GTA running store: need proper evaluation before buying shoes

Triathlon Forum
1

I’m looking for a running store in the Greater Toronto Area that will take the time to properly evaluate my running ‘form’ (i.e. degree of pronation) and recommend a good shoe. Ideally the bigger the shop the better simply because the stock will be greater and the staff less biased on which shoe to recommend. At $150-$200 a pop, this becomes a pricey game of hit and miss.

2

Sporting Life on Yonge St has a big selection, but I’m not sure how good their running form analysis will be. For me, it’s always about proper fit, so I just need to try on a bunch of shoes and find one that feels good.

3

Have you tried the Running Room? I have always had great service there and I have found that the staff(in Ottawa and Montreal) are really good at fitting shoes

4

In the City try either Endurosport in the Beach or Leaside. North of the city I would reccomend seeing John Posca at Running Free in Markham. John is very good with gait analysis and getting runners in the right shoes.

5

I’ve always had good luck with Running Room, find the folks down @ Commerce Court are professional and helpful. That said, Enduro is a great option…

6

I’ll echo the Running Free recommendation. Notwithstanding the fact they sponsor a large number of amateur athletes (including myself), what initially drew me to the store was the incredible time they took to fit me for new shoes. John or Jeremy are excellent at their professions, and will analyze your gait, feet, and the kind of running you do. They drive out there is well worth it, and offset by the fact their shoes are cheaper than anyone else’s.

If you need to stay in the city, I’d go with Endurosport. People there seem to know their stuff, as well.

7

If you don’t mind a bit of a drive, head on out to The Running Company in Oakville. Greg is the owner and he’ll take good care of you. Tell him I sent you.

http://www.therunningcompany.com/

K

8

What Fleck and mfreeman72 said in reference to Running Free. Best store around in my opinion and it’s what drew me to them in the first place (and am now part of their sponsored team).

9

Thanks for the input guys and girls - much appreciated.

I find the Running Room hit and miss - I had really positive experiences in Ottawa, but now my local store (I have since moved from Ottawa) is sketchy. Running Free sounds great.

r

10

I second the Running Company in Oakville. They take great care in making sure you get the right type of shoe for your feet. And they’ll probably insist you take a few laps around the block before buying them.