New Shoes

Last week I went to Big Peach Running Co and bought my first pair of official running shoes. I chose this store because I had heard great things about their process for making sure that you get the best shoe possible. Here was the process the salesperson (who is also a runner) used:

1. The salesperson had me stand on this device that measured my center of balance, my shoe size, where on my foot I place the most pressure, and the type of foot that I have. I found that I place too much pressure on front of my foot and that my arches are fairly normal.
   
2. Next, I was asked to run on a treadmill while they recorded the way I ran. I found that my left leg isnormal but my right leg tends to over pronate. It was explained (and showed to me in slow motion) that this means that my ankle on my right leg rolls too far in during the heel to toe motion of running.

From these 2 tests the salesperson brought out 3 pair of shoes from me to try (good heel and front of foot cushion and light stability control). I tried each pair on and took each for a "spin" out in the parking lot. I instantly noticed a huge difference from the Walmart specials I had been running in. In the end I settled on a pair of Saucony ProGrid Guide and to my surprise they happened to be 15% off that afternoon because the Saucony rep was in the store!

When I left I stopped and took my new shoes for a 3 mile spin and could not believe how much difference a good pair of running shoes made. If you are serious about running I would suggest finding a store like Big Peach Running Co and get fitted for the best shoe possible. It will change your life!!