Charm City Run Bel Air

You cannot beat the customer service at this great shop in DTBA. I went in yesterday to purchase a new pair of running shoes since my old ones had been on their last legs for about 6 months. I was greeted quickly by a friendly younger guy (I wish I got his name, he was so nice) who immediately assessed my gait, measured my feet and pulled 4 pairs for me to try on. They have a treadmill so you can really run on the shoes before making a decision. I didn't feel rushed at all.
This awesome guy also gave me some tips on mid-race fuel products. They have a great selection of chew, gu, and gel products. I bought a few singles to see which I liked. They also sell fuel products by the box which is great for once you decide which you prefer.
Previous reviewers keep commenting on the cost but I was not deterred for a few reasons. 1) my shoes were on sale :) 2) I would rather get great service, know I am buying the right shoe for me and be able to support a small business in town than just buy a random pair off the internet.

Return policy is not nearly as good as roadrunner sports. Would not recommend and definitely will not be returning.

This review is based on several visits in May 2013.

WOW! The customer service is off the hook!! Nice greeting inside the door, pleasantly attentive, helpful and knowledgeable staff.

Nick, the Store Manager, was phenomenal with an assessment and recommendation. He walked us through the evaluation of my daughter's gait, foot configuration and upcoming training and races. Based on all this, he selected several shoes meeting the results of his evaluation. As my daughter had previously purchased shoes from Charm City and had superior results, she agreed with his choices and bought the pair that she felt was the most comfortable.

Subsequent to that visit, a previously purchased item was exchanged without issue or attitude. Location, in downtown Bel Air, and the parking lot, at the rear of the building, is convenient.

On another visit we picked up more running gear for both my daughter and grandson, and were treated like the most important customers they've ever had! Just amazing!

Whether you are a serious or recreational runner, do yourself a favor and have the Charm City staff help you find the most appropriate shoe for you according to your physiology, running form, fit and needs.

This store rocks!!

I have been fitted for shoes before at other establishments and they lacked the close, personal servics that Charm City Run provides. They took the time to make sure I was fitted for the correct shoe, explained to me why they picked that shoe, and took the time to get to know me.

What I liked even more is the price of my shoes were not overpriced. They were about the same price as the shoes at Dicks or Sports Authority. If you use your athletic shoes a lot, I would recommend going to Charm City Run to be sure you are in the right shoe. You will see results immediately in your posture, stride, and work out when you have the right shoe.

Great customer service. After allowing me to browse a little on my own, I was greeted politely, and asked what exactly was I looking for. I replied a durable running shoe. Immed. the staff member, asked me to walk to 'observe my gait' to better gauge what shoes fit my 'walking style'. After walking up and down the store, I my feet were measured and the staff member then showed me several running shoes that fit my gait. She brought out four shoes for me to try and I picked out two to buy, that were perfect for me.

A couple months later,after vigorous use through weight training and cardio, the shoes are still in tact and make my feet smile. Thanks to the guidance and attention of the staff to my needs, and gait, not only have I found the right shoes for my training needs,I also found, out they were stylish enough to wear w/my casual shorts and jeans.

The only reason I'm not giving a 'five-star' rating, is because they are limited in the colors for the shoes, and they are often pricey. But I know where I will be going again to get my running shoes/training shoes!

They always set me up with great running shoes. It's nice to have a local place to buy Brooks. Also, their training programs are wonderful. The support, encouragement, and community has been tremendous for someone relatively new to town. Love this place.

Stopped to for a pair of shoes. The staff was very nice and assisted me quickly. Unfortunately, they do not have the shoes in my size. They were willing to order them i. If need too. Plenty of parking in the back. Definitely would come back for running accessories.

Excellent customer service! They take the time to gauge your running habits and observe as you run on a treadmill to select the best shoe for you. I'm a Brooks fan myself. :)

I guess I wouldn't give it 5 stars because, let's face it, I can buy most pairs cheaper off amazon.

Great customer service. They host running clinics every once in a while featuring injury prevention, yoga for runners, foam rolling, etc. I can't praise the staff here enough. They also offer a military discount.

I'm a new walker/jogger and after spending a few hundred dollars in crappy "chain store shoes" I learned my lesson. I was frustrated and annoyed that I kept getting shin splints and simple injuries all my my shoes not being correct for my feet.
I went to charm city on a week night around 4/4:30 and a younger man was working. He was super nice and started to help me right away. He watched me walk on the "carpet" and then on the treadmill. He noticed I had a slight "in step" and suggested 2 pair of shoes that would benefit me. He was so nice and understanding. I found a style/fit that I loved BUT they didn't have the color I wanted. Still no problem- he called 3 other charm city shops and within a few moments had a pair being shipped to that shop.
When the shoes came in they called and agreed to hold them (since I was on vacation). A week later my son and I took a walk to the shop. I even took the large jogging stroller into the lobby of the shop when I picked up.