London’s best running shops

With branches throughout London, staff at this popular chain help you find trainers to suit your specific requirements, taking into account everything from what terrain you run on and important details like how the thickness of socks will affect the fit of your running shoe.

If you already have your dream kicks, you can still pop in for running clobber, smartwatches and water bottles.

Stores in Camden, Chiswick, Clapham Junction, Covent Garden, Islington, Kensington, Liverpool St, Monument and Piccadilly

There are seven specialist Nike stores across London, but only the formidable flagship at Oxford Circus hosts a dedicated section for runners looking for gait analysis, customised trainers (courtesy of the NikeiD service) or a full range of clothing and sneakers.

236 Oxford St, W1C 1DE

Asics has a few dozen stores around the city, but serious runners would do well to leg it to the Oxford Street flagship, where, before hitting the sizeable collection of running shoes, you can also get a 3D scan of your feet and/or gait analysis to help you find the right model. Grab a pair of their cosy running tights and a singlet, and you're good to go. 

527 Oxford St, W1C 2QL

This friendly independent prides itself on great customer service and offers a fine range of running gear. Enthusiasts of the barefoot running trend, here you will find a good selection of ultra-lightweight running shoes from brands including Asics, Brooks, VIVOBAREFOOT and Mizuno. As with all top running shops, London City Runner offers a gait analysis to help you find your ideal running shoes. On-site sports massage and physiotherapy are available too, making this a one-stop-shop for running enthusiasts.

Victoria Park Village, E9 7HD

Run and Become is a well-established running shop near London Victoria that offers shoes by specialist brands like Saucony, Zoot and Mizuno alongside bigger brands like Adidas and Nike. They do a ‘natural’ gait analysis, which provides feedback on your foot strike (that’s how your foot lands) and the way your whole body moves. You’ll then have the opportunity to try on different shoes and give them a test drive on the store’s mini running track. Or if you’re just browsing, head downstairs for a workshop or physio services for runners.

4 Eccleston St, SW1W 9LN

Catering for skiers, tennis players, trekkers and runners alike, this busy Fulham shop uses sophisticated technology to create bespoke insoles (if you have £149.95 to spare). First, you’ll need to book in for a thorough assessment (£79.95) where your feet and running style will be scrutinised – you’ll even be provided with footscans and bespoke exercises.

If you’re simply on the hunt for new running shoes, book in for a simpler 'footing' (£15) to measure your gait. Brands include Asics, Adidas, Brooks, Saucony and Mizuno.

867-869 Fulham Rd, SW6 5HP

If you’re flirting with the idea of barefoot running, the stylish Vivobarefoot flagship store in Covent Garden will help you find your feet – and of course, a new pair of minimalistic running kicks. Their range includes a wide selection of vegan, winterproof and "swimrun" trainers - the latter being perfect for triathletes. Staff are knowledgeable, and the shop’s also got a clinic which offers personal and group training to master the barefoot technique (for a fee), or you can opt for a one-to-one session with a running coach.

64 Neal Street, WC2H 9PQ

Gait analysis and advice from staff with backgrounds in athletics and competitive sports make this independent running shop stand out. As well as a great line of trainers, you can also pick up armbands, backpacks and hi-vis kit essentials to see you through night-time, wet weather and trail running. 

Stores in Chiswick, Richmond and Teddington