The best running shoe stores in greater Milwaukee

The Milwaukee area offers an exceptional range of running shoe retailers, from elite specialty stores with professional gait analysis to budget-friendly big-box options—making it easy for families to find the perfect fit at any price point.

Whether you're outfitting a first-time youth runner, need expert fitting for an injury-prone foot, or simply want affordable athletic shoes for the kids, this guide covers every option across Milwaukee proper, the North Shore, and all major suburbs. The city's standout advantage is its locally-owned specialty running stores, particularly Performance Running Outfitters with five locations and strong children's sections throughout.

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Specialty running stores

Milwaukee's specialty running stores offer what big-box retailers cannot: expert staff trained in biomechanics, video gait analysis, and the patience to properly fit growing feet. These stores represent the best choice for serious runners and families who want to prevent injuries through proper footwear.

Performance Running Outfitters (PRO)

Performance Running Outfitters stands as Milwaukee's premier running store chain, locally owned by Trae and Jessica Hoepner with over 30 years of industry experience. Their five locations blanket the metro area, making expert fitting accessible from nearly any neighborhood.

Brookfield (Flagship)

• 2205 N Calhoun Rd, Ste 22-A, Brookfield, WI 53005

• (262) 784-7989

Shorewood (North Shore)

• 4533 N Oakland Ave, Shorewood, WI 53211

• (414) 332-2786

Milwaukee Third Ward

• 403 E Buffalo St, Milwaukee, WI 53202

• (414) 763-9140

Delafield (Lake Country)

• 2566 Sun Valley Dr, Unit E, Delafield, WI 53018

• (262) 303-5118

Oak Creek (South)

• 7956 S Main St, Oak Creek, WI 53154

• (414) 574-5155

Hours (All Locations): Monday-Friday 10am-7pm | Saturday 10am-5pm | Sunday 11am-5pm

What sets PRO apart for families: PRO offers free video gait analysis at every location, foot scanning technology, and treadmill testing so customers can actually run in shoes before purchasing. Their dedicated children's section includes kids' shoes, apparel, and accessories. The staff's no-pressure approach means parents can take time getting the right fit without feeling rushed.

Brand selection: Brooks, HOKA, Saucony, ASICS, New Balance, Nike, On, Altra, Mizuno, Adidas, Diadora, Puma, Oofos

Price range: $100-$250 for running shoes (daily trainers typically $140-180)

Special services: PRO Run Club meets every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday for free group runs welcoming all paces including walkers. The Happy Soles MKE program accepts donated shoes for local organizations. Flexible return policy allows exchanges even after running in shoes.

Goodmiles Running Company

Goodmiles rebranded from New Balance Milwaukee in January 2023 and operates as part of Stan's Fit For Your Feet, a third-generation family business. This heritage translates to exceptional expertise in fitting feet of all ages.

Brookfield (The Plaza)

• 17155 W Bluemound Rd, Ste A, Brookfield, WI 53005

• (262) 432-1400

Greenfield (Layton Plaza)

• 7411 W Layton Ave, Greenfield, WI 53220

• (414) 431-6300

Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-7pm | Saturday 10am-6pm | Sunday 11am-5pm

Family features: Goodmiles uses Volumental 3D foot scanning technology that measures foot size, arch type, and gait patterns digitally. Their connection to Stan's Shoes means access to certified pedorthists and Early Bird appointments (one hour before store opening) designed specifically for families who need extra time. The Share-A-Pair program has donated over 310,000 pairs of shoes to local organizations including Soles4Souls, Father Gene's Help Center, and Milwaukee Rescue Mission.

Brand selection: New Balance, HOKA, Brooks, On Running, Altra, Saucony, Topo Athletic, Oofos

Price range: $100-$200+

Run clubs: Free weekly runs—Wednesdays at 6pm (Greenfield), Thursdays at 6pm (Brookfield). All ages and paces welcome.

Andare Sports — North Shore specialist

Located in Fox Point, Andare Sports (Italian for "Go, Run, Walk, Move") serves Milwaukee's affluent North Shore communities with expert fitting and biomechanics assessment.

Location:

• 8757 N Port Washington Rd, Fox Point, WI 53217

• (414) 247-1977

Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-6pm | Saturday 10am-5pm | Sunday 12pm-4pm

Specialties: Comprehensive gait analysis, training consultation, biomechanics assessment. Convenient for families in Mequon, Grafton, Cedarburg, Glendale, and Brown Deer.

Brand selection: HOKA, Brooks, Saucony, ASICS, New Balance, Mizuno, Diadora, Oofos, Birkenstock

Price range: $130-$250+

Dick's Sporting Goods

Dick's Sporting Goods provides a solid middle ground between specialty stores and discount retailers, with trained staff, major running brands, and comprehensive youth athletic sections at four Milwaukee-area stores.

Wauwatosa — Mayfair Collection

• 11500 West Burleigh Street, Suite 140, Wauwatosa, WI 53222

• (414) 203-1380

• Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-9pm | Sunday 10am-7pm

Brookfield — The Corridor

• 345 Discovery Drive, Building E, Brookfield, WI 53045

• (414) 455-5370

• Hours: Monday-Tuesday 9am-9pm | Wednesday-Thursday 10am-7pm | Friday-Saturday 9am-9pm | Sunday 10am-7pm

• Features full-service bike shop, fishing licenses

Greendale — Southridge Area

• 5200 S 76th Street, Greendale, WI 53129

• (414) 209-1086

• Hours: Monday-Wednesday 9am-9pm | Friday-Saturday 9am-9pm | Sunday 10am-8pm

Grafton — Grafton Commons (North Shore)

• 1020 Port Washington Road, Grafton, WI 53024

• (262) 377-6349

• Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-9pm | Sunday 10am-7pm

Website: dickssportinggoods.com

What Dick's offers families: Every location features dedicated youth athletic footwear sections with comprehensive sizing for children. The ScoreCard loyalty program extends the return window to 90 days (standard is 60 days), and the Best Price Guarantee matches competitor pricing.

Running shoe brands: Nike, Brooks, ASICS, New Balance, HOKA, On, Saucony, Adidas

Price range: $60-$250 for running shoes

Services: Most locations offer bike repair, golf club fitting (free with purchase), and baseball glove steaming. While staff can assist with shoe selection, Dick's does not offer the formal gait analysis available at specialty stores.

Major sporting goods chains

REI Brookfield — Best for trail runners

• 13100 W Capitol Drive, Brookfield, WI 53005

• (262) 783-6150

• Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm | Sunday 10am-6pm

• Website: rei.com/stores/brookfield

REI excels at trail running and outdoor footwear, carrying brands like Salomon and La Sportiva alongside road running staples. The $30 lifetime membership delivers a 10% annual dividend on eligible purchases. Their 100% satisfaction guarantee allows returns within one year.

Running brands: Brooks, Salomon, HOKA, Altra, Saucony, On Running, La Sportiva

Price range: $100-$200+ (premium/technical focus)

Family note: REI carries limited youth hiking and trail footwear but focuses less on children's road running shoes.

Dunham's Sports — Budget-friendly traditional sporting goods

Dunham's offers the most aggressive value pricing in the market, with frequent 15-20% coupons and a wide selection of athletic footwear at lower price points.

Brookfield: 18200 W Bluemound Road | (262) 797-9100

Franklin: 6525 S 27th Street | (414) 563-0025

New Berlin: 15470 W Beloit Road | (262) 641-5263

West Allis: 2550 S 108th Street | (414) 543-7650

Hours (typical): Monday-Wednesday 9am-9pm | Thursday 10am-7pm | Friday-Saturday 9am-9pm | Sunday 10am-7pm

Website: dunhamssports.com

Running brands: Adidas, New Balance, Skechers, Under Armour

Price range: $40-$150 (value-oriented)

Family note: Youth athletic footwear sections at all locations. Military discount available.

SCHEELS — Coming Spring 2027

The 210,000-square-foot SCHEELS megastore will open at Mayfair Mall in Spring 2027, becoming Wisconsin's largest sporting goods destination. Expect specialty shops, performance analysis technology, and entertainment features including an arcade and Ferris wheel based on other SCHEELS locations.

Shoe retailers and big-box stores

For families seeking value or convenience, shoe-specific retailers and big-box stores provide solid running shoe options without specialty-store pricing.

DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse — Best big-box running selection

DSW stocks approximately 25,000 pairs of shoes per store, including a strong athletic section with quality running brands at 20-40% discounts off regular retail.

Wauwatosa — Mayfair Collection: 11500 Burleigh Street | (414) 443-0115

Brookfield — Calhoun Crossing: 17300 W Bluemound Rd, Suite 300

Greenfield — Southridge Mall: 5250 S 76th St

Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm | Sunday 11am-7pm

Running brands: Nike, Adidas, New Balance, ASICS, Puma, Brooks

Price range: $50-$150 (discounted 20-40% off retail)

Family features: Dedicated kids' section; Shoe It Forward donation program; VIP Rewards program; 90-day return policy

Famous Footwear — Widest family coverage

Famous Footwear offers the most locations across the Milwaukee metro, making it accessible from virtually any neighborhood.

Milwaukee — Southgate: 3441 S 27th Street | (414) 290-1230

Milwaukee — Brown Deer Road: 6780 W Brown Deer Rd | (414) 357-7397

Milwaukee — 76th Street: 5000 S 76th St | (414) 282-4111

Brookfield — Plaza 173: 17300 W Bluemound Road | (262) 821-3020

Waukesha: 1240 W Sunset Dr #112 | (262) 542-4045

Germantown: N96 W18908 County Line Rd | (262) 255-0566

Mequon: 11020 N Port Washington | (262) 241-4232

Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm | Sunday 11am-6pm

Running brands: Nike, Skechers, Adidas, Puma, New Balance

Price range: $40-$120

Family features: Extensive children's selection; FAMOUSLY YOU REWARDS program; 10% military discount; returns without receipt using card lookup

Nordstrom Rack — Premium brands at discount

Wauwatosa — Mayfair Collection: 11500 W Burleigh St | (414) 944-6350

Glendale — Bayshore Town Center: Approximately 26,800 sq ft location

Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm | Sunday 11am-7pm

Running brands: Nike, Adidas, New Balance, ASICS, Brooks at up to 70% off retail

Price range: $40-$120

Shoe Carnival — Fun shopping experience for kids

Greendale — Southridge Plaza: 5493 S 76th St | (414) 421-0069

Brookfield — Brookfield Square Mall: 95 N Moorland Rd

Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm | Sunday 11am-7pm

Running brands: Nike, Adidas, Puma, New Balance, ASICS, Skechers, Brooks

Price range: $30-$100

Family features: "Spin the wheel" in-store discounts; over-the-microphone surprise sales; Shoe Perks rewards with free delivery

Kohl's — Headquartered locally with extensive coverage

As a Wisconsin-headquartered company (Menomonee Falls), Kohl's maintains strong store coverage across the metro.

Key locations: Menomonee Falls, West Allis, Oak Creek, Waukesha (2), Sussex, Muskego, plus Milwaukee stores

Running brands: Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Skechers, New Balance

Price range: $40-$100

Family features: Extensive kids' athletic section; Kohl's Cash rewards; Amazon returns accepted; Sephora at select locations

The family-focused guide to youth running

Milwaukee's running community extends beyond retail with robust youth programs that partner with local stores.

Girls on the Run Southeastern Wisconsin

The premier youth running program in the region serves over 2,600 girls annually across Milwaukee, Kenosha, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha counties.

• Programs: Girls on the Run (grades 3-5), Heart & Sole (grades 6-8)

• Format: 8-week evidence-based curriculum integrating life skills with running

• Culmination: Celebratory 5K at American Family Field

• Contact: (414) 367-8171 | info@girlsontherunsoutheasternwi.org

• Location: 5775 N Glen Park Rd, Ste 203, Milwaukee, WI 53209

• Impact: Over 20,000 girls served since 2007

Youth track clubs

Milwaukee Mustangs Track Club focuses on athletic training fundamentals and character development for young athletes.

MKE Speed Academy provides competitive youth track and field development with a supportive training atmosphere and team communication app.

Store-sponsored run clubs welcoming families

Goodmiles Running Company hosts free weekly runs: Tuesdays 6pm (Greenfield), Thursdays 6pm (Brookfield). All ages and paces welcome.

Performance Running Outfitters PRO Run Club meets Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at various locations. Walkers always welcome.

Badgerland Striders, Wisconsin's oldest running club (since 1959), charges just $25/year including up to 6 household members. Members receive 10% off at Performance Running Outfitters and 15% off at Goodmiles.

Shoe recycling and donation programs

Several Milwaukee stores accept used shoes for donation or recycling:

Goodmiles/Stan's Share-A-Pair: Drop-off boxes at all store locations accept gently used shoes year-round. Over 310,000 pairs donated to Soles4Souls, Father Gene's Help Center, Milwaukee Rescue Mission, and Hope House Milwaukee.

Performance Running Outfitters Happy Soles MKE: Donates shoes to local organizations.

DSW and Famous Footwear: Accept gently used shoes for Soles4Souls at multiple locations.

Choosing the right store for your family

For serious young runners or injury prevention: Performance Running Outfitters or Goodmiles Running Company. The free gait analysis and expert fitting prevent injuries and ensure proper support during growth spurts.

For youth track and cross country athletes: Rodiez's Running Store offers team discounts and carries track spikes; PRO stocks comprehensive track and field footwear.

For young children's first running shoes: Stan's Shoes and Goodmiles feature Early Bird family appointments and certified pedorthists experienced with children's feet.

For budget-conscious families: Dunham's Sports, Famous Footwear, and Shoe Carnival offer quality options under $100 with frequent promotions.

For convenience and one-stop shopping: Dick's Sporting Goods combines reasonable running shoe selection with youth athletic gear, sports equipment, and apparel.

For trail running families: REI Brookfield carries the strongest selection of technical trail running footwear.

The Milwaukee area's running shoe landscape serves every need—from toddlers taking their first running steps to high school cross country athletes to marathon-training parents. With specialty stores clustered in Brookfield, Shorewood, and throughout the metro, expert fitting help is never far away.