Guide to running shops in London

Runners Need was founded by husband and wife duo Chris and Judy Bould in 1982. They opened the shop under the philosophy that it's never too late to take up running and work towards self-improvement. They have more than 50 stores located all around the city and 8 million active runners around the UK. They strive to continue inspiring the next generation of runners, encouraging them to get involved with everything Runners Need is working towards.

Nike Town is Nike's ultimate flagship store dedicated to all things running. They offer all kinds of services, like gait analysis, which evaluates how you stand and walk, allowing personalised trainers to be tailored to your needs. They also stock a range of clothing and accessories, kitting you out for the best possible running scenarios.

This independent running shop near Victoria stocks over 290 types of running shoes, including specialist brands and more established brands, like Hot, Mizuno, Nike, Adidas and more. It was one of the first running shops to open in the UK, offering gait analysis to determine your running motion and style to ensure you can purchase a pair of trainers best suited to your needs.

Whether you're a skier, runner, tennis player or avid trekker, you can pick up a pair of specialised trainers at Profeet in Fulham. They use sophisticated technology to create bespoke insoles after thoroughly analysing your foot shape, type, biomechanics and movement patterns via foot scans and exercises.

The Running Works is the UK's largest independent running shop, stocking a range of emerging and established brands. They host regular running events for the community, provide free biomechanical analysis of your running style, host free daily group runs and have lockers and showers for run club members to use. There's also an on-site sports clinic offering sports massages and physiotherapy.

Pick up top-notch running gear and trainers from big brands like VIVOBAREFOOT, Asics, Mizuno and Brooks at London City Runner in leafy Victoria Park Village. They're also another one of the running shops that offer advanced gait analysis, ensuring whatever trainers you purchase are tailored specifically to your needs. It's also an excellent spot for barefoot running enthusiasts to shop since they stock various ultra-lightweight running shoes from leading brands.

Since opening in Harrogate in 1992, Up & Running has evolved into the UK's largest independent running store and has since won several awards at the National Running Awards. They offer equipment designed specifically for the London Marathon, as well as gait analysis and running shoes to suit all abilities.

Stock up on all your hiking, biking and running needs at Bike & Run in North London. They've been around since the early 2000s and have grown into a successful business, trading primarily out of their shop in East Finchley. You can pick up various sporting products here, including compression clothing, bike helmets, hats, gloves, socks, etc.

This flagship Asics store on Oxford Street is the place to go for running equipment, advice, footwear, accessories, clothing and trainers, particularly footwear designed for trail running. They offer gait analysis and a 3D scan so that you can purchase running shoes tailored to your requirements.

Vivobarefoot in Covent Garden is their flagship store, stocking everything you need for barefoot running. You can pick up top-quality minimalistic running shoes, including vegan and waterproof shoes, from various brands. There's also an in-house clinic where you can sign up for personal and group training, helping you work towards mastering the art of running barefoot.