Front Running Sports

Great store with a good selection of high-​end shoes and running gear. Friendly, knowledgeable staff who will help you find the right shoes for you.
The store also hosts twice weekly runs (at 6:15 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays). Most runners do a quick three mile out-​and-​back. Longer routes are available. Just ask an employee for details (and be sure to tell them that you’re running long… they keep tabs on everyone, which is nice when you’re the only one going more than 3!).

NO REFUNDS! PERIOD.
Two weeks ago, I purchased a pair of running shoes at Front Running. Being new to the central Florida area, I had looked online in search of a running specialty store and found good online reviews for FRS. Because there are no such stores in the area where I live, I made a special trip to Lake Mary to purchase shoes.
The staff were friendly and helpful, but having run and walked for 30 years now, I know which manufacturers typically fit my feet – and which ones never have. Adidas had one line that always worked well for me and Asics had another. But FRS doesn’t carry all major brands – no Nike and no Adidas, for example. I advise calling beforehand if you have a particular brand in mind. They carry a more limited selection of models than what I am accustomed to finding in a specialty store.
Unfortunately, as shoe manufacturers are wont to do, the Asics line that had always worked well for me had been discontinued and replaced by a new, «improved» version (NOT!). But it was the closest thing to fitting of the shoes FRS recommended. And the only color they had came in bright purple/​lime green/​hot pink. Butt ugly but hey, we buy shoes for the proper fit, not the fashion.
Only at home, walking around in them, they didn’t fit so well, either. My heel kept slipping and there didn’t seem to be as much cushion with the new shoes as with my older pair. I searched a few running forums and found that Asics had indeed made some changes to their new line that were not agreeing with my feet. So I decided to return them.
Went online to the FRS website and was surprised to find that they do NOT post their return policy online (at least they didn’t prior to 4 Feb 2014). I hadn’t seen any sign of a written policy posted when I was in the store, either. So I called before making the drive to Lake Mary.
I was politely informed that they do not refund money, even if shoes are returned within their 14 day time frame, in re-​sellable, new condition, in the original box, with the original receipt.
HUH!!! First time in my 30 years of dealing with specialty running stores that I have ever heard of such a «policy». They offer only exchange or store credit, neither of which I was interested in, since apparently I need to re-​visit Adidas and the store is nowhere near my home.
If they do not offer refunds AT ALL, that REALLY should be prominently posted on BOTH their website AND in store. I would not have visited the store if I had known. And maybe that’s why they do their best to hide their policy (which I still haven’t seen in writing) from their customers.
Also be aware that they stock only the brightest colors of shoes. No neutrals. Nothing in white, or grey, or black. The shoes I purchased were actually not as loud as many of their other shoes, even though virtually every model is manufactured with at least two color options, one usually toned down from the neon range.
I commented on one pair of shoes I tried on whose color combo was so hideous I didn’t think I could wear them no matter how well they fit (yes, worse than bright purple/​lime green/​hot pink). The saleslady responded that yes, some customers simply refused to even consider that model because they couldn’t stand the colors. FRS, seriously, listen to your customers! Try stocking some shoes that appeal to runners who AREN’T fifteen.
I also found it a bit curious when I was in the store in January they had no shoes on sale whatsoever. Might have thought there’d be a clearance pair or two from the previous year’s models, but no. Nothing on sale in the store anywhere.
I don’t plan to return to FRS and won’t be recommending the store to my friends, if for no other reason than their «no refunds» policy. I hope others can avoid the situation I now find myself in – with a very pricey pair of new shoes that simply won’t work for me.

This is great place to buy running shoes. They make sure you get the correct shoes for the way you run and your heel strikes the ground. They have various training groups and are really helpful.

Front Running Sports is an excellent store for all of your running needs. The store has a wide variety of running shoes, tech gear, and all of the essentials one needs to meet their running goals. The staff is very knowledgeable, personable and available to answer any questions that you have. They frequently have social runs throughout the week weather you’re a beginner or an advanced runner.

Great running and tri-​gear store. The staff is knowledgable. The store is well stocked with a good selection of brands. I higly recommend this store.

I expected to find your typical little running store in Front Running Sports but was pleased to see they carry triathlon stuff as well as running gear. They were having a 20% off sale so I picked up a triathlon suit (even on sale it was super expensive, but necessary). The staff was friendly too and was telling me about various training groups they have and good places to buy a bike. Too bad the tri group meets too far east for me (Winter Springs/​Oviedo area) but it’s good to know they are out there. The shop is tricky to find… go south on Rhinehart Rd. from Lake Mary Blvd. At your first light make a right, the shop is in a new shopping center on the right.