Best store to get fitted for running shoes?

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2

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  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,867 Member
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    http://www.runningfit.com/

    You could give these guys a whirl. They have locations in your area. I know absolutely nothing about them. If they're doing it right, they will watch you walk and run on a treadmill to see what your feet are doing...from there, they should be able to determine your pronation...or whether you're neutral. They should measure and bring you a few different brands of shoes to make sure they're getting it right and the particular shoe is not only a good fit, but comfortable for you as well.

    It's a somewhat difficult question to answer because most true running specific stores that do it right are local/regional, not big chain shoe stores.
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
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    No one's had any luck with nationwide sports stores, eh?

    No. They don't have trained shoe fit experts. When you go into a running store, you are being fitted by a runner that has been trained to determine what type of shoe you need for the way you run. There are three basic types of shoes. Neutral, Stability and Motion Control. If your gait requires a Motion Control shoe and you buy a Neutral shoe, there is a really good chance that you will end up with an injury. That's why it's important to take the time to go to a running store and to make the investment in the right pair of shoes.
  • belgerian
    belgerian Posts: 1,059 Member
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    No one's had any luck with nationwide sports stores, eh?

    You should go to a local running store the sales people usually are very knowladgeable (runners themselves) and will get you a good shoe with a good fit. Once you get fitted for a pair you like purchase them anywhere you like. The prices are very comparable to the big chain stores and some of the shoes ive found work for me are not even available at the big chain stores.
  • firstsip
    firstsip Posts: 8,399 Member
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    http://www.runningfit.com/

    You could give these guys a whirl. They have locations in your area. I know absolutely nothing about them. If they're doing it right, they will watch you walk and run on a treadmill to see what your feet are doing...from there, they should be able to determine your pronation...or whether you're neutral. They should measure and bring you a few different brands of shoes to make sure they're getting it right and the particular shoe is not only a good fit, but comfortable for you as well.

    It's a somewhat difficult question to answer because most true running specific stores that do it right are local/regional, not big chain shoe stores.

    That's alright, this answer is pretty much what I was looking for... I should rule out bigger chain stores and just look locally is what I figured, but it didn't hurt to ask.

    Looks like Running Fits are hit or miss according to Yelp, but if I get the whole shpeel you mentioned, hopefully it can't go wrong.

    I feel like the passive aggressive answers have clearly never gotten "professionally" fitted for things at one store and had a hugely different answer at another :laugh: And running shoes are much more expensive than bras (but not wedding dresses). That's why I was looking for, "Oh, I had a bad experience here..." or "I've heard good things here!" That seems to only work with nationwide stores, though, so I'll rule 'em out!
  • trogalicious
    trogalicious Posts: 4,584 Member
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    No one's had any luck with nationwide sports stores, eh?
    I've found specialist shops are typically staffed with folks that know what they're doing. Nationwide shops have been "meh." Kinda like asking the dude stocking produce at Walmart which potato is more nutritious. They just pick it up and go "Yeah, I can potato."
  • stealthSLOTH
    stealthSLOTH Posts: 695 Member
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    No one's had any luck with nationwide sports stores, eh?

    The main difference is that if you go to a running shop they will film you from the side and the back while you run on a treadmill and study your gait / pronation and all that jazz before recommending a shoe.
    I do think it's important to go a store w/ more than one brand though, so I would avoid going to a Niketown, etc. (I have no issue w/ Nike, but for instance, those are a bit better for people w/ narrower feet, etc.) Best to go to a place w/ wide selection in terms of brand and type (minimal, trail, etc,) :flowerforyou:
  • Joreanasaurous
    Joreanasaurous Posts: 1,384 Member
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    No one's had any luck with nationwide sports stores, eh?

    I know I haven't. I tend to stick to small locally owned stores where running is all they do. When a store is dedicated to just running they tend to be more passionate and knowledgeable. That and I just prefer to support local over corporate. Or at least that is what I have learned through personal experience. I could suggest my store, bit since it is in Southern Cali you are for a drive. Thus my earlier suggestion of google. So it will actually be local to you and not me.
  • dougii
    dougii Posts: 679 Member
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    Fleet Feet or National Running Store. I did this a couple of 100 miles ago at Fleet Feet and the shoe I ended up with (at their suggestion) has changed my entire running experience for the better!
  • RunnerLisa1
    RunnerLisa1 Posts: 84 Member
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    No one's had any luck with nationwide sports stores, eh?

    Not me. The problem with the big sports stores is they tend to hire retail people, not necessarily people trained in running shoes. It is OH SO IMPORTANT to find someone who knows what they are doing. We have Peak Performance in Nebraska but again that probably doesn't help you. These places tend to hire experienced runners, the guy that fit me for my shoe's was the cross country coach for the women's team at University of Nebraska, that's the guy I want helping me pick the right shoe every time!!
  • belgerian
    belgerian Posts: 1,059 Member
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    http://www.runningfit.com/

    You could give these guys a whirl. They have locations in your area. I know absolutely nothing about them. If they're doing it right, they will watch you walk and run on a treadmill to see what your feet are doing...from there, they should be able to determine your pronation...or whether you're neutral. They should measure and bring you a few different brands of shoes to make sure they're getting it right and the particular shoe is not only a good fit, but comfortable for you as well.

    It's a somewhat difficult question to answer because most true running specific stores that do it right are local/regional, not big chain shoe stores.

    Ive purchesed mine at running fit and been very happy with there recommendations and purchases.

    That's alright, this answer is pretty much what I was looking for... I should rule out bigger chain stores and just look locally is what I figured, but it didn't hurt to ask.

    Looks like Running Fits are hit or miss according to Yelp, but if I get the whole shpeel you mentioned, hopefully it can't go wrong.

    I feel like the passive aggressive answers have clearly never gotten "professionally" fitted for things at one store and had a hugely different answer at another :laugh: And running shoes are much more expensive than bras (but not wedding dresses). That's why I was looking for, "Oh, I had a bad experience here..." or "I've heard good things here!" That seems to only work with nationwide stores, though, so I'll rule 'em out!

    Ive purchased mine for the last several years and my daughters at running fit and been very happy with there recomendations. Be prepared to pay anywere between 100 to 150 for a good pair.
  • firstsip
    firstsip Posts: 8,399 Member
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    No one's had any luck with nationwide sports stores, eh?

    Not me. The problem with the big sports stores is they tend to hire retail people, not necessarily people trained in running shoes. It is OH SO IMPORTANT to find someone who knows what they are doing. We have Peak Performance in Nebraska but again that probably doesn't help you. These places tend to hire experienced runners, the guy that fit me for my shoe's was the cross country coach for the women's team at University of Nebraska, that's the guy I want helping me pick the right shoe every time!!

    Thank you! Yeah, I'm gathering this for sure. The last time I bought running shoes, I'm pretty sure it was a Sports Authority and never got anything... from hearing all the "you have to get fitted properly," I thought it might have been because I hadn't asked (and I was much younger).

    I'm thinking I'll investigate Running Fits (which, I'm embarrassed to say I hadn't researched much, because there's so many locally I figured they were more of a nationwide brand!).
  • LeenaRuns
    LeenaRuns Posts: 1,309 Member
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    No one's had any luck with nationwide sports stores, eh?

    You should go to a local running store the sales people usually are very knowladgeable (runners themselves) and will get you a good shoe with a good fit. Once you get fitted for a pair you like purchase them anywhere you like. The prices are very comparable to the big chain stores and some of the shoes ive found work for me are not even available at the big chain stores.

    The other good thing abotu a running store is that if you buy the shoes they've recommended for you and you absolutely despise running in them, they'll take them back and try again.
  • bluefox9er
    bluefox9er Posts: 2,917 Member
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    [/quote]

    When it comes to running shoes, other people's opinion's don't mean anything. Only you run like you run. Only you have your feet. Only you know what feels comfortable. You could have 100 people here tell you that the Brooks Wizbang is the best shoe in the world and it might be the worst one for you, causing injuries. You need to get fitted by someone that knows what they are doing.
    [/quote]


    ^^ truth ^^
  • bluefox9er
    bluefox9er Posts: 2,917 Member
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    even going to a dedicated running store may not necessarily get you the *right* shoe...sales staff are heavily incentivised to sell certain brands and styles. You could get an independent gait analysis done and then pick the right shoe based on the findings of your gait analysis rather than let a staff member choose them 'for' you.
  • firstsip
    firstsip Posts: 8,399 Member
    Options
    even going to a dedicated running store may not necessarily get you the *right* shoe...sales staff are heavily incentivised to sell certain brands and styles. You could get an independent gait analysis done and then pick the right shoe based on the findings of your gait analysis rather than let a staff member choose them 'for' you.

    Oh poop. I could probably have them do a gait analysis, then, then peace out?
  • bluefox9er
    bluefox9er Posts: 2,917 Member
    Options
    No one's had any luck with nationwide sports stores, eh?

    The main difference is that if you go to a running shop they will film you from the side and the back while you run on a treadmill and study your gait / pronation and all that jazz before recommending a shoe.
    I do think it's important to go a store w/ more than one brand though, so I would avoid going to a Niketown, etc. (I have no issue w/ Nike, but for instance, those are a bit better for people w/ narrower feet, etc.) Best to go to a place w/ wide selection in terms of brand and type (minimal, trail, etc,) :flowerforyou:

    actually, niketown London does a full video gait analysis lasting around 30 minutes free of charge, even if you don't buy the shoes.
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    Options
    even going to a dedicated running store may not necessarily get you the *right* shoe...sales staff are heavily incentivised to sell certain brands and styles. You could get an independent gait analysis done and then pick the right shoe based on the findings of your gait analysis rather than let a staff member choose them 'for' you.

    This isn't always the case. It's not the case at the store that I go to, nor is it the case at a store in MA where a friend works. They always just bring out everything that is the right shoe in all available brands. I've never been pushed toward one brand or another. I don't think they are even commissioned sales at most places.
  • DontThinkJustRun
    DontThinkJustRun Posts: 248 Member
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    Oh poop. I could probably have them do a gait analysis, then, then peace out?

    You could, although sometimes it is nice to support local and local stores often offer and longer "Love 'em or return 'em" policy. I think were I go it's like a 90 day trial. Once you find a shoe you love you can then buy online for a huge discount.
  • healthybabs
    healthybabs Posts: 600 Member
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    Don't know where you live since you are blocking your profile, but if you are in Seattle WA, check out Running Elements, awesome store!! Tell Ginny the owner you heard about her on MFP!!

    http://www.runningelementsbellevue.com/

    Otherwise check out any of your local New Balance stores, they do a great heat analysis of your foot and can fit you with what best suits the way you stand and walk on your foot. Also, a great shoe if you have wide feet.
  • Ladyslippers
    Ladyslippers Posts: 186 Member
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    Here's a list of running shoe stores in Michigan from Runner's World magazine. Maybe one of them is near you. They can do a gait analysis and recommend shoes that will work for you:

    http://www.runnersworld.com/store-finder/MI

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