After having a great experience at Road Runner Sports, my best friend Caroline insisted that I go there as well and get perfectly fitted for a new pair of running shoes. Of course, I balked at the idea of driving a whole 15 minutes across town for a pair of shoes, but in the end, her insistence paid off. And I made her go with me to take pictures. Hence, our Great Shoe Dog Adventure!
Shoe Dog is just Road Runner Sports marketing for how they fit you for their shoes. I’m not sure if it has any meaning beyond that. But hey, I love dogs, and so does most of the rest of the country so I’m thinking it’s pretty clever. Who can resist a cute dalmation with shoes in his mouth?
First, the Service
So, when we first got there, we were greeted promptly by a nice lady who we asked permission for taking pictures of our great adventure. She cleared it with the manager, and after a brief wait for a Shoe Dog fitting, I was ready to be sized. Just a side note here, to say that this kind of service happened from beginning to end, and I totally loved it. It really made a difference in my experience. Friendly, prompt service is hard to come by these days, and Road Runner Sports has got it going on, that’s for sure!
Basic Sizing
With all the technology that abounds in the world, you think they’d have something different than the same tool they used 30 years ago when I was sized for a shoe at my small town shoe store. But, I guess for basic sizing, it works.
One thing is, the Shoe Dog adventure doesn’t stop here. They ask you some questions about if you are using your shoes for running, walking, hiking, etc., how much, etc., and then, it’s onto the balance board.
The Balance Board
The balance board essentially lets you see what kind of arch you have, plus it lets you know how you carry your weight on your feet. It turns out that I have a much higher arch than I thought I had, and I carry my weight a little forward, in the ball of my feet. So you stand on the board (above) and then you get to see the computerized version of this afterwards.
The Treadmill
Next, they put me on the treadmill and had me run. They video-taped my feet, people!! I loved watching the video of my feet running, especially since the guy helping me could speed me up to make me look like I was running fast! (Olympics, here I come!)
The video of my stride essentially showed that I have a pretty darn straight stride, placing my feet squarely in front of me with a straight aim from my heel to my toe.
The Shoe Type Recommendation
Taking the information they gathered from the questions, the balance board and the treadmill, they recommended I use a neutral+ shoe. Shoe type recommendation–accomplished! High five for a mission accomplished!!
But wait, it’s not over!!
The Insole Mold
To get the “perfect” fit, they don’t stop there. They also take flat insoles and MOLD THEM TO YOUR FEET! Now, this rocks. Now, this isn’t free, but Caroline told me they were my marathon/birthday present and she would pay for them, so I said, sign me up!
They had me stand on this cushion thing, barefoot so they could get my exact foot imprint. They get me ready by having me stand on one foot until they can place the insole directly under one foot. They call this the pelican stand over there.
Placing my foot directly on the insole for a good mold.
The insole is molded, and now we are ready! It is shoe-trying on time!!
Trying on My Shoes
I tried on several pairs of shoes, without the mold first. I narrowed my choices down to two pairs, and I was still totally not convinced on the insole, because I hadn’t tried it on yet. So we stuck the insole into the two different pairs of shoes, one each, so I could get an idea. I thought it felt pretty good, so I took a quick jog around the store to feel it in my stride. I had both shoes on with the insoles in them for about ten minutes, when I tried on one last pair without the insole.
All I can say is, oh. my. gosh.
The insole made all the difference. When I tried the shoe on without the insole, I felt like I was standing in a totally unsupported pair of shoes. They felt FLAT!!
Gimme those insoles!
What’s Up With the Bell
Now, here’s a cool thing they do. Road Runner Sports has a VIP program you can join to get ten percent off of everything in the store. Or near everything I think. Anyway, when people sign up, they ring the bell.
I was totally sold on the service, selection and science they use to fit you at this store. Road Runner has obviously one-upped the whole shoe selling experience in my opinion. And I just want you to know, they didn’t pay me a thing to write this. This is NOT an affilliate post. This is just me, being super duper pleased. Road Runner Sports gets a two thumbs up in my humble opinion!!
I love this post! You’re so cute and fun!
Love the pictures to go along with the story
And I’m all about thumbs up!! (Just recently did a video of me deadlifting and thumbs up at the end 
)
I’ve been to one running store, but the technology didn’t look anything like that you went through today. That is so neat to go through so many steps to find the perfect shoe! I need to do something like this! (if I ever decide to run..)
Jenniferlynn, I definitely ★don’t★ run, but I got lower heeled running shoes plus the indoors to walk in. And ask Bethany, I now walk with a hugely improved gait because of them. I wanted to wear these shoes to bed the first night!
Er, insoles! lol
That sounds exciting, Caroline! lol I have just flat shoes for lifting, but haven’t been properly fitted for running shoes. I hate running.. but maybe would enjoy it more if I loved my shoes?
Hmm . . . maybe? I don’t know. Why do you hate running? My brother hated it because he always got shin splints. I told him to slow down, and he did. And he stopped getting shin splints. Now my brother, also a heavy lifter, supplements his lifting with running and enjoys it.
I think pretty much cause my endurance stinks. It took me six months to do the 3-month “Couch to 5k” program and it was HARD. It’s funny cause I consider myself pretty fit, then when I see like Biggest Loser, or Extreme Makeover: Weightloss Edition, and these people are RUNNING MARATHONS or doing a TRIATHLON and I cry running 3 miles lol.
I am sure if I kept at it, I’d like it more, but for now I’m happy with running a half mile a couple times a week.. lol
I am signed up for a 5k in October (I did the same one last year, so it’ll be interesting to compare), but I just struggle with really getting into it, I guess.
What was your time for the 5K?
I am wondering for you if you are running too fast too?
Oh no, not fast for this girl! First 5k last September was 36:14; second was 34:03.
Jenniferlynn, Caroline is totally speaking truth. I was really surprised insoles could make that much of a difference just in her gait. And you should have seen her; she was like a kid in a candy shop with her new shoes on.
Wow- great present!
This post was really fun. I love the balance board and the soles being moulded to your feet- that’s so cool! I want some!!
So much fun! Thank you to your friend for taking pictures!
I have been a VIP member for over 4 years now. I found out about them when I had to pick up a race packet. I refer all my clients to Road Runner because of the awesome customer service and the Shoe Dog! : )
Awesome Kim!! Yeah, it was the customer service that was really over the top there.
Damn I have not had a pair of joggers fitted by perfossionals ever no not me I end up just getting mine from Big W……….but then I don’t run or do any other type of sport…………lol
I’m afraid shoes from Big W would fail me on my longer runs. But if you don’t run or anything else, and you feet and knees and back are ok, I’d say more power to ya!
Wow… how cool! Great photos to go with a great post. Love it! The last time someone actually measured my feet was when I was just a child – no I won’t tell you how many years ago that was. LOL
Haha! The truth is, I’m curious as to your age–I won’t ask though. But, your picture looks young.
First, you are too cute! I love how excited you are in all of your pictures. Second, I used to work at a beach “sports” store in California and it was my favorite job ever. One of the perks was that two of the girls I worked with were there to help fit people for the running shoes, so they taught me some of the basics. There is nothing better than a well fitted pair of running shoes. Third, I have never been to a physical Road Runner store, but I have bought my last three pairs of running shoes from their online store and I have always been very happy with their price point and online services so thank you for your great review of this awesome company. It makes me want to to the there.
It really was a great experience! But if you know the type of shoe you need, that should be ok, however, those insoles are really the bomb–they are molded to your foot! You can’t get that online.
(They made me want to work there too!–they seemed like they were enjoying themselves).
Interesting account and cool pictures. Just imagine when in the Army we had to run long distance in leather boots corns blisters and all
No regrets what so ever!
I was in the Air Force, and I had to do that too. However, now that I look back on it, the distances weren’t as long as what I run now. Not at all as long.
Glad you stopped by Dilip!
omg, the pic of you high-fiving is the best ever! love it
(now I want some new shoes… 
Bex! thanks for stopping by! you should absolutely try out Road Runner Sports. Totally awesome customer service.
Get some shoes!
That looks really really cool. I love the picture journaling you did here. You go girl and high five.
))