{"id":1861,"date":"2010-03-03T09:22:27","date_gmt":"2010-03-03T14:22:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.teamcrossworld.com\/running\/?p=1861"},"modified":"2010-03-02T23:52:06","modified_gmt":"2010-03-03T04:52:06","slug":"twin-cities-running-stores","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teamcrossworld.com\/running\/2010\/twin-cities-running-stores\/","title":{"rendered":"Twin Cities Running Stores"},"content":{"rendered":"
You can buy shoes almost anywhere it seems. \u00a0 But runners tend to be a little more picky about shoes that are going to carry them over the miles. \u00a0Most runners tend to prefer a good quality running shoe or the growing trend of going barefoot. \u00a0Even barefooters need clothing and accessories. \u00a0So I’ve compiled a list of the “running\u00a0specialty\u00a0stores” in the Twin Cities metro area. \u00a0I’ve commented as best I can on them. \u00a0I’ve listed the Top 5, followed by a few others! \u00a0I hope this list is helpful and please provide feedback on your experiences.<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/td>\nRun N Fun<\/a> – St Paul, Burnsville
\nIf you were to ask most of the guys I run with, they would say this is the only running store to visit. The Burnsville store just opened last year and their St Paul store was in the news due to a robbery<\/a>. \u00a0Their staff is extremely\u00a0knowledgeable and experienced. \u00a0The St Paul store, which I’ve been to a few times, covers 3 or 4 store fronts and offers quite a range of merchandise. Like most of the other stores they offer a great discount for local running clubs (I know the MDRA and USATF-MN). \u00a0They have a Facebook group<\/a> that shares photos, upcoming events, and information.\u00a0\u00a0Finally, Run N’ Fun is the choice of most of the local college teams.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\nMarathon Sports<\/a> – Minneapolis
\nThis is probably the running store I’ve been in the most. \u00a0The MDRA training groups have had special discounted events there. \u00a0Most recently I won a gift certificate from the MDRA Annual Party. \u00a0They are known for having a doctor in the store twice a month. \u00a0They are also located a block from Lake Harriet. I’ve always been impressed with the staff and the products they offer. \u00a0The last event hosted there included post-run bagels and drinks plus a special discount (larger than the normal MDRA).<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\nRunning Room<\/a> – Minneapolis, Burnsville, Woodbury, St Paul, Rochester, and Maple Grove
\nThis is the closest store to our house and I’ve been there a few times. \u00a0They are the most “corporate” of the specialty stores. \u00a0Running Room is a chain of stores in Minnesota, Iowa, and Canada. \u00a0I was not overly impressed with their staff the few times I’ve been there. \u00a0But they have some amazing sales. \u00a0One thing that sets the Running Room apart is their marketing machine. \u00a0It helps to have the large corporate backing (i.e. not being family owned) but they have a monthly newsletter and sales.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\nGear<\/a> – Edina
\nI’ve never actually been into this store. \u00a0Some friends of mine really love it and say it is one of the best running stores. \u00a0Here is their Facebook Fan Page<\/a>. \u00a0It is actually very close to Marathon Sports.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\nTC Running Company<\/a> – Eden\u00a0Prairie
\nWe visited this store one night for a Team USA-Minnesota event. \u00a0Nothing really stands out to me about that brief experience. \u00a0They sponsor a team and have an RV that makes appearances at races. Their Athlinks <\/a>page has some great info.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
<\/div>\n
Other Running Stores <\/strong><\/div>\n
I included some “corporate” stores, because they do sell running shoes and occasionally the staff can be very helpful. In college we actually went to Finish Line. \u00a0They didn’t really provide much technical help, but we got a good discount. <\/em><\/div>\n
<\/em><\/div>\n
Schuler’s Shoes<\/a> (Twin Cities New Balance) – Bloomington, Burnsville, Golden Valley, Maple Grove, Roseville, Saint Cloud, St Louis Park, and Woodbury<\/div>\n
Runner’s Edge<\/a> – St Paul <\/span>Their website doesn’t work and the phone rings and rings.\u00a0 Anyone know if they are open still?<\/em><\/div>\n
Nokomis Shoe Shop<\/a> – Minneapolis<\/div>\n
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Runners Gate<\/a> – Lakeville<\/div>\n
Gear West<\/a> – Long Lake<\/div>\n
Start Line<\/a> – Minnetonka<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
REI <\/a>– Roseville, Bloomington, Maple Grove<\/div>\n
Foot Locker<\/a> – Minneapolis, St Paul, Richfield, Edina<\/div>\n
Finish Line<\/a> –\u00a0Burnsville, Mall of America, Minnetonka, Maple Grove<\/div>\n
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[tags] Running Shoe Stores, Shoes, Store, Twin Cities [\/tags]<\/div>\n
\"Reblog<\/a>