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


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2.9

Average

TrustScore 3 out of 5

795 reviews

5-star
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1-star

Replied to 62% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 48 hours

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great service from Eva at the Cardiff…

Great service from Eva at the Cardiff city centre shop. Good advice on footwear

May 17, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Runners Need

Hi Gavin,

Thank you so much for your kind words! We'll be sure to pass on your feedback to Eva- it will make her day!

We hope you enjoy your new purchase and look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

Kind regards,
The Runners Need Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Thank You Joe at Cotswold Truro

Joe in the Truro Cotswold Store was absolutely brilliant. The gait analysis was really informative and I really appreciated his help in getting me into the correct running shoes for me and hopefully now back into running. I thoroughly recommend the service. Thank you Joe.

May 16, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Runners Need

Hi Caroline,

Thank you so much for your lovely review! We're thrilled to hear that Joe at our Truro store gave you such a brilliant experience.

We'll be sure to pass your kind words on to Joe - he'll really appreciate them. Wishing you all the best on your running journey, and we hope to see you again soon!

Kind regards,
The Runners Need Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Not great

Zero response when asked when I could expect my running shoes. Courier was awful. I wouldn’t use agin. Rather pay full price somewhere else.

May 9, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Runners Need

Hi Nick,

Thank you for your feedback, and we're really sorry to hear about your recent experience.

We always aim to keep our customers informed and supported throughout their order journey, so it’s disappointing to hear that we fell short this time.

We requested further details from you so that we could investigate this further, but haven't received this in the 3-day period that Trustpilot operates in. Please get in touch with our customer service team directly with your order details, and we'll be happy to review this and explore how we can help.

Kind regards,
Runners Need Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent staff at High Street…

Excellent staff at High Street Kensington, really know their stuff and very helpful and friendly.

May 2, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Runners Need

Thank you for your review.

We're delighted to hear that you had an enjoyable experience at our Kensington store and that our team was able to assist you with your purchase.
It's wonderful to know you found our staff knowledgeable and helpful.

We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Improper footwear was recommended following gait analysis.

Following a gait analysis at Monument, Hoka Clifton 9 running shoes were recommended. While my usual size is 9.5, a size 11 was suggested to accommodate anticipated swelling during runs, despite feeling oversized. After a single kilometer trial on a treadmill, significant leg pain—unprecedented with my previous Asics footwear—occurred. I attempted a return today, but was informed that this was impossible due to the shoes having been used. This is unacceptable given the £130 cost and inability to wear the shoes. I recommend considering alternative retailers with more favorable return policies.

May 7, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Runners Need

Hi Darren,

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback, and we are genuinely sorry to hear about your recent experience.

We strive to ensure every customer is fitted with the right footwear to meet their individual needs. We take your concerns seriously and understand the frustration of not being able to return shoes that were unsuitable.

We requested further details from you so that we could investigate this further, but haven't received this in the 3-day period that Trustpilot operates in. Please get in touch with our customer service team directly with your order details, and we'll be happy to review this and explore how we can help.

Kind regards,
Runners Need Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I would like to take this opportunity…

I would like to take this opportunity to praise Runners Need 🙏🏻 They are absolutely outstanding with the safe and secure delivery of my ever first pair of HOKA running shoes.
I highly recommend any runner ( male or female) to purchase from these guys 👍🏼
From start to finish the transition was smooth and easy. I put my 100% trust in this transaction and it came up trumps 🙏🏻
Everything that was described about my running shoes was correct, the size and fitting is the best I’ve ever had. I’ve had trouble with my feet ( bunions ) all my life, I could never find a pair that would completely fit me properly. I’ve tried so many brands and fittings, but these are the best I’ve ever ran in. For the very first time my feet finally feel happy and healthy. So i would like this opportunity to thank everyone at Runners Need for the best running shoes I’ve ever worn, I will definitely buy my next new pair from them. Thank you so much for describing them clearly and the images, making it so easy to measure my feet , and to make really sure they fit. I can’t stop smiling, my first run in them were out of this world, I definitely was flying, thanks to all the team at Runners Need you’ve made me so happy, loads of hugs and kisses, love from a very loyal customer Tracy 🫶🏻❤️ xxxx five stars every time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ xxxxx
P.S I wear a size 6.5, I always go up 1/2 a size, and they are a wide fit for my bunions 👍🏼 for all those runners who suffer like me, but no more I’ve got my new HOKA W CLIFTON WIDE YIPPEE.!!😆 🥳🙌🏻🏃🏼‍♀️xxxxxx

April 25, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Runners Need

Hi Tracy,

Thank you so much for your incredibly kind and heartfelt review. We’re absolutely thrilled to hear how happy you are with your new HOKA Clifton Wides! It means the world to us to know that we've helped make running more comfortable and enjoyable for you, especially after such a long search for the perfect fit. Your story is exactly why we do what we do.

We’ll be sure to pass your lovely feedback on to the wider team. We can’t wait to welcome you back for your next pair. Thank you again for your loyalty!

-Runners Need Team 🏃🏼‍♀️

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very knowledgeable and didn't try to…

Very knowledgeable and didn't try to just sell me any trainers, quite quickly found a pair that suited me perfectly and resolved the issues I was having. Actually transformed my running in the shop, it's made me excited to get out running again!

April 25, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Runners Need

Hi Ellen,

Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re so glad to hear that our team was able to find the perfect pair of trainers for you and help resolve your running issues.

We wish you all the best with your running and look forward to seeing you again soon!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Your staff are a real credit to your business in the Horsham store

Today we were helped in your Horsham store by the wonderful Daniella. She measured our feet and performed a gait analysis on the various shoes she recommended I try. She was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable and explained everything really well and answered all our questions in order to help us come to the decision of the right running shoe. I cannot rate her highly enough and she is a real credit to the store.

April 19, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Runners Need

Thank you very much for your kind review.
We're thrilled to hear you had a positive experience in our Horsham store and that you found the perfect pair of running shoes!
We truly appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back soon.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great service and expertise

I needed some proper guidance on new running shoes in preparation for an upcoming Ironman race. Rassa at the London Monument store was exactly who I needed - patient, knowledgeable, nothing was too much effort. I wouldn't normally take the time to write reviews like this but she was top draw!

April 9, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Runners Need

Thanks so much for taking the time to share this, Roger - we really appreciate it! We’re delighted to hear that Rassa at our Monument store was able to support you so well. We’ll make sure they see your kind words. Wishing you all the best in your Ironman race! 💪

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great experience couldn’t be happier

Used Runners Need for the 1st time today when I went into the Bluewater Store and couldn’t be happier. Both members of staff had customers when I arrived but I was almost immediately acknowledged and told I’d been seen to shortly, which I was. Connor was then very attentive, conducted my Gait Analysis, provided me with a range of shoes each 1 of which I tried on the treadmill. The process re affirmed what I pretty well knew already now corroborated with their tech. The result, 1 pair of incredibly comfortable running shoes and 1 very satisfied customer.

April 5, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Runners Need

Thanks for the great review, Dave! We’re really pleased to hear your first visit to Runners Need at Bluewater was such a positive one. Wishing you many comfortable miles ahead! 🏃‍♂️

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Womens Shoe Sizing!

I had specifically made the trip to the store looking to buy Saucony Womens Endorphin Pro 4’s I needed to try on both size 8.5 and 9 (which are available) to make sure I was buying the correct size rather than ordering online.

When I asked inshore to try these on, I was informed that Runners Need do not stock larger than a size 8 in women’s running trainers!!!!! And was informed that I would have to go online to another store to purchase these, and instead offered a mens version of the same shoes, which of course was no good to me! And also mens shoes don’t come in Magenta Pink.

Choosing not to stock larger sizes for women inshore when you do for men is simply discriminatory against women with larger feet.

As the average height of women is rising, their she sizes are of course rising with them!

I emailed this to Runners Need, and got this:

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We appreciate your feedback regarding the availability of women's shoe sizes in-store. While we strive to meet all customer needs, your input is invaluable in helping us improve our services. I will pass your feedback onto the relevant team so they are made aware of the problem you had in-store.

Which not only does not respond to the points made, it is an email template where they have changed a few words.

After a 140 mile round trip to go to the store, i am severely dissatisfied

Edit: 06/04/24: Still no response received after reply to this email!

March 22, 2025
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Thank you for your honest and detailed feedback. We’re genuinely sorry for the frustration and inconvenience caused by the limited in-store sizing options for women’s shoes.

You’ve raised a very valid point, and we completely understand how disappointing it must have been to travel such a distance only to find we couldn’t meet your needs. While we do offer extended sizes online, we recognise this isn’t always helpful for customers who need to try items on in-store-especially for something as personal as running shoes that you expect to last a long time.

We’ve shared your feedback directly with our buying and retail teams, as it highlights an important gap in how we cater for all customers. We appreciate you taking the time to raise this and are reviewing how we can better support women’s sizing needs across all stores.

If there’s anything we can do to help find the right shoes for you now, we’d be happy to assist- just let us know.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent service

Excellent service

March 22, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Runners Need

Thank you for your review! We look forward to welcoming you again soon

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Terrible Gait Analysis

Terrible Gait Analysis

Went into the London branch on Mercer Street Covent Garden for a gait analysis to get new shoes, as I had been through the process the year before to get trainers for my triathlon, but they were giving me arch blisters during my 2025 half marathon training. The 'expert' was extremely unhelpful, blamed the socks I was wearing for the blisters (I wear double layered running socks) and that the trainers I wear were the wrong size (they weren't, I had these recommended following my gait analysis the previous year). The only feedback I received was that I 'massively over-pronate' multiple times, but upon asking how I resolve this, they could not give me an answer. I was left alone to try on shoes, was not paid attention or given advice. I walked away with no shoes and a waste of £15. Would NOT recommend.

March 5, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Runners Need

Hi, we’re very sorry to hear about your experience. We would have liked to look into this further, but we haven’t received any of your contact information within the 3 days request period. If you’d like us to investigate, please do reach out to our customer service team—we’d be happy to assist.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Womens Asics kayano 31

Womens Asics kayano 31
purchased week ago. my previous ones were kayano 29 they were the most comfortable running shoes. so i wanted the same again. With the 31 i am very disappointed i bought my usual size. they feel much smaller. Toe box tighter. i would not reccomend. waste of money

February 28, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Runners Need

Hi,
Thank you for your recent feedback.
We have reached out requesting your information in order for us to investigate your review further. We are very sorry that we didn't hear back within the 3-day timeframe as we would have loved to resolve this for you.
If you would like us to look into this further please contact Customer Service at enquiries@cotswoldoutdoor.com

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Amazing Service

Phil in the Brighton Branch was simply amazing. He truly wanted to fully understand my running needs, took all the time required to ensure the shoes were the right ones. Amazing service.

March 6, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Runners Need

Thank you for your review. we look forward to welcoming you again soon.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great customer service after receiving…

Great customer service after receiving an item that wasn’t as expected!

February 28, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Runners Need

Thank you for your kind words! We're glad we could assist you and ensure you had a positive experience. If you ever need anything else, we’re always happy to help!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Sold me dirty heavily used trainers.

Absolutely disgusting. I went in for a gait analysis and the only recommendation was for the most expensive pair of trainers. I didn’t buy in store and decided to buy them online instead as my mind wasn’t fully made up at that point.

Once the trainers arrived I was so eager to go out there and get a good run in with a new pair of trainers which were recommended. As I unwrapped the box, the shoes were caked in mud all around the bottom and half way up the shoe. Gravel was lodged in between the grooves on the bottom of the shoes meaning that they hadn’t just been worn, they had been used, thoroughly. The tips of the trainers also stinking with mud.

I mean this is completely unacceptable, vile and utterly disgusting to be sold this? £180 for a pair of used trainers and they tried to tell me to go to the nearest store to return them? It would’ve cost me an arm and a leg to get to one of the nearest stores.

I’m completely lost for words how they tried to sell these to me. Don’t buy from here, go to renowned running shops instead.

February 20, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Runners Need

Hi, we’re very sorry to hear about your experience. All our shoes are thoroughly checked and sent out to the highest standard possible. We would have liked to look into this further, but we haven’t received any of your contact information within the 3 days request period. If you’d like us to investigate, please do reach out to our customer service team—we’d be happy to assist.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

AWFUL,AVOID!!


I went into the Cardiff store for a gait analysis as I had been having pain in my shins and hips when running. I was informed I had over pronation and bought the ON Cloud Runner 2 shoes. Since buying these shoes, the pain in my shins is much worse.
I have had these shoes all of a week and tried to contact the store to see if they could help. The person I spoke to on the phone had a disgusting attitude and said ‘there’s nothing we can do as you’ve worn them, sell them on Vinted’. When trying these shoes in the store I wasn’t even asked to go back on the treadmill, just to wear them around the shop.

Absolutely disgusting attitude having spent a lot of money on these shoes and just want to find the right ones. Seems as though if you have any issues with the shoes, they don’t want to know. I’m now left unable to run because of the pain in my shins.

February 16, 2025
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi there,

Thanks so much for taking the time to feed back on your recent experience in one of our stores; I'm sorry that this wasn't a positive one for you.

We have relayed your feedback to the store's management for review and we will contact you personally if we receive an update from them.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Poor service if you have an issue

I bought a pair of Hoka shoes in October and the soles failed after light use.

The staff in the local store were confident in telling me that they would be able to assist as they had recently dealt with a similar problem on the same shoe.

However Customer Support was terrible - after receiving the shoe they closed the case without contacting me - the shoe was in near perfect condition (apart from the defect) and refused to contact Hoka on my behalf.

In store a sign states that they have a 1 year fair wear and tear (the shoe was 3-months in and barely worn).

On the upside after I contacted Hoka directly - they were so quick to help and replace the shoes … something I would have expected the retailer to do on my behalf as part of the customer service for an expensive running shoe.

-Final update - The customer service team did follow up on my review and were keen to try and remedy once I had made a formal complaint on Trust pilot.

The team were keen to respond and offered me a voucher … this roughly equated to the postage to return the trainers directly to Hoka, but still demonstrates a much keener interest in maintaining review ratings then was demonstrated to address a genuine complaint.

January 28, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Runners Need

Hi Rebecca,

Thank you for sharing your experience. While we're pleased to hear that Hoka was able to resolve this for you, we’re sorry that we couldn’t do the same. This isn’t the level of service we strive for, and we’re looking into our processes internally to ensure we’re fully supporting our customers.

We appreciate your feedback and the opportunity to improve. If there’s anything further we can do, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

They are more expensive than most shops…

They are more expensive than most shops and now charge £7 for delivery. Most expensive delivery i have heard of even paid less international.

February 19, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Runners Need

Thank you for your feedback. We understand that pricing, including delivery costs, is an important consideration. Our delivery charges reflect the quality and reliability of our service, ensuring your order reaches you safely and efficiently.

We regularly review our pricing to stay competitive while maintaining the high standards our customers expect. We appreciate your support and hope to serve you again in the future!

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