Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Runners in SoHo
Top Things to Do in New York City for Runners in SoHo
1. Nike SoHo
A multi-level flagship that anchors SoHo’s sports scene, Nike SoHo is where runners test-drive the latest road and trail footwear, explore race-ready apparel, and tap in-store expertise. Its central Broadway location makes it an easy pre- or post-run stop.
✓ Why Go:
Stock up on marathon-tested shoes and essentials, get sizing help, and find seasonal gear tailored to NYC’s variable weather.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings right after opening or late evenings to avoid the heaviest crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask a store expert to compare fits across models you already log miles in, then lace up both pairs back-to-back to feel differences in cushioning and responsiveness.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Runners love the deep selection and knowledgeable staff; expect buzz and busy fitting areas on weekends.
2. Lululemon SoHo
This four-story SoHo hub blends performance apparel with a bright studio loft for mobility and recovery-focused sessions. It’s a reliable stop for run shorts, supportive bras, socks, and layers that breathe through humid NYC miles.
✓ Why Go:
Pick up race-week apparel and accessories, then rebalance with stretching or yoga that complements your training.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-morning on weekdays; Saturdays get crowded 1–5 pm.
✓ Insider Tip:
Take advantage of complimentary hemming for a perfect short or tight length before long-run day.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for premium fabrics and a calm try-on experience despite SoHo foot traffic.
3. Equinox SoHo
A polished neighborhood club known for tread-focused classes, strength floors, and spa-level recovery perks. It’s a convenient base when weather forces you indoors or you’re fine-tuning paces on precision treadmills.
✓ Why Go:
Dial in intervals on quality treadmills, cross-train with mobility or Pilates, and recover with steam and spa services.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings before the commute rush or mid-afternoons on weekdays.
✓ Insider Tip:
If you’re traveling, inquire about guest options; bring your training plan to match a treadmill workout to exact marathon or tempo paces.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Members highlight clean facilities, strong programming, and reliable tread availability off-peak.
4. REI SoHo Flagship
Three floors of outdoor and run-adjacent gear inside the historic Puck Building. From hydration vests and anti-chafe to headlamps and cold-weather layers, you can outfit any training block here.
✓ Why Go:
One-stop shop for nutrition, safety lights, and trail shoes if you’re mixing in Van Cortlandt or Palisades runs.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Open-to-lunch on weekdays; evenings are busiest.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head to the lower-level sale section for discounted run accessories and last-season layers.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for helpful staff and breadth of inventory; can be a destination in itself for gear nerds.
5. Alo Yoga SoHo
A light-filled studio-store hybrid at Spring and Mercer offering yoga and mobility classes ideal for runner recovery. Stock up on compression layers and mats, then flow out tight hips and hamstrings.
✓ Why Go:
Balance miles with mobility work to reduce injury risk and improve stride efficiency.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning weekdays for quieter classes; weekend slots book quickly.
✓ Insider Tip:
Target hip openers and ankle mobility sessions the day after long runs; bring a water bottle—refills are easy here.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors appreciate the serene space and runner-friendly class formats.
6. The North Face SoHo
An expansive two-story store with road-to-trail footwear, weatherproof shells, and run packs. The curated displays make dialing in shoulder-season layering straightforward.
✓ Why Go:
Prep for rainy tempos or blustery bridge runs with breathable waterproofs and trail-capable trainers.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoons on weekdays; Saturdays are high-traffic.
✓ Insider Tip:
Try on shells over your mid-layer to ensure full arm swing and zero chafe points before race day.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Commended for organization and size range; staff is quick with weather-wise advice.
7. Patagonia NYC SoHo
A sustainability-forward space featuring trail running apparel, lightweight shells, and packs. Great for runners who log miles in all conditions and value durable kit.
✓ Why Go:
Find breathable layers that transition from humid summers to crisp fall long runs without extra bulk.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings; avoid mid-day weekend surges.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about repair-friendly pieces to extend gear life through multiple training cycles.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Shoppers call out knowledgeable staff and a thoughtful trail-running assortment.
8. Vesuvio Playground
A neighborhood pocket park perfect for dynamic warm-ups before you hit SoHo’s grid. Benches, open pavement, and nearby cafes make it a convenient staging area for early miles.
✓ Why Go:
Loosen up with drills and strides off busy streets, then roll straight into your route along Spring or Prince.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunrise to mid-morning for the calmest atmosphere.
✓ Insider Tip:
On hot days, use the park’s shade to stretch post-run and cool down before grabbing coffee on Thompson Street.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals appreciate the community vibe and central location for meet-ups.
9. SoHo Square Park
A petite green triangle at Spring and 6th Ave that functions as an ideal rally point. Steps from multiple subway lines, it’s a handy start/finish for routes heading west toward the Hudson or south to Tribeca.
✓ Why Go:
Reliable meet-up spot with space to mobilize and easy access to straight-shot streets for tempo or easy-day loops.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings before commuter flow; twilight is lively but usable.
✓ Insider Tip:
From the park, jog west on Spring Street to reach the Hudson River Greenway quickly for uninterrupted miles.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Seen as a practical, well-situated pocket park—nothing fancy, but perfect for runners’ logistics.
10. Dominique Ansel Bakery
Celebrate long-run day with a SoHo icon known for inventive pastries and spot-on coffee. From flaky croissants to the famed DKA, it’s a satisfying carb reload a short jog from most SoHo routes.
✓ Why Go:
Refuel smartly—pair protein and carbs after hard efforts while soaking up classic SoHo street life.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings; weekend lines peak late morning to mid-afternoon.
✓ Insider Tip:
If you’re eyeing limited pastries, arrive near opening or order ahead when available to skip the queue.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers and locals agree: creative bakes are worth the detour, with quick-moving lines and friendly service.
