Monday, November 09, 2009
Best Running Shoes
 The most critical purchase you will make in running is: SHOES. (Running bras are also critical, but I will save that for another blog). I cannot stress enough how important it is to see a running shoe specialist when you are about to begin a training program of any kind. It may be that you just want to start walking or lose weight. It may be that you have been running for years and you simply want to try out the latest features in running shoes. At either spectrum, it is most beneficial for you to go to your local running shoe store.
I've been running for six years, and I'll be forever grateful to the advice I received early on about going to a specialty running store. I drove two hours one way to find it, and while fighting traffic, I grumbled under my breath, "This had better be worth it," and "This had better not cost me an arm and a leg."
Later, I would be entirely pleasantly surprised because the drive down there was priceless for what I gained in expertise and service. Plus, the shoes themselves were not that expensive. Another bonus, the store owner, upon hearing about how far I'd driven felt compelled to give me a discount.
I was self-conscious as soon as I entered the door. A running specialty store is not a big box warehouse. It is not like shopping at Kohl's. There is no anonymity here. Be prepared for individualized attention!
At once two guys came over to help me. I was their only customer. I don't know why I suddenly felt so embarrassed (did I mention they were cute?). Maybe because I'm not used to so much fuss being made about my...feet?
But there we were analyzing the shape and size of my feet. Narrow? "Yes, but look at her ankles..."
I answered various questions. "How far are you running?" "Are you training for an event?" "Do you run on trails or concrete?"
They had me try on a "neutral" shoe, and then, they made me go outside to run down the sidewalk and back while they watched and discussed my running gait and pronation. I thought it was hilarious. I actually got the giggles. Surely picking out shoes can't be that technical!
I was wrong. It is because of these two knowledgeable guys that I was fitted with the perfect shoe. I tried on dozens that seemed to be made just for feet like mine: Narrow, flat-arched, Morten-toed feet. Even so, my heel slipped in such a way that my savvy guys didn't like. One of them left us and reappeared with THE shoe. It was an extra-narrow Brooks running shoe. It is the best running shoe in the world...for me. We all knew as soon as I put them on and exclaimed, "Wow! This is it. This is my shoe."
I have been able to run hundreds of miles injury-free because of my long drive to that running specialty shop. I really ought to send them a present, a thank-you card at the least because they set me up to run long term.
I always know it's time for new shoes when my knees feel creaky or my calves start giving me trouble, or my arches ache after a long run. Luckily, I don't have to drive so far! We have a running specialty store right here in town these days. I think it's time for some new shoes.
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