If you’re getting into running, you’ll need some proper running gear. We’ve featured 10 top running stores in Illinois below for your perusal.
1. Running Excels
Running Excels is one of Chicago’s most well-known and beloved hometown running staples. Running Excels is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, from 10 a.m. to six p.m. on Fridays, closes an hour earlier on Saturdays, and is only open from 12-4 p.m. on Sundays.
Running Excels is a specialty running store focusing on running shoes, clothing, and accessories that began in July 2016. You’ll also find Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday group runs/walks, a kids’ running club, and a staff that genuinely loves running more than anything else on Earth.
To reach out, head to Running Excels’ contact page.
2. Heartbreak Hill Running Company
Heartbreak Hill Running Company specializes in keeping your heart healthy and good to go despite the name’s implication! Heartbreak Hill is a well-known name in Massachusetts and, over the past couple of years, has found fame in Chicago, too. They’re open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Heartbreak Hill Running Company carries many types of running gear and accessories. You’ll find all of the apparel you could need (hot or cold weather-related), best-known brands (Nike, Adidas, Asics, etc.), and incredibly knowledgeable staff.
For more information, head to Heartbreak Hill Chicago’s contact page.
3. Fleet Feet
Fleet Feet is a well-known name in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area. They have seven locations littered across Illinois, and each brings a wide selection of running gear. Fleet Feet Chicago (Lakeview) is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
You’ll find gear for women and men alike in all of the most expected brands (Nike, Adidas) at Fleet Feet. They also have a training program, a time proven “fit process” to find the best running gear for you, and passionate staff. What more could you need?
To find your store (and fit), head to Fleet Feet’s contact page.
4. DNA Active Lifestyle Outfitters
The runners based in Plainfield already know the next store on this list. If you’re a local to the surrounding towns, you know that it’s near-impossible to find a quality running store, assuming you don’t go to DNA Active Lifestyle Outfitters. DNA Active is a footwear and apparel store with a broad range of gear. They’re open from 10 a.m to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Whether you need running shoes, moisture-wicking clothing, or just to talk to people who love to run, DNA (short for Dave n’ Andy, the owners) is one of the best shops to find each. They’ve been open since 2005 and have developed a commitment to bettering their community through a trash pickup program in which they remove 3 pounds of trash for every online purchase.
To find your fit, go to DNA Active Lifestyle Outfitters’ contact page.
5. PUMA
PUMA is a name that needs no introduction. PUMA’s Aurora location is one of the best running stores in the area, if only due to the incredible selection on offer. As an outlet store for a major franchise, you’ll find excellent customer service, a massive clothing range, and knowledgeable staff. PUMA Aurora is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and is open for an extra hour on Fridays and Saturdays.
You’ll find men’s, women’s, and children’s activewear at PUMA, ranging from running shoes and clothing to motorsport clothing. You can rest assured that PUMA’s running gear will perform with excellence for years to come, no matter what you need.
To find out more, head to PUMA’s contact page.
6. New Balance
And yet another well-known name, this time it’s New Balance Naperville! Don’t try to tell me otherwise – you know New Balance. They’re some of the most famous running shoes on the market! New Balance Naperville is open from 10 to 6 p.m. every day except Sundays, when they’re open from 11 to 5 p.m.
You’ll find all of the standard clothing here – running shoes, moisture-wicking clothing, inserts for shoes, and much more. In short, if you need a proven brand with reliability in every seam, New Balance is likely your best bet.
To find out more, head to New Balance’s Naperville contact page.
7. Naperville Running Company South
Naperville Running Company’s name rather says it all, doesn’t it? They are Naperville’s local first stop shop for running gear. And their philanthropic efforts bring “gently used” athletic shoes to those in serious need regularly. Naperville Running Company is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day of the week except Sundays when they’re open from 12-4 p.m.
You’ll find running shoes for the whole family as well as basic shoes, activewear, gear for the most dedicated runners, and more. And best of all, Naperville Running Company is staffed by non-competitive runners like parents and your average Joes, ensuring you won’t feel under-experienced coming in the doors.
To learn more, go to Naperville Running Company’s contact page.
8. Road Runner Sports
Road Runner Sports is another well-known local name in Illinois. Naperville’s Road Runner is a great location to find a little bit of everything for the whole family and carries a broad selection for just about everyone. They’re open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday and close an hour earlier on Saturday/Sunday.
You’ll find all of the usual suspects at Road Runner Sports. They’ve got running shoes for the whole family, activewear and supporting gear, and a highly experienced staff that will find the fit for you. So stop on in and get the best running gear around for a solid price at Road Runner Sports!
For further inquiries, head to Road Runner Sports’ contact page.
9. Runner’s Image
Runner’s Image is Rockford’s premier running store. They are incredibly active both in terms of running (duh) and in their community, making them a great choice if you want to support local businesses. Runner’s Image is open from 2-7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, and closed on Sunday-Monday.
They carry a wide range of the usual gear: activewear, running shoes and accouterments, and they even offer fun runs, events, and training programs for burgeoning runners. If you want a local, friendly place to chitchat about running and its finer points, Runner’s Image is the best spot in Rockford to do so.
To learn more, head to Runner’s Image’s contact page.
10. The Athletes’ Foot
Don’t let the name fool you; The Athletes’ Foot is one of the best running/sneaker spots in Joliet. Founded with a goal to bring style to the running scene, The Athletes’ Foot is the destination for activewear that will catch attention and show your personal style. They’re open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. across the board.
You’ll find a unique set of gear on offer here. Rather than the usual essential activewear and shoes, you’ll find a combination of running gear, shoes, and sport-meets-style clothing that simply isn’t found elsewhere. And The Athletes’ Foot makes a major effort to encourage sustainable practices, which is always great to see.
To find your fit, head to The Athletes’ Foot’s contact page.
