Friday, November 28, 2008

So Shoe Me!

I decided to brave the "Black Friday" traffic (which was null, at least on my chosen path) and make my way to Breakaway Running in Memphis. I just knew that I needed a different kind of shoe, at least through the remainder of my pregnancy. Chasen taunted me by insisting they'd put me back in the same Brooks. We'll see about that!

So in I went. I was a little anxious since there were only male workers there; I was hoping for a running mom who had "been there, done that." Oh well - a girl can dream! I started spilling my history/saga to a nice young man. Soon the manager, whose runner wife went through a similar saga, wandered over (wearing a BAA jacket). They looked at my Brooks Adrenaline and were appalled at the wear patterns. Horrified is more like it. Seeing that I was in an orthotics/stability shoe combo (which is apparently a no-no in Memphis, unlike Little Rock) the manager gave me a sad look and asked "Did you get these at [local competing store that is actually nationwide]?" I said "No, I got them here." "You got these HERE?" he gasped. "WHO sold them to you?" Uh oh! He looked it up and it was a former manager. He apologized profusely and insisted on giving me a 15% discount on whatever I bought. Wow!

In fairness, and I told him this, I never had such foot pains prior to pregnancy, i.e. my former shoe/orthotic combo seemed to work decently. Nonetheless, as Arland predicted, they insisted on putting me in a neutral shoe. They brought out Brooks (go figure!), New Balance and Saucony. Wouldn't ya know it... the Brooks felt like heaven on earth! They really seemed to sort of prop up my feet, i.e. not let them roll outward (no pain!). So now I am the ecstatic owner of some Brooks Radius 7.

I will break them in, officially, tomorrow on Teddy Tready.

They feel just wonderful! And, even without the discount, they're $10 less than the stability shoes. We agreed that I'd probably have to go with yet a different model after giving birth. Such is life! I can't wait to put some miles on them and, hopefully, reap the rewards.

10 comments:

Road Warrior said...

Excellent! here's hoping no more pain for you...

Arland said...

Susan, glad you got the right shoe this time. I really liked those people at Breakaway and the foot scanner thing is cool. I know Annette tried it when we were there and basically it said she had the right shoe, which I figured was correct with all the miles she does.

Nat said...

I am putting off going to try the Arial's because I am afraid they've messed up my shoes.

Here's wishing you many many happy miles.

Fit Mommy said...

Sounds like your running store guy knew his business!

Here's to many happy running miles to you both!

Annette said...

Susan so glad to hear you got some new shoes, I really hope they help!!
I had a nice young man help me when we went to Breakaway last month. I felt kind of guilty because in the time he spent with me the other salesperson sold two pair of shoes and I left spending 0 dollars!!

Petraruns said...

It sounds like they're working for you already (Facebook?) well done and enjoy...

ShirleyPerly said...

I'm glad they were able to give you a discount and a better shoe for your needs. Have fun on Teddy!

Newly and Forever, Tamantha said...

You don't know me but i heard about this particular post from Cheryl...I am having problems with my shoes as well...I was fitted with a New Balance stability shoe, and had some orthotics made because the arch support wasn't enough. The orthotics are horrible and thick and hard and I don't know what to do! I used to run in Asics cushion shoes but started having knee pain and it was time for new shoes anyway....I was told I am a mild overpronator with a medium arch that seems to collapse some when I run. It may have been a good call for them to put me in a narrow (2A) shoe, but I am wondering if the stability/orthotic combo is a bit much? Any advice? Where is Breakaway? WE will be in Memphis next weekend for the Marathon...

Jenn said...

Happy belated berfday Susan! Sweet new buddy you got there Teddy the Tready...you and he will see alot of miles and good times I'm sure! :)

lizzie lee said...

Wonderful when the shoe feels like a glove... and happy they recognized their error!!!!