The Running Event (TRE) announced the 2026 Best Running Stores honorees, recognizing 65 specialty retailers whose commitment to customer service, community leadership, and employee development elevates the running industry. Driven by a national nomination cycle that generated 8,300 submissions across 49 states and 268 unique store locations, the 2026 Best Running Stores honorees reflect an evolving industry, setting the standard for exceptional in-store experiences, investing in their teams, and strengthening the local communities they serve, said event organizers.
All honorees will be recognized during The Running Event’s annual Industry Awards Dinner on December 3 in San Antonio, where the 2026 Store of the Year will be announced. See the full list of 2026 Best Running Stores here.
“The 2026 honorees distinguish themselves by focusing on face-to-face interactions, employee support and growth opportunities, and creating welcoming, inclusive environments where community members can connect, learn, and feel supported, no matter where they’re at in their movement journey,” said the TRE announcement.
How the 2026 Winners Were Selected
Nominated retailers completed a comprehensive multi-stage evaluation that assessed operational excellence, customer experience, community initiatives, employee support, future plans, and more. After the initial evaluation, the Top 100 stores were visited twice by secret shoppers, with each visit focused across distinct product categories. One visit focused exclusively on footwear, evaluating fit process knowledge and personalized shoe recommendations, while the second visit assessed how effectively staff educated customers and guided sales across non-footwear inventory like socks and supporting gear.
“Most importantly, each shop centered around the overall customer experience at each store,” continued the TRE team.
Final honorees were selected based on a combination of evaluation scores and results from both secret shopper visits.
“Run specialty stores are so much more than places to buy shoes—they’re gathering spaces where people build confidence, find community, and discover a lifelong connection to movement,” said Genae Salinas, Event Director of The Running Event. “The TRE team is so proud to recognize the retailers who move our industry forward through exceptional service, strong teams, and the relationships they build with individuals every day.”
