Runners Need, London Leyden Street London

Reviews

1. Josh Aberman ★☆☆☆☆

   I had a very disappointing experience at the Runners Need Spitalfields store following a gait analysis in November. During the gait analysis, I felt pushed towards a specific shoe (ASICS Gel Kayano) by the staff member who conducted it (Freddy). The experience felt sales-driven rather than genuinely consultative, including repeated encouragement to leave a positive Google review. I have since observed similarly pushy behaviour towards other customers on multiple visits. Freddy initially recommended a size 10.5, which quickly caused pain and blistering. I returned and was advised to size up to an 11, but the issues persisted, including hotspots, pain from the arch support, and numbness while running. After seeking advice from other running stores and foot specialists, all confirmed that the sizing and recommendation I had been given were incorrect. When I returned to the store to resolve this, I was initially met with resistance from management, including denial of prior communication with head office and insistence that their in-store expertise would differ from (and be superior to) the independent specialists I had already consulted. I was pressured to undergo yet another in-store assessment. Ironically, once they remeasured my foot, the staff immediately confirmed that both the original size (10.5) and the subsequent recommendation to move to an 11 were incorrect, and I was offered a full refund, which I accepted. While I appreciate that the issue was ultimately resolved, the combination of pushy sales tactics, poor advice, and dismissive handling of legitimate concerns means I would not trust this store’s gait analysis or recommendation process. I would advise others to be cautious and to seek a second opinion if something doesn’t feel right.

   almost 6 months ago
2. Lylia Hafiz ★★★★★

   Freddie was incredibly helpful in finding the right running shoes for me. He took the time to explain the differences between each pair he suggested and assessed my running style to ensure the best fit. The gait test was thorough, and his expertise was particularly appreciated as he shared many tips to help improve my form. His positive energy made the entire experience even better. Thanks Freddie!

   almost 7 months ago
3. john joyce ★★★★★

   Wonderful experience today! Luckily advised by the excellent Freddy who was very helpful with trekking shoe selection and advice on running style! I’ll definitely be back soon for new running trainers.

   almost 9 months ago

1. Jennie Fletcher-Walford ★★★★★

   My daughter recommended this store and I wasn't disappointed. After the gait analysis with a younger colleague, Freddie took the time to observe my running in four different shoe models. Not only did he simply explain the differences, he also gave me some running tips and taught me a runner's shoelace knot. A perfect Sunday morning! I'm off for a run now...

   almost 9 months ago
2. Mathieu Crispin ★★★★★

   Freddie was really helpful and knowledgeable. Popped in hoping to get some advice before purchasing and got a fitting and gait analysis done before purchasing. Also go to see how my gait was affected by different types of support. He spent about an hour with me and the price for the analysis was knocked off when I purchased the trainers. They also price matched their online prices for me as we saw they were cheaper in the web. Also got shown the best way to tie laces for running. Recycled my old shoes there too.

   almost 11 months ago
3. Joe A ★★★★★

   Really helpful, informed service/advice. Two running machines available to try out the shoes and the staff are happy to order in different sizes to store to try on. Would thoroughly recommend.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Jeffrey Asika ★☆☆☆☆

   I had an appointment to examine my feet. I had an amazing experience with this Runners Need branch years ago; the customer service, detailed examination of my feet, followed by the recommendation was top notch, so I presumed it would be the same. I received the exact opposite. I wish I had gotten the employee's name but he was a tall white male and I could tell he did not want to deal with me for obvious reasons. I barely received an examination. I barely had an examination. When I wasn't really happy with the trainers he recommended he had an attitude. He was even sarcastic to another customer whilst dealing with me, and when she did not understand the response he began to patronise her. People like him need to work by themselves in a cubicle if he doesn't like interacting with customers from different backgrounds.

   almost 3 years ago
2. Jane McNicholas ★★★★★

   Visited last week and this shop is everything a runner needs. The staff are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable without being pushy. Really good range of running shoes. It was a great experience and I was delighted with my purchase. The staff even helped me carry my buggy up the stairs

   almost 3 years ago
3. Subi Lauren Yee ★★★★★

   I had a great experience. Tarren, a man that helped us find shoes was extremely helpful and knew so much about how to take care of your body using footware when having pain. He was very knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful!

   almost 3 years ago

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