Big River Running Company — Local services in St. Louis

I am typically not a review writer but the outstanding experience I had here last week compelled me to write this.

I was in St. Louis for a random work trip and had some time to kill so I decided it was time to get a new pair of running shoes. I picked this store due to the overwhelmingly positive reviews and was immediately greeted by Paul who asked what I was shopping for. I told him that I am a casual (poor) runner and was shopping for some new shoes. I expected him to point me towards that section and leave me to pick something but that was not the case at all. He asked a few questions about my current running habits (very little) and what my goals were. He then measured my feet, had me walk around the store to observe my stride, and then put me on a machine that measured the contact pressure areas of each foot.

He then brought out several boxes of shoes that he recommended based on his observations and measurements and had me try on each pair and listened to my feedback on how they felt. He was genuinely interested in my feedback and was attentive without being pushy. This is the kind of service that an olympic athlete would expect; not a casual runner like me.

I tried on several pairs and ultimately decided on the first pair because they felt amazing. When he went to ring them up I expected them to be very expensive due to a markup to cover the time he spent helping fit me. Once again I was shocked that the cost was very reasonable and I later confirmed that the store price was the same as what was offered on Amazon.

I live 850 miles from St. Louis and Paul knew that. I planned for this to be a one time purchase and that I would never set foot in that store again or even remember that it existed. Instead I will think of that positive experience every time I put on those shoes to go for a run (which I have done several times this week)! I will go out of my way to visit this store again and if you are an STL local I can't recommend...

I was so impressed by my experience at Big River Running Company. I just started running and realized quickly it was time to invest in some good shoes. I went in to several stores (Dicks, Sport's Authority, Finish Line, Macy's Finish Line) and I just wasn't getting any advice. Initially I was intimidated to go Big River Running Company, not knowing any running lingo and scared I'd get pressured into buying things I didn't really want or that my current shoes would be criticized. I was pleasantly surprised to be wrong! When I went in, I was helped right away. They did analysis of how I walk (in store) and run (on treadmill) and even video taped it for me to review. They had me try on several shoes, based on the feedback they solicited, until I found the perfect fit (had they not encouraged me to try several, I may have gone with the first ones I tried on.) There was no pressure to buy the most expensive shoe or the "right" brand. They felt confident about all the shoes they were selling and it was just important that it felt right to me. I left after an hour, feeling very confident with a pair of Nike Pegasus 31. Another concern I was wrong about, was thinking that they might price higher as a specialty store. I was charged $100 for my Nike Pegasus 31. I looked online (Google pulled up several chains) and I physically looked at Sports Authority, they were all the same price, $100. I was even willing to pay a premium for the service that I got, but was pleasantly surprised I didn't. I ran in my new shoes last night and it was the best timing I've had and my feet feel awesome! I will definitely visit this store next time I need...

I went into many different shoe stores tonight to try and get my hands on a high end pair of Saucony brand shoes since I am flat footed. Nowhere seemed to want to carry them in stock so I looked online and saw this location had some available. I decided to give them a chance because my shoes were causing me blisters.

I'm so glad I made that decision. James immediately greeted me and made it his mission yesterday night to find a pair I would feel comfortable in. He took up plenty of his time going to the basement and bringing up shoe after shoe, size after size to get things right. He seemed very sincere in helping me and was very informative about when the shoes came out, and even how they would probably fit on me.

I ended up settling with a different brand of shoes called Brooks because they actually were more comfortable than the Saucony. I wouldn't of known that if this location didn't have all of these top of the line shoes for runners. I feel like this tiny little store is better than bigger retailers with their offerings of the best shoes.

I highly recommend this place from an honest customer's perspective and I will be back for more when these Brook's shoes...