The 5 Best Athletic Shoe Stores in Chicago

If you’re looking for a new pair of athletic shoes in Chicago, you have many great stores available to you. Some of these specialize in athletic shoes, while others offer a wide range of athletic products or footwear products. Read on to learn about five of the best athletic shoe stores in the greater Chicago area, plus some additional stores and tips for finding the right one.

Fleet Feet

A clear front-runner, Fleet Feet specializes in finding shoes that fit your unique foot shape. As part of their fitting process, they evaluate your gait and biomechanics to assist you in choosing footwear that fits and supports you perfectly. This process follows the mission of Fleet Feet, which is to find the right “FIT” for every part of your active life.

This iconic athletic shoe store has many locations throughout the United States, including four stores in Chicago. You can find one in Lakeview, Lincoln Square, Old Town, and South Loop, so you have plenty of options depending on where you’re located in Chicago.

Nike Chicago

Nike Chicago is a popular sporting goods store in Chicago and provides a wide selection of athletic clothing and shoes. Nike is a trusted athletic brand that delivers high-quality athletic shoes at a reasonable price. Nike’s mission is to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world. Many professional athletes, such as runners, basketball players, and football players, trust Nike’s athletic shoes to support them during their events. You can find this Nike location is at 669 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60611.

Running Excels

Running Excels at 10328 S. Western Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60643 is another top choice among Chicago locals for athletic shoes. Their knowledgeable associates are happy to assist you in choosing the right shoes for your specific needs, especially when it comes to finding the right running shoe. They provide a comfortable environment for customers, excellent customer service, and plenty of educational materials to help you choose the best athletic shoes for any occasion.

Road Runner Sports

Another excellent running shoe shop is Road Runner Sports, located at 1435 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago, Illinois 60642. You can count on their staff to help you find shoes that meet your needs and encourage you to try out different types of footwear, rather than just suggesting one type for all runners. They often have many brands available, including Adidas, ASICS, Merell, Mizuno, New Balance, Nike, Reebok, and Under Armour. They also offer expert advice on reducing injuries and can help you choose the right shoes for your individual feet.

Commonwealth Running Company

Located slightly north of Chicago at 1631 Sherman Ave., Evanston, Illinois 60201, Commonwealth Running Company has all of the needs of runners in mind. Their knowledgeable staff can help you select the right pair of running shoes for your event or guide you through the process of finding new athletic shoes for your next training session. They also offer expert athletic shoe advice for those interested in injury prevention and joint support.

Other Shoe Stores in the Chicago Area

Here are some other shoe stores in the Chicago area where you may find great athletic shoes:

• Murphy’s Fit: Located at 513 Dempster St., Evanston, Illinois 60201, Murphy’s Fit provides many trusted athletic shoe brands to customers.
• Alamo Shoes: At 5321 N. Clark St., Chicago, Illinois 60640, Alamo Shoes is a family-owned and operated store that has been open since 1973.
• Famous Footwear: A staple in the athletic shoe market, Famous Footwear provides many trusted brands at a great price. You can find a few different locations in Chicago.
• European Sports: European Sports is a sporting goods store with three different locations near Chicago that offers many types of specialized athletic shoes, such as cleats and running shoes.

Tips for Finding the Right Shoe Store

Here are some tips that may help you find the best shoe store in any city, including Chicago:

Consult Your Podiatrist

One great way to find athletic shoe stores in your area is to ask your podiatrist. If you don’t currently see a podiatrist and live in the Chicago area, visit our Chicago office at 401 W. Ontario St., Suite 240.

Check the Prices

It is important to recognize that not all shoe stores charge the same amount for the same product. You can often find a great pair of shoes at a much lower price at some stores, so shop around and find the best deal possible for your perfect shoe.

Look for Variety

It is best if you can find a store that has a wide range of athletic shoes from different brands. It’s important to note that sometimes certain shoe stores specialize in one brand of shoe and will not have any other options available. These stores may provide better deals on their brand’s shoes if you already have a type of shoe in mind.

Maintain Your Awareness of Pronation

Pronation, which involves how your foot lands while running or walking, is often an area of concern for many runners, especially those new to the sport. It is easy to get fooled into thinking that a certain brand of shoe is the right fit for you if you have a certain type of gait. If you’re unsure about your pronation, visit our office as soon as possible to ensure that you get the right shoe for your foot type.

Invest in Quality

It’s a good idea to invest in a quality pair of athletic shoes. Once you figure out exactly what works for your feet, then you should try to stick with a brand that provides high-quality products. This may result in paying a bit more per pair, but they will likely last longer and provide more support than cheaper shoes, which saves you money over time.

If you’re looking for more advice on the best athletic shoe stores in Chicago or just want to chat more about your foot needs, give our Chicago office a call at 312-642-6020 or stop by for a visit. We look forward to seeing you soon.