Not everyone is ready to return to their old gyms and fitness studios, but if you’re itching for some movement and still want to play it safe, look no further than the world’s oldest form of exercise: running!
Whether you haven’t run since gym class or you’re a seasoned racing pro, you don’t need much to fall in love with running: just pick up a well-fitted pair of shoes and you’re good to go. However, if you’re more of a maximalist, there are tons of goodies that make the miles go by faster: energizing snacks, comfy apparel to keep you cool (or warm!), pouches and straps for your tech gadgets, and so much more.
If it’s time for you to trade in your old running shoes for a fresh pair or you’re looking for some fuel and accessories to help you cross the finish line with ease, check out these six locally-owned running supply stores:
Pro Bike+Run
Monroeville, Robinson, Allison Park, North Park and South Hills
With five locations around Pittsburgh (and a mind-blowing stock of shoes), Pro Bike+Run is more than just a running supply store: it’s a community of thousands of passionate runners and walkers from across the region, of all ability levels. Looking for running shoes? Its expert staff will guide you along a six-step sizing process designed to match you with an excellent fit, and even after you’ve found your ideal shoe, Pro Bike+Run hosts hundreds of walks, runs, and community events each year that will keep you involved in their welcoming community and help you reach your goals.
Pro Bike+Run has also opened Cadence+Clubhouse, its new community center in Allison Park that features a cafe, taproom, bakery, and plenty of space together with other runners and fitness enthusiasts. It features an extensive menu of local, fresh, and healthy snacks and meals that are perfect for fueling up before a light run or grabbing a celebratory dinner after crossing the finish line.
Mojo Running & Multisport
Cranberry
Mojo Running & Multisport is the premier sports supply store for athletes of all levels, but especially for fitness fanatics who love to run and get moving in other ways, too. If you’re just as passionate about weight lifting, CrossFit, team sports, or other fitness activities, the experts at Mojo Running & Multisport can help you find the gear to maximize your performance and comfort for cross-training.
If you’re looking for a healthy serving of support and encouragement with your gear purchase, look no further than Mojo Running & Multisport. The Mojo team is made up of runners and multi-athletes themselves, so who better to get expert advice from and ask for guidance than someone who’s as passionate about reaching their performance goals as you are?
3 Rivers Outdoor Company
Regent Square
Located just a few blocks from popular urban trail running spot Frick Park, 3 Rivers Outdoor Company (or 3ROC as it’s fondly known) is ready to help you find your next outdoor adventure. Trail runners in particular will love 3ROC’s wide selection of durable, high-quality, and eco-conscious gear that’s suitable for casual, everyday jogs and more technical treks. 3ROC also sells some gently-used gear on consignment, which is a great way to show the planet some love and potentially save a few bucks on your next gear haul.
Plus, every Tuesday night, 3ROC leads a trail running group — rain or shine! Two pace groups (10 min/mile and 12 min/mile) meet at 6PM and 6:20PM and typically complete a run of four to seven miles. All are welcome (but remember to bring your mask)!
Up-N-Running
Valencia and Ebensburg
Get ready for a unique experience at Up-N-Running, where expertly-trained fitting specialists are equipped to perform gait analysis and study the wear and tear on your old running shoes (so be sure to bring them!) and then set you up with multiple options to try on, so you can find the best fit for you. Local runners and walkers of all kinds will feel like world-class athletes thanks to Up-N-Running’s excellent customer service and knowledgable guidance.
In addition to the six major brands of running, walking, and racing shoes that Up-N-Running carries, they stock more than 40 brands of gear like socks, energy snacks and beverages, accessories, and tech gadgets.
Fleet Feet Pittsburgh
Bethel Park
Fleet Feet Pittsburgh is a locally-operated outpost of the national Fleet Feet brand of running stores, and their focus is on matching you with a running shoe that’s a perfect fit. Fleet Feet’s fit id® foot scanning technology gathers data about your feet and analyzes it to help the store’s trained Outfitters match you with shoes that are suited for your feet and movement style. Currently, shoppers can schedule an appointment online for a custom fitting in-store, or you can meet with one of Fleet Feet’s Outfitters over Zoom to talk live, get your gait analyzed, and be shown recommendations for shoes that meet your needs.
Fleet Feet also sponsors the annual Liberty Mile, the city’s only nighttime road race in which casual, competitive, and pro runners compete to achieve their fastest mile. Registration for the 2021 Liberty Mile (which is an in-person event on Friday, July 23rd) is now open, so if you’ve ever wondered what your best mile time is or want to break your own record, sign up today to secure your spot.
New Balance Pittsburgh
Homestead and Wexford
New Balance is one of the world’s most popular brands of running shoes and apparel, but locally-owned shoe store Gordon’s Shoes operates Pittsburgh’s two premier carriers of New Balance supplies, so you can count on getting high-quality gear with the personalized touch of a small business. Home to the brand’s largest selection of sizes and widths in the city, New Balance Pittsburgh offers a free iStep digital foot analysis to help you find your perfect pair, and they also carry Superfeet Insoles that help provide a “supportive, energizing foundation.”
Have little ones who want to hit the trails with you? New Balance Pittsburgh is the premier running store in the city for children’s shoes as well, and the store’s fit specialists can help you and your family find just the right pair for everyone.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.