Yesterday was shoe day!! Shoe day is like one of my favorite days. Shoe day used to mean fancy, designer heels. The click clack kind. The higher the better, my feet could totally go numb and I wouldn’t care. Now in my athlete era, shoe day is different…shoe day is new running shoes!

Winter/Spring training season is closing in and now is the perfect time to grab a fresh pair. The treads on my current pair are worn, which they should be after this last season. Every 400-ish miles is the typical life span for shoes. I go by that, feel of the shoe and the look of the tread. I usually start with a new pair at the beginning of a training season. Then grab a fresh pair before my goal race.

I have learned over my journey as a runner. Having the right shoe is way more important than having the cute shoe. I started out with the cute shoe and ended up in a boot for 5 weeks with a stress fracture. Part of me loved the idea of the cute shoe. The other part of me didn’t realize the right shoe was essential. It was the key to my running success.

Where to start? Finding my right shoe in the beginning felt overwhelming. That is when Fleet Feet Columbus came into my life. The staff and their knowledge fitted me with a just right shoe and have now been fitting me ever since.

Stepping into anyone of the three locations here in Columbus feels like home. Many of the staff are now friends, running partners in crime, family to me. My experience yesterday was top notch. I have not had a true fitting for a few years, so I was due for one. A full out fitting should happen once a year…I have been popping in for new shoes. Not checking to see if what I purchased was really what my foot needed.

A fitting includes a full 3D foot scan and measurements. Working directly with a staff member, results are analyzed right in the moment and possible shoe options are discussed. I am now a very open shoe human, not stuck to brand, color etc. I just want the best fit. Which will give my body the opportunity to do all the running things I am asking it to do.

The best options were brought to me to try on. 3 different brands, styles…one being the brand and style I have been running in for a while. LOVED trying on new options, each brand different in its own way. One of the brands I tried was a first for me. As I walked around, I easily understood why I have not tried it before. Part of the process of a fitting, staying open to new and different options-you never know unless you try.

In the end, the “just right” shoe for me was the shoe I have been running in forever! The foot wants what it wants! The best part is that the pair that I brought home is a SUPER FUN color this time. My last two pairs have been bland-not super exciting. Which as I have said above color is never my priority. I get what I get…and this time I got the fun color!! Oh and an added design feature…they GLOW in the dark! WHAT!? Ahhhhhh…like seriously?!

If you are a new runner/walker or a seasoned one always make sure you are properly fitted. Crazy to think how much the right shoe plays into your performance as well as injury prevention. Take the time and invest the funds to do this sport and yourself right!

Standing in my power with my new GLOW in the dark shoes,

Torre

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