March 2006 commemorated 25 years of assisting local runners and walkers. My wife, Mary Ann, and I opened the Running Spot in March of 1981. That was a long time ago. After a quarter century, we’ve had many good experiences and made many great friends.
From the beginning, The Running Spot, and now the New Balance concept stores, have been quite concerned with providing the correct shoes for your feet. Our fitting process, which we call the SPOTCheck (Stride Path Observation Technique), has evolved over the years and has proven to be a successful method of ensuring the correct footwear for people. Let me explain what you might expect when you visit us.
SPOTChecks can be set up by appointment, but they certainly are not required. Our staff is highly qualified. Not only are they trained to understand feet and fit shoes, but also they are all active runners or walkers. We know shoes, we know feet, and we are familiar with your needs. In addition, some staff members spent time studying at the Dr. Scholl’s School in Chicago to become Certified Pedorthists (C.Ped.).
Along with the best selection of running shoes, we have Greater Cincinnati’s largest availability of widths in walking and running shoes. Women’s include AA-4E and men’s come in AA-6E. Narrow or wide, our level of expertise and our extensive selection helps ensure that you get what you want.
Now, with the addition of our two New Balance stores, we also offer an assortment of dress, casual, and work footwear to complement your wardrobe. Two additional brands, Aravon (for women) and Dunham (for men), are divisions of New Balance.
I consider the SPOTCheck an interactive process between you, the customer, and the shoe fitter. The fitter uses his or her experience to observe, measure, select and explain what is going on while you let us know what you want and how the shoes feel.
This is what you might expect when you come to us:
Getting Acquainted - We will welcome and get to know you a bit. There are a series of questions such as what has or has not worked for you in the past and what your current level of activity is. What are your aspirations?
Measuring and Discovery – We will look at and study your current shoes (if you brought them), your purchase history (if available) and your feet. They all tell a story. We will use a Brannock Measuring Device to find a variety of foot measurements on both feet. Feet continue to change, regardless of age. Time, weight, and gravity have their effect. Because shoe sizes change, it is best to have your feet measured on a regular basis.
Selection – After getting an idea of the type of shoe that is appropriate for your foot type we will bring out a selection (those that you request or ones that we feel are appropriate) to try on. Different shoes have different shapes and we are trying to match your foot with the proper shoe.
Trying On – You will be given different models to put on each foot at the same time. This enables you to better compare the feeling and fit of each style. You may go outside and test them on the pavement. As you narrow your choices, try the mate on. The fitter will explain what you should be feeling and looking for. A treadmill and video camera are available if needed.
The Checklist – After you choose your shoes, the fitter likes to go through a final checklist. This helps ensure a proper fit. There are various parameters that we look for (much like during a car tune up) before we want you to leave with the shoes.
The Finish Line – We may suggest socks or inserts that can enhance your fitting experience. At the check out counter you will be given a card that we developed. It explains how you can best break in and take care of your shoes. At the register we will note in our computer your shoe style, foot size, any adjustments that may have been made, and any links you have with medical professionals for future reference.
And yes, before you leave, we thank you for entrusting your feet to us!
Bob
Bill Rodgers won the 1st and the 10th Heart Mini Marathon. He ran in the 20th edition, but he did not win.
