While I am not the cheapest person on the planet, I do tend to buy things on sale as much as possible. I love a good bargain, it's like a drug for me (you know what I mean, don't pretend like you don't). So when my right foot started to feel bruised about once a week, I started looking into causes and found that it was possible that my trusty Asics that I'd had for about two years probably no longer had the support I needed.
Walking and running shoes, as I found, tend to only have about a 400 - 600 mile lifespan in their cushioning and support. Depending on how frequently you utilized your shoes, this could be anywhere from 3-12 months. Since I have been fairly active in the two years I've had these shoes, it is very safe to say that I blew out the support on these puppies a long time ago.
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| Image via delaware.cityvoter.com |
I am not normally a high maintenance shopper. I very rarely ask for help, but seeing as how I was having issues with my feet that were preventing me from exercise due to pain, I figured I should take the time to ask questions.
I worked with a sales guy named Chad who asked about what I was looking for and then looked at the tread and wear on my current shoes. He also had me walk back and forth normally a few times to get an idea of how my feet rotated when I walked. Apparently I have an over-supinated step, meaning I rotate to the outside. Because of this, I need shoes with more support on the outside to stop my foot from rolling.
He brought out a couple for me to try including a pair of Brooks Running Shoes ($119) as well as some Asics and Saucony mid-level cushion with high outside support. I tried on a number of different pairs and Chad was super helpful and patient with me, telling me all about the lifetime of the shoes and what the difference is between men's and women's shoes (there really isn't a difference, mainly just color and size).
The Brooks were the best fit and comfort by far, but my foot still hurt a little when I walked so he said we could try the higher cushioning level. He did not, at any time, try to push me towards the higher end shoes, telling me that based on my step pattern, the mid-level support would be fine. He told me if I wanted to try to higher amount of cushioning, they are more expensive but usually more comfortable and so I agreed.
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| Image via Saucony.com |
Oh. My. God.
If my foot could have sung out to the heavens and sang hallelujah while simultaneously having an orgasm and eating an entire Oreo cheesecake, that's what it would have done at that moment. When I walked in these, the pain in my foot was practically gone and it massaged my foot with every step. I actually felt a little high when walking in them. I had been sold on the Brooks pair until I put on these little slices of paradise. Even though the coloring makes me feel like I'm a Thundercat and stuck in an 80's cartoon, I really actually dig the bright flashy way they say "Get the hell out of my way, I have exercising shit to do".
Overall, I was exceptionally pleased with my experience at The Delaware Running Company. They take the time to help you find what you really need and are extremely low-pressure. I never saw them pressure any of the clientele into anything they didn't want or need. I will say most of the shoes are between $99 - $160, so they may be a little out of price range for some. However, these are your feet. They are the first to take impact when you exercise or walk and if they're all jacked up, you're going to be in pain and potentially damage your joints.
I highly recommend this place. It was a new experience for me and they have shoes for almost every activity, not just running. Treat your feet! They'll thank you for it in the end.
XOXO, Katz
YUP to all of this! Years back I was fitted for a pair of Brooks in Miami. It was one of the best running shoes I EVER owned. - I am so glad to hear you had a great experience. :)
ReplyDeleteI love my Sauconys. I'm very excited to have them :) Thanks boo!
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