Running Tips & Frequently
Asked Questions
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Do socks matter?
YES. Look for socks made of moisture-wicking acrylics or
polyester blends such as Coolmax, which absorb moisture, keep feet
dry, and help prevent blisters. Cotton socks get wet and stay wet,
causing friction that contributes to hot spots and blisters.
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When do I replace running shoes?
Running shoes are generally built to last 300-500 miles. By that
time, the cushioning and support features of the shoe have started to
break down significantly. A runner logging 20 miles a week should expect
to get a new pair of shoes every four to six months.
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Do I need to bring anything with me when
I'm ready to buy new shoes?
Bring in your current running or walking shoes and the socks you
like to wear while running or walking. If you wear orthotics or another
type of insert bring them too, as they can affect the fit of the shoe.
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Why do you need to see my old shoes?
Bring in your current shoes (whether you liked them or not) to see what
you've been wearing and how you've been wearing them. Wear patterns on soles
can help a fit specialist identify your biomechanic needs and determine the
proper type of shoe for your feet.
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Why can't I just pick a shoe with nice
colors?
When it comes to running and walking shoes, you must choose function
over fashion. We'll bring you a selection of shoes that best meet your
needs. Sometimes they look good too!
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I walk. Is it OK to wear a running shoe?
Yes. Running shoes offer a wider variety of cushioning and support features
than an be found in most walking shoes. There are some good walking shoes out
there -- using running shoe technology -- but many walkers are successful with
running shoes at distances ranging from a couple of miles to the marathon.
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Why do you watch me walk/run?
We're looking at your footstrike and gait to evaluate the mechanics of your
stride, which in turn helps us decide the proper type of shoe for you.
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Why do I need a running shoe? Can't I just run
in my favorite sneaker?
Running shoes are built to support and cushion your foot while in the
specific act of running and walking. While running, the impact of each foot
strike is three to five times your body weight. Your Keds just can't cut it!
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Why is my running shoe size bigger than the size
of my dress shoes?
Running shoes are just sized differently than other shoes, even other
athletic shoes. Also, you need about a thumb's width of room between your
longest toe and the front of the running shoe for the footwear to function
properly. Expect your running/walking shoe to be from one-half to two sizes
larger than your other shoes.
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Why do I need to take off my socks when being
fit for shoes?
Looking at the bare foot, we can better see the shape of your arch, as well
as evidence of blisters or hot spots, calluses, corns, bunions, or other things
that need to be considered when fitting a shoe.
Running Tips
& Tricks
How to Choose the Right
Running/Walking Shoe
Selecting a shoe is one of the
most important equipment choices a runner or walker makes. Here are a few
important considerations to help choose a shoe that fits and functions properly.
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Be prepared to spend 20 to 45 minutes at the
store, to allow time to be fit properly and to try on a variety of styles
once the specific type of shoe you need is determined. By examining your
feet and your old running shoes (if you have them), watching you run or
walk, and discussing your fitness history and goals, a knowledgeable staff
can guide you to the right shoe type for your feet.
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Running shoes are generally divided into three
major types: "Neutral," for those who need little additional support;
"stability," the broadest category, for those who need a moderate amount of
support; and "motion control," shoes with maximum support.
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Bring your current running shoes. Examination of
wear patterns on the soles can reveal much about an individual's specific
biomechanical needs. If you wear orthotics or other special inserts, bring them
in as well as they can affect the fit of the shoe.
-
Bring your running socks. If you don't have running
socks, check out the in-store selection. Good running socks are usually made of
special acrylics or polyester blends designed to wick moisture, keep feet dry,
and prevent blisters. Cotton socks tend to be poor moisture managers: They get
wet and stay wet, causing friction which leads to blisters.
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Try shoes on towards the end of the day, or after a
workout: Feet tend to swell throughout the day and during exercise.
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Expect your running or walking shoe to be anywhere
from one-half size to two sizes larger than your dress shoes. They're sized
differently, and you'll want about a thumb's width of space between the end of
your longest toe and the front of the shoe. Shoes that are worn too small can
result in blisters and black or lost toenails. Also, shoe sizing may vary from
brand to brand, and even from style to style within the same brand.
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Ask about the store's return policy. Most running
stores allow returns on shoes that are clean and have not been worn a lot. Take
the shoes home, wear them around the house, run in them. If they don't work, you
should be able to return them. Keep your receipt and the box they came in, and
work with the staff to find the shoe that's right for you.
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