Since this posting the Running Niche has moved to a larger space at 1601 Tower Grove Avenue.
When Jennifer Henderson and Bob Dyer decided to open a specialty run/walk store somewhere in the City of St. Louis, they were undecided about where they wanted to be. As they explored multiple neighborhoods in search of a location, they kept coming back to The Grove—which seemed perfectly situated for many reasons.
High on the list is that The Grove is a short distance from the couple’s home in Lafayette Square, is not far from Forest Park, and is close to BJC Medical Center, Cortex Innovation Community, and St. Louis University. Also, the The Grove District is populated by a young, active community, many of whom moved to St. Louis from elsewhere. Jennifer and Bob were convinced that opening a shop with a great selection of running gear, coupled with their mission that it become a gathering place for runners and walkers, would appeal to the nearby community.
Running Niche opened in May 2018 in an 1100 s.f. storefront at 4131 Manchester, west of Vandeventer. The street level space is in a two-story building. Chop Shop, a hair salon, is upstairs. 
Jennifer has been running for over 10 years and has completed several marathons and half-marathons. Bob, the other avid runner in the family, has an impressive 2:21 marathon under his belt. He formerly worked for Etonic Running, Puma, Brown Shoe Company (now Caleres), and MBT. Because of his experience in the footwear industry, Bob understands how shoes are made, and stocks brands that suit the needs of runners and walkers of all skill levels.
When in-person shopping was curtailed in 2020, the couple hosted Zoom fittings and then would deliver multiple pairs of shoes for customers to try at home. They also hosted Friday evening Facebook Live events where as many as 200 stuck-at-home runners could stay connected, talk about their sport, or sometimes, according to Jennifer, “just shoot the breeze.” Facebook Live events continue, meeting each Friday at 6:15 p.m. Learn more here.
A bulletin board displays an array of medals the couple has earned from participating in marathons around the country. A framed article, lower left, from Terrain Magazine features Grove neighbor Omar Abdi who found inspiration and mentoring after meeting Jennifer and Bob when he stopped in to purchase a pair of running shoes.
The mentoring aspect of Running Niche stems from the fact that Jennifer and Bob are both certified in the Lyniard Training Method, developed in New Zealand. The method teaches a “stress and recovery” approach to marathon training. The couple also helps customers develop a personalized training plan.
Shoe brands include Altra, Asics, Brooks, Hoko One One, Mizuno, New Balance, Newton Running, On Running and Saucony. 
In addition to its large selection of shoes, Running Niche stocks everything a runner/walker could need, from hydration/sport drink mixes to running apparel and strength-training equipment.
At the time of this posting, Running Niche is once again hosting events that were put on hold during the pandemic. There is a Wednesday Night Run Club at 6:30 p.m. followed by a Happy Hour at Handle Bar, located next door.
On Sundays there is a Morning Group Run at 7 a.m. and a Group Walk that begins at 7:30 a.m. The run is about 8 miles, though some runners go longer. The walk is at least 2 miles. Those interested should meet behind the store (at 4126 Chouteau). Registration for all events is required. Follow the shop’s Facebook page for updates.
It would seem that Jennifer and Bob have accomplished what they set out to do. In fact, Running Niche was named one of the 60 best running stores in the U.S. in 2020 and 2021. And they really offer great service. Jennifer must have brought out 10 pairs of walking shoes for me to try on before I settled on a pair I love.
Running Niche, 1601 Tower Grove Ave., (314) 405-8006, Mon. 10 to 5, Tues., Weds., Thurs., 10 to 7, Fri. 10 to 6, Sat. 10 to 5, Sun. 11 to 4. Follow Running Niche on Instagram.