How not to operate a specialty running store (Read 1431 times)

For the time being, there are two running stores in the state, neither of which has really wowed me. Certainly, if other options become available I'd check them out... I try to keep my shopping as local as possible for most of what I buy. I get up to Maine quite a bit, so maybe I'll stock up at the Maine Running Company next time I pass through (drat, I was just there too). As an added note: I took my first run in the Trances tonight. I love the fit, but find they offer less cushioning than I'm used to. I don't mind that, but we'll see how my legs react after repeated use.

For the time being, there are two running stores in the state, neither of which has really wowed me. Certainly, if other options become available I'd check them out... I try to keep my shopping as local as possible for most of what I buy. I get up to Maine quite a bit, so maybe I'll stock up at the Maine Running Company next time I pass through (drat, I was just there too). As an added note: I took my first run in the Trances tonight. I love the fit, but find they offer less cushioning than I'm used to. I don't mind that, but we'll see how my legs react after repeated use.

depending on where in RI you are, it may be closer for you to go to PR running in westboro, ma. i went there and they were great- lots of shoe types and patient staff. http://www.myprrun.com/

I have to put in my 2 cents as ,I have in the past been a boot fitter for an outdoor store (EMS) they have a good training system and most associates are knowedgable .However this is retail and alot of stores (hiking or running ) even the good ones are staffed by part time people ,service varys with the indivual and the manager that is training /supervising this person. one pointer ,if the clerk doesn't ask to put your foot on a Brannock device (sizing board ) first ,watch out .this is a key step in checking size and SHAPE of your foot.They should measure BOTH feet ,with you standing. I hate to prejudge people but few of the young people that I have worked with or been waited on by have the interest in customer service needed for this job.Old people like me have lived with sore feet and want to help you avoid problems ! You can help them out however ,talking and giving feedback as to fit will go a long way to helping them help you .If they are not asking questions about fit you are in trouble .While everybody starts out asking" how do they feel " it better get more detailed if your going to get the best fit .Bring or wear the socks you will be using helps. I like to fit later in the day when feet are likely to be at thier largest.and I hate to say it ,but I have seen it to much not to,trim your toe nails ,gross !

There's a specialty running store in Charlotte that I went to about 5 years ago when I decided to start running again after HS/college. I jumped on the treadmill to have my stride analyized, was diagnosed as an overpronater, and sold some model of Nike stability shoes. I started having knee problems. Went back to the store and again got up on the treadmill and was then sold a pair of motion controled shoes. Still lots of pain. I thought my knees must have just been shot from a couple of years XC in high school, so I just gave it up.. I couldn't run more than a mile without severe knee pain.. ..few months ago, I started reading about running again.. just wishing I could run and my knees weren't "ruined". Read up a little on knee problems and I found out that not only was I NOT an over-pronater, but I slightly UNDER-pronated. I got a neutral shoe and haven't had any problems since.. I'm still a little pissed that I've lost 5 years that I could have been running, but at least I'm running now.