useless boys at running stores

your experience stems mostly from the fact that the store workers have no clue whether a shoe is good for pronators, wide feet, etc. most likely they're there for the discount on gear and a few extra bucks.

the trick, i've found, is two-fold: find a good running store, where they know a ton about shoes and running, and are extremely willing to do whatever it takes to get you into the right shoe (try to find a store where the owners are working the floor - its my experience that they try harder). the second part is simply trial and error: no matter what a shoe is designed to do, there are shoes that will be uncomfortable, fit poorly. so experiment with different brands/models (reading reviews on line helps) and when you find a shoe that "works" for you, buy as many pairs as you can afford (knowing that they'll probably be discontinued soon).

hope that helped.

I'm a 40+ male with high arches and I get the same response (even with the female clerks). They usually grab the closest $100 shoe and tell me this should work. I get even less help if I have a race discount (20% off).

Try the store on a weekend (when the owner is usually there) and the help may be better. I say read up a bit and look for a good deal (discontinued model) at a discount store (SportMart) or online (Road Runner).

Good luck.

Well the fact that you went into one of my RunningRoom stores says it all! I hire monkeys, don't train them at all and put my stores name on cheap knock off merchandise. I then mark it up to name brand prices and have my rude runner boys hawk it at full pop... never a discount to be had. You're lucky you got a decent shoe and didn't end up in a Nike Pegasus with your pronation, my staff knows nothing, but they sure do work for cheap! If you want another pair of Kayanos, come back and see us, otherwise don't waste mine or your time.

Sincerely,

John Stanton

I agree with the other people responding. Our owner is there just about every day of the week. That's a sign of a good running store.

I know that John Stanton didn't really post this but whoever used his name has described RunningRoom stores very accurately. They are trying to run good local running stores out of business by opening up multiple branches and offering poorly coached but expensive beginning running classes. That way they can cater to non-runners or very inexperienced runners who don't have any idea about what running shoes or equipment might work for them. No, I don't work in a running store.

Hike up your skirt a little more, and you will get some attention.

I used to work at a store, and that too would be a shameful sight where I was. I don't know what to tell you exactly, every store is different.

If you're a overpronator with a wider foot you might look into the Brooks Adrenaline, it's a good shoe that categorically matches up with what you're looking for. No promises, but it's a very good shoe.

thanks, this is all very helpful. i've tried these different stores b/c i wanted exactly what vh describes--chatty discussion about my training, looking at my gait, all that. and i don't really want to research shoes and try to become an expert - i would gladly take the advice of someone who actually knew what they were doing unlike me. next time i'll try visiting on the weekend. or wearing a whorish outfit.

I dont want to be redundant, but Running Room is terrible. I live Minneapolis, and work at a specialty shop. We, unfortunately, have several Running Rooms and, fortunately, have several great specialty shops. I wotk at one. If a customer comes in with a shoe that could not be more wrong, they bought it at Running Room. At least if you go to SportMart you can try on every shoe you want and at least buy one that feels good. At Running Room they bring out the wrong shoe and you are stuck with it. We should start an anti-Running Room union. I'm in, anybody else?

I wouldn't recommend any Saucony stability shoe to anyone. The cut in the heel plus the extreme cut on the heel crash pad can easily cause runners to ride on the outside of their foot = ITBS

That is completely ignorant. The beveled crash pad does exactly the opposite of what you say. It starts you through the proper pronation cycle of the foot. You can say that you don't like the shoes because they run extremely wide in the toe box or that GRID cushioning tends to be a little firm. But your contention is ridiculous.

to their credit, it sounds like they picked the right shoe. Omni is for mild overpronation and wider.

I work at a running store and sometimes it makes me want to kill myself.

Your first mistake was going to the Running Room. Absolutely pathetic store!! They dont even carry any lightweight trainers, let alone flats...because its not suited for their main clientel.....4+ hour marathoners

I used to work at a running room. Some of us actually know a great deal. some of us don't. None of us give a shit about the company, because the comapny is shit. Next time you're in a running room store, note the security cameras. It's because of the staff stealing shit from the stores.

Skinnyraven sports is the place to go! I was up in AK for the marathon back in June and everyone that worked there know what was going on and if they didn't they got someone who new their shit. It is not just a running store either. there are some awesome casual shoes and clothes!

www.skinnyraven.com

They do gait analysis and everything!

which store did you go to in Ohio and Washington?

For the most part, "well-trained, knowledgable" staff at running shoe stores are too quick to sell people overly built-up shoes with too much cushioning and support. Granted, if someone comes in knowing what shoe they want to buy, you should sell it to them, but if they come in with descriptions of injuries, maybe they should be steered towards minimalism.

trackhead wrote:

I wouldn't recommend any Saucony stability shoe to anyone. The cut in the heel plus the extreme cut on the heel crash pad can easily cause runners to ride on the outside of their foot = ITBS

i know that saucony isnt the biggest seling brand out there, but i have fit hundreds of people in saucony stability shoes with no problem at all.

when you say stupid things like that you just make yourself sound like a moron.

just cause the shoe didnt work for you doesnt mean that hundreds of people wont love it!