Is it better to run with two pairs of shoes?
There are a few advantages to running with multiple pairs of shoes. The first is that different shoes will serve different functions. When we fit a customer for shoes, we are initially putting them into a category of shoes. Within this category there are many differences that can sway ones opinion for or against a particular shoe. Some of these differences might be the weight, forefoot width, or cushion of the shoe. Many of these differences are subjective, meaning they are unique to the perception of each customer. This will also explain why a customer may enjoy three different shoes for different reasons. Having two pairs of shoes allows runners/walkers to enjoy two unique feels, depending on the distance, speed, and their mood that particular day.

The second advantage of using two pairs of shoes is a decreased break down time. Running/walking shoes love a chance to recover after they are used. The ideal recovery time for a pair of shoes is two days. For example, if I went on a run on Monday morning, I would not run on those shoes again until Wednesday morning. When a runner/walker alternates between two shoes this will allow for that “rebound time” and increase the life of the shoe. How long will shoes last when they are given recover time? Break down time is very dependent on the individual runner/walker including size, stride and foot type, amount and frequency of exercise, and other activities done in shoes.By using two pairs of shoes you could expect to get between 100-150 additional miles or up to one and a half months of wear.

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Why do runners/walkers run in terrible weather?
For many of us it is not the terrible weather that scares us, but the alternative that is most frightening. If you are someone who braves the elements to get outside and exercise you will understand what I mean.

Exercising in general is a mental game. The thought of waking up early in the morning in order to get a run in before work is not an idea that appeals to many people, especially me! On those frigidly cold below zero mornings there is nothing I would like more than to stay tucked away under my covers and hit the snooze. However, there is something inside of us that forces us out of bed. I often say the biggest difference between runners/walkers and non-runners/non-walkers is a snooze button. There is something that tells us that as soon as we take the first step out the door whether it be snowing, raining, sweltering temperatures, and everything in-between we will not regret it.

If you are reading this and still believe that we are crazy, keep giving us the, “what in hell are you doing look” as we run by, it just adds to our motivation.

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Does it matter if I run/walk outside or on a treadmill?
There are advantages and disadvantages to both outside and treadmill exercising. Living in Wisconsin we are all too familiar with the bitterly cold winters, and the scorching summers. Running inside on a treadmill will provide relief from these weather extremes. Most treadmills are now cushioned, which can provide relief from knee, back, and shin pain for some runners and walkers. Treadmills also give you the advantage of a “computerized pacer” in the form of speed controls, which can provide motivation to increase or decrease your speed.

The biggest advantage to outdoor running/walking is being outside. The feeling of waking up at four thirty in the morning, lacing up your shoes, and hitting the roads puts you in a select crowd. Exercising outdoors employs a number of different muscle groups that are unused on treadmill running/walking. It may be struggling up hills or working through a stiff headwind, running/walking outdoors brings in natures multiple terrains and elements that give those who test its furry a bit of character.

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What is the best running/walking shoe?
Every shoe that we carry in our store has a purpose. The function of the shoe could be to cater to a wider foot that needs a large amount of ankle support, a very slender foot that needs arch support and cushion, or one of the hundreds of other possibilities in-between. At Run Away Shoes we will work through our fit process with you, and then place you in a category of shoes. From this category we will pick and chose certain shoes that we believe will be the best fit for you. Then we will work with you picking out what it is you are liking about certain shoes over others. This will help us form a picture of the perfect shoe for specifically for you.

Here is an example. After watching Shelly walk I diagnose that she has a very low arch which is causing her to over pronate (ankles rolling inward) when she walks. I want to put her in a supportive shoe, however, I am going to take into consideration her past experience with shoes, her stature, and the width of her foot. She also had mentioned that she likes a little more cushion in her shoes. I decide to bring out the Asics 2130, Saucony Guide, and the Mizuno Nirvana. After jogging outside on the shoes Shelly mentioned that she liked the feel of the 2130 the best, but still wants more cushioning. I also see that the 2130 is not offering her enough support. I decide to bring out the Brooks Trance (which has slightly more support and cushioning than the 2130), and it was perfect. Our job is to take your foot type, and regardless of brand, design, price, and color, fit you into the best shoe for your unique foot.

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Can I buy shoes online?
Online buying has become a new fad, not only in running shoes, but clothing, cars, groceries; even dating has been turned over to the internet. I am not here to tell you, to take down your online dating profile, but I do want to make an argument for coming into our store to buy your next pair of shoes.

Buying your next pair of running/walking shoes from us will be a very different experience. We will have to sit down, take your shoes off, roll up your pant legs, and walk. Our employees will tell you exactly what type of arch, ankle, and foot type that you have, along with your past experiences with injuries, shoes, and other preferences you may have. With all of these factors in mind we will help us put you into a unique shoe for your foot type. Once the internet starts providing this service we will begin to offer free foot massages with every shoe purchase!

The second point to make is that running/walking shoes are an ever changing market. This fact is all to well known by hundreds of runners/walkers who have found their “perfect shoe” only to have it completely changed the following year. This makes it very difficult to find a shoe to stay with indefinitely from year to year. At Run Away Shoes we work with your old shoes, and past likes and dislikes about them, to get you into a shoe you will love.

The last point is the customer service that you will be giving at Run Away Shoes. With over 40 years of shoe selling experience, and more than double that amount in competitive running experience, employees at Run Away Shoes will guide you with any aspect of running. Whether that be talking you through your first race, giving opinions about training programs, or just talking running/walking. We are here to inspire customers with the passion that we have for our sport.

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Why do running shoes wear out, and how often do I need to replace them?
Every running shoe is made out of different types of cushioning and support. The cushioning, over hundreds of miles of pounding, will begin to compress, causing the shoe to feel “flat.” It is not much different than when the bagger at the grocery store puts your loaf of bread at the bottom of the brown paper bag, and piles your jug of milk on top of it. When you get home the loaf looks more like a pizza than the bread you had picked off the shelf. The same process takes place at a slightly slower rate for the ankle support in many supportive and motion control shoes. Essentially over time the shoes that felt so good in the store on that summer day in July are “dead.” It is important to realize that when your shoes support and cushioning fail, the true function of the shoe, to bring your arch and ankle into the neutral position, is also gone. This leaves runners/walkers susceptible to injury.

The life of a running shoe will vary from person to person. This has much more to do with running style and training variations, rather than the brand or type of shoe you bought. All training shoes (sold at Run Away Shoes) are meant to last between 350-500 miles, which translates into five to six months of use. This range allows for variation based on the size of the runner/walker, type of foot and stride, amount and frequency of running/walking, and other activates done in your shoes.

Tip: If you do keep a running log, it is a great idea to make a spot for your current shoe mileage or minutes, to use when deciding on a new pair of shoes.

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