Runners Need Reviews 795

TrustScore 3 out of 5

2.9

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Considering 149 reviews, most reviewers were somewhat happy with their experience overall. Many people found the staff to be very helpful and knowledgeable, providing excellent service and guidance when choosing products. Customers appreciated the detailed gait analysis and personalized recommendations, leading to satisfaction with their purchases. However, a significant number of people were dissatisfied with the delivery service and their orders. Common complaints include delayed or lost deliveries, issues with next-day delivery promises not being met, and a lack of communication or resolution from the company regarding these problems. Some customers also reported receiving used items instead of new ones.

What people talk about most

Product

People report ambiguous experiences with product. Many customers express dissatisfaction with product... See more

Staff

Users describe positive interactions with staff, highlighting their knowledge, helpfulness, and patience.... See more

Delivery service

Clients share negative opinions on delivery service, with many expressing dissatisfaction with delayed or... See more

Order

Customers consistently express significant dissatisfaction with the ordering process. Many reviewers report... See more

Service

Customers consistently note ambiguous experiences with service. Many reviewers express dissatisfaction,... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I was looking for trainers and sliders to help during recovery from a foot problem. Ting helped make it a positive experience. She was friendly and helpful, but most importantly, she listened to my ne... See more

Company replied

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Poor customer service. No one came to us. 10-15 mins plus without even an acknowledgement. Staff only seemed capable of looking after one client at a time and the rest ignored. When sought assi... See more

Company replied


Company details


Contact info

2.9

Average

TrustScore 3 out of 5

795 reviews

5-star
4-star
3-star
2-star
1-star

Replied to 62% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 48 hours

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

This store is absolute scam!

This store is scam, think 100 times before buying from them! I ordered 2 pairs of running shoes, tried them on at home and they both seemed to be ok. Soles of both weren’t perfectly clean, but I unfortunately I didn’t pay attention, thought maybe other customers were trying them on in the store. Next day I travelled abroad and took only Sauconys with me, 1 week after returning to the UK I decided to finally test NBs (other pair), but after putting them on and walking few seconds in the flat I realized that this model isn’t perfect for my big toes and I checked I still had 2 days to return them. And I did. Tracking showed shoes were delivered 15.09, but there was no refund so I contacted store 23.09 and they replied to me 25.09 that they won’t refund me because shoes were worn! After 2 days of endless emails which were all the same - they said I did wear these shoes - they just sent them back to me.

I am honestly shocked. Never experienced anything like this. I didn’t wear them and feel so silly and helpless being unable to prove it.

Looks like this is how runnersneed makes money - if they say shoes were worn, it means they sold worn shoes to me.

I am a runner and a fan of running shoes, I’ve got 8 pairs of different ones and couple of them don’t suit me perfectly, which I found out after using them couple times - and I still have them!!

Please, avoid this company at all costs!

September 25, 2025
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi Olya,

Thank you for sharing your review and we are very sorry to learn of this.

We can see that you have been in recent contact with our team regarding your return. As explained, to process a return in line with our Returns Policy, the item must be returned in a new and unused condition.

We understand this can be frustrating, and as a gesture of goodwill, we have offered a £20 voucher to your account. Please could you respond to our email in order to action this.

We appreciate your understanding and hope to assist you again in the future.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent staff member

Excellent staff member, knowledgeable and super helpful at the Salisbury store yesterday.

September 27, 2025
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi,

Thank you so much for your kind words!

We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience at our Salisbury store and that our team member was able to assist you so well. We'll be sure to pass on your feedback to the staff - it means a lot to us.

We look forward to welcoming you back again soon!

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Phantom stock

I bought a pair of running shoes online in the RN sale only to receive a ‘delayed order’ email the following day. This was followed by an email from the customer service team to tell me that their supplier had sold out of the shoe. Effectively, RN had sold me stock it did not have.
I asked if I could have the shoe in a different colour instead, only to be told they did not have the shoe available in any other colours. This was simply not true - it was available in the same size in a different colour on the website. I pointed this out only to be told a different story that they “do not have the capability to modify the order”.
It leaves me with little confidence or trust in Runners Need and I am unlikely to shop with them in future.

September 25, 2025
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi,

Thank you for sharing your review, and we are very sorry to learn of this.

Thank you for responding to our email. I can confirm the £30 voucher has now been added to your account as a gesture of goodwill following your experience.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

COUNTERFAIT

COUNTERFAIT - DO NOT BUY FROM THIS WEBSITE

I ordered a pair of HOKA shoes from Runnerneed.eu and received obvious fakes.
HOKA’s official customer service confirmed that this website is not an authorized HOKA retailer. They ship from China.
At first the seller only offered a €30 partial refund, after I complained about the counterfeit goods (WHICH THEY ADVERTISE AS GENUINE).
Only after persistent action through PayPal and providing proof of the counterfeit did they agree to a full refund— but then they stopped replying, never sent a prepaid return label, and I had to ship the shoes back myself, paying €40 for shipping out of pocket.
Beware: this site sells counterfeit products and provides terrible customer service.

July 21, 2025
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi Giulia,

Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

We would like to clarify that runnersneed.com is the official website for Runners Need, and we only source products directly from trusted and authorised suppliers, including HOKA. We take any claims of counterfeit goods extremely seriously and want to assure all customers that we only sell 100% genuine products.

It appears you may have placed your order through a third-party or imitation website not affiliated with us (such as “runnerneed.eu”), which is not part of our company. Unfortunately, there are unauthorised sites that falsely use similar names or branding to mislead customers.

If you have any doubts or would like to verify a purchase, please contact us directly at enquiries@runnersneed.com, and our team will be happy to help.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Never received my order

Never received my order. It is now over 14 days since I placed my order. The company were more than happy to refund my delivery fee when I didn’t receive it the next day as per the promise.

DHL have clearly stated on their tracking system that the item is at their warehouse to be returned and apparently that the delivery was refused.

Yet I am expected to sign a disclaimer which states that I have checked every single neighbours house and I will help the company locate the items. I checked the specific house number and they have not had the item.

Whilst I appreciate this might be common practice to get customers to sign a disclaimer at this company, I think it is a little extreme and given that I have now read the reviews on this website. I really had wished that I never ordered from this company.

I am still waiting for my refund as they are waiting for DHL to return the item to them! The saga continues.

September 19, 2025
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi,

Thank you for sharing your experience. We are very sorry to learn of this, and we would love the opportunity to put this right.

We reached out to via email to understand the situation further and to offer you a voucher as a way of apology for your recent experience with us. Please could you kindly respond to this email so that we can action this for you.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

False Warranty Advertising

About 8 months after purchase, my Brooks stability running show (which I used more for walking) started hurting my toe. I checked the warranty info and it said as long as within 2 year period, you can bring the shoe and it will be assessed and replaced. On assessment, the team then asked if a gait analysis was done by Runners need. I was advised by a podiatrist to purchase stability shoes. Note that I also bought a hoka from runners need, but didnt have the same problem. False warranty advertising !
Case in point !!! Runners need has chosen to reply and extracted a section of my review saying the podiatrist referred the shoes.
Your guarantee says, if there is an issue with a purchase, bring the shoe in and we will resolve. You are choosing to defer the issue to someone else. Please explain, why I dont have a problem with the Hoka I also purchased from you, which is a stability shoe. Who performed the GAIT analysis should not be the point of reference. If that is so, please add that your warranty claims section, so it is clear. Dont make reference to it, once someone brings a show in with a concern, enquire as to these details. Further more , mention it on your site, that all purchases are at own risk, IF a gait analysis is not done by Runners Need. Your reply has just fobbed me off, taking no responsibility!
23.9.2025 - hi there, you are again focusing on the GAIT analysis. Please refer to your site on warranty returns of shoes and highlight to me, the reference to a GAIT analysis being the pre requisite

March 1, 2025
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi Melanie,

Thank you for sharing your experience. We are very sorry to learn of this, and we would love the opportunity to put this right.

After reviewing the details of your purchase, we can see that the shoes were recommended by a podiatrist as part of their advice, following your confirmation. As this appears to be a fitting issue rather than a product defect, we would kindly suggest contacting the podiatrist who recommended the shoes for further support and guidance regarding the fit.

If the Gait Analysis was carried out in one of our stores, the team would be happy to look into this further and explore any potential resolutions, where appropriate, at the store’s discretion.

However, as the assessment was conducted by a third party, we’re unfortunately unable to take responsibility for their recommendations, as we weren’t involved in the original gait assessment.

We understand how important it is to have the right footwear for comfort and support, and we hope that your podiatrist will be able to assist in finding the best solution for your needs.

If there’s anything else we can help with or if you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to help!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Not the usual good experience I get

Not the usual experience I get, I used to enjoy shopping here, Rushden Lakes. Messed up my order and didn’t really try very hard to rectify, customer service has slipped a bit. Emailing the help centre was a waste of time. First time they responded they got it wrong and then they didn’t bother to make another attempt. Something has changed so I’ve shopped elsewhere. Not my go to anymore.

September 7, 2025
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi,

Thank you for sharing your experience. We are very sorry to learn of this, and we would love the opportunity to put this right.

We have actioned a £30 voucher as a gesture of goodwill to your account after you had accepted this offer. We hope that this brings a satisfactory resolution to your query.

Kind regards,
The Runnersneed Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

So very helpful 🙏

I wanted to share that the service I received from Emily in Bristol was wonderful… nothing was too much trouble. Being unfamiliar with the choice of trainers available for someone with arthritic joints, she talked me through the different brands, uses and different qualities. Unfortunately the store didn’t have the right neutral colours, but I now know a couple I would buy. Thank you Emily 🙏 the other staff were also very polite and helpful… I had a couple pairs of Hokas that had your waterproof treatment 😊

September 8, 2025
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi,

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review.

We are very happy to hear of your positive experience in our Bristol store by Emily, and I am thrilled to hear that you now have the right pair of shoes!

Take care and happy running!

Kind Regards,
Runners Need Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great service

Our sales assistant, Simon, was very attentive and thorough when measuring and selecting our walking shoes. Because of his great service and knowledge we purchased 2 pairs of Hokas and a top.

August 30, 2025
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi Jane,

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review.

We are very happy to hear of your positive experience in one of our stores by Simon, and I am thrilled to hear that you now have two pairs of running shoes and your top!

Take care and happy running!

Kind Regards,
Runners Need Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Lousy customer service (Maidstone)

Poor customer service. No one came to us. 10-15 mins plus without even an acknowledgement. Staff only seemed capable of looking after one client at a time and the rest ignored.

When sought assistance total dis-intetest from the male assistant. Zero engagement in terms of trying to establish what I might be looking for or what product could be offered.

For the prices being charged very disappointing.

First time here based on recommendation by a podiatrist. Won't be back and will feed back re experience. Id get better customer service from a computer online. 🤔.

August 30, 2025
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi,

Thank you for sharing your experience. We are very sorry to learn of this, and we would love the opportunity to put this right.

We reached out to gather more details so that we could look into your experience and try to put things right, but unfortunately, we didn’t hear back within the 3‑day Trustpilot timeframe. We would still really like the opportunity to resolve this for you. If you could please contact us directly at enquiries@runnersneed.com (or reply with your order details), a member of our team will review your case and see how we can help.

Kind regards,
The Runners Need Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Order delayed using EVRI

Order delayed, no updates. Sold as next day delivery but using EVRI which as we know “failed EVRI time”. 3 days in and still no delivery.

Please stop using EVRI

August 28, 2025
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi,

Thank you for sharing your experience. We are very sorry to learn of this, and we would love the opportunity to put this right.

We reached out to gather more details so that we could look into your experience and try to put things right, but unfortunately, we didn’t hear back within the 3‑day Trustpilot timeframe. We would still really like the opportunity to resolve this for you. If you could please contact us directly at enquiries@runnersneed.com (or reply with your order details), a member of our team will review your case and see how we can help.

Kind regards,
The Runners Need Team

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Very poor experience so far

Very poor experience so far. Store closed for some reason so ordered online with apparently free next day delivery. 3 days later, I’m still waiting. I’d have been fine if you’d said it would take a week. Don’t say free next day if you can’t do it.

August 28, 2025
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi Ian,

Thank you for sharing your experience. We are very sorry to learn of this, and we would love the opportunity to put this right.

We have reached out via email with a means of resolution. Please could you kindly respond to this email so that we can action the resolution for you if you are happy to accept the offer presented.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Poor customer service

Went to the Bluewater store, very poor customer service, a real shame as it looked like they had a good selection of trainers. I stood there waiting to be served, asked someone for assistance, ignored by both members of staff. Stood there for 10 minutes and left. Didn’t want to spend £150 on a company where they can’t even acknowledge your existence. Spent my money with another company who were way better!!

August 21, 2025
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi Paul,

Thank you for sharing your experience. We are very sorry to learn of this and we would love the opportunity to put this right.

We have reached out to request further information on TrustPilot. Please could you kindly respond to this request within the 3-day timeframe that TrustPilot operates. Alternatively, you can reach out to us via enquiries@runnersneed.com for further assistance.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My 1st purchase ,great from start to delivery

My 1st purchase ,great from start to delivery,helpful advice on shoes for flat feet , quick delivery .
Thanks

August 20, 2025
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi,

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review.

We are very happy to hear of your positive experience and we wish you all the best on your running journey!

Happy running!

Kind Regards,
Runners Need Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Good patient service at Darts Farm store

Good patient service. No hard sell. New app since I last had a gait analysis but the salesperson didn’t relay solely on that. She noted a dropped arch from looking at my socked feet. Tried on several pairs and insoles until I found one that worked for both feet. A definite change in need identified so I did not repurchase my usual brand in neutral but have a different brand with more support. First run out today and I felt my knee was much more comfortable.

August 21, 2025
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hello,

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review.

We are very happy to hear of your positive experience in our Exeter Darts Farm store, and I shall pass this over to the store to also enjoy!

Take care and happy running!

Kind Regards,
Runners Need Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Rude staff in Norwich

Rude staff in Norwich. Didn’t acknowledge custom, didn’t try and help and was rude when we tried to get some help. Wouldn’t recommend unless you like being ignored

August 17, 2025
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi Molly,

We’re sorry to hear about the delay and frustration you've experienced.

We reached out to gather more details so that we could look into your experience and try to put things right, but unfortunately, we didn’t hear back within the 3‑day Trustpilot timeframe. We would still really like the opportunity to resolve this for you. If you could please contact us directly at enquiries@runnersneed.com (or reply with your order details), a member of our team will review your case and see how we can help.


Thanks for your patience, and we hope to hear from you soon.

Kind regards,
The Runners Need Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding service

Outstanding service. Very friendly knowledgable and a real pleasure to shop at Runners Need.
Thank you Eva. Worn my new hiking shoes today and they are perfect!

August 9, 2025
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review.

We are very happy to hear of your positive experience in one of our stores by Eva, and I am thrilled to hear that you now have the right pair of shoes!

Take care and happy adventures!

Kind Regards,
Runners Need Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Day 7… no shoes no tracking no refund…

Day 7… no shoes no tracking no refund no solution.

I ordered a pair of shoes 4th August, it’s now 11th August, the tracking provided has never been valid on the couriers website. I have no idea where they are, supposedly dispatched 5th for next day delivery. The online customer service is ‘investigating’ but never gets back to me.

Don’t recommend. Shop elsewhere

August 4, 2025
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi Luke,

We’re sorry to hear about the delay and frustration you've experienced.

We reached out to gather more details so that we could look into your experience and try to put things right, but unfortunately, we didn’t hear back within the 3‑day Trustpilot timeframe. We would still really like the opportunity to resolve this for you. If you could please contact us directly at enquiries@runnersneed.com (or reply with your order details), a member of our team will review your case and see how we can help.


Thanks for your patience, and we hope to hear from you soon.

Kind regards,
The Runners Need Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Appalling online service

Great physical shops but appalling online service. My order got lost by their GREAT delivery partner- EVRI, I got so called "refunded" but money hasn't reached my account for 35 days. I just contacted their useless chat to be told that someone will come back to me in 5-7 working days.

August 4, 2025
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi Tomas,

We’re sorry to hear about the delay and frustration you've experienced.

We reached out to gather more details so that we could look into your experience and try to put things right, but unfortunately, we didn’t hear back within the 3‑day Trustpilot timeframe. We would still really like the opportunity to resolve this for you. If you could please contact us directly at enquiries@runnersneed.com (or reply with your order details), a member of our team will review your case and see how we can help.


Thanks for your patience, and we hope to hear from you soon.

Kind regards ,
The Runners Need Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding service at Runners Need

I had a fantastic experience at Runners Need in Guildford. The service was excellent from start to finish, including a thorough foot analysis to help find the best-fitting shoe for my needs. Charles, who assisted me, was incredibly helpful, attentive, and knowledgeable. He really took the time to listen to my preferences and offered thoughtful advice tailored to what I was looking for. I hadn’t planned on buying a pair of shoes today, but thanks to the great service and expert guidance, I walked out with the perfect pair. The timing is perfect, with just three months left for training for my October marathon. I’m so glad I made the purchase and very grateful for the outstanding support.

July 30, 2025
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi Jolene,

Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear Charles made your visit to our Guildford store such a positive experience. We’ll make sure to pass on your kind words; she’ll be pleased to hear about your review.

We hope to see you again soon, and good luck with your marathon in October!

Best wishes,
RunnersNeed Team

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