The Runner’s Soul

Love this place. Will you pay a higher price than you would online? Of course. But you won’t get the professional opinion of the people who work here who are incredible runners. Plus they put on a bunch of little fun runs where you’ll get to hang out with other runners of all levels, which is a great way to get involved in the running community. Skip Amazon for your running gear and check out The Runner’s Soul. It’s worth it.

I know I will probably sound like one of those New Years’ bandwagoners, but I started thinking about running and The Runner’s Soul back in September.
After weeks of attempting to jog with older sneakers and finding that my shins just weren’t having it, I resolved to get to The Runner’s Soul for the new year. (No point in trying this right before the holidays — maybe I would get gift certificates!)
So on a freakishly warm late-​December Saturday I actually walked into The Runner’s Soul instead of past it like so many times before. While I did wait a couple of minutes, staring wide-​eyed at the wall of sneakers, once a young man approached me to help I had his mostly undivided attention.
We talked about my running experience so far (minimal, painful); then I ran briefly on a treadmill sock-​footed while he recorded my calves and feet, and showed me that I do roll my foot inward when I take off. He measured my feet, then picked up about 5 different options for me to try on.
With each one, I laced them up, he felt for my toes, and I ran for about 45 seconds on the treadmill as a test. It was crazy (and enlightening) how it actually felt good to jog when I had proper shoes on.
I was down to two and was honest with him that price made the difference — the pricier ones were also built to last longer, but I felt like I should spend a bit less on my first foray into this. He was very low pressure, no judgment, just asking me what felt good, if I needed any other gear (socks, sports bra) and recommending some brands.
I wish I had gotten the guy’s name because he was just the sort of person you want to interact with — though as far as I can tell everyone at Runner’s Soul is friendly and personable. It’s a great local business that I’m happy to support. I can’t say I’ll get every piece of running gear I need here (sometimes convenience wins) but they will definitely get my repeat business.

In dire need of Running Shoes and happening to be in town I decided to go to the runners Soul and check out what they have. After looking at the wall of shoes for a few min I was helped by Richard. He asked if I have ever been checked for the right kind of shoes. I haven’t so he had me get on a treadmill and recorded how I run. Then we looked at the video and decided that Stability shoes would be a good idea. He knew right away from watching the video that my left foot was larger then my right one. I was very impressed. He pulled out at least 5 or 6 pairs of shoes for me to try and was very patient while I tired each set. The selection here was quite impressive given the size of the store. Getting the correct shoe fit is extremely important as it will help you prevent injuries. While I’m sure you can get lower prices elsewhere the service here makes up for the difference in cost. Sure you can order shoes online but you can’t try them on until you get them and what a pain to return them and wait for another pair to come. Over all Very impressed with the service and selection at the Runner’s Soul.

Why, oh why, would I make a «run» from the city to Elmhurst to this shop? Well, the pally broke her ankle in January (part of the reason I’ve not been on Unilocal recently) and as she’s getting back into working out, her PT suggested that she look at zero drop shoes and gave her a few recommendations. So I found myself on Memorial Day of 2013 strolling the quaint little main street of Elmhurst. Onwards.
Location: 4 out of 5 (if you’re in the western burbs)
You know — with traffic being as light as it was both ways, it probably only took about 25 minutes to get to and from the store. I imagine that if 290 were a mess, though, you’d be looking at double, if not triple, that amount of time. There seems to be one little main street in Elmhurst called York, and Runner’s Soul is located on that street at the corner of York and Schiller. There’s three hour free parking all around in huge lots, so that’s a plus.
Customer Service: 4.5 out of 5
On this particular day, there was only one person working. He was almost middle age, and his name was Rick (or Rich, don’t remember). Funny eccentric fellow in the nicest of ways. Told us how he used to have his own company and sold it a few years back so although he’s officially «retired», he putzes around at the running shop. And why wouldn’t he? He regaled us with tales of his 300+ miles in one month, and how he’s going to do the Disney World challenge next year (5k and 10k on one day, half marathon the next, and full marathon right after). This guy was like the odd uncle that everyone likes at the dinner table, and his knowledge about running related items was astounding. Man, he was patient with my fiancé. Had her try on 4 different pairs of shoes, run on the treadmill, took some videos of her gait to check out her pronation, checked the shoes again, talked technology, and did it all over again. In the end, we were so impressed by him in particular that she got a pair of Altras (and now I’m strangely intrigued by them as well, since they have a super wide toe box).
Selection of Road Shoes: 4 out of 5
I’m no expert on road shoes, but with the limited knowledge I have, they seem to carry a little bit of everything from your better known brands (NB, Nike) to more boutique (Altra and Newton) to everything in between (Adidas, Saucony, etc.) I was slightly surprised (not so much disappointed) that they did not carry Innov8, but perhaps there’s a cogent reason for leaving those guys out of the picture, particularly if other brands that can sustain higher volume sales have 0, 4, and 8 mm drops already.
Selection of Clothing: 3.5 out of 5
Perhaps not as well-​stocked as I might have liked to see, as I remember seeing Nike and North Face as the front runners for men’s apparel. But granted, this is not a huge warehouse, and it’s not feasible to carry every single brand of running gear, nor is it financially sustainable. Case in point — their clearance rack consisted of two men’s shirts, both long sleeve. While this isn’t as ideal to the customer, it DOES help out the business. Plus, I fit into the one remaining small North Face GTD long sleeve shirt, and it was 50% off. Bada bing bada boom!
Selection of Gadgetry: 4.5 out of 5
Massagers, foam rollers, lights, belts, shots, powder, GPS, inserts, plantar aides. Yes, yes, yes, yes. You can understand why they may not carry the Garmin 610 in high volumes, but they did have some of the more entry level ones, as well as another brand that escapes me right now.
Price: 4 out of 5
Commensurate with other shops (both online and brick and mortar) that carried the same shoes. Having someone work with you for an extended period of time to really get the shoes that you need only sweetens the deal.
Overall: 4 out of 5
Neat shop, great service.

The service was ok. The gent helping me was somewhat helpful but did not have a pleasant attitude.
I ordered a 2^nd pair of shoes from their store — it was taking longer than 2 weeks so I just got what I needed through Zappos, which ended up arriving much sooner and for a lower price.

Hands down, the best running store in the area. Personalized, attentive service and friendly, knowledgeable employees keep me going back for all my running gear.

Michelle was such fantastic help. AWESOME service. Not only do they have you run on a treadmill, but they record you to show you how you run. She put me in shoes that feel like a cloud when I run and to top it off, she gave me some running tips and my physical therapist really likes the shoes for my feet/​running style. PLUS 10% off for CARA members … thank you!!!
I will be back whenever I need anything for running, you are my new go to place for shoes!

Awsome store, they have everything for running. They also regularly organize runs and events which helps to keep you motovated.

Great store. Friendly and knowledgable staff. I buy all my running shoes from here. They store my information and know exactly what shoes I need. They also have a great selection of socks and running gear. I think the owner is Jane and she always makes you feel like a friend.

I passed the store as I was leaving the Elmhurst Metra station and made a mental note to come back for some gels before I headed back to the city. I came in thinking I would spend a few dollars on some Gu and ended up with a wealth of knowledge and some kindred running friends.
Owner Jayne Aspan could not have been nicer or more helpful. We chatted marathon stuff and she made some suggestions about products she enjoys using. I was perusing the store and she offered her personal endorsement of some Bal Go running socks. I bought two pair. Gu high octane? I bought 3 and wish I’d bought more. Running sun glasses? Got them.
I wish there was a Runner’s Soul here in the city, but I’ll suffice with trips to the burbs to come visit more often.