RunTex

I’m giving RunTex three stars based on many trips and purchases made there over the years. I haven’t been there in a while after a negative visit to the Triangle store. Reading over a lot of the more recent comments makes me wonder if the whole chain has gone that route – specifically, an extremely limited selection, indifferent salespeople, and a general «we’re RunTex so we don’t have to try hard» attitude that was in much evidence at the Triangle (I always used to have good experiences at the Town Lake store and MoPac. But again – years ago, mostly). And there weren’t prices on the shoes at the Triangle store, so you had to ask for each one, which is just ridiculous. Not sure if that’s been fixed. I hope so.
I also feel compelled to point out that there are water fountains under MoPac. Nobody would die if RunTex wasn’t handing out water in disposable cups that end up in the trash after one use. Yes, the water would probably be warmer, but still.
I do appreciate the 10% discount for old shoes, and that they give them to Mobile Loaves and Fishes and other charities.
I’m looking for new running shoes right now, and I must say the huge number of negative reviews is disconcerting. I hope RunTex takes them seriously and gets its act together. I may swing by to find out. I’m very loyal, but that Triangle store visit was a real turnoff for me.
UPDATE: Wow, this Run-​Tex is closed, and now it’s a pawn shop. Not cool. Service at Run-​Tex may have suffered over the years, but it was still better than a pawn shop.

Runtex an epic failure doing it’s best to keep Austin weird. They did not have a single pair of shoes in any size or gender available for sale. I’m not high, they did not have any shoes for sale. A company infamous for selling shoes, the company name is a play on Running Texas and with a logo of winged cowboy boots had zero footwear for sale.
No worries we dropped $ 200 on shoes and superfeet inserts at REI where they took great care of us.
Runtex Lake Austin Blvd should not be listed by Unilocal as a Shoe store if there are no shoes.

After giving this place two chances (and in the world of shoes that’s TWO pairs of running shoes), I’ve decided to not only not ever buy shoes here again, but I also refuse to endorse them.
Both times I bought shoes at RunTex, I was eventually helped (store wasn’t even busy but they couldn’t be bothered…) by individuals that were obviously runners that worked there just to get a discount. They knew nothing about fitting a foot for a shoe, they asked no questions about my running surface, footfall, or mileage… and instead just asked «what kind do you want?». What kind?! So I picked out shoes that looked good to me and tried them on. Once they were on, I tried to ask more targeted questions (Are these good for???) and was met with «Well, how do they feel?» and that was it. No touching the shoe once on my foot, no checking toes… nada.
I’m sorry RunTex, you lost me!

Have bought my running shoes at Run-​Tex for many years, but not anymore. My wife and I went into the Riverside location and were turned off by the appearance of the store — not clean, somewhat in shambles, very empty (this place used to be jammed with merchandise). We were the only customers there so it didn’t take long to get service but they had neither shoe we wanted. So we ordered them there and 6 weeks later we still have no shoes. Bad customer service when trying to find out status of shoe order. I think Run-​Tex wants to concentrate on training and not deal with sales anymore.
My advice — go to Luke’s Locker or Hill Country Running or Rogue!

I came here a few months ago to buy some sneakers. It was a few years though since I actually been here and I felt disappointed. What happened? First of all I felt lost. The wall that once stood displaying all the sneakers was empty. All I saw were clothes and other running items such as water bottles or specialized shoestrings but no sneakers. So after being in a stunned look of being lost I realized no one cared to help. The person who was working there glanced at me and wondered off. No one said hi or smiled. The customer service went to garbage. I hope the other locations are better.

I am surprised at the low reviews on Run Tex. Austin is the running capital of the US, and I believe Run Tex supports this. People who drink from the coolers on Town Lake should shop there. If you don’t, and you drink-​you should be ashamed. Or at least feel a bit bad at every refreshing sip you take.
Run Tex caters to all runners. You can get the help you need to ensure you are taking proper care of your feet as you run. The staff knows their stuff and will watch you walk and run to make sure you are given the correct information. I will forever buy my running shoes at Run Tex. They have earned my business through their knowledge, ability to always get it right, and for providing water to runners for years and years to come.

This location is on the corner of a super busy street that feeds onto Mopac, yikes! It was challenging to even get into their parking lot. After we ran the gauntlet and pulled into a parking spot we entered the store. Weirdness factor hit the top of the charts. Some creepy, skinny, pale, older man and a few females dressed in running clothes were perched on some benches apparently waiting for someone or thing. They were totally staring at us, I can understand a glance or two but seriously it got weird. Especially the old man just staring, awkward!
I’m guessing their running trainer was late, they were bored and or they never saw a mother and daughter shop for running shoes before! Definitely not the type of greeting one would expect in a store.
We walked over to the shoes and after a brief moment we were greeted by a sales women. We told her we were looking for a pair of running shoes and she looked down at my daughters feet and asked what my daughters shoe size was. After we told her the shoe size she said their stock was low in the sizes we mentioned. I figure we would at least get to try on one pair of shoes but then the sales women says, we actually do NOT have any shoes in those sizes. Ok right about now you can insert an awkward pause, that would mean you do not have «low stock» that would mean you have «NO STOCK».
I thought it was a joke but I could tell by the women’s face that it wasn’t. I told her that was bummed and that we really need shoes. She was sweet enough to recommend a store that does fitting and may have our size. She really was as nice as she could be but the whole experience was just weird. We walked out a bit puzzled and creeped out by the running posse that was still perched on the benches.
I’m all about supporting local business but I am in no hurry to return here.

I really want to like this place since they refill all the water at Town Lake.
Like other reviewers, I am happy with my shoes. It was the unpersonable sales person that turned me off. I was the only person in the store and it was obvious she did not want to bother with me. I was told that there were only 2 shoes in the entire store that I could buy for my neutral gate, both Asics. My previous runners were Asics, so I was fine with that. I was a bit surprised that a store that specializes in running would have only 2 choices for me.
Seems like Run Tex consistantly reviews poorly due to their service. They might want to consider stricter highering methods or using mystery shoppers.

Soon as we walked in, the girl at the front counter was on her phone and didn’t acknowledged that we were right in front of her. I’m the type of person to not put up with attitudes so I waved my hands. In the air. Some guy asked to help us, minutes after explaining the shoes I need, he asked if I was a trainer. When I told him yes, he automatically caught an attitude. After pulling out 7 pairs of shoes I didn’t like, he slammed them down and said, you’re just gonna have to go somewhere else then!
Fine by me.

Okay, I’m gonna start out by saying that I’m REALLY happy with my shoes, and the buying process was pretty quick and easy (once it got underway). The customer service was a little weird. I walked in on a pretty busy Saturday, and it was several minutes before anyone even acknowledged me with a «We’ll be right with you.» So I sat down politely and waited while two other people who walked in after me got helped before me. Okay, oh well. When a salesperson got to me, it was obvious that he knew what he was doing. Like the other reviewers, I rolled up my jeans, he measured my feet, he looked at my stance, I bent my knees, I walked, I jogged (felt really stupid — see my review on East Side Pedal Pushers for more information on how awkward I am), and then he came back with three pairs of shoes for me to try on. I chose one. And that was it.
More weirdness at the checkout counter when the people in front of me were just chatting with the cashier (she didn’t appear to be ringing them up), so again I waited patiently while they wrapped up their conversation. I got out of there for around $ 100 and my shoes are super sweet.

I am the type of person that wears a pair of tennis shoes for years and years and refuse to buy new ones until i get holes in it. Coming to this Run Tex was the best decision I have made for my feet.
I came here shortly after doing the warrior dash when my old tennis shoes were all muddy so I decided to donate them. The guy that helped me had me walk and run around the store to see how my feet strikes the ground. I never expected to pay so much for a pair of tennis shoes but with donating my old shoes, I got a discount towards the new pair. I purcased a pair of Oasics and went hiking the next day in them. I was amazed at how much my feet didnt hurt or blister like normal with my old shoes. I also learned that most shoes last runners about 6 months to a year. So keeping my old shoes for 7 years was not a good idea either.
For the extra 50 bucks compared to what i spent on my old Nikes, this was worth the investment for my feet :)

I specifically logged in here to give my disappointed thoughts on where RunTex is now compared to where they must have been at one point in time, but I see that several people have already covered my sentiments.
I just don’t get it.
For a business that has their name all over Austin — one of the most active cities in the U.S. — and its events, I am severely disappointed in their stores. I once got great service here a couple years ago by means of an evaluation of my stride — but then I only had about 20 pairs of shoes to choose from. Now (today), there are about 10. And I agree — each store is more depressing than the one before. I thought perhaps it was just the one on S. 1^st & Riverside, but no… their Lake Austin Blvd store had just as few shoes and cruddy service now. You couldn’t win the lottery for better placement of running shoe stores — so what’s the deal, RunTex???
Something that’s always frustrated me and I also never understood — no price tags on anything. Well, some random things perhaps — but about 25% of what’s on the floor, if that. Mostly on gadgets. Never on the shoes. Very rarely on the clothes. How annoying to have to ask how much every thing is. And more — they don’t know. They have to ring it up to tell you and half the time it doesn’t scan or come up right. I work blocks from the Riverside location — I’ve been in there a lot. Disorganized, uninspiring mess.
The old autographed blown up photos on the walls are exciting for a time that this place must have been so much more. Too bad the rest of the store lets this initial inspiration down. I appreciate the water out on the trail… and I want so badly to support you… but your stores are a bummer.

Dirty. Filthy. Ugh. Mop the floor once in awhile. Pick up after yourselves instead of skateboarding in the store.
Last time I went to RunTex, the rep for a shoe company was there dropping off supplies and he offered to help me try on shoes. Of course, he sold me his brand of shoe. The RunTex sales reps never spoke to me.
Two stars cause their website helps me find cool races in town.

Run Tex has a good selection and is staffed by runners, but there are other places you can similar selection and expertise with better prices.
However, I gotta give them a four-​star rating simply because they supply the water coolers on the running trail at town lake. Hats off to Run Tex for making sure we’ve always got clean, cold water to drink after a run!

Sadly, I must agree with Katherine.
Not busy but had to wait for help. Help came in the form of no smile or enthusiasm, checking text messages while I tried on the shoes, general disinterest.
We are not going to shop locally JUST BECAUSE. You must offer some level of customer service and competitive prices.

There are many things that I like about RunTex and they are equally balanced by the things that I don’t like about them.
What I like: Great selection of shoes, and running gear, friendly staff, and knowledgeable about their inventory.
What I don’t like: Waiting… waiting…waiting… people that tell me what shoes feel good on me, and really really expensive shoes that you can get elsewhere for cheaper.
With that I will say that I’ve bought my last 2 pairs of $ 100+ running shoes there. Overall great shoes but if you are concerned about cost you may want to go elsewhere.

Total Woman has been on me to buy shoes here forever, but I’ve resisted, dismissing this as a place where running-​obsessed ponces get together for an overpriced circle jerk.
I’ve since concluded that this view is at least partially unfair. Run-​Tex helped a brother out, and for that it deserves props.
I came here with foot and ankle pain, having recently visited a podiatrist who prescribed some kick-​ass sole inserts. But I pronate when I run, and for that sole inserts offer only a partial fix. The rest involves buying stable shoes that don’t flex in the wrong places.
I found those shoes at Run-​Tex. Cost of pain removal: $ 110 — more than twice what I normally spend on running shoes, but the benefits outweigh the costs. Way outweigh.
So why not 5 stars? Two reasons.
First, the store’s a pain in the ass to reach via Mopac. Once you’re there, it’s fine, but we arrived after work on a weekday and it was a miracle that we found a spot in Run-Tex’s tiny, ludicrously designed parking lot.
Second, there’s the service. This has been well documented in other reviews, but it’s worth mentioning to properly set expectations for first-​timers. A visit to Run-​Tex involves waiting, staring, sighing, and trying politely to make eye contact with salespeople who appear trained not to make eye contact with you. Followed by more waiting.
The store was not busy, but it took 15 minutes for someone to help me. The chap who waited on me was quiet, an older former hippie dude who just wanted to sell me some shoes. I explained my situation, and he brought two pairs of shoes, one made by Saucony and one by Mizuno.
The Mizunos were the stiffest, most stable shoes I’d ever worn. I felt like Howard Hughes shuffling around with Kleenex boxes on my feet. They looked like they came with their own spaceship and they cost $ 140. I did not want these shoes.
The Sauconys, though, were perfect. I tried them out on the treadmill. And then I bought them. When I announced this momentous decision — again, they’re $ 110 — the sales clerk nodded.
There was no expert analysis of my running form, as Total Woman had promised, though I did not ask for it. There was, in fact, very little discussion whatsoever of what I needed.
But the shoes I bought at Run-​Tex helped eliminate pain, and as a result I’ve been running longer and more often.
And that’s why Run-​Tex gets 4 stars.

I woke up Monday morning with severe pain in my right heel and figured it was due to running in my very old very comfy New Balance shoes. So, after work I stopped into Runtex for some new shoes.
The young man who helped me was so knowledgeable about what shoe was best for my feet. First he checked out my feet and diagnosed me with a low rigid arch and that I tilt my heels in when I walk and that I have a New Balance foot (narrow at the instep and wider at the toes). So, he prescribed me a pair of New Balance style 1223’s and now my foot is almost fully recovered 2 days later.
I was very impressed that he did not try and sell me the shoes. He suggested I come back when my foot was no longer hurting. But, I insisted that I needed new shoes for my heel to get better. So, he went into detail about their return policy — I could go for a run on the cement or somewhere where the white mesh would not get dirty and if they were uncomfortable for any reason I could return them.
I was so worried that my foot pain would require a doctors visit. But, so far the pain has been relieved via a new pair of New Balance running shoes RX1223 for less than 150.00.
Thank you Runtex for training your staff so well. My feet love my new shoes!

Point Blank… Go see Mac at this location and let him know Sarah sent you… he will help you, but not let you leave unless you are completely satisfied.
As a trainer, I need someone to give me the legit information on running shoes and what I need for my feet. I trust Mac, and yes, Paul also…=)

I have delicate feet. My feet are so delicate that every pair of shoes I’ve ever owned has given me blisters. Including flip-​flops.
I visited RunTex on Barton Springs Road and after asking me a bunch of questions and watching me walk, the salesperson brought out three pairs of shoes. I tried on two pairs and ended up taking home a pair of Saucony running shoes.
These are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned and worth every dollar.
BONUS: They give a discount for recycling your old running shoes.

So when my roommate’s feet started going numb on our evening runs, I decided a trip to RunTex was in order. My first of hopefully many experiences with RunTex was quite charming! A running shoes and apparel mini-​chain with semi-​celebrity status in Austin, RunTex is famed for their high-​quality, «authentic» runners’ goods and one-​on-​one customer service.
Although they have three Austin locations, I would recommend Lake Austin Blvd. Head west on 6^th street until you’ve gone under Mopac. The staff here is eager to please and the consumer traffic less hectic, making your healthy shoe shopping experience more laid back. The associates know their product and have plenty of advice and tidbits for someone eager to trade in her old Nikes for better heel support and a more customized fit.
The prices are certainly higher and the selection could be better, but I think it’s safe to say that you get what you pay for here. We were treated like queens on both visits. The staff will walk through a series of exercises that help to determine the best kind of shoe for you. And there’s no rummaging for sizes and colors — they’ll take care of that.
Their push to encourage health and wellness in the Austin community certainly gives them bonus points. The website is a smörgåsbord of running FAQs, tips, seminar offerings and free training programs. (Check out their calendar of events… lots of 5ks, halfs, fun-​runs & timed races.)
I think I need new shoes… again…