The Running Company

Also known as the best place on earth (or at least one of).

So, for this Avon Walk that I'm doing I've been advised by various people to get a good pair of shoes (or two) and some special socks that wick the moisture away to prevent blisters. I was advised by some friends at work to go to a real shoe store. One where they really know what they are talking about. And so I did.

I went to the Running Company in Naperville just yesterday and I LOVED my experience there. The women who helped me had me take my shoes off. She then examined my shoes (to look at my wear pattern), looked at my feet while I was standing, and decided that I should try some shoes with stability, since my left foot doesn't really arch on it's own. So then I tried on various shoes and with her help and much guidance narrowed it down to one. And then, oh yes, it's not yet over, she had me walk on the treadmill as she watched these shoes from the back and the front. At which point she determined that I probably should try a narrow shoe. I was there for about 30 minutes and I learned so much about my feet, walking long distances, and socks. Yes socks. Apparently socks are very important and maybe some of you runners out there already know this stuff, but to me it was like a whole new world opened up. I HIGHLY recommand that anyone who walks ANYWHERE go to one of these types of stores and get a good fitting pair of shoes. I wore them today for a short walk (almost 2 miles) and I LOVE them. I cannot put on my old pair anymore. Now I can tell how much they actually hurt my feet. AND...my old shoes were a size 8. I came home yesterday with a 9.5 narrow. She thought I was probably buying a smaller size to compensate for the width. And she told me I should not have to tie my shoes so tight. I learned so much yesterday and will gladly go back in a few months to buy another pair. (In case it rains on day ONE of my walk I don't want to be walking the next day with wet shoes.)

Now if only I can find a store that sells dress shoes like this...