The best running stores in Illinois
Ranked by real customers — rating weighted by review volume across 17,399 Google reviews. Only shops with 25+ reviews qualify. Updated 2026.
#1 Road Runner Sports
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,001 reviews · Kildeer, IL
Specializing in running shoes, this chain also sells activewear, fitness gear & nutrition products.
“Great service from Jake & staff. Wonderful shoe options. I must've tried 20 pairs on. Purchased custom insoles & their VIP plan yesterday. Highly recommend to everyone. Leave there…” — Christopher
#2 Fleet Feet Bloomington
4.9 ★★★★★ 745 reviews · Bloomington, IL
Retail chain stocking athletic shoes, apparel & accessories geared toward runners.
“We stopped here to get fitted for some running shoes and wow this place really knows what they are doing. From Fancy equipment the map and scan your feet to sales people who are on…” — Mike
#3 Road Runner Sports
4.7 ★★★★★ 945 reviews · Wilmette, IL
Specializing in running shoes, this chain also sells activewear, fitness gear & nutrition products.
“The VIP program is excellent! I had a problem with my new shoes, a brand I’ve used for years, within two months of wearing them.. I returned them back to the store for a new pair a…” — Julie
#4 Road Runner Sports
4.7 ★★★★★ 934 reviews · Naperville, IL
Specializing in running shoes, this chain also sells activewear, fitness gear & nutrition products.
“Always extremely knowledgeable and very helpful staff. I work in a hospital, on my feet 8 to 10 hours straight. I've never worn shoes as comfortable as those I found at RR Sports. …” — Erich
#5 Commonwealth Running Company
4.7 ★★★★★ 923 reviews · Evanston, IL
Local running store with men's and women's shoes, apparel, and accessories plus gait analyses.
“The young staff was engaged and wonderful. Really listened to what I needed the shoes for, my foot build etc. I ended up getting 2 pair of shoes, they brought me 10 different pair …” — Carrie
#6 Big River Footwear Co
4.8 ★★★★★ 627 reviews · Lombard, IL
Chain retailer stocking house-brand athletic footwear, apparel & accessories for all ages.
“I can not say enough positive things about my experience at Big River Footwear. Cordelia was not only a tremendous help and provided my daughter and I with useful knowledge, but sh…” — Mrs.
#7 RC Outfitters
4.8 ★★★★★ 533 reviews · Peoria, IL
Laid-back store for running shoes plus fitness apparel and gear. Friendly staff.
“I am in my early 60s and over weight recovering from surgery. A family member took me too RC to get the proper shoes for me prior to a trip. I was treated with so much respect and …” — Roger
#8 Naperville Running Company
4.9 ★★★★★ 454 reviews · Naperville, IL
Customer-focused destination for running shoes, plus fitness and racing gear.
“Naperville Running Company is hands-down one of the best specialty shops in the entire area. The staff here genuinely know what they’re doing, and you feel it the second you walk i…” — Jonathan
#9 Fleet Feet Lincoln Square
4.7 ★★★★★ 543 reviews · Chicago, IL
Running store providing shoes, socks and fitness gear. Friendly staff are on hand to fit you for the ideal footwear, and help with training.
“I had a great experience at Fleet Feet. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and really took the time to help me find exactly what I needed without any pressure. The whole proces…” — Mahdi
#10 Big River Footwear Co
4.7 ★★★★★ 539 reviews · Orland Park, IL
Chain retailer stocking house-brand athletic footwear, apparel & accessories for all ages.
“I was referred here by my sister in law after purchasing running shoes for her daughter, a collegiate athlete. I decided to give it a try since I am starting to take walking/joggin…” — Sansom