True Grit Running Company was founded to passionately promote a healthy and active lifestyle in Fort Smith and the River Valley area. We aim to create an exceptional retail experience by providing excellent customer care, product knowledge, and building strong relationships within our community.
True Grit Running Company provides the only slow motion video gait analysis system in Fort Smith, ensuring each customer has a unique experience. The process is simple, but effective. The customer will be given a pair of neutral shoes to try on and will run/walk on our state-of-the-art treadmill. One of our trained staff will examine the slow motion video taken of the customer running to see if the ankle rolls inward or stays stable once the customer’s foot makes contact with the ground. This will determine if the customer needs a neutral or stability shoe. Then one of our staff will bring out a few options for the customer to try on and decide which is the most comfortable, because comfort is what matters most!
True Grit Running Company is locally owned and operated by Melissa Vitale. Melissa became a runner later in life, when she sought to make a change in her lifestyle. Running ended up changing her profoundly—in body, mind, and spirit. Melissa is active in the local running club, Western Arkansas Runners and volunteers with Women Run Arkansas. She now strives to share the joy of living an active, healthy lifestyle with everyone.
