Every Pace Has a Place: For Our Runners

Last time we wrote that you don't have to be a runner to shop with us, and we meant it. About 70% of the folks who walk through our door are walkers, and we love fitting every one of them.

This post is for the other 30%: the runners. Some of you run a few easy miles before work. Some of you chase a PR at every race. Some of you disappear into the woods for hours at a time. Whatever kind of runner you are, there's a place for you here, because every pace has a place.

The right shoe for the run you're doing

Runners often need more than one pair, because an easy recovery run, a race and a rocky trail ask very different things of a shoe. Many of our runners rotate two or three pairs depending on the day's run. We fit every runner the same way we fit everyone else: we watch you walk and run, measure both feet and talk through how, where and how much you run before we pull a single box.

• Daily trainers for most of your miles. Some runners love a plush, max-cushion ride, some prefer something firmer and more responsive, and some need a stability shoe to keep their stride on track. We'll help you find the mix that fits your stride and your mileage.
• Plated race shoes for race day and fast workouts. Carbon-plated shoes are built for speed, so most runners save them for races and key workouts rather than every run. If you've been curious, come try a few on and we'll talk about when they help and when they don't.
• Trail shoes for the woods. Our trail runners love the Mount to Coast H1 and M1, and we'll help you choose based on the trails and conditions you run.

The right shoe for your body

Your body matters as much as your run. Your weight, height and the way your foot lands all change how a shoe feels and how long it lasts.

I'm a big guy, and I learned this one firsthand. The softest, most cushioned shoes on our wall feel amazing for the first few minutes, but under my weight that soft foam squishes down too far. The shoe ends up feeling mushy and unstable, and it wears out fast. I do much better in a shoe with firmer, more supportive cushioning that holds its shape mile after mile. A lighter runner might love that same super-soft shoe I can't wear.

That's why we don't pick shoes off a chart. We'll put you in a few options and let you feel the difference for yourself.

What goes inside the shoe

A great shoe can feel even better with the right insole underneath you. The insole that comes with most shoes is fairly basic, and swapping it for a supportive one can help your feet feel better mile after mile. Our runners' two favorites both come from Currex:

• Currex RunPro is built for running. Its flexible arch supports your foot while still letting it move naturally, a deep heel cup holds your heel steady, and extra cushioning sits under the heel and forefoot. It comes in low, medium and high arch profiles.
• Currex SupportSTP is the firmer, more structured option. It's built from the RunPro but with more rigid support and a deep heel cup for stability, so it's a great fit for runners who need a little more control and for anyone who spends long days on their feet. It also comes in low, medium and high arch profiles.

We'll look at your arch and how your foot moves, then let you try both so you can feel which one is right for you.

Come run with us

The best way to meet other runners in Magnolia is our free Run Club, every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Walkers, joggers and runners all share a low-traffic 1.5-mile loop, and you can do one to four laps at whatever pace feels right. Run Club members also get 10% off in the store.

Run Club doesn't start at the store, so follow us on Facebook for the meeting spot, weather updates and upcoming events.

Once a month we host a demo run where you can try the latest shoes from our brands. Afterward we serve food, adult beverages and non-alcoholic drinks, and we hold raffles. We're also proud to partner with our friends at Deacon Baldy's.

Coming up next: winter running. We'll cover how to stay safe, seen and warm as the days get shorter and colder, plus how to fuel, hydrate and recover all season long. After that, we'll dig into the tech our runners love, like Garmin watches and Shokz headphones.

Stop by, tell us about your next goal, and let us help you get there. Every pace has a place.