I remember my first pair of running shoes. I had read in a magazine article that the way to prevent injury was to buy good running shoes, and that any good running shoe would cost between $90-$130. A light bulb went on. I could prevent injury and potentially be a better runner, all in a shoe? Off I went.
My first stop was a huge multi-sport center. I breezed past the canoes, golf clubs, treadmills, and in-line skates. Scanning the display wall of shoes, I looked for something expensive because I thought that meant it must be a better brand or a better shoe. I naturally picked the shoe I thought looked the best, with the best complimentary color scheme, something I could “match” with any one of my “running outfits.”
Then I looked around, huffed and puffed, and all but threatened to blow down the display wall if I couldn’t get some help. My help finally arrived. He came from the tents and camping equipment section.
Was it a hideous experience? No, not exactly hideous. Did I get help? Yes. The nice man went back to look for the shoe I picked out. Was there a problem here? I didn’t think so, but any knowledgeable running store employee would have told me otherwise. This whole scenario was a problem.
First of all, you don’t buy shoes because of the color or style! You don’t buy shoes because you think the more they cost, the better they must be! And finally, you don’t buy shoes because they’ll match your outfit!
Lucky for me, the mega multi-sport center didn’t have the half size I needed, and I didn’t buy those shoes. The man helping me generously recommended a local specialty running store so that I could have the shoes that day. I remember wondering if that meant the shoes would cost even more.
Answer? No. I found out within the hour they wouldn’t cost more at the specialty running store. They actually cost less.
At the running store, the clerk asked me all about my running experience. Where do I run? How often? What type of surface? How far? I thought he was just making conversation. I found out later he had been assessing my individual needs. He looked at my feet and my old running shoes. Then he started bringing out boxes and asking more questions.
“How do they feel? What do you like about these? What don’t you like?”
He asked me to run the length of the store. At first I was embarrassed. Why was he watching me run? It turns out everyone has a different running style, and this is an important assessment. You should expect this at any reputable running specialty store. By the time I left, I felt like I had the best possible pair of running shoes for my overpronating, flat, narrow feet.
I learned a lot about my feet and about running in general. I also learned something about these knowledgeable running store employees. These are the people who know the latest in shoe design and performance. They are typically runners like you and me. They work there because they love running and they love helping other runners run better. Running specialty stores can also serve as a center for your local running community. This is the place to find local running groups, information on training and upcoming races or fun runs.
I consider myself lucky that the super sports center didn’t have my shoe size. If you’re reading this, you should consider yourself lucky, too. I did all of the research for you. Now, hurry. Run, don’t walk, to your favorite running specialty store! I recommend visiting the folks at Running Centers for Running & Jogging Shoes.
Natalie Rohwer
http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/why-go-to-a-specialty-running-store-for-running-shoes-121384.html
#1 by Jeremy Z on August 2nd, 2009
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Is there really a big advantage to buying running shoes at a specialty running shoe store?
I’ve often wondered if buying shoes at a specialty running shoes store is really the best way to get running shoes. I know the folks at the specialty stores are really knowledgeable, but can a person just get shoes at a big retail store like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sports Authority, or Big 5 and have them work all the same? Does having such a fancy shoe really make that much of a difference compared to a "normal" shoe (basically, a cheaper one), that you could get at a common sporting goods store? Anybody out there having lots of success running with a cheaper shoe that you could get at those stores?
Thanks in advance for your answers.
Jeremy Zerr
http://www.runningshoesexpert.com – Running shoe store owner tips on picking the best running shoes.
#2 by =( on August 2nd, 2009
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basicaly 20/20 did a study on cheap and expensive shoes and found that they were virtually the same.
however, there is an advantage to buying ur running shoes at a professional running store- they custom fit you according to your size and mileage. but you can go to a running shoe store and stil get a decent shoe for a good price, you don’t have to spend al that money on the "high line" shoe stuff because they are no different in material.
i have a 45 dollar cross contry flats that Ive been wearing for more than 2 yearas and i run 15:30s, so based on research and experience I say it doesnt really matter. ( i got my running shoes at Big 5 for 30 dollars. You gotta go there when teh shoes are on sale or soemthin’ and get teh gel ones with good support. they last a decent amount of time)
good luck!
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#3 by 100% Organic Snark™ on August 2nd, 2009
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If you know what you want, and what fits, buy it anywhere you want. Frankly, I loathe know-it-all shoe salesmen. I haven’t bought a pair of ANY kind of shoes in a store since I started shopping on line — at least 10 years ago.
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#4 by Clwcch on August 2nd, 2009
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The main key is to find out how you run and what part of your foot hits the ground and in what ways. This is usually done a a running specialty store, you don’t have to buy the shoes there, just find out what type of shoe you need then your search will be limited and you can pick out whatever kind of shoes in that category you need from wherever you like. Like another stated, yes you can buy cheaper (last year models) and it will make little if any difference. Good Luck.
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5K runner over 250 races
#5 by J M on August 2nd, 2009
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There’s a big advantage from the standpoint of them knowing which shoes are stability shoes, motion control shoes, etc., etc. which are appropriate based on pronation, arch height, etc. They’ll know what should work for you and what you should try on. They’ll also often have treadmills for you to try running in things. Some have very liberal return policies because they know how something that works in the store might not feel too hot in a couple weeks.
They also have the ability to help you match running insoles, socks, etc., to your running shoes. Replacement insoles can make an enormous difference in how someone interprets a shoe and whether it works for them or not.
Very often, the big retail stores carry the major running shoes themselves, so if you know what you’re shopping for, and it’s cheaper, so be it. The downside is you don’t get the fitting if you need it, they often won’t have the same insoles, socks, etc., and sometimes they won’t carry particular models of things.
I personally haven’t encountered entirely different shoe selections at the specialty stores vs. the big retailers — they tend to overlap. Yes, the retailers do sometimes carry "cheaper" shoes the specialty stores wouldn’t bother with, and yes there can be a pretty significant difference.
A lot depends on the individual running one is doing, I suppose. Someone running a mile or two for basic fitness here and there (or just sticking to a treadmill) might not notice a huge difference with shoes. Someone putting in longer miles or taking their running "seriously" almost certainly would.
As far as getting "cheaper" shoes, new models of things are coming out all the time, with older models still available at then discount prices. The way designs change dramatically, it’s not unusual for many to even prefer older models to the "latest and greatest." You can readily look around for such things on sale a lot of places, and running stores themselves are often trying to dump older inventory all the time.
I even personally primarily run in a discontinued model right now that I grab cheap whenever I can (including at the big retailers) as I haven’t found something I truly prefer since, but it was a premium shoe when initially released a couple years ago.
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#6 by Gots No Specifics on August 2nd, 2009
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The store I buy from gives me a huge discount on everything I buy because I am a club member. If I buy 5 pairs of shoes, I get one free, which happens about at least once a year because my wife and I are both runners. And I can return the shoes if they don’t work and get a different pair for free.
I probably save at least $200 a year by going to the running store. Plus they have real running gear and people who know all about it. And I get the right shoes. That’s enough incentive for me.
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