Was just contemplating either to go to REI or running shoe store to get the shoe that works for my feet. But, have REI gift card that I can use at REI… I live in Chicago. Thank you 🙏
New member question -REI store for running shoes fitting?
DiscussionAgreed. It's called showrooming and it risks driving away much of brick-and-mortar retail consumers enjoy. Buy shoes from somebody who can give you the expert shoe fitting, then use the gift card to buy a nice couple pairs of socks at REI.
Many running stores will price match.
REI on the other hand does not price match. Seems like a good way to just give away all your business to your competitors....
As a current REI employee and a former run specialty employee, PLEASE go to a run specialty store. We don’t have the tools or the training to accurately get you in the right shoes and even if we did, chances are good that we don’t have the right shoes for you. REI is great at having almost the exact same shoe from a couple different brands while missing entire categories of shoes. It makes me sad to say that, but do yourself a favor
I would imagine that it depends on 1) the running experience and goals of customer; and 2) the store's experience. As a former running specialty store owner and current REI employee, I believe that we can analyze and fit many prospective and current runners well. Where I pause is if the customer is a seasoned runner with a neutral gait; I believe running specialty stores go much deeper in variation. We grapple with this and are candid with customers about their choices, online or at the specialty stores. But our store can definitely do the fitting.
Agreed, never understood why they went so deep on shoes with the same fit/last and same category.
While I love my local REI store and it’s associates, I would definitely recommend going to a shop focused on running shoes. They can get you the best fit. When we were buying shoes for my son (cross-country), the local store was great, and they even had special connections/deals/discounts to local teams & running clubs.
As a green vest specifically in footwear, I can agree and echo with all the comments. Go to a specialized running store, maybe it’s just our store but we’re lacking in stock of sizes and widths which makes it harder. Like yes “you’d love an 8.5 wide in THIS SHOE. Buuuut we don’t have it in store, go online and buy it” it’s infuriating and feels terrible that I can’t actually help my guests just cause I don’t have the product simply in stock.
running shoe shops are just gonna be the best bet, it’s their whole thing, and they’ll pretty much know exactly what is going to work for you. you can definitely get good running shoes from REI, but i would say it’s better to know ahead of time what you want , rather than hope they’ll guide you.
I don’t know what store you are near, but the DC one has a treadmill you can use to test out shoes. Not all stores have one.
Fleet Feet was a good experience for me. I would start there.
So…. Hopefully both stores will have the same expertise and training to get you properly fit. My advice is don’t go on a Saturday or Sunday if you can help it? 3pm on a weekday is usually the doldrums for retail and having someone come in with a desire for a true fitting will help shake the time.
REI has a great selection of running gear and has great training and knowledge on the topic… also they have a year satisfaction for the members, so if they get the fit wrong… you can come in after a few runs and exchange for something that fits you better.
Most of the running stores in my area are managed by former REI employees. They wanted to move up and the local stores snapped them up for a good reason. I take my daughter to the manager of one of our local stores to do feet check ups as she trains for marathons. Only because he knows my daughter’s feet… but most of her time is at her local REI…
so shop away at REI…
Hopefully both stores will have the same expertise and training to get you properly fit.Â
They won't. REI is mostly good people, but they don't have the expertise a good running store has. REI won't put you on a treadmill and do a gait analysis to help you find the right shoes for your body.Â
you make a lot of assumptions…
Just go to both if you’re able to and get feedback from each place, then buy from REI since you have a gift card.
That’s smart idea!! But the running shoe store sales folks might be pushing to make a sale…
Buy from wherever you get the knowledge, or next time they may not be there to help you.
Go to a running store, a good one. A good one will have folks better at fitting your feet, pronation, running style so you get a better shoe.
If you do that, don't then go to REI to use the gift card on that same shoe—that's rude. The running store will have spent time helping you get a proper fit, so reward that expertise by purchasing from them. Surely there are other things at REI you can use the gift card on. The running store might not be the cheapest price, but they offered a service above and beyond the cost of the shoe.