I ran 15 miles this past weekend and my knees and shins told me it’s time to get some new running shoes…stat. I’ve done a lot of research on the Internet and talked to fellow runners but I’m still not “sold” on any particular running shoe. I figured it was finally time to go to the running shoe and apparel store to decide once and for all.
I went to Big Peach Running Company in Atlanta. I actually bought my last pair of running shoes here and was really impressed with the experience. In order to help customers find the perfect running shoe, Big Peach Running Company (BPRC) takes you through a 4 step fit process. First, they ask about you. Finally…someone wants to hear you talk about you. The BPRC associate asks you what your intended purposes are for the running shoes. Do you need them for trail running, 10Ks, triathlons, speed-walking, jazzercise, or just being awesome? Whatever it is they’ve got you covered; however, they can’t guaranteed the awesomeness of a pair of shoes, that has to come from within the shoe wearer.
They then put some white suction cups on your chest and nipples and make you run on a treadmill for the Video Gait Analysis. There’s really no suction cups involved but I felt like I needed some since someone was analyzing me run on a treadmill. Kind of like the Russian guy in Rocky. While on the treadmill they videotape you running to determine what level of stability you need. You don’t have to take their word for it though, they play the video back to you, frame-by-frame, in slow motion. You may be surprised by what you see, but don’t be too concerned; you don’t chose to pronate, God just made you that way and that’s perfectly fine. Click here to learn more about your pronation problems. Just know that there are other people out there just like you. You don’t have to deal with this alone. Seek help from professionals; like the ones at BPRC.
The technology doesn’t stop there, you then have your foot digitalized. They analyze this data looking at the width and arch of your feet. They also ask about any injuries, bunions, or if you wear foot inserts; which I equate to stuffing your bra. Not that I’ve ever worn a bra…or stuffed one for that matter.
After collecting and analyzing all of this information, the associate determines about four different pairs of running shoes that fit your needs. Then its time to go old school and simply run in the shoes. Like a car, they let you take the running shoes out for a test drive. The shoes you run in aren’t “test pairs” either. They’re brand new and are the exact pair you will be purchasing. By running (they let you run up to 2 miles in them!) you will be able to tell the differences between the shoes. You need to find the perfect running shoe for you. We all have different running styles and/or shoe colors but one thing is for certain; we’re still the same…just runners. Let’s hold hands in a circle.
When I went to the Decatur BPRC store I was helped by an associate named Luis. This guy blew me away with his running shoe knowledge. I’ve never been a “gear head” but I am very knowledgeable about running equipment; however, Luis told me about things I had never even thought about. We’ve got to always keep learning. Even the associates keep learning by testing out new products and shoes themselves. With all the technology in the foot process analysis I think you have to have an engineering or science degree to sell running shoes there. The associates at BPRC are experts. No doubt about it. Honestly, I haven’t seen service like this since “full service” gas stations went away. With competitive prices and uber customer service I don’t know how BPRC makes a profit, but that’s for them to worry about and me to take full advantage of.
I ended up trying on about 10 to 12 pairs of running shoes. I started out with the same version of the Brooks Adrenaline 8 that I currently wear and found no other shoe that compared…expect maybe the Brooks Infiniti 2s. I really want to try a different pair of running shoes than what I have right now but I haven’t found any that I like better. I’m still holding out for something better to come along but maybe I should just love the one I’m with. Who knows?
The point is, whether you live in the Atlanta area or not, you need to do your research to find the shoe that fits best. Make sure you try out different running shoes to compare before making your purchase. If you are going to a shoe store, then visit a running specific shoe store that offers some of the same features BPRC does. The expert advice is a service worth paying for…even in this economy.
Tags: Big Peach Running Company, Brooks, pronation, stability