Where to buy running shoes in Seattle

September 3, 11:46 AMSeattle Endurance Sports ExaminerLynne Butler

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      Where to buy running shoes in Seattle Photo/Super Jock 'N Jill

Buying the right pair of running shoes is easy if you seek advice from one of the savvy shoe experts available at local Seattle running stores. Most runners realize their shoes are the single most important factor influencing the quality of their running over time, and selecting the right shoe is key to preventing injuries. The best running shoe stores will allow you to test the shoes, try them out and return them if they don’t work for you.

Running shoes are not all equal and the task of understanding the differences can be daunting. It’s a fact that spending the time up front testing for proper fit will pay off later. Wearing the wrong shoe can be problematic for your feet but can also cause pain and injury to ankles, knees and hips. Over 60% of runners had injuries related to their shoes, according to results of a survey conducted by the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS).

Running shoes are designed specifically to absorb the impact of the constant forward motion and force of your body weight as your feet hit the ground. Wearing worn out shoes, over or under-pronating (rolling foot inward or outward) or lack of stability (arch support) will cause other parts of your body to absorb the shock instead of your shoes.

Choosing the right running shoe can be a process of trial and error until you find one that works for you. The shoe structure will last anywhere from 350 to 500 miles before breaking down. Once the shoe is dead, it can no longer absorb shock and should be replaced right away. To get the best running shoe advice, try one of these local sellers.

SUPER JOCK 'N JILL; 7210 E Greenlake Dr., N, Seattle WA 98115; 206-522-7711

Offers a wide variety of running shoes with knowledgeable experts using a hands-on approach to evaluate your running style. Clinics are held each Thursday evening featuring podiatrists, physical therapists and sports medicine physicians who provide advice on training, preventing injury, and medical issues.

ROAD RUNNER SPORTS; 720 Woodlawn Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115; 206-517-5100

Provides the widest selection of shoes and sizes and offers a very affordable VIP club with 10% discounts on all merchandise and free shipping for online orders. Performs gait analysis using Shoe Dog technology to evaluate running style for better fitting shoes. Seek advice from personal trainers and nutrition experts who are frequently available in-store to answer questions.

SEATTLE RUNNING COMPANY; 911 E. Pine St., Seattle, WA 98122; 206-329-1466

SRC is known for its great running club, sponsoring weekly runs and a trail run series. The in-store experts have the greatest understanding of foot and ankle biomechanics; using a treadmill and rear camera to tape your stride and help you choose a shoe based on the direction and amount of motion in your legs, ankles and feet. SRC club members receive significant discounts including 15% discounts on running gear.