To all you runners out there...

[Elizabeth TN]

Does it matter if you go to a store where they actually watch you run and fit your feet? I have started running and am planning to run a 5k next month. I am really enjoying it, so I decided to invest in a good pair of running shoes. I went to one of these stores and, while I felt like they were very knowledgeable, I am not sure the extra $$ was worth it. :confused:

[Laurel]

We have a runners store near me, and they are amazing people, so incredibly knowledgeable. The owner (great guy) looks at your feet, and says, "I would recommend these pairs for you, because of x, y, and z." And he has recommended different shoes for me and my friends based on our different feet. And I have not had problems or injuries, and I think that is due to wearing the right shoes for my feet. So, do think the extra money is worth it. (And I especially enjoy the owner at this store, because he often gives me a 10% discount, I think for repeat customers, or for buying more than 1 pair of shoes.)

[Colleen]

I'm admittedly biased because I advocate supporting small, independent businesses (as opposed to ordering online or buying at malls & big box stores). Also, I am blessed with an absolutely incredible local running shop ~ the "Cheers" of running stores ;) ~ so my experiences are fantastic in that regard. They know running. They know how to fit shoes. And ultimately, I don't find it costs me a great deal more than if I shopped elsewhere.

Good luck in your running endeavours! On my run earlier, I was thinking I should post here and see if my fellow runners want to do a weekly check-in or something of that sort...

[Elizabeth TN]

Good luck in your running endeavours! On my run earlier, I was thinking I should post here and see if my fellow runners want to do a weekly check-in or something of that sort...[/quote]

I would love to do a check-in.

[Herding Cats in NC]

Have you ever had this done? If not, I'd go for it. The running store near me has people who are runners and they really know the different kinds of shoes. For instance, I overpronate (which means I'm flat-footed), but, from watching me walk, they noted that my ankles are (apparently) pretty strong. So they recommended a sneaker with stability control instead of motion control. Then they recommended several brands and styles that fell in that type. After you have this done once, you probably won't have to keep going back there if you don't want to pay the extra money. Assuming you like what they recommend, you can probably find the shoe anywhere.

For me, if I don't run with the right sneakers & if I don't replace them often enough, my knees will hurt, so this is pretty important to me. But, my dh can run in just about anything without any problems, so ymmv, as they say :D.

[Miss Peregrine]

On my run earlier, I was thinking I should post here and see if my fellow runners want to do a weekly check-in or something of that sort...


That might get me motivated to get back to it. Well, when the few feet of snow disappear:rolleyes:

[Brigitte]

Does it matter if you go to a store where they actually watch you run and fit your feet? I have started running and am planning to run a 5k next month. I am really enjoying it, so I decided to invest in a good pair of running shoes. I went to one of these stores and, while I felt like they were very knowledgeable, I am not sure the extra $$ was worth it. :confused:

Getting the right shoes for your feet and running style is very important. Specialty stores often have a pedorthist in house who is especially knowledgeable. Now I have been known to go online and order subsequent pairs for less, especially when my make and model has been changed by the manufacturer. You can find past shoe models for cheap online.

I am due for a new pair. Hopefully I can swing it this month. Since I have had some changing around with models because of my stress fractures (wrong shoes!) and a cyst I have in my foot and had to wear a special orthodics (two different types over the past 3 years), I am going for the full treatment at Foot Rx, our new running store. They know what they are doing.

Brigitte

PS - I would be up for a weekly check-in.