How to Find the Perfect Shoe

The Interview

  • > How many miles a week do you run/walk?
  • > How far is your longest run/walk?
  • > On what surface are you running?
  • > Do you have any injuries or persistent aches/pains?
  • > What are your training and health goals?
  • > How old are your current shoes?

Foot Analysis and Measurement

Now we want to take a look at the shape of your foot & determine your arch elongation. We will ask you to remove your shoes and socks to anaylze your bare foot.

Questions we will consider:

  • > Do you have high or low arches?

  • > Is your second toe longer than your first?

  • > Do you have wide or narrow feet?

  • > Do you have a bunion or hammer toes?

  • > What is the measurement of your un-weighted heel to toe length?

  • > What is the measurement of your weighted width and heel to toe length?

Getting you in Motion

Now the fun begins. We will watch you run or walk barefoot either on the floor or on the treadmill. We want to see how the force of running impacts the motion of your foot.

  • > Are you a heavy heel striker?

  • > Do you run on the balls of your feet?

  • > Do your arches collapse or stay rigid?

  • > Are you knocked knee? Bowlegged?

Once we’ve watched you run or walk, we will explain to you the movement of your feet and how different shoes will benefit you more than others.

Function & Comfort

The last step… finding your ideal match. We will choose shoes based on the information we gathered through the initial steps. The Fleet Feet Staff has the knowledge to select shoes that will function well for you, but when it comes down to comfort, you are the best judge. Spend time walking and running in the store. We will encourage you to compare models by putting one shoe on your right foot and another model on your left. The difference in comfort will be apparent.

When to replace your running shoes?

  • > When you experience aches that are atypical.

  • > When your shock absorption is gone.

  • > When your shoes have reached the 300-400 mile mark.

  • > Do not let your shoes have a one year anniversary.

Replacing running shoes every 4-6 months will prevent injuries.