5 Reasons Running For Kicks Palos Heights Is The Most Important Local Running Store In 2025

Running for Kicks in Palos Heights, Illinois, has cemented its status as a vital hub for the Chicago Southland running community, offering far more than just athletic footwear. As of December 2025, this specialty store continues to be recognized for its deep commitment to personalized customer care, expert fitting services, and unwavering support for local high schools and charitable races, making it an essential resource for both new and veteran runners in the region. The store's unique approach, combining technical expertise with a genuine passion for the sport, sets it apart from big-box retailers.

The latest updates for 2025 confirm that Running for Kicks, located at 7158 West 127th Street, remains at the forefront of local running culture, hosting numerous community events, fun runs, and race packet pickups throughout the year. The store's foundation is built on the philosophy that the right shoe is paramount to performance and injury prevention, a belief that drives their signature, detailed fitting process and ensures every customer walks out with the perfect 'kick' for their specific needs.

Mel Diab: The Visionary Behind Running For Kicks and Community Leadership

Running for Kicks is a testament to the vision and dedication of its owner, Mel Diab. Diab, a runner himself, transformed his personal passion for the sport into a business model centered on expertise, community engagement, and philanthropy. He is not just a store owner; he is a respected figure in the Chicago area running scene, known for his hands-on approach and deep knowledge of running mechanics and footwear technology.

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His philosophy is simple: the fit process is the most critical step. Unlike a quick measurement, the team at Running for Kicks, under Diab's guidance, conducts a thorough evaluation to ensure the best outcome for the runner.

The Running For Kicks Professional Profile

• Role: Owner and Operator of Running for Kicks, Palos Heights, IL.
• Expertise: Specializes in detailed shoe-fitting, which includes a comprehensive runner history, foot examination, strength tests, and video gait analysis.
• Community Focus: A major supporter of local high school track and cross-country programs and numerous local races.
• Charitable Work: Known for transforming his passion for running into a substantial charitable fundraising effort, demonstrating a commitment to giving back to the community.

Diab's leadership ensures the store maintains the highest standards of customer care and technical insight, distinguishing it as a true specialty running store in the southern suburbs of Chicago.

The Signature Expert Fitting Process: More Than Just a Measurement

The primary draw for serious and aspiring runners to the Palos Heights location is the store’s acclaimed expert fitting process. This is the core of their value proposition and a service that cannot be replicated by online retailers or general sporting goods stores. The team understands that every runner’s biomechanics are unique, requiring a personalized approach to selecting the right shoe.

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The process is far more involved than simply measuring foot length and width. It is a holistic examination designed to match the runner's foot structure, gait cycle, and intended use (road running, trail running, racing) with the perfect shoe.

Key Components of the Running For Kicks Fit Process:

• Detailed History: Staff take the time to discuss the runner's injury history, current training mileage, and specific goals.
• Foot Exam and Strength Tests: A physical examination of the foot and lower leg is conducted, often including strength assessments to identify potential weaknesses or imbalances.
• Video Gait Analysis: The most crucial step. Runners are filmed while running on a treadmill. This slow-motion video footage allows the expert staff to analyze the runner’s pronation (inward roll), supination (outward roll), and overall foot strike pattern. This data is essential for recommending shoes with the correct level of stability, cushioning, and support.
• Shoe Selection and Trial: Based on the analysis, a curated selection of running shoes from top brands is presented for the runner to try, ensuring a perfect match before purchase.

This meticulous attention to detail is why Running for Kicks is consistently praised for helping runners overcome chronic issues and improve their performance. The store offers a wide variety of shoes at competitive prices, ensuring quality is accessible to the local running community.

Running For Kicks Community Events and 2025 Calendar Highlights

Running for Kicks is a true community partner, hosting and supporting a vibrant schedule of local running events that appeal to all levels of athletes. This involvement is a key pillar of the store’s identity, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support among South Side runners.

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The store frequently collaborates with local race organizers, schools, and brands like Saucony to host fun runs, group runs, and packet pickups, ensuring the local calendar is always packed with opportunities to connect and compete.

Upcoming and Highlighted 2025 Running Events (Current as of December 2025):

• Saucony Fun Run! (December 8, 2025): A popular brand-sponsored fun run, offering runners a chance to test new footwear and connect with fellow enthusiasts. The event is scheduled for 5:15 pm CST.
• RUN SANTA RUN 2025! (December 15, 2025): A festive group run that has become a holiday tradition, typically held in the evening from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm.
• Catch the Elf 5k & 10k Packet Pickup: The store serves as a major packet pickup location for prominent local races, providing convenience for participants. The Catch the Elf race, for example, utilizes the store for Friday afternoon pickups.
• Local Race Support: The store continually supports various races and charitable fundraisers, often acting as a meeting point and resource for race registration and event information.

This calendar of events reinforces the store's role as the central meeting point for the Palos Heights running community, offering motivation, training partners, and a supportive environment for runners of all ages and abilities, including those using specialized training methods like the Run-Walk-Run system.

The Enduring Legacy of a Local Specialty Store

In an era dominated by e-commerce, the continued success and relevance of Running for Kicks highlight the enduring value of a true specialty running store. The store’s ability to adapt, such as implementing increased cleaning methods and maintaining high standards during challenging times, demonstrates its commitment to its customer base.

The expertise provided by Mel Diab and his team—the detailed history, the foot exam, the strength tests, and the video gait analysis—creates a level of trust and personalized service that cannot be found online. This commitment to the runner's health and performance is the real reason why Running for Kicks in Palos Heights is considered a local favorite and an indispensable resource for the southern suburbs of Chicago. It’s more than a transaction; it's a partnership in the runner's journey.

Running For Kicks Palos Heights Store Details

For those looking to experience the expert fitting process or join a local run, here are the essential details:

• Address: 7158 West 127th Street, Palos Heights, IL 60463, United States.
• Phone: 708-448-9200.
• Typical Hours (Check locally for current weekend and holiday hours):
  • Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Whether you are training for a marathon, starting a new fitness journey, or simply need a new pair of shoes, the personalized attention and community spirit at this Palos Heights institution make it the definitive destination for all your running needs in 2025.