Running Shoe Buyers Guide:
We are in the business of solving problems. Just like you wouldn’t use a chisel to hammer a nail into a wall, we help guide you through the maze using our expert knowledge to pick the correct tool (or shoe in this case) to help you meet your running or walking needs and goals.
Most people that walk into our stores are coming to us for expert advice to solve problems they have already experienced. Perhaps the issue may be knee pain when trying to increase weekly mileage, or questions about minimal running, or preventing injuries from happening in the first place. We can help!
The most common question we hear everyday is “what’s the best running shoe for me?” Of course there is no absolute answer to this question, as there is no one single footwear type that is universally best for everyone.
To help narrow down what it is that you are looking for we consider several factors:
Running Shoe Considerations:
• Body Type & Composition- Not every running shoe is built for everyone, and your needs will vary depending on your height and weight.
• Injury History- Suffering from any injuries? Pain or injuries in areas such as your knees, lower back, hips, IT band, & shin splints will help narrow down the list of footwear choices.
• Callousing on Ball of Foot or Side of Big Toe- If you’ve got callousing on the ball of your foot or side of your big toe, it is likely that your forefoot tends to overpronate (collapse excessively on the medial side), and likely you will need added stability.
• Surfaces Run On- What type of surface you’ll be using your new shoes on makes a difference when choosing the most appropriate shoe. If you are primarily running on a treadmill, track, or road surfaces, we suggest a road shoe. If you primarily stick to trail running or even light hiking on off road surfaces, we suggest a trail shoe.
• Looking for a racing shoe or minimalist trainer?- You will likely want to choose a lighter weight running shoe with a lower midsole profile that keeps your foot lower to the ground.
Quick Picks:
Minimalist Shoes
Running Shoes
Trail Running Shoes
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