runaround
running & lifestyle

Lately, we’ve noticed a growing trend — people coming in to get fit, finding what works, and then deciding to order somewhere else. We completely understand there are reasons for that — color options, convenience, timing — but we want to take a moment to explain why that choice matters more than you might realize.

When you come into our store, we do more than hand you a box of shoes. We watch how you move. We listen to your story. We use years of experience to help you find what truly fits you.

That time, that knowledge, that care — that’s what makes specialty retail special. It’s also what allows us to reinvest back into our community and keep bringing in new styles, colors, and options for you.

Every sale directly impacts what we can offer next season. When fewer sales happen locally, our selection naturally gets smaller — not because we want it to, but because that’s how the economics of small business work.

We’re not sharing this out of frustration. We’re sharing it because we believe in transparency, fairness, and community.

We’re proud of what we do here. We’ve built this store on service, trust, and relationships and we want to keep doing it for years to come.

So if we’ve earned your trust — let us earn your business. When you choose to shop local after being fit here, you’re helping us keep this service alive for the next person who walks through the door.

That’s how we move forward — together. …

New at Runaround: The Claw Machine!

We’ve always believed that shopping for shoes should be more than a transaction—it should be an experience. That’s why we’re so excited to introduce our brand-new Runaround Claw Machine right inside the store!

This project came to life with the amazing support of our brand partners, who stepped in to stock the machine with prizes and make it a feature unlike anything else in Joplin. They’ve helped us turn the simple act of picking out shoes into something fun, joyful, and memorable.

Here’s the best part: When you buy a new pair of shoes at Runaround, our brand partners have gifted you with a FREE play on the claw machine! Every shoe purchase = one shot at grabbing some extra goodness.

We loved creating this feature because it reflects exactly what we’re about—community, fun, and celebrating the little things that make your day brighter. We can’t wait for you to feel the same joy we did in putting it together.

Come grab your shoes, take your free play, and let’s see if you’ve got the skills to snag a prize! …

At Runaround, we’ve spent years fine-tuning our fit process—working alongside physical therapists and movement experts who understand how the body should really work. Fitting shoes isn’t just about size. It’s about meeting you where you are today in your journey.

Your body changes. Circumstances improve, or sometimes setbacks happen. That’s why every time you come in, your fitting should evolve too.

We don’t follow one fad or one philosophy. Whether it’s barefoot, maximal cushioning, traditional footwear, or natural styles—we understand each approach, the science behind it, and how it might work for you. Some people thrive in minimalist shoes, others in structured support. Our role isn’t to tell you what’s “right” for everyone. Our role is to help you find what’s right for you.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about following trends. It’s about understanding movement, respecting your unique needs, and giving you the tools to feel your best—one step at a time.

That’s the Runaround difference. …

We’ve got KANES! Swing by today to get your next recovery shoe! …

“You don’t pay more to shop local.” We can’t say that loud enough.

Every brand we carry follows strict MAP pricing — which means the price is the same whether you buy it from us, a big box store, or online.

If you see it on sale somewhere else, it’s on sale here too. And if it’s not, we’ll match it. Simple as that.

We’ve worked hard to protect price fairness — not just for our store, but for the brands we believe in and the customers who trust us.

You’re not paying extra for a small business sticker. You’re paying the same — and getting more in return: Time. Expertise. Real service from people who care about getting it right.

So no, you don’t pay more to shop local. …

ChickNlegs for everyone! Big shoutout to Joplin Road Runners for kicking off your group run with us! …

Is Brick-and-Mortar Retail Worth Saving?

Online shopping keeps getting better — no denying it.
Virtual try-ons. AI recommendations. Same-day delivery.
It’s convenient. It’s fast. And it’s not going away.

But here’s the thing: we’re not fighting technology —
We’re fighting to protect something it can’t replace.

Technology doesn’t watch how you move or notice the hesitation in your voice.
It doesn’t ask the follow-up question that uncovers the real issue.
It doesn’t stay late, remember your injury from last season, or get genuinely excited when you find something that actually works.

We get thanked more for our service than the shoes we sell. And that tells us everything we need to know.

We still believe there’s value in being known.
In being fitted by someone who’s walked in your shoes — literally and figuratively.
In walking out of a store not just with a product, but with confidence, clarity, and support.

So no — we’re not trying to compete with tech.
We’re just doing what it can’t. …