What’s the Big Deal About Running Shoes?
Where Do I Go For Good Running Shoes?
We highly recommend you don’t shop online either. Without getting your foot inside the running shoes, you won’t know what feels best for you. There are different model types (neutral versus stability) that will be needed depending on your gait, running form, biomechanics, and injury history. It might sound tempting if you think you can find a discount, but running shoe brands do not permit online retailers (including Amazon) to discount their current year running shoe models. The best place to go is your locally-owned running store, and if you’re in the Tampa Bay area, that’s us! St. Pete Running Company has been in west St. Pete for ten years, and we’re a community-focused locally-owned business with expert staff who are passionate about helping you find the best running shoes for you.
What Difference Do Good Running Shoes Make?
- Longevity – Running shoes are designed to last between 300-600 miles, or up to six months. When you’re in good shoes, they will last for the life of the shoe. One sign that it’s time to replace your shoes is that they’re over six months old, or you’ve gone upwards of 300 miles in them.
- Injury Prevention – A good pair of running shoes will support your biomechanics, offer cushion and responsiveness, and allow for the breathing room that you like to have in the toe box and the overall fit. These elements add up to assistance in injury prevention. If you’re in a non-running sneaker, the lack of arch support, underfoot cushioning, and other factors can lead to injuries. Being in the correct model type also will assist in injury prevention (see proper shoe fitting info below).
- Correct Overpronation – There are models that are specifically designed as a stability shoe to help correct overpronation, while other models are for a neutral gait. These types are not interchangeable, although many brands offer a variety of levels when it comes to stability shoes dependent upon the severity of the misalignment or overpronation.
- Feet Feel Great – We have a guarantee at St. Pete Running Company that if you’re not 100% satisfied in your shoes, you can return them within 30 days. We’re that confident that your feet are going to feel great in a good pair of running shoes.
- Improve Individual Types of Runs – Running shoes are made for specific types of runs, from tempo to trainer to race day and everything in between, including walking. It’s a great idea to get a specific shoe for your training runs and a specific shoe for race day.
How A Proper Shoe Fitting Makes a Big Difference
Your gait, your cushion preferences, and your feet are as unique as you are! Those are just a few of the reasons why it’s so important to get a proper shoe fitting. It will make a huge difference when it comes to making sure you’re in the best running shoes for you.
Our StrideSmart Shoe Fitting at St. Pete Running Company is a free and comprehensive fit process. We take a full-body approach in helping you evaluate your goals as a walker or runner (or both), your personal preferences for how the shoes fit on your feet, and your past injuries (if any). When you come in for your shoe fitting, our shoe experts will take you through this process while evaluating your gait and stride to discover the specific model type that will be best for you and your feet. You’ll get the chance to try on more than one pair to compare and contrast what feels best to you.
Do you have more questions about how much of a difference do good running shoes make? We can help! Call or come into the store where our shoe and running experts are ready to provide the high-quality customer service you expect from a Top 50 Running Store in America.
