New Brighton Business a New Kind of Running Store

Located next to on Main Street, Elite Feet, a running shoe and athletic store, is the newest addition to downtown Brighton's retail scene.

Elite Feet is owned and operated by Ken Larscheid, a Pinckney resident who is passionate about the sport of running. A competitive runner since childhood, Larscheid has participated in everything from 5Ks to triathlons.

His knowledge of running is complimented by his experience as a representative for New Balance, a position he resigned from in order to focus on opening his own business.

Larscheid partnered with Dustin Jenkins, the owner of the original Elite Feet store, which used to be on Larscheid's New Balance circuit. Located in Lapeer, the original location opened in 2008. Jenkins opened a second store in Port Huron earlier this year.

After considering locations in Canton, Larscheid decided to open Elite Feet in Brighton because of its “homegrown feel.”

“There are so many active people in Brighton and downtown is a great place to run from,” Larscheid said.

Elite Feet leads group runs every Thursday evening following the store's free running form clinic, a class that breaks running into four steps in order to help runners fine-tune their technique.

“You wouldn't hand someone a golf club and say, 'Go golf,'” Larscheid said. “We want to help get our customers started.”

The first clinic will take place at 6:30pm on Thursday, July 28 and will be led by Olympian Grant Robinson.

And just in case the free running form clinics aren't enough to help runners improve, Elite Feet houses a hi-definition slow motion camera that analyzes body mechanics and shoe function at 120 frames per second. The camera helps each customer determine which shoe is the best fit for optimal performance and injury prevention.

Elite Feet will hold a four-day grand opening beginning on Monday, July 28. The extravaganza will feature drawings, discounts, and free gifts. Donate an old pair of athletic shoes or running apparel to earn cash toward a new purchase. See the event website for details.

In addition to stocking all the major footwear brands, Elite Feet offers active wear, including YMX's line of tattoo-inspired clothing, and energy boosters, including Clif Bars.