RUNNING SHOES: Buying Process + Store Recommendations

Recommend buying running shoes in-person from a locally-owned running store (LRS).  (But not Road Runner Sports, Dick’s, Big-5-- or online from Amazon/Zappos.)  Choose a LRS for their expertise, individual attention, run club/school discount (typically 5-10%), and generous return policies-- and the fact their inventory is generally fresher.  (Shoes can "age-out” before they wear-out.)

Also-- avoid lower-priced/lower-in-the-stack shoes from discount stores/warehouses (Costco, Target, Fred Meyers, DSW, etc.)-- even from name brands like Nike and Adidas.  Sports Apparel/name brand OUTLET stores can be risky-- sales help typically isn’t trained as well as you would expect.

Selecting the proper shoe isn’t an exact science-- every FOOT, every BODY, every RUNNER is DIFFERENT. Shoes are the most important equipment purchase an athlete makes for their running success. (It's NOT one model serves all. A sponsored athlete may use it—but it may not work for you.)

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WHILE AT THE STORE:

Make sure LRS staff watch you walk AND run to assess your foot-strike and specific shoe needs. Also-- go into detail re: recent/significant sports-related aches/pains/injuries and overview of training (mileage, pace, terrain) and goals-- AND bring in your previous running shoes to assess wear patterns, and +/-'s. (If initial LRS staff member doesn’t do this or doesn’t ask these questions-- politely move on to another staff member.)

Plan on 30-45 minutes, at least. You should not feel rushed, so —avoid weekends (especially sunny days), and lunch hour (weekdays). Try on at least 3-4 pair of shoes for proper comparisons. Shoes should be comfortable from the start. (No break-in period is usually required, unless a severe motion control shoe is needed… or coming from a significantly improper pair of shoes.)  

FIT: One thumb width from big toe to end of shoe, snug (but not tight) fit at the midfoot and heel; once laced up—should not be able to pull heel out of shoe.

Choose the shoe that feels/fits the best—regardless of color, style, or what someone else(faster) runs in. We can dial in the last 5% of fit with different lacing patterns, if needed.  NOTE: Don’t forget to use the rear eyelets for heel support.  (Located at end of eyelet line, slightly lower/off-set, near ankle collar.) Proper fit allows any shoe devices to do their work!

NOTE: Write down what the salesperson indicates is your…

1. Foot Type: pronator (mild/severe), supinator (mild/severe), or neutral?  
2. Footstrike: forefoot, midfoot or heel striker?
3. Why: they recommended the SPECIFIC shoe(s)?

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INSOLES vs. ORTHOTICS:

IF needed-- orthotics can be the best investment you make for fewer footstrike related injuries.  Do NOT buy foam or air/gel-infused insoles as a substitution for orthotics—typically “upsold” at sporting goods, running shoe, specialty walking shoe, stores.  Insoles are not effective for sustained/long-term foot-strike guidance. At best they provide only extra cushioning-- short-term, before they are permanently compressed… and if improperly fitted(often!), can cause injuries.                                                                                                                    (OVER >>>>>)

Highly recommend investing in digitally scanned or plaster molded CUSTOM orthotics made by a Sports-emphasis Podiatrist, Orthopedist, or Physical Therapist— not a Chiropractor— to address your personalized needs. 

YOUTH ATHLETES: should wait until their feet have stopped growing before considering orthotics—unless there is a compelling medical need.                 ________________________________

RECOMMENDED STORES: PacNW

NOTE: Road Runner Sports (RRS: Bellevue, Seattle)
Suggest you do NOT buy shoes from RRS—sales staff is sub-par, due to chronic lack of training/high turnover.  GREAT source for just running clothes/gear-- NOT for shoe advice.

>>> Be sure to get some 100% synthetic fiber RUNNING SOCKS while you are at the store.  New shoes deserve fresh socks-- improved cushioning/fit+ helps avoid blisters/hot spots!  <<<

SUPER JOCK-n-JILL – SEATTLE
7210 E. Greenlake Drive N
Seattle, WA  98115
(206) 522-7711
Chet: Owner (is most knowledgeable, works in morning.)

SEVEN HILLS RUNNING
3139 W. Government Way
Seattle, WA  98199
(206) 683-2532
(70% Trail Running / 30% Road Running)
Phil Kochik + Glenn Tachiyama: Owners

WEST SEATTLE RUNNER
2743 California Ave SW
Seattle WA  98116
206-938-0545
Lori: Owner

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SOUTH SOUND RUNNING - TACOMA
5109 Grand Loop
Tacoma, WA  98407
(253) 759-4779

SKAGIT RUNNING CO - MOUNT VERNON
724 S 1st St
Mount Vernon, WA  98273
(360) 982-2934