BackRoads Brews and Shoes

About BackRoads Brews and Shoes

BackRoads Brews + Shoes is a specialty running store and community hub located on Riverbend Rd in the River Bend neighbourhood of London. Serving runners, walkers, and the local community, the business combines a retail environment with an in-store taproom that offers coffee, craft beer, and kombucha. The store provides a curated selection of running shoes, apparel, and gear. Specific shoe categories include road, trail, neutral, stability, race, weatherproof, and spiked options, as well as slides and sandals. They carry numerous brands such as HOKA, Asics, Brooks, On, Adidas, New Balance, Saucony, Altra, Salomon, and OOFOS. Their apparel and accessories include items from brands like Vuori, Patagonia, Roark, Kari Traa, Ciele Athletics, Stance, and Goodr, alongside their own BackRoads brand. Additionally, the shop offers nutrition products from brands like Maurten, Tailwind, Precision, Gu Energy, Brix, Skratch Labs, XACT Nutrition, and Science in Sport. Founded in December 2017 by Aaron Hendrikx, the business was created to merge a passion for running and craft beer with a focus on exceptional customer service. The name "BackRoads" is inspired by the rural country backroads where Aaron, a former Canadian University Cross Country Champion, trained. The business distinguishes itself by creating a space where people can connect and socialize regardless of whether they are runners. The shop hosts various community events, including the BackRoads Running Series, the HOKA Hat Trick Series, and a weekly Thursday Night Free Social Run. They also host "Babies & Brews" on Wednesday mornings, which provides walking routes and a social space for parents with small children.