I miss my mom and pop running shoe store. I miss Christine, who, the first time we met, had me remove my shoes and socks, while she got down on the floor eye level with my bare feet, to study them. Christine and I spoke the same language: over-pronation, plantar fasciitis, and collapsing arches. She had introduced me to Brooks Adrenalines, which marked the beginning of a running shoe romance, which is still going strong.
Christine closed shop two years ago, thanks to the recession and a high rental situation, and I am still searching for my new shoe store. Sure, I have replaced my running shoes since then, but I have been purchasing them from the local chain store. Supposedly, "Big Running Shoe Store" has shoe fitting experts too. They put you on the treadmill and observe your gait. They know all about the new technology in the shoes they sell. But I don't 100% trust them, at least not the way I trusted Christine. When I walk into "Big Running Shoe Store," I can smell the high pressure sales situation. The sales clerk is determined that I leave that store with something, Even if it's just a handful of Cliff Shots and a tube of Nuun, there is no way she's going to let me leave there without a purchase. Christine wasn't like that. She refused to sell me anything but the right shoe, even if it meant my walking out of her store without dropping a penny. Sadly, this may be why her store didn't make it in the current economic climate.
The mom and pop running stores are sparse. I am aware of a few that are quite reputable, but all require a long drive. As much as I scoff at "Big Running Shoe Store," they have the shoes I need and are a good 20 – 25 minutes closer to my house than the independently owned places that provide more personalized attention.
Many of us have to make that choice between quality and convenience every day, and not only when it comes to running shoes. Maybe you are forced to make this choice for food purchases, or haircuts, or for some, you may be burdened with this choice for more significant situations like education, or getting the right healthcare or help on a legal matter. These decisions have impact, because they affect how we spend our time as well as our money. If it’s a larger issue, like getting the proper medical attention, it impacts your quality of life, if not your life itself.
As much as I want to support the mom and pop store, That ninety minute round trip drive is a lot of time out of my day, especially when I have the option to make this purchase much closer to my home.
Where do you buy your running shoes or something of comparable importance? Do you make a special trip, or is convenience king?
Namaste, Divas!
©2012 Ilene Evans
Great question! Like you, I was originally fitted for running shoes at a local store with awesome customer service. When they went out of biz, I started buying my running shoes online. I really want to support small local businesses and sometimes am willing to drive out of my way and pay the higher prices. More often I’m on amazon chasing convenience and a deal. Can we still be friends?
Customer service is so important. Especially with running shoes. That girl knew my feet!
Hopefully I will find the motivation to support another mom and pop shoe store even if it’s a teeny bit out of my way. But for now, I’m like you – chasing deals and convenience.
LOL! Of course we’re still friends!
I bought my first 2 pairs of shoes from a local shop years ago. And, their very experienced staff introduced me to the Saucony Grid (still my running shoe to date…love them!). When my local shop here has them in stock, I buy from them. If not, I go online. But, if I buy from a larger store, I still make sure it has qualified employees to help me with my purchase (i.e. Road Runners). I rarely buy from Sports Authority or Dicks (or places similar). Thier employees only have basic experience and are not really qualified to understand how the shoe is supposed to fit. If I do buy from them, it’s because they carry the brand/style that I already know.
I’m glad that you have a shoe that you absolutely love like I do! I guess I could buy mine anywhere now that I think about it – although when Brooks comes out with the updated version of that style, sometimes my size changes, etc. and I appreciate being fitted. But I agree – NEVER get a fitting at Sports Authority or Dicks. That’s just asking for trouble!
I was using Brooks for some years until i started having problems with my legs. I’ve just started barefoot running – completely barefoot, but have just made a purchase for a pair of running sandals. Got it online. They’re super light and protect my feet from pokey things on the ground. Love them.
I am so super impressed that you run barefoot/sandals. When barefoot running became more popular a few years ago, I had read up on the benefits, and although I have not tried it, the concept behind it has made me completely change my gait. The result: many less injuries!
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