Blistered feet, chafing nipples – there’s nothing worse than being unprepared for a long old run. Luckily for us runners, our beloved capital is full to the brim with shops dedicated to running where you can get all the proper garb. From specialist, independent spots to larger chains, here’s a rundown of the best running shops in London to get you all the right stuff for the London Marathon. Whether you’re looking to pound your way through the city’s many parks and gardens or run to your heart’s content on a treadmill at the gym, here’s where you’ll get all the equipment.
1. Runner’s Need
Billed as the ‘running specialists’, Runner’s Need has stores dotted all across the capital, and it’s a popular place to pick up all your runner’s needs. The staff here are incredibly helpful, and will help you find exactly what you’re looking for trainer-wise, depending on where you’re running and how long you’re running for.
They’ll also give you some advice on some of the best techniques to use to improve your running skills, and sell socks, running vests, shorts and water bottles too.
You’ll find Runner’s Need at various different locations across London. You can find out more here.
2. Run and Become
With over 290 different types of running shoe, endless accessories and an extensive selection of clothing, Run and Become firmly deserves its spot on this running shops in London roundup.
It was one of the first running shops in the UK, and the expert team here provides natural gait analysis, which is ‘the essential way to identify your running motion and discover your dream running shoes’. They’ve also got an in-house sports clinic which offers injury care and form coaching, as well as specific workshops, training sessions and inspirational talks too.
You’ll find Run and Become at 4A Eccleston Street, London, SW1W 9LN. Nearest station is Victoria.
3. The Running Works
London’s largest independent running shop, The Running Works is full to the brim with all manner of different running brands – including Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and lesser-known brands such as Newline and Ciele.
Their friendly staff consist of runners of all abilities – who will be happy to help and provide you with tips on how best to run – and there are regular running events from here too. Add in an in-house coffee shop and showers and you’ve got yourself one of the best running shops in London!
You’ll find The Running Works at 28-30 Houndsditch, London, EC3A 7DB. Nearest station is Aldgate.
4. Up&Running
Established back in 1992 by a husband and wife duo, Up&Running began its life back in Harrogate, and it has since become the ‘UK’s largest independent running store’. They’ve won several coveted awards at the National Running Awards – including best national retailer and best customer service – and they stock equipment specifically designed for the London Marathon.
As well as a fantastic selection of running trainers, they also stock hi-vis equipment, backpacks, gloves and more to see you through the wet, drizzly and cold Winter months.
You’ll find Up&Running at 242 Chiswick High Road, Chiswick, W4 1PD and 184 Upper Richmond Road West, East Sheen, London, SW14 8AN. Nearest stations are Turnham Green and Richmond.
5. Profeet
Profeet was started back in 2001 with the sole aim of ensuring everyone could be comfortable and able to perform to the very best of their ability, in ski boots, running shoes, walking boots and other forms of footwear too.
Their service is via appointment only, and Profeet’s technicians assess your foot shape, foot type, biomechanics, gait, movement patterns and stance before providing you with custom-made insoles. You’ll then be provided with the correct form of footwear, which you can then use for your running training going forward.
You’ll find Profeet at 867-869 Fulham Road, London, SW6 5HP. Nearest station is Parsons Green.
6. London City Runner
Next up on this roundup of the best running shops in London is London City Runner – another fine independent store. Situated just a stone’s throw from the beautiful surroundings of Victoria Park, London City Runner offers an extensive range of amazing running gear and shoes from brands such as AfterShokz, 361 Sport and Adidas too.
They also have attentive and friendly staff here, so if you’re looking for some of the best running advice and are in East London, then this is the place to come.
You’ll find London City Runner at 243 Victoria Park Road, Victoria Park Village, London, E9 7HD. Nearest station is London Fields.
7. Bike and Run
Ok, so as the name suggests – this next addition to our running shops in London roundup is also geared towards cycling – but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t great for running gear too.
As well as running shoes, they also stock compression clothing, hats, gloves and socks here too, as well as triathlon clothing, bicycle helmets and more.
You’ll find Bike and Run at 128 High Road, London, N2 9ED. Nearest station is East Finchley.
8. Asics
There are various different Asics stores in London, but the one to go to if you’re looking to get all the best running bits is the flagship store just off Oxford Street. They provide professional advice for runners, as well as an extensive collection of footwear and apparel too. As well as ordinary running trainers, they also stock trainers specifically-designed for trail running too, and have singlets, running tights and leggings too.
Perhaps best of all, they’ll give you a 3D scan of your feet and gait analysis too, so you can find the perfect pair of shoes for wherever you’re running.
You’ll find the Asics flagship store at 527 Oxford Street, London, W1C 2QL. Nearest station is Marble Arch.
9. Nike Running Store
There are countless Nike chains dotted across London Town, though it’s only their Oxford Circus and store which have sections dedicated to gait analysis and their customised Nike ID service trainer collection.
As you’d expect, they stock countless Nike trainers and accessories including running socks, headbands, hats, gilets and compression bits and bobs too.
You’ll find the Nike Running Store at 236 Oxford Street, London, W1C 1DE. Nearest station is Oxford Circus.
10. Ellis Brigham
Rounding off this roundup of the best running shops in London is Ellis Brigham – an outdoorsy store which is particularly suited for those who are into trail running.
With three stores across the capital – one in the City, one in Westfield Stratford and one in Covent Garden – there’s plenty of scope to go wherever works best for you, and there’s everything here from trail running shoes and clothes to hiking gear, fleece, gilets, mountaineering gear and climbing gear too.
You’ll find Ellis Brigham at three different locations in London. You can find out more here.
So there you have it – a roundup of ten of the best running shops in London. If you’re looking to train for a big old run, are wanting to get into trail running or are just looking to improve your fitness skills, then this roundup should have you sorted!