Runners Route — Local services in Honolulu

As the mom of 1.5 year old twins, I typically call ahead to make sure what I need is in stock. I have never had a problem before at Runner’s Route Kapiolani until today.

Now, I understand that the kid working there didn’t know that I worked in running specialty for 15 years. I know that he didn’t know that I am very particular about my running shoes and would prefer to continue to wear the size that I have been wearing with no problems for many, many years. I know that he didn’t know that I used to run ultras and was marathon training coach. I do know that he saw a mom of toddlers who looked sort of in shape and based on that made the assumption that he knows more than I do.

I had called and asked for a particular shoe in a specific size and was told it was in stock. However, when I got to the store I was told that it would be a good idea for me to try the shoe on since they only stock the wide. I said I didn’t ask for a wide width. I have been running in the standard “b” width and would like to continue to do so. I was assured that everyone prefers the wide width because of the style being narrow.

It was at this point that I realized that I had been misinformed. I drove all the way there to support a local business only to have them try to sell me something I didn’t need and that could actually cause an injury to my foot because I know that I do not need the wider width, especially with training for the marathon. When I worked in running specialty, I found the golden rule to be if it isn’t broke don’t fix it.

I will order the specific shoe and regular width online...

I use to be an avid visitor to Runners Route while living in Honolulu. Most of my visits were while meeting with Honolulu runners, which is the stores running group that meets every Tuesday evening. Other than running with the running group, I have got the chance to look around plus get to know some of the Runners Route staff, which made me feel very welcome being part of the running group. Runners Route carries a great selection of shoe brands such as Mizuno, New Balance, Saucony and Asics.

I loved the fact that Runners Route is so in tune with the running community in Hawaii. In my opinion, Runners Route also seems to be the liaison between connecting runners in the Japanese community with runners in the Hawaii community via their running club.

As for this stores location parking can get kind of snug at Runners Route depending on the day of your visit, but if it is then there is also that option to park in several garages in the area if it gets too crowded. On a side note, visiting/ leaving the store can be a headache in the afternoons due to Kapiolani Blvd being a gateway to Ala Moana Mall/ Waikiki, plus other businesses in the area as well as exiting the...

I would give this store 5 stars b/c the staff is very helpful. But if you've been running for 30 years, and you know your feet, listen to your gut. Don't give in to the staff's expert advise. Even if they're very sweet and know their stuff. You know your feet better than anyone else. I made the mistake of caving to the staff's advise against my better judgement and my bunyon is so sore after only wearing the shoes she recommended for 1 hour. Unfortunately, they don't take returns on shoes that have been worn. I have wide feet, I have a specific shoe that I buy on repeat. But they didn't have it in stock at the time. I don't know if she thought she was being nice, but the staff person said, "you don't have wide feet." And now I'm paying the price. I wish sales people would listen to their customers more than talk. I've now blown over $100 for shoes that I can't wear and can't return. And I only blame myself for not...