Custom Shoe Fitting
We're proud to announce that our female staff at both locations are now certified Sports Bra fitters.
If you plan to run, it's important to buy a shoe that is made for running. A sneaker, tennis shoe, cross-trainer, aerobic, basketball, or walking shoe will not support your feet for running.
Running Wild knows that everyone's feet are different, so there is no single "best shoe" for everyone. We are also runners, so we know that the way you are built, your weight, the surfaces you plan to run on, and the shape of your feet determine your "best shoe" for running. We carry a wide selection of brands and are committed to helping you find the best shoe for you.
In order to fit you well, we ask that you bring the socks you run in. The wrong socks ( too thick, or too thin) will alter the fit of your shoes, so you need to wear the socks you plan to wear when running. If you are a new runner we will help you find a good pair of socks.
Also bring the shoes you wear when running. We look at the wear pattern on the shoes to determine how your foot sits in your shoes. We will also watch you walk to determine your gait.
At Running Wild, we divide our shoes into three main categories: cushioned, stability and motion control.
A normal foot lands on the outside of the heel and rolls inwards slightly to absorb shock. We suggest stability shoes with moderate control features. These shoes often have a medial post or dual-density mid-sole - these are features that provide a firmer density under the inner edge of your foot.
A flat foot strikes on the outside of the heel and rolls in. Over time, this can cause many different types of overuse injuries. The best shoe for this kind of foot is a motion control shoe, or high stability shoes with firm mid soles and control features that reduce the degree of pronation or rolling in on the outside of the heel. We would not suggest highly cushioned, highly curved shoes, which lack stability features.
A highly arched foot generally underpronates, or is rigid and immobile. For this foot we suggest cushioned shoes, which generally have the softest midsoles and the least added stability. They're usually built on a semicurved or curved last to encourage foot motion, which is helpful for runners who have rigid, immobile feet.
If you are a quick, efficient runner who wants a light second shoe for fast-paced training, you will probably want performance training shoes which are simply lighter or more responsive versions of standard trainers. These shoes are built on a semi-curved or curved last and have less cushioning than a normal running shoe. They are lightweight and responsive.
If you are a fast, elite runner and concerned about weight, racing shoes are ultra-lightweight, built on a curved last and stripped of the majority of cushioning and stability features found on most training shoes. Generally, the lighter the shoe, the more minimalist the design.
If you do a lot of off-road running, you need off-road, or 'trail', shoes, which offer increased outsole traction, and uppers with toe bumpers and reinforced stitching for more durability. The foot often sits slightly lower to the ground than usual, for stability and responsiveness; and the shoes often have less cushioning than a road shoe because they're designed for softer surfaces.