Sprint to these 7 local stores for your next pair of running shoes

Trainers, tennis (or “tenny”) shoes, dogs, or whatever else you call running shoes, are in hot demand right now. Not only are they an essential part of a good exercise routine, but running shoes have also become a hot fashion statement. Keep reading to see where you can get your next pair.

Most running shoe experts (and every track coach in the state) will tell you that a good pair of shoes is key to preventing injury while exercising. As someone who goes through trainers like water, I also know it’s necessary to get new shoes every 3-6 months (or roughly 300-500 miles).

1. Trak Shak

The Birmingham area loves Trak Shak. With a location in most local cities here, Trak Shak is a one-stop shop for running shoes and other gear you might need on the trails. To help you get the best fit for your feet, Trak Shak’s friendly associates will provide a free fitting every time you come in.

Another great bonus of our local Trak Shaks is that each hosts weekly runs that you can join.

• Location: Find your nearest Trak Shak here.
• Hours: Monday-Friday 10AM-6PM, Saturday 8AM-5PM
• Website | Instagram | Facebook | Contact

If you’re looking to also get your old running shoes off your hands, Trak Shak also takes shoe donations.

2. Fleet Feet

Fleet Feet is a name most runners know. While it’s a national chain, each store is locally-owned, giving it a hometown feel. Here, you can find all kinds of running shoes from trail shoes to spikes and racing flats. Like Trak Shak, Fleet Feet provides a one-on-one consultation to help you find the perfect shoe for you. They also feature regular group runs as part of their Running Club.

• Location: 3060 Healthy Way Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35243
• Hours: Monday-Friday 10AM-7PM, Saturday 10AM-5PM, Sunday 12PM-4PM
• Website | Instagram | Facebook | Contact

3. Alabama Outdoors

Locally owned Alabama Outdoors has been providing high quality outdoor gear to the Birmingham area since 1975. Here you can find the perfect running shoes for you and all the other gear you’ll need to start hitting the trails.

• Location: Find your closest location here.
• Hours: Monday-Saturday 10AM-7PM, Sunday 12-5PM
• Website | Instagram | Facebook | Contact

4. Hibbett Sports

Headquartered in Birmingham, Hibbett has an array of locations around the metro area. They carry a large variety of running shoes, along with shoes for any other athletic activity you’re up for this spring.

• Location: Find the nearest location here.
• Hours: Monday-Thursday 10AM-8PM, Friday-Saturday 10AM-9PM, Sunday 1-6PM
• Website | Instagram | Facebook | Contact

5. Mountain Brook Sporting Goods

This local athletics store in Mountain Brook offers a selection of shoes for your next athletic endeavor. They also sell clothes, gear and screen printing to complete the rest of your running outfit.

• Location: 66 Church St, Mountain Brook, AL 35213
• Hours: Monday-Friday 10AM-5PM, Saturday 9AM-3PM
• Website | Facebook | Contact

6. Mountain High Outfitters

Another popular outdoors store in the Birmingham area is Mountain High Outfitters. Here you can find everything from running shoes to climbing and camping gear to the all-important post run look of socks and Chacos.

• Location: Find your location here.
• Hours: Monday-Thursday 10AM-7PM, Friday-Saturday 9AM-8PM, Sunday 11AM-7PM
• Website | Instagram | Facebook | Contact

7. Sykes Shoes

If you have a little one who wants to join you on the trail, check out Sykes Shoes in Homewood. This local icon has been offering a great selection of children’s shoes for all occasions since 1955. They will measure your child’s foot to ensure the best fit.

• Location: 2707 18th Place South, Homewood, AL 35209
• Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:30AM-5:30PM
• Website | Instagram | Facebook | Contact

Once you get your new running shoes, check out these Bham Now stories on how and where to hit the trails:

• 9 Birmingham races you need to run this spring
• Extreme local sports. Who are the Ultra Trail Runners in the Birmingham area?
• 9 Birmingham running trails to put a little spring in your step

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