If you're searching for the best places to buy running shoes, you've come to the right place.
Based on the selection, return policies, and, perhaps most important of all, how easy they are to use, we've put together a list of our favourite online stores for picking up some of the best running shoes available now.
With not all running shoes being the same, we've made sure to cover an array of different locations to help you find the right trainers for different styles, including trails, road, and marathon running.
So whether you're looking for some standout track spikes, like these Nike Air Zoom Maxflys, or you're after a top pair of marathon shoes, we've got you covered.
We've also answered some of the most frequently asked questions regarding sneaker stores, like what to do when the shoes you want are sold out, to help make sure you're getting the right running shoes for you. With that in mind, here's our list of the best places to buy running shoes...
Best places to buy running shoes
click to enlargeNew Balance
Since New Balance has been a leading sportswear brand for over 100 years, its website isn't short of a number of great running shoes for you to choose from like some of the best CrossFit shoes around.
Simply click on the running tab and you'll find an eclectic mix of trainers for every type of surface including road, track, and trail.
You can also take this a step further by filtering by specific collections, styles, and even new arrivals if you want to find the latest and most technologically advanced shoes the brand has to offer.
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In terms of its returns policy, you get 30-days to send back your item(s) for free if you're not 100% happy with your purchase. Keep in mind though that worn item(s) will not be refunded.
On the whole, New Balance looks to be a particularly great and intuitive store to navigate and is even home to what we believe to be some of the best running shoes under 100 pounds or dollars available right now.
click to enlargeNike
We've previously featured Nike as one of our best places to buy sneakers around, so it may come as no surprise we're including the American sportswear brand again here.
What we like about the Nike store, in particular, is that it is incredibly easy to use. From the homepage, you can quickly navigate to all of the running shoes it has to offer via the collections drop-down menu.
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Once there, you can then choose the style of trainers you're looking for, including some of the best Dunks, for example, to help you figure out what exactly it is you're after, which is key when searching for a suitable pair of marathon shoes specifically.
You also get one of the best returns policies we've seen, with the brand offering you 60 days (or 30 if you're from the UK) to return most items upon receiving your order, helping to make it one of the best places to buy running shoes right now.
click to enlargeStockX
If you stumble across a pair of sneakers you like but find they're out of stock, then we'd recommend checking out the resale market at StockX as the site offers a wide range of second-hand apparel and highly sought-after footwear.
Although you may associate the site as being one of the best places to buy Jordans, Dunks, or sneakers in general, you can also find a great selection of running shoes there as well under the site's running subcategory.
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Unfortunately, the website doesn't currently accept returns, but the company does recommend reselling your shoes through them if you're not 100% happy with your purchase.
Returns aside, we believe StockX is definitely worth checking out if your favourite running shoes are no longer available through retail.
click to enlargeThe Running Outlet
The Running Outlet looks to be the perfect place for you to pick up a new pair of track shoes as it has a varied selection of spikes and racers from top brands such as adidas, New Balance, and Nike.
You can easily navigate to the collection via the running shoes drop-down menu followed by clicking the spikes and racing tab.
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Not only that, but the company offers free returns up to 30 days after receiving your order, with some exceptions made around the holiday period due to the influx of gifts being returned.
All in all, we feel The Running Outlet is well worth considering as your next place to buy running shoes, particularly if you're after a top pair of track spikes.
click to enlargeSports Shoes
A good pair of trail running shoes can be tricky to find at times, but the Sports Shoes website looks as though it can make your search a little easier.
There are several ways to filter down to the trails subsection. For example, you can either select trial shoes via the running drop-down, or you can visit the trail sneakers via the site's specialty stores category.
The website also has a handy advice section that includes a running shoe finder to help you pick out the perfect trainers for your specific workout style.
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To top things off, the company has an incredible returns policy, allowing up to 100 days of you receiving your item(s) to send them back as long as they're intact and undamaged.
Overall, Sports Shoes looks to be a standout site with an exceptional selection of trail shoes and some of the best winter running shoes around.
Frequently asked questions when buying running shoes
There are often a ton of questions that pop up when buying new running shoes. Don't worry though because we've answered some of the most common queries right here.
Can you send running shoes back after the returns deadline?
The possibility of returning your sneakers depends on the store where you made the purchase.
New Balance, for example, has a strict 30-day return policy, and they do not accept returns beyond this time frame. On the other hand, Nike allows returns even after the designated return period, as long as the shoes are in unworn condition.
To get more precise details about the return policies of the website you are considering, we recommend referring to their help or FAQ section.
Can you still buy running shoes once they've sold out?
The simple answer is yes; however, there are two different ways you can do this.
Firstly, you can wait for the particular shoes you're after to be restocked by the brand if you're trying to secure a pair through retail. That being said, not every sneaker release gets restocked, so keep this in mind if you're waiting for the shoes in question to become available again.
Alternatively, you can check out the second-hand market on websites like StockX to see if the shoes you're looking for are available there.
This can be particularly effective if the trainers you're looking for are highly sought-after, although is perhaps more of an issue when it comes to trying to pick up some of the best basketball shoes on the market.
How often should you buy new running shoes?
According to ASICS, you should replace your running shoes every 400-500 miles. However, the actual lifespan of your running shoes can vary depending on a variety of factors such as the quality of the shoes, the surface you run on, and your running style.
As you wear your running shoes, the midsole cushioning and support gradually break down, which can lead to discomfort and an increased risk of injury. It's important to pay attention to the wear and tear on your shoes and replace them when they begin to show signs of wear.
Some signs that it may be time to replace your running shoes include: visible signs of wear and tear on the sole or upper, reduced cushioning or support, aches or pains in your feet, legs, or joints, and blisters or other foot irritations. If you start to experience any of these, then it may be time to replace your current pair.