TOP 3 RUNNING SHOE RETAILERS

Running relieves stress, strengthens your immune system and keeps you in shape! In the U.S. alone, more than 64 million people went jogging or running in 2016. Even with all the great benefits and growing popularity running can also cause a lot of extra stress on your feet, legs, and back. This is especially true if you are not wearing quality running shoes. 

Trying to find good running shoes isn’t always easy, but these three running shoe retailers will help you find the best possible shoes to keep you running for as long as possible.

TOP 3 RUNNING SHOE RETAILERS

These top 3 retailers provide not only get great running shoes but also help you save by having better prices than most other retailers. The top three running shoe retailers are Finish Line, Running Warehouse, and Road Runner Sports. All three of these retailers offer the latest running shoes from well known brands like Nike and Adidas. They also offer lesser known brands if you are interested in trying new brands or prefer a particular fit or style. For those experienced runners  who know a certain brand and shoe is perfect, you can find those shoes at a much lower price at these top retailers.

Do these retailers only sell shoes?

No, you can find many running and athletic accessories as well as athletic clothing in all three places. Their deals include items like socks, insoles, headbands, hats, shorts, and other apparel that makes running more comfortable and keeps you stylish.

What kind of shipping cost can be expected?

Running Warehouse offers free two-day shipping and free returns. You can opt to have a package of one to four pounds shipped overnight for $9.99. Road Runner Sports also offers free shipping. Finish Line’s shipping is a bit more complicated. If your package contains only new, non-sale items and the subtotal comes to over thirty dollars, they offer free shipping. If the order includes any discounted items, either sale or discontinued, there is a flat rate shipping charge of seven dollars. Some of their premium shoes are not included in either deal.

What about returns?

Finish Line offers returns up to 45 days. You only need to go online and pick the item you wish to return from your purchase history. You then receive a return label to print out and return your item free. Running Warehouse offers a full 90-day money back guarantee and will give you a return label to use for free shipping. Road Runner will refund any returns on new items within sixty days. For exchanges, VIP members can exchange new or used footwear within ninety days. For those who are not members, the exchange on new or used footwear is within forty days.

What is the Road Runner VIP program?

Road Runner offers a program that normally costs $28.99 a year, although they often run specials that allow new members to get their first year as low as $1.99. VIP members get access to deals not available to the general public. They also get a guarantee that they will get the best price anywhere in the country on a certain pair of shoes, a ten percent discount on all items at all times, a full ninety days to try shoes, socks, and insoles and a guaranteed return if they aren’t what you want.

How to find the right shoe for you

WHAT IS PRONATION, AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?

Picking the right shoe for your running style is as important as the retailer. That is why you should understand pronation and how it impacts your shoe selection.  Pronation is part of the natural movement of the human body and refers to the way your foot rolls inward for impact distribution upon landing. Understanding your pronation type can help you find a comfortable running shoe.

• Underpronators (supinators) need a lot of cushioning to avoid impact injuries
• Neutral pronators can wear a wide variety of shoes
• Overpronators should look for support or structured cushioning shoes
• Push Off: pressure on smaller toes on outside of foot
• Injuries: plantar fasciitis, shin splints, ankle strain
• Foot type: high arches

CHECK WEAR PATTERNS ON YOUR SHOE

For Underpronators/Supinators:

The outside of your running shoes show the most wear. If you put your running shoes on a flat surface, you may notice a slight outward tilt.

For Neutral Runners:

The soles of your running shoes show wear in an S-shaped pattern, from the outer (lateral) heel to the big toe. If you put your shoes on a flat surface, you may not notice any tilt

For Overpronators:

Extra wear on the inside of the heel and under the ball of the foot, especially the big toe. If you put your shoes on a flat surface, you may notice an inward tilt.