[justexercising]

Would you consider REI a speciality store to get running shoes?? Thanks.

[Ilene]

I don't know this store... But from looking at their site they are more of a outdoors type store and not a running specific store like ''The Running Room'' here in Canada... They may or may not have running shoes or specialists in their shoe area, but at a glance they are not a speciality store to get running shoes...

[Firecracker777]

Nah, REI is more of an outdoor/adventure type store. Camping, hiking, kayaking. They may sell some running shoes but not a huge selection like you may find at dicks or at a nike store.

[TheLastStraw323]

I would go to runnersworld.com and find a shop based on your location.

I wouldn't try a big chain unless it was my only option.

Good luck! The right shoe makes all the difference in the world.

[atmos]

REI does have running shoes, but I agree with others that you'd be better off at an actual running store if one is available. See if you maybe have a local shop in your area as suggested by TheLastStraw. From my experience at REI the staff have more expertise in hiking and camping equipment than in the shoes (except hiking shoes and boots).

If you're looking specifically for trail running shoes, REI might be an okay choice. But if you're in an area where trail running is big you'd still be better off getting trail running shoes at a store that specializes strictly in running. In my area even Kohls has a much larger selection of trail running shoes than running shoes not for trails.

[justexercising]

Thanks. I had looked at Runner's world but just wanted an opinion on REI since we go there for biking stuff.

Is a Nike store then considered a speciality store?? There are a couple of them around. Sorry, really new to this as I had not considred buying anything better than what I found online for running i.e. Skechers.

Many years ago I ran on concrete in a park but only recently have got back to running and have started on the treadmill this time.

[Ilene]

In a running specific store they will look at the way you walk some even have treadmills to watch you run, check your gait then recommend a shoe depending on your pronation Pronation explained... Then they will show you a variety of shoes from Nike, Asics, NewBalance, etc... Each company has a shoe that fits the running specific foot... I am a neutral runner and wear Asics Gel Nimbus...