Lively Running

I love this store. The owner, Anne, was so helpful when I needed a new pair of running shoes. She spent a lot of time listening to my needs and waiting until I found just the right pair for me. Highly recommend shopping here!

The owners here are so friendly, I even saw one of them holding a baby for a customer trying something on in the fitting room. They are quite encouraging as well, inquiring which races I had signed up for after I purchased a fitness arm wrap for my iPhone.
I would say the clothing items here are a bit pricey but high quality and sturdy. Every piece looks well-​made and stylish. The fitness gear is moderately priced, and from experience from the running gear, quite great in practice.
For the boutique runner, there are also more stylish, local jewelry options like bracelets and necklaces available. I think this shop does a great job catering to different runners, from the very fancy to the more functional, Spartan exercise enthusiast.

I really love this store. What I love about it is that it focuses entirely on women running and yoga. It’s real and it’s for real women who lead active lives.
They have functional running shoes for a wide range of runners. Sarah hooked me up with some On shoes (a neat Swedish brand) for every day use and some Pearl Izumis for wearing at the gym. The On shoes are light-​weight and have a special elastic lace that doesn’t need to be tied. The Pearl Izumi shoes have a lot of heal and side support so that my foot stays stable when doing jumping jacks, burpies, and balancing.
Lively Running has a treadmill in the store for trying out the shoes. I didn’t use it, but I’ve seen other shoppers try out shoes while the employees (or owners) observed and made recommendations.
What keeps me coming back to Lively Running is their athletic clothing selection. They have off-​beat brands of really cool and functional items. I love that nobody else in the gym will have my exact top or bottom. Furthermore, I get tops for M at Lively Running because they have many loose-​fitting yoga tops that transition seamlessly to daily use. She wears them out to restaurants and even to work and feels comfortable and confident.
I’m eager to go back to Lively Running and take them up on their free sports bra fitting. I’ve never had one and have always wondered if I’m wearing the right size. They have a long rack of awesome looking sports bras and an array of support socks.
Other neat offerings include group runs and yoga. Lively Running is really well-​rounded, functional, and stylish for women’s running and yoga.

Great customer service. They were very vibrant and cheerful, as well as taking note of the kind of running shoe I was looking for. They asked a lot of questions, I was able to try on the shoes and also run on a treadmill! The staff took a video to see how I was running for the type of shoe I needed. I feel great about the whole experience and the purchase. I can’t wait to run in these shoes! Also to note they had very stylish work out clothes! I will be back! No competition to this store! Great local shop!

Love Lively!
I’ve been so pleased with the advice that I’ve received (plantar fasciitis issues) and running clothes I’ve purchased (especially the sports bras!)…and I can’t wait to go for my first run in the Newtons I bought this week.
Not only is the store charming aesthetically, and the staff friendly, warm, and helpful, but the owners selection of non-​running attire and accessories is fantastic! From locally screen-​printed scarves and t-​shirts to jewelry, I rarely walk out without wishing I could buy ALL of the things.
If you’re a runner, check out the Co-​Ed Craft Beer run Wednesday evenings… and if you’re not a runner but just passing by, stop in for the other stuff — you’ll find something super-​cute every time!

This is a great store. I love shopping local and I’m so happy to have a neighborhood athletic store that not only has shoes/​clothing for running but a good selection of yoga clothing, tee shirts, accessories, etc. Sure it doesn’t have the huge selection that you might find at a big box store, but they more than make up for it in outstanding customer service, friendliness and knowledge. Some of the tee shirts are designed by a local artist too. The store has weekly meet ups and runs in the area.
I went today to purchase shoes for walking. Having just gotten a Jawbone UP tracker, I have started to walk a lot and needed something comfortable with support. I got on the treadmill and walked so my gate and posture could be assessed. Once that was decided, out came the shoes — I’m not an easy fit (in the past have always purchased men’s shoes). I tried on a lot of shoes, I was surrounded by shoe boxes, narrowed it down to two different pairs and purchased the Pearl Izumi EMotion. I also found out about a 100 mile challenge our local park district is running which I joined. This store never disappoints, and right before I was ready to leave I was told about the 30 day shoe return policy. I can’t wait to try out my new shoes.

Above and beyond customer service! When the sneakers I ordered were delayed in shipping, due to matters out of everyone’s control, Anne made sure to hand deliver them to my house to make up for the wait. Who does that?! Lively does.

Even though Im not a hardcore runner, I often shop at this independent store because they offer so much more. For example, needed to buy a gift for a teacher. I told the saleswoman what I wanted to spend and a little bit about the recipient. She knew exactly the items for me to purchase. They have stuff for kids, indy designer clothing and jewelry and comfy but stylish clothes for everyday. Plus since opening I’ve noticed they are super involved in the community. They also don’t act weird when I bring my young kids in. They «get» our community. Love shopping local here!

For a large busted woman, finding the right sports bra deserves an olympic medal. The owner, Anne, guided me to several brands that are made for just me! She explained the proper way a sports bra should fit, and what I should look for in a sports bra. I walked out of Lively feeling like a whole new woman in a new sports bra ready to leap, jump, twirl, spin, and run! Sign me up for more!

Lively Running is such a welcomed and terrific addition to the running community. I have been shopping there since its opening and keep going back. Their clothing selection is top notch with brands such as Oiselle, Moving Comfort and Lole (among others). Shoe selection includes such brands as Hoka, Sketchers, On, and Newton. They also stock my favorite socks — Balega. I can honestly say that you will not only leave with high quality, extremely functional clothing and shoes for running and yoga but you will look great as well.
The staff is knowledgeable and always willing to give you honest recommendations and reviews on products. And be sure to check out their unique one of a kind items. From custom design t-​shirts to handmade soaps, you will be able to find lots to choose from for even your non-​runner/​yogie friends and family members.
Oh, I can’t forget to mention their nutritional product selection. They carry harder to find brands like Epic and Huma in addition to some of the more common brands you can find. Its perfect for those of us who are looking to «clean» up our race and training fuel to more natural and lower/​no added sugar options.

Not just for running! They have a great selection of accessories, yoga clothes and active lifestyle clothes made of flattering designs and durable, comfortable fabrics. The owners have great taste and have scoured the world to find unique pieces. I bought several shirts and yoga pants and wear them constantly.
I was also happy to bring my used shoes to the collection box, which get sent to people who are in need of shoes. There are also many workshops and events with a wide range of topics. This is more than just a women’s athletic gear store. It is a community-​building, pep talk/​motivation providing, educational, doing-​good, look good/​feel good, women-​celebrating, local independent business supporting place.

My husband and I were in the neighborhood late on a Saturday. The owners, Kate and Anne, opened the door so I could try on some shoes — after closing!
I came back later in the week to run in the few I picked out and bought the most comfortable pair of running shoes since having 2 kids. The girls are wonderful, knowledgeable and so helpful.
Well done! I’ll be back for more!

Extremely knowledgable. Friendly staff. Beautiful clothing options. This is a great addition to the Oak Park community! I am not a runner but love to exercise, so I am happy Lively is here!

There are so many positive things to say about Lively Running that I’m not sure I can even cover them all in one Unilocal review. I had moved to Oak Park without knowing anyone. My motivation to run was low, despite the fact that I was training for the Chicago Marathon. Once Lively opened, I found not just an amazing pair of women that are truly passionate about being active and sharing their knowledge. They stock amazing and innovative brands. I love that they have many natural nutrition too. They also carry cute Etsy jewelry brands, local brands… I could go on and on. Finally, I love the events Lively Running hosts. Everything from Yoga to de-​stress from the holidays, craft beer co-​ed runs and how to plan out your year.

I have a confession to make: I’m terrible at keeping New Year’s Resolutions. Here it is, already February, and I hadn’t made good on mine – not once. No, I did not resolve to exercise, like so many others. I resolved to look SUPER ADORABLE while exercising.
Luckily, this proved to be a snap with a visit to Lively Running. Kate, one of the co-​owners, helped fit me with a new pair of running shoes. She was patient, knowledgable, and listened to my concerns about previous injuries and how much I run (that would be as little as possible) before coming up with the perfect pair, which she encouraged me to test out by running around the store or on their treadmill.
And the clothes! So comfortable, so work-​outable, and, in keeping with my resolution, extremely stylish and cute. It was hard to decide what to buy; I wanted one of everything! So thanks, Lively, for helping make me a gal of my word. It’s time to take my new shoes and clothes to the gym and sit in the café with a smoothie! …Ok, fine, I’ll work out while I’m there…
Truly, this store has a great ambience, knowledgable and friendly staff, and amazing, unique workout clothes. Can I make a «‘Run’ to Lively Athletics» joke? No? Too cheesy? Well, go there anyway!

This independently owned shop is the perfect place for athletic lifestyle needs — from running/​yoga wear to general everyday cute and comfy styles.
Anne and Kate have done an amazing job of styling amazing options and outfits, and I love that they feature smaller, independent brands and vendors. Their personal touch is everywhere.
I discovered my new fav sports bra there «Handful» and also the most comfy top by «Beyond Yoga.» Highly recommend checking it out!

Such a cute and helpful store, that sells athletic products primarily for women. I came in looking for running shoes, and in contrast to Foot Locker which had NONE that fit, I found three viable choices at Lively. I ended up with a great pair for a little over $ 100, which is totally reasonable for good quality running shoes. Plus before you buy them, you can actually try them on the treadmill, which I’ve never seen before but makes so so much sense!
The girls in the store were able to recommend the perfect shoes for me that fit my needs ideally. Plus they’re OPRF alumnae so you can feel good about supporting local business! Thanks again ladies!

This shop is awesome! I’ve been running for a couple years and I’ve always had problems with pain in my shins. I walked into Lively Running one day to check it out and noticed they had a treadmill to watch you run and recommend shoes. I thought I’d give it a shot, hopefully find a shoe that would eliminate some of the pain in my shins. Anyway, I believe it was the owner who watched me run, recorded it on an ipad, and watched it with me, explaining my form and what kind of shoe would be most beneficial. The customer service here is awesome! I really felt that she knew what she was talking about and was making a good recommendation. I bought those shoes two months ago, and its such a huge difference! The pain in my shins is pretty much nonexistent! I’m really happy to have this place in Oak park! They also have a good variety of stylish workout clothes and awesome screen printed leggings.

I am thrilled to have Lively Running in our community. Anne and Kate know their product lines, and they’re both avid athletes so they truly understand what active women need. What’s more, they’re both tapped into large communities of runners, cyclists, yogis, and cross-​fit folks, and they really pay attention to the feedback from these communities. They care about their customers, and they’re willing to help you find exactly what you need. Beyond the amazing clothes and colorful kicks (Newtons!), I’m delighted by their performance products — from foot massagers to foam rollers to all the nutrition bars and powders a female athlete could want. Not to mention the greatest sports bras in the world, Moving Comfort.
The store itself has the feel of a very cool, laid-​back, super stylish boutique; you’ll find yourself browsing all sorts of clothes you’ll want to live in. Independent designers? Check! Tons of headbands? Check! Oiselle shorts? Yep! Seriously, how many days per week can one get a away with wearing an elastic waistband? Cause I’m ready to fill my closet with all of it. It’s basically a lady athlete’s dream come true.

Comprehensive running store for women! Excellent selection and expert advice from Kate. It’s so cool that they’re positioning themselves as being community hub for runners. I was there with my girlfriend — she was thrilled with the place, and I was a bit jealous of it all.