genuinely happy to help you out, they deserve Oscars for acting. Secondly, they measure your foot, your stride, and have you do little activities that will best determine what kind of shoe you need. None of this generic shit. So they tell me what I already know: my right foot’s a half size bigger than my left. That being the case, they bring out all the shoes for my high arch that support a slight eversion. They encourage me to take a little run about — a test drive, if you will. Thirdly, this place offers a 30 day money back guarantee. So I choose a pair I like — admittedly more for aesthetics than anything — and after a few laps around the track, I decide they’re not for me. I go back the next day. They’re like, No problem. We’ll find you a pair. I try some more shoes. Again I choose a pair. I take ‘em home, run around the track, and yet again, I want more — if I’m gonna shell out 120 bucks I want something perfect. Finally, I go back and choose the most beautiful pair of bright blue Brooks, and this time, I’m golden.
Those people were infinitely patient, offering full money back, but nope! With that kind of customer care, I’m all in to spend my money and give ‘em my biz. As for the charge that they’re a little pricey, well, what of it? I pay for quality. And that’s just what I got. Thanks, y’all.

Shoes are shoes and I can buy them anywhere, especially online. But the thing is, I drive all the way to Reading, even though there is a running store just 5 minutes from my house, because I love the energy in the store. Dee & Joel often have ideas for me that I never considered plus they order anything I need! I just wish I would burn through shoes faster so I have an excuse to see them.

I bought a pair of shoes here last weekend and had a great experience. I had personalized service where the sales girl looked at my foot and how I walked and picked a shoe that would work for me. I have really small feet and a high arch (which if I don’t have the right shoe leads to shin splints). The owner of the store even came over to help out. I ended up getting a shoe that felt great. The best part– I was able to fit into a kids size, so I got my shoe at half the price and they didn’t even try to fit me into an adult shoe or pressure me to buy a more expensive pair. I will definitely be back for my next pair!

The staff is extremely friendly and very helpful. I have bought my last several pairs of running and training shoes at this establishment and I have not been disappointed yet. The staff make it a point to help you and are extremely knowledgeable about fitness, especially running. The staff make you feel very comfortable and welcomed in this establishment. They trust patrons enough to jog up and down the block in front of the store to get a feel for the shoes when trying them on. Certain shoes can be a bit pricy but this is the best place that I know of in the area if you want good, durable running shoes whether it be for races, training, or working out.

Great experience. Getting a proper fitting shoe makes all the difference!
Getting back into better physical shape is intimidating enough and the staff here was great at analyzing my foot and finding a shoe to address my foot shape and step. You don’t get that at a big box store or online store.
Would have been 5 stars but price was issue. Paid full price for last year’s model sneaker. Cheaper prices elsewhere. (Ravena2)
That being said they were friendly and very welcoming. Able to give tips on running and getting back in shape without talking down to me. They have training and information classes from time to time. Really knew their stuff and made me feel great.