Runners Need Reviews 760

TrustScore 3 out of 5

3.2

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Review summary

Based on reviews, created with AI

Most reviewers were somewhat happy with their experience overall. Many customers appreciate the staff's knowledge and helpfulness, especially during gait analysis and shoe selection, leading to positive in-store experiences. People often find the guidance provided by employees valuable in choosing suitable products, and the service in physical stores is frequently highlighted as excellent. However, some people were dissatisfied with the delivery service, with numerous complaints about delayed or lost "next-day" deliveries and issues with courier tracking. There are also instances where customers reported issues with product quality or condition upon arrival, and some report a lack of interest or poor retail skills from certain staff members in stores.

What people talk about most

Product

Reviewers mention ambiguous feedback about the product. While some customers praise the helpful gait analysis... See more

Staff

People report positive experiences with staff, highlighting their knowledge, patience, and helpfulness.... See more

Delivery service

Customers consistently express significant dissatisfaction with the delivery service. Many reviewers report... See more

Retail

Customers had ambiguous experiences with retail. While some reviewers praised in-store experiences,... See more

Service

Reviewers highlight ambiguous aspects of service. Many customers praise the knowledgeable and patient staff,... See more

Based on these reviews

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Delivery never arrived. I ordered a new pair of racers expecting them on Tuesday. It's now Friday and there's been no movement from Evri. I decided I'd rather get the refund than spend my life checkin... See more

Company replied

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 5 out of 5 stars

My girlfriend and I visited the Brighton store this weekend to get a better idea of which ASICS running shoes to go for and to figure out sizing. Chris, who helped us in-store, was absolutely brillia... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I visited the Cardiff store today for a gait analysis and was welcomed by the very knowledgable Ryan. A runner himself, he performed the gait analysis easily, and recommended 4 different shoes. He w... See more

Company replied


Company details


Contact info

3.2

Average

TrustScore 3 out of 5

760 reviews

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

Replied to 94% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 48 hours

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I placed an order for HOKA shorts and a…

I placed an order for HOKA shorts and a top with runnersneed. The top arrived quickly via EVRI but from there things went downhill. The shorts were missing and never delivered. I have gone through a process of communication with runnersneed which has been frustrating and time consuming mainly due to they never reply. I eventually returned the top and was advised that a refund would be processed for both items. To date I have received nothing and am £102 out of pocket. I would not recommend this company.

24 March 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Birthday offer not all it's cracked up to be

Received a birthday offer of 20% off but when I went to use it in store, I discovered a min spend of £100 was needed. This is poor given other companies like ASICS and Sportshoes send similar offers with no min spend. In order to retain customers in a competitive market, it would be good to see more accessible offers. I appreciate some very high priced items may need to be excluded (which ASICS do) but at least let me spend say £30 in store and get something back

14 April 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Used shoes delivered


I ordered running shoes online from Runners Need. The shoes obviously were used when they arrived. I had to visit their shop to return. However, the substantial online delivery charge wasn't refunded, which they should have, as it was their fault.

Plus, my cost to go to their shop and 2 hours spent in the process.

Avoid ordering online from them.

10 April 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Sent me dirty, hairy, second hand shoes and then refused to communicate.

I bought two pairs of trainers on sale. Firstly, the delivery was delayed, but that happens sometimes. Then, when the shoes were delivered, one pair were clearly second hand/had been worn as the soles were marked and there was hair and dirt inside the shoe.

I tried to contact Runners Need four times at various email addresses with pictures from 28th March to 2nd April and received no response. It was only when I threatened a chargeback with my bank that they eventually responded. They offered a return and refund or £10 off (this was on a £130 pair of trainers, on sale at £99), which I felt was poor for having delivered me a pair of trainers with someone else's hair in them.

I asked for a return and an exchange for the same shoes, size and colour, at the sale price, highlighting that this was showing as low in stock on the website so asking for this to be done quickly so I didn't miss out on the sale price. I've still not heard back. The shoes are now out of stock on their website, so I assume I have missed out due to the severe delays in response time.

I won't use Runners Need again, just not worth it for the poor service.

28 March 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great purchase at Mercer St Covent…

Great purchase at Mercer St Covent Garden. Kenzie was so nice, knowledgeable and really helpful in making the choice of running shoes plus insoles which I hadn’t considered before. As a novice this help is hugely valuable in what can be a confusing and risky choice on injury. A definite recommendation to visit

31 March 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Runners Need in Camden were great

Runners Need in Camden were great. The gait analysis was helpful and I was helped for over an hour to find the right trainers. The assistant was patient, knowledgeable and I didn't feel pressured.

31 March 2026
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi,

Thank you for your great review!

We’re delighted to hear you had such a positive experience in our Camden store. It’s fantastic to know the gait analysis was helpful and that the team took the time to support you in finding the right trainers without any pressure.

We really appreciate your feedback and hope you enjoy your new shoes!

Kind regards,
The Runners Need Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great help and knowledge!

Ting helped me, I’m so so pleased I came into the store! She did my gait on the treadmill (which I didn’t know they did), recommended a different shoe, and in 2 sizes bigger than what I had asked for when I came in, and taught me so much about how to tie laces and totally different socks to help me run my first marathon. Would highly recommend her over and over again! Thank you!

31 March 2026
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi Silvia,

Thank you for your fantastic review!

We’re delighted to hear you had such a positive experience and that Ting was able to support you with a thorough gait analysis and expert advice. It’s great to know she helped you find the right fit and shared useful tips to support your marathon training.

Best of luck with your first marathon, and thank you again for your recommendation!

Kind regards,
The Runners Need Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I placed my order 7 days ago and still…

I placed my order 7 days ago and still not received the package. I paid extra for delivery but it's more than a week and no sign of my purchased item and no communication…

31 March 2026
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi Binu,

We’re very sorry to hear about your experience and the delay with your order.

We can confirm that your item has been shipped from one of our stores, which can sometimes add additional time to the delivery process. However, we appreciate this wasn’t communicated clearly and understand how frustrating the lack of updates has been.

If you haven’t already, please contact our customer service team with your order details so we can provide a more detailed update.

We’re very sorry again for the delay.

Kind regards,
The Runners Need Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Paid £15 gait analysis results not to be sent

Paid £15 for a gait analysis to never receive the results. Have emailed twice with no response. Called the store I went to and they said they could not help further. I would like to either receive my results or a refund of the £15.

25 March 2026
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi Sarah,

We’re very sorry to hear about your experience.

We understand how frustrating it is to not receive your gait analysis results, especially after paying for the service, and we apologise for the lack of response to your emails.

We can confirm that our customer service team is currently looking into this and has been in contact with the store to investigate what has happened. They will be in touch with you as soon as possible with an update.

We’re sorry again for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience while this is being resolved.

Kind regards,
The Runners Need Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Order never arrived, customer service completely unresponsive

I placed an order on a Sunday, paying for next-day delivery. One week later, the parcel has still not arrived.

What has made this experience truly disappointing is the utter lack of response from Runners Need: I sent two emails — no reply. I tried the live chat — nobody picked up the thread. It is as though the customer simply does not exist once the payment has gone through.

I have shopped with running specialists before and I am well aware that occasional delays happen. What is not acceptable is the silence. A simple acknowledgement would have gone a long way.

As things stand, I am actively considering raising this with a consumer protection association or the relevant authorities, as I appear to have no other avenue left.

I would genuinely welcome a resolution and I am open to updating this review should Runners Need choose to engage. Until then, I cannot in good conscience recommend this retailer.

22 March 2026
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi Alessandro,

We’re very sorry to hear about your experience and the frustration caused, particularly around the lack of communication.

We understand how disappointing it is when a next-day delivery does not arrive as expected, and we also apologise that you did not receive timely responses from our customer service team. This is not the level of service we aim to provide.

We can confirm your email is already with our customer service team, who will be able to investigate the issue and work towards getting this resolved for you.

We’re very sorry again for the inconvenience caused and appreciate you taking the time to bring this to our attention.

Kind regards,
The Runners Need Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Chris was great!

My girlfriend and I visited the Brighton store this weekend to get a better idea of which ASICS running shoes to go for and to figure out sizing. Chris, who helped us in-store, was absolutely brilliant. He was incredibly knowledgeable and patient, taking the time to clearly explain the differences between the shoes and offer thoughtful suggestions. There was no pressure at all—just genuinely great service. It made the whole experience easy and enjoyable. We’ll definitely be back.

28 March 2026
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi Pete,

Thank you for your fantastic review!

We’re delighted to hear you and your girlfriend had such a positive experience in our Brighton store. It’s great to know Chris provided knowledgeable, patient, and pressure-free service while helping you find the right shoes.

We’ll be sure to pass your kind feedback on to him.

Thanks again for sharing your experience, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!

The Runners Need Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I would give this place negative 5…

I would give this place negative 5 stars if I could. I will never be returning to this brand to make a purchase. I knew in my bones and my gut instinct that I should've just bought the shoes directly from Brooks & will do from now on!

The customer service is ABYSMAL, i reported the delivery that never turned up on the same day. I was then told some run around nonsense about their policy that it takes them 7 days to investigate these matters. Meanwhile Evri did a separate investigation into the delivery which had a delivery photo that didn't match anywhere in my area, a GPS not matching my address and told me within 48 hours they lost my parcel!

Did customer care help then? No! Of course not because it hadn't been "7 working days" and other rubbish they were saying. Such a useless waste of my time to have to keep contacting them & never did i ever receive a SINGLE communication from them without me instigating it which is honestly the worst part.

How bad must your customer service systems be for me to have to be the only person who reaches out to solve a mistake YOU made? 12 days later I had to reach out to the brand again to demand a refund for a parcel the courier said to me in writing was lost 10 days prior.

Worst experience I've had in all my life.
AVOID AVOID AVOID.

16 March 2026
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi,

We’re really sorry to hear about your experience and the frustration this has caused.

We understand how disappointing this must have been, especially after the parcel was confirmed as lost by the courier. While we do have to follow an investigation process before issuing a refund, we appreciate how this felt unnecessarily prolonged in your case.

We can confirm that your refund has now been processed. We also apologise for the lack of proactive communication — you should not have had to chase this repeatedly.

Your feedback has been noted and will be shared internally as we review both our processes and communication.

We’re very sorry again for the inconvenience caused.

The Runners Need Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Zero response from customer service

It is 2 weeks later and I have still not received my 'next day' delivery. Also impossible to speak to anyone online and runners need/Cotswold outdoors do not reply to the email address listed on their contact us page. Will have to do a chargeback given zero response to my request for a refund.

26 March 2026
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi Colin,

Thank you for sharing your feedback. We would really love an opportunity to put things right and had reached out via Trustpilot to request more information so we could look into this further. Unfortunately, we didn’t hear back within the 3-day timeframe that Trustpilot operates.

If you still need assistance, you’re very welcome to contact us directly at enquiries@runnersneed.com, where one of our agents will be happy to help.

Kind regards,
The Runners Need Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Recent store visit

I went into the Port Solent store after a proper awful experience in the hedge end store I was greeted on entry and started the gate analysis. Luke was dealing with me who was very professional and helpful. We did the gate analysis and he showed me all different details and how AI is tracked my body and different paths of running it also specified what injuries I currently have which were correct. Luke then spent the next 30 minutes trying to get me a pair of running trainers which we successfully did and I now have brought a new pair and fingers crossed everything will be okay.

22 March 2026
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi James,

Thank you for your review.

We’re really pleased to hear you had such a positive experience in our Port Solent store, and that Luke was able to support you with a thorough gait analysis and help you find the right trainers. It’s great to know he took the time to explain everything clearly and guide you through the process.

We’re sorry to hear about your earlier experience in the Southampton store, but we’re glad the team at Port Solent were able to turn things around for you.

Wishing you all the best with your new trainers!

Kind regards,
The Runners Need Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Cardiff gait analysis and new running shoes

I visited the Cardiff store today for a gait analysis and was welcomed by the very knowledgable Ryan. A runner himself, he performed the gait analysis easily, and recommended 4 different shoes. He was patient while I decided on the best option for me and offered good sound advice. Would recommend for service given and choice of shoes.

25 March 2026
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi Shan,

Thank you for your great review!

We’re delighted to hear you had such a positive experience in our Cardiff store. It’s fantastic to know Ryan’s knowledge and personal running experience helped guide you through the gait analysis and find the right shoes.

Thanks again for your recommendation, and we hope you enjoy your new running shoes!

Kind regards,
The Runners Need Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

A 50-minute phone queue for a "Size-Based" technicality

I bought trainers in-store for £140, only to find them on the Runners Need website for £99. While the store staff were willing to help, I was told the price-match refund had to be handled via Customer Service as I couldn't return to the shop immediately.
What followed was a 50-minute phone ordeal. After nearly an hour on hold, I was told the refund would only be £30, not £40. The reason? Because my specific size wasn't currently "in stock" on their website at that exact moment.
It is the same shoe, the same model, and the same company. To use a temporary stock fluctuation as a reason to ignore your own price-match guarantee is a desperate attempt to squeeze customers.
My wife handles professional crises for a living, and even she was stunned by how unnecessarily difficult this company makes a simple task. I’ll be making the journey back to the store for a full refund instead. Save the templated "we value your feedback" reply—the 50-minute wait and the "size" excuses told me everything I need to know about how you value customers.

23 March 2026
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi Jason,

We're sorry to hear about your experience and the frustration caused, and apologise for the extended wait time you experienced when contacting our customer service team.

Our price match policy does require that the exact item, including size, is available at the lower price at the time of the request. More information on the terms of the price match promise are available on our website - https://help.runnersneed.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360018726059-Price-Match-Promise-Terms-and-Conditions.

We’re sorry again for the inconvenience caused.

Kind regards,
The Runners Need Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic service at the Clifton branch…

Fantastic service at the Clifton branch yesterday. Highly knowledgeable and non pushy retail team.

21 March 2026
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi Lisa,

Thank you for your great review!

We’re so pleased to hear you had a fantastic experience at our Clifton store. It’s great to know the team provided a knowledgeable and pressure-free service — exactly what we aim for.

We’ll be sure to pass your feedback on to them.

Thanks again for sharing your experience!

The Runners Need Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I went to the Bristol Clifton branch of…

I went to the Bristol Clifton branch of runners need having a rough idea of what may suit me. I spoke with one of the lads in the shop ( I forgot his name sorry! It may have been Dougie or the lad working with him) and he was amazing. He had so much knowledge and was patient with me explaining features and suggested a few different pairs of shoes. He got me on the treadmill to test them and talked me through what mattered. Would recommend them again! I was in the shop on Friday 20th march in the afternoon. I hope the lads get some recognition!

20 March 2026
Unprompted review
Runners Need logo

Reply from Runners Need

Hi Liam,

Thank you so much for your fantastic review!

We’re really pleased to hear you had such a positive experience in our Bristol Clifton store. It’s great to know the team took the time to guide you through the options, explain everything clearly, and help you find the right shoes.

We’ve shared your feedback with the Store Manager and Regional Manager so the team working that afternoon can get the recognition they deserve.

Thanks again for your recommendation — we hope to see you again soon!

The Runners Need Team

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