Get Fit: Find the Right Running Shoe for You

Spring is in full swing and more runners and walkers are heading into the great outdoors to workout. Event season is underway, with charity events and races going on all over the Delaware Valley every weekend. Whether you’ve signed up for a 5k walk, plan to tackle a marathon, or prefer a nice stroll around town, finding the right shoe for your workout is vital to keeping you healthy and injury-free.

on State Street is the place to go to help you reach this goal. The staff is knowledgeable, and the selection is extensive, so you are bound to wind up in a shoe perfect for your body type and activity level.

I bought my first pair there a few weeks ago, and my goodness, is the difference in shoes amazing. Being a long-distance runner, I need shoes that offer more cushion and shock absorption, and I found just that at Bryn Mawr.

When I first walked in, the manager, Karen Stout, had me walk barefoot, so she can see whether I pronate, roll inward on my foot, or supinate, roll outward on my foot. Stout also checked my arches to see if I had a high arch or flat foot. She asked me all about my injury history, what type of runner I am, and what surfaces I tend to run on. Once Stout determined I had a pretty neutral gait, she took a look at the sneakers I had been wearing, and recommended much more cushion for the distances that I run, which is about 20 to 23 miles per week on average.

"We like to check out your old shoes, and check to see if they are too tight, or too small. We recommend going a half a size, even full size, bigger, because when your foot swells, it needs somewhere to go," Stout says. "You don’t want to see black toenails, blisters and calluses."

Stout then brought out several pair of running shoes for me to try. Bryn Mawr carries every major running brand under the sun, including New Balance, Nike, Saucony, Reebok, Brooks and Mizuno, but I usually stick with Asics. I tried several brands, but went with the Asics, which immediately felt so much more comfortable and bouncy than my old pair. I was very satisfied with my choice, and felt more reassured that the new kicks would help me avoid injury.

"If you’re in the wrong shoe, you may not have enough support, there is more room for injury. We see IT Band issues, shin splints, black toenails, and you’re body is just not in alignment," Stout says.

With the Broad Street Run approaching, and a few other tough races on my docket, I’ll do whatever it takes to stay away from any potential problems, even if it does mean spending a little more. The average price for a pair of solid sneakers at Bryn Mawr will run you $100, and there is a sale rack as well. The way I look at it, spending a little extra is well worth the comfort and safety, and I do believe I’ll get a couple 100 miles out of them, so it’s well worth the money.

In addition to offering men’s and women’s sneakers, Bryn Mawr has a decent selection of running apparel and accessories. They carry compression shorts and tights, hats, sunglasses, sports bras, specialty insoles, water bottles, you name it.

Stout points out that the store caters to everyone, from the casual walker, to full sports teams, including Penncrest, Strathaven and CYO programs all over the area. They also have a running club that meets on Thursday evenings, and are sponsors of many local races, including the Media 5 Mile Race to be held in June.

"Our customers are of all ages and abilities, from runners to walkers. Sometimes, people are intimidated by us, but they don’t need to be. Yes, we are experts, but we help everyone who needs it," Stout says.

I found that to be true, as I once was a tad intimidated myself, but as it turns out, I am pleasantly surprised how comfortable I felt with the staff, and I came out of my experience with a great new pair of kicks to show off at the next race. I highly recommend Bryn Mawr Running Company, and think it’s totally worth it to check out what they can offer you.