If you are after a running store in the Iowa City area, Fitness Sports has two stores within a short drive: Coralville at 103 5th St and North Liberty at 555 Hwy 965 B. Both give you the same free gait analysis and personalized fitting, both carry the running, walking and work shoes we fit across Iowa, and neither needs an appointment. Fitness Sports Iowa City has been recognized as the highest-ranked shoe store in the area.
Two stores serving Iowa City
Coralville is the closer of the two for most people coming from Iowa City itself, a few minutes west along the river, and it is the store we point University of Iowa students and downtown workers toward. Hours and directions are on the Coralville store page.
North Liberty suits anyone coming down from the north or across from Solon, Tiffin and Swisher. Both stores keep the same brand range and the same fitting process, so pick whichever is the easier trip. If one does not have your size on the shelf, we can usually bring it over from the other or have it shipped to you.
The free fitting, start to finish
Every visit includes a free gait analysis and personalized fitting. We measure both feet for length and width, check arch height, and watch how you walk or run before pulling a single box. Feet change with age, mileage and weight, so we measure each time rather than trusting the size printed inside your current shoes.
Bring the shoes you wear now, and any insoles or orthotics you use. Wear patterns say more than a description can. You will try several pairs and move in them, and your fitter will explain what they are seeing as they go. Booking is available if you want a set time, and details of the whole process are on our free personalized fitting page.
After the sale, the fit promise stands: bring the shoes back within 30 days with your receipt for a refit, an exchange or a refund.
Running shoes for the Iowa River and beyond
Whether you run along the Iowa River, on the trails around Coralville Lake, or on the roads out past North Liberty, the shoes that suit you depend on your stride rather than on what is trending. We carry Brooks, HOKA, ASICS, New Balance, Nike, Saucony, On, Altra and Mizuno, across neutral, stability and max cushion, and in a range of widths. A fitter will shortlist two or three pairs and let your own feet settle it.
Students, club runners and people coming back after a break all get the same fitting. You can see the full range in our shoes and gear catalog if you want to look before you visit.
Walking shoes, work shoes and recovery
Many of the people we fit in Coralville and North Liberty spend their days on their feet rather than running. Hospital staff, teachers, retail workers and anyone covering a long shift on hard floors need cushioning, support and a width that fits. Alongside running shoes we stock supportive walking shoes and all black work shoes, plus CURREX insoles, socks and OOFOS recovery footwear.
Many customers find that the right width and a supportive insole take the edge off everyday soreness. We fit shoes rather than treat feet, so if pain persists it is worth talking to a doctor or physical therapist. If black is a requirement for your job, our guide to all black work shoes in Iowa is a useful starting point.
Kids, spikes, pickup and group runs
There is more to both stores than adult trainers. A quick summary of what else you can get sorted while you are in:
- Youth track spikes: the widest selection in Iowa, from sizes 1 to 4 and up, plus cross country shoes.
- Kids shoes: measured properly each visit, since growing feet rarely hold a size for long.
- Online order pickup: free at either store, normally ready within an hour.
- Free standard shipping on orders over $70 if you would rather have them delivered.
- Group runs and walks, race packet pickups and race timing through the stores.
Hours and how to find us
Both Iowa City area stores are open Monday to Friday from 10 to 6, Saturday from 10 to 5, and Sunday from 1 to 5. Coralville is at 103 5th St and North Liberty is at 555 Hwy 965 B. Between them we see customers from Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Tiffin, Solon, Swisher, West Branch and Kalona.
Questions we get asked
Where is the Fitness Sports running store for Iowa City?
The two stores serving Iowa City are Coralville at 103 5th St and North Liberty at 555 Hwy 965 B. Coralville is usually the shorter trip from Iowa City and the University of Iowa campus. Both open Monday to Friday 10 to 6, Saturday 10 to 5, and Sunday 1 to 5, and both offer the same free fitting with no appointment needed.
Is the gait analysis really free?
Yes. Every visit includes a free gait analysis and personalized fitting, whether or not you buy anything that day. We measure both feet, check arch height and watch you walk or run before recommending shoes. Plenty of people come in to find out their correct size and width, take that information away, and come back later when they are ready for a new pair.
Do you sell all black work shoes?
We do. All black shoes are a common requirement for hospital, kitchen and school staff, so we keep supportive options that meet that rule and still fit properly. Tell your fitter how long your shifts are and what surface you stand on, and they will factor that in along with your foot measurements before pulling anything off the shelf.
Can I pick up an online order in Coralville or North Liberty?
Yes. Choose in-store pickup at checkout and select the store that suits you. Orders are normally ready within an hour during opening hours. If the shoes do not fit once you try them on at the counter, a fitter can swap you into a different size or model there and then, which is quicker than posting them back.
Do you fit kids and high school athletes?
All the time. We measure kids feet at every visit rather than working from an old size, and we carry the widest selection of youth track spikes in Iowa, starting at sizes 1 to 4. Bring the event list for track season or the course details for cross country, and we will match the spike to the job and check the fit in race socks.
If you have been looking for a shoe store in Iowa City, both of our nearby stores are open seven days a week and ready when you are. Stop into Coralville or the North Liberty store, bring your current shoes, and let us measure your feet properly. You will leave knowing your size, your width and which pair suits the miles you put in.