Running Store, what to look for?

[funnyesq]

Okay...I decided to make a new thread. Sue me.

I found a running specialty store in my area that advertises they will check my gait etc. What should I ask, look for etc...when consulting with them. They look reputable. The one thing I noticed in their web site is that they don't sell New Balance....I guess I'm partial to them but I can change I suppose. I thought NB were very good running shoes. I'm sort of surprised. Maybe I shouldn't be????

Thanks. I promise not to debate the advise you give.

[kszal]

What they should do is have you take off your shoes and watch you walk around. They will assess your stride and how you walk (do you pronate, underpronate, or are neutral, plus are you a heel-striker, etc.). They should also ask questions about how you plan to use the shoes (how many miles a week you run, whether you'll use them for cross-training, etc.). Then they should bring out shoes that should fit your type of foot. They should come up with a few different ones so that you can try them, and ideally they would have a treadmill in the store or let you run outside on the sidewalk to try them out. :)

Hope that helps.

[JackieRTP]

New Balance running shoes are very good.

Different shoes are better for different feet.

Most likely they are not getting as good a deal from the vendor for New Balance and choose not to carry them since they might make less per sale.

[Jared]

I would think a running store would be very easy to spot, unless it was running very slowly.

[J5ive]

The best running stores that I have been will ask me a bunch of questions about: 1.) How often I run, and 2.) Where I run (trails, treadmill, cement). From there, they have always looked at my current footwear, asked me to walk, looked at my feet, and then suggested pairs of shoes.

I think what comes next is the crucial part. When they suggest a pair of shoes, they always always always make me run around the parking lot in them.

I have a mindset that my footwear has to fit perfectly from Day 1. I don't believe that, "I'll get used to them," or "I just need to break them in." If they don't feel right on Day 1, Day 50 isn't going to be any better.

I would bring the pair of shoes you currently run in, and I would also wear clothes that you feel comfortable exercising in.

[mark]

The best running stores that I have been will ask me a bunch of questions about: 1.) How often I run, and 2.) Where I run (trails, treadmill, cement). From there, they have always looked at my current footwear, asked me to walk, looked at my feet, and then suggested pairs of shoes.

I think what comes next is the crucial part. When they suggest a pair of shoes, they always always always make me run around the parking lot in them.

I have a mindset that my footwear has to fit perfectly from Day 1. I don't believe that, "I'll get used to them," or "I just need to break them in." If they don't feel right on Day 1, Day 50 isn't going to be any better.

I would bring the pair of shoes you currently run in, and I would also wear clothes that you feel comfortable exercising in.


Couldn't say it any better, so I won't. :D

[Mandy]

I would think a running store would be very easy to spot, unless it was running very slowly.
:lol3: made me laugh

[funnyesq]

Okay...I went

Not bad. Lots of shoes. Lots of equipment etc. They also had a treadmill...exactly like the one I use. Also the street in front looked quite similar to the one I'd use.

I had help from 2 people...one a sales person and the other someone that appeared more managerial (she consulted with him about fit).

She watched me walk in my shoes...with and without the orthodic.

She watched me stand without shoes.

She then had me run with my shoes and video taped that.

[CUE: EXTREME PHYSIQUE FORUM GOING "WE TOLD YOU!!!!"]

I do not supinate

[CUE: EP forum going "We told you!!!!"]

I have a slight pronate on my right foot (which is the PF foot). Strike is even and not a problem. Heel strike is where the right foot tends to lose its arch and turn in slightly. Left is fine. I watched too and could see a slight difference between the two feet.

She gave me a few different choices...I didn't look at models ...I tried them all on and walked and ran...and narrowed it down to an Asics model (I forget which) and Brooks Adrenaline GTS 6 which is what I got. She also suggested a slightly longer shoe to accomodate a slight swelling. They didn't feel too long and I agreed with the size based on fit and comfort according to my standards (I didn't want to feel like I was flopping around in them).

Hope this helps.

Thanks again.

[Tearose]

wow, I need to find a a store like this.

[J5ive]

Excellent!

Hopefully your feet will be happier soon.

[Inatic]

Excellent!

Hopefully your feet will be happier soon.

I was totally satisfied when i came home with my shoes from our local running store as well.

:thumb:

[mark]

Excellent!! :thumb:

Brooks makes a good shoe. Hopefully this will work for you.

In the meantime, stretch and massage the foot, Get something cylindrical that you can put in the freezer (like an oj concentate thingie) and roll your foot over it after running, and use some NSAIDs after running if you can stomach them.

[GymBean]

I'm glad you found a running store that could help you out. Hopefully this will be the beginning of the end of your PF. But like Mark said, it's important to stretch, ice , and massage as well.

I'm sorry that I offended you earlier. I was only trying to help, but perhaps I could have done it it a nicer manner.

[lchristine100]

finding a good running store was the best decision I made back last spring...now i can run for miles and miles versus having horrible knee pain since I wore the wrong shoes. I'd highly reccomend a good specialty store to anyone