Help Center | Fittings, Returns, Shipping, Events & More
Quick answers. Clear next steps.
Use this page for the questions customers ask most about shoe fittings, gait analysis, returns, shipping, store services, events, community resources, and the Confluence family of businesses.
Shoe fitting questions
Do I need an appointment for a running shoe fitting?
No. Standard in-store footwear fittings are walk-in friendly. If you have a complex need, want extra time, need a particular accommodation, or prefer to plan ahead, contacting the store first can still be helpful. Virtual fittings are also available.
How long does a shoe fitting take?
Most standard fittings take about 10–20 minutes. Some are faster and some take longer depending on the customer, the number of shoes compared, orthotics or braces, accessibility needs, and how much troubleshooting is involved.
What happens during a fitting?
We start with your activity, current footwear, fit history, comfort, and goals. We can measure length and width, consider foot shape and volume, and observe gait or movement when useful. Then we compare appropriate footwear options so you can feel the differences.
Do you do gait analysis?
Yes. Gait and movement observation can be part of our fitting and education process. We use it as context for footwear decisions — not as a medical diagnosis, prescription, or guarantee that a shoe will prevent an injury.
Do you help with injury prevention?
Yes, through footwear fitting, movement observation, product education, and evidence-informed injury-prevention education. We do not diagnose or treat injuries. Persistent pain, significant swelling, numbness, trauma, or other medical concerns should be evaluated by an appropriate licensed healthcare professional.
Can you help with orthotics or a clinician’s recommendation?
Yes. Bring both orthotics or braces, your usual socks, and any current footwear that helps explain what has or has not been working. We can help find footwear that accommodates the device or recommendation. We do not alter prescription orthotics or replace medical advice.
How do I know what size or width I need?
The printed size is a starting point, not the goal. Fit can vary by brand, model, foot shape, volume, socks, orthotics, and activity. Our Footwear Size & Width Guide explains the basics, and a fitting is the best way to compare when you are unsure.
Refunds, store credit & clearance
What is the standard return window?
Eligible standard-priced merchandise is generally returnable within 30 days of purchase or delivery with proof of purchase, subject to product condition and inspection.
When can footwear receive a full refund?
A full refund to the original payment method is reserved for eligible footwear that is new, clean, and only lightly tried on carpet. Once footwear has been used on a treadmill, hard surface, or outdoors, it is no longer treated as brand new.
I wore the shoes on a treadmill, hard surface, or outside. Can I still return them?
Standard-priced footwear may still be eligible within the applicable return window, but accepted worn footwear is store credit only, subject to inspection.
Can I return clearance shoes or other clearance merchandise?
No. Clearance, last-chance, discontinued, and other final-sale merchandise is final sale and is not returnable or exchangeable. Defective, damaged, or incorrectly shipped merchandise is reviewed separately from a normal return.
Do you charge a restocking fee?
No. Confluence Running does not charge a restocking fee for eligible returns or exchanges.
Who pays shipping on a return, exchange, or order modification?
The customer is generally responsible for return shipping, exchange shipping, and additional shipping created by a customer-requested order modification. If the issue resulted from a Confluence Running shipping error or an accepted product defect, contact us so we can review the appropriate solution.
Delivery, tracking & order support
How long does order processing take?
Most online orders are processed within 1–3 business days, Monday through Friday. Processing time is separate from carrier transit time.
What if my package is excessively late because Confluence took too long to ship it?
If a delivery becomes excessively late because of an unusually long Confluence Running handling delay before carrier acceptance, we provide a $20 Confluence Running Gift Card as a service-recovery gesture after reviewing the order timeline.
What if USPS, UPS, or another carrier delays or loses my package?
Once the carrier has accepted the package, carrier-caused transit delays, routing problems, and lost packages are outside Confluence Running’s control and are not the responsibility of Confluence Running. We will still help you review tracking and determine the appropriate next step.
What is Re:Do package protection?
Optional Re:Do shipping/package protection may be available at checkout. If protection was purchased for your order, qualifying lost, damaged, or stolen package claims follow the provider’s current coverage terms and claim process.
Can I change an order after placing it?
Contact us as quickly as possible. We will help when the order has not progressed too far in fulfillment, but changes are not always possible after processing begins. Any additional shipping created by a customer-requested modification is the customer’s responsibility.
What if I received the wrong item or something arrived damaged?
Contact us promptly with the order number and what you received. Wrong, damaged, and incomplete shipments are fulfillment issues and are reviewed separately from a standard return.
Who we are
What is Confluence Running?
Confluence Running is a New York specialty running, walking, fitness, and footwear retailer built around fitting, education, and community. We serve runners and walkers, but also workers on their feet, athletes, medical and orthotic customers, families, and people simply looking for more comfortable footwear.
What is Lake Placid Running & Triathlon Company?
Lake Placid Running & Triathlon is our performance-focused running and triathlon retail identity in Lake Placid. It brings specialty endurance-sport footwear and knowledge into the Ruthie’s Run retail environment.
What is Ruthie’s Run?
Ruthie’s Run is our fashion-forward Lake Placid retail business focused on ski, outerwear, apparel, and lifestyle. Lake Placid Running & Triathlon is nestled within Ruthie’s Run, so customers can access both performance specialty retail and a broader fashion/outdoor assortment.
Where are your stores?
We serve Binghamton/Johnson City, Corning, Hudson Valley/Middletown, North Country/Watertown, and Lake Placid. Store hours can change, so use the current location page before making a special trip.
Events, group runs & coaching
What is Confluence Running Events?
Confluence Running Events is our race and event arm. Signature events include the Belmar Parade Day Mile, Southern Tier Cross Country Series, Carousel 5K, Sunset Runway 5K, and 1812 Challenge Weekend.
Do you have a race calendar?
Yes. Our Race Calendar helps runners find road, trail, cross-country, and community events across the regions we serve.
Can I submit my race to your calendar?
Yes. Use our Submit a Race page to share an event for review.
Do you organize group runs?
We maintain group-run and training-community information across our regions. Schedules can change, so check the current Group Runs & Training Groups page before heading out.
Can you help me find a running or triathlon coach?
Yes. Our Community Coaching Network helps athletes explore coaching options based on location, sport, goals, and coaching style.
Where can I find race photos and race reviews?
Visit our Race Photos archive and Race Reports & Reviews for event coverage, recaps, and community stories.
Knowledge, sustainability, loyalty & accessibility
Do you publish educational or science-based running content?
Yes. Our blogs and product reviews cover footwear, training, performance, recovery, running science, injury-prevention concepts, and race/community topics. Educational content is not a substitute for individual medical care.
Do you recycle old shoes or apparel?
Yes. Our Better Bins program helps collect eligible used shoes and apparel for reuse or recycling. See the current Shoe & Apparel Recycling page for details.
Do you have a loyalty program?
Yes. Confluence Running has a loyalty and rewards program. Rewards, eligibility, and promotions can change, so the current Loyalty Program page is the source of truth rather than an old coupon or screenshot.
Do you offer military, first-time-customer, or other discount codes?
Promotions and eligibility can change over time. We only promise discounts that are currently published or confirmed for the customer. Check the current site and loyalty program, or contact us if you need help with a specific offer.
Can you accommodate accessibility, sensory, mobility, or communication needs?
Yes. We welcome requests for extra time, adaptive fitting support, reduced-stimulation approaches when practical, mobility considerations, virtual assistance, or other reasonable accommodations. See our Accessibility Statement or contact the store so we can plan with you.
