Best Running Store in Kansas City | The Running Well Store

Kansas City, we have big news! The Running Event just named The Running Well Store a 2026 Best Running Store, and this marks our ninth time earning the title. So what makes us the best running store in Kansas City? In short, it's our GURUs.

The Best Running Store in Kansas City, Nine Times Over

We first made the list in 2013. After that, we won again in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025, and now 2026. That adds up to three straight years and nine Best Running Store awards overall.

This December, GURUs Chris and Lauren will travel to San Antonio for The Running Event, he biggest trade show in the running industry. While they're there, they'll accept the award on behalf of our entire team. 

Why Chris and Lauren ?

There are three parts to The Best Running Stores award: public nomination, Store Application and the Mystery Shopper reviews.  Chris and Lauren were our Gurus who were mystery shopped. Chris and Lauren took care of those shoppers without knowing it. That's exactly why they're the ones heading to San Antonio.

First, Chris helped a shopper looking for running shoes. That shopper rated the overall experience a perfect 10 out of 10. In fact, they gave top marks for feeling like a valued guest, for expert product knowledge, and for a truly personalized fitting. They also said they felt "totally relaxed and supported," with no pressure to buy. 

In their final comments, the mystery shopper wrote, "I had a terrific visit. The customer service was outstanding." They also noticed that Chris explained our exchange policy and tucked a card in the shoe box, just in case.

Next, Lauren helped a shopper looking for socks on a very busy day. Even though a crowd filled the store, the shopper said Lauren greeted them and helped right away. Then she checked the back room for a color they wanted and suggested other options when it wasn't in stock. She even pulled up their online profile to find a sock similar to one we had discontinued. As the shopper put it, "Overall a great experience."

Of course, neither Chris nor Lauren knew a secret shopper was watching. Instead, they simply did what every GURU does every day. In the end, that's the whole point: the best running store shows up the same way for every customer, every time. Chris and Lauren are a part of a culture that is about putting customers first. 

What It Takes to Earn Best Running Store Honors

You can't buy your way onto this list. In fact, it all starts with runners. This year, runners submitted more than 8,300 nominations from 49 states. Together, those nominations covered nearly 270 run specialty stores across the country.

Next, every nominated store completed a detailed evaluation. It covered employee benefits, inclusivity, sustainability, community engagement, and innovative business practices. Then the organizers chose the Top 100 stores, and secret shoppers visited each one twice. Above all, those shoppers focused on human interaction and the in-store experience.

Because the final test came down to how we treat real people, this award means the world to us. After all, nobody fakes their way into being the best running store. Instead, you earn it in real conversations, real fittings, and real moments with real runners.

Our GURUs Make Us the Best Running Store

At The Running Well Store, you won't find "sales associates." Instead, you'll find GURUs, and they're the real reason we keep winning. We train every GURU to understand how you move, what you need, and which shoe fits your body and your goals.

Here's what happens when you visit:

• Listen first. We start with your goals, your history, and your why.
• Watch you move. Next, our gait analysis shows how your feet and body work when you walk and run.
• Fit you properly. A GURU checks length, width, volume, and feel, not just your usual size.
• Let you test drive. Then you try several options and actually run in them before you decide.
• Stay with you after. Finally, if a blister, a hot spot, or a race question pops up, we're here.

That's The Run Well Way. It's also why so many Kansas City runners trust us with every mile.

The GURUs Behind the Scenes

Of course, not every GURU works the sales floor, so this award belongs to our behind-the-scenes team too. For example, our buyers make sure the right shoes and sizes sit on our shelves. Meanwhile, our ecommerce and marketing team makes online shopping easy and keeps you connected to the local running community. In addition, our operations team keeps three stores running smoothly every single day. Our leadership team, too, works hard to build a workplace where every GURU feels supported, valued, and empowered.

A secret shopper might see one great fitting. However, what they really see is an entire team working together to be the best running store it can be.

Visit the Best Running Store Near You

Searching for the best running store near you? If you live in the Kansas City area, you have three great options. Each location offers the same expert fittings and the same friendly GURUs.

• Barry Road: serving the Northland
• Lee's Summit: serving eastern Jackson County
• Mission: serving Johnson County

We're "The Place for Every Pace." So whether you're training for your first 5K, chasing a Boston qualifier, walking for your health, or standing all day at work, you'll get the same expert care. Book a fitting today.

Can't Make It In? Shop Our Kansas City Running Store Online

We'll be honest: nothing beats an in-store fitting. After all, a GURU who watches you move, checks your fit, and sees you run in a few pairs will always get you the best result.

Still, we know life gets busy. Maybe you're between training blocks, traveling, or just can't get to a store this week. That's why we built an online experience that brings the best running store experience right to you.

• Take our Fit Finder Quiz. Answer a few questions about how and where you run, and we'll recommend shoes that match your needs. It uses the same questions our GURUs ask in store.
• Shop our full online store. Browse top running and walking shoes, apparel, and gear anytime.
• Enjoy free shipping on orders over $100. Since most running shoes qualify on their own, we can ship what you need right to your door.

Besides, our GURUs are still here to help while you shop online. Then, when you're ready, come see us in store so we can dial in your fit even further.

What This Award Means for Kansas City Runners

Independent run specialty stores are the heart of local running. In fact, we host group runs, support local races, help new runners find their footing, and know our customers by name. As a result, awards like this prove that expert, personal service still matters. Above all, it shows that Kansas City is home to a true Best Running Store.

Thank You, Kansas City

To every runner and walker who nominated us, shopped with us, ran with us, and trusted our GURUs with your feet: thank you. This award belongs to you too. So come celebrate with us at the best running store in Kansas City, and meet the team that made it happen.

Find your nearest store, book a fitting, or take our Fit Finder Quiz. Curious about the other winners? You can also browse the Best Running Stores past winners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best running store in Kansas City?

The Running Well Store has earned Best Running Store honors from The Running Event nine times, including 2026. As a result, many local runners consider it the best running store in Kansas City.

How do I find the best running store near me?

Look for a run specialty store that offers gait analysis, expert fittings, and a wide range of brands. Also, check for national recognition like the Best Running Stores award. In the Kansas City area, The Running Well Store checks every box at Barry Road, Lee's Summit, and Mission.

Where can I get fitted for running shoes in Kansas City?

The Running Well Store offers expert shoe fittings and gait analysis at three Kansas City area locations: Barry Road, Lee's Summit, and Mission.

What is a GURU at The Running Well Store?

GURUs are our trained team members. They guide customers through personalized fittings, gait analysis, and product recommendations for running and walking.

What is the Best Running Stores award?

The Running Event, the run specialty industry's largest trade show, presents the award each year. First, customers nominate stores. Next, each store completes an evaluation, and finally secret shoppers visit the top contenders before the organizers announce the winners.

Can I buy running shoes online from The Running Well Store?

Yes! We offer online shopping with free shipping on orders over $100. We also offer an online Fit Finder Quiz that recommends shoes based on how and where you run.

Do I need to be a runner to shop with you?

Not at all. We fit walkers, beginners, people who stand all day for work, and anyone who wants their feet to feel better. After all, we're the place for every pace.