Some sole searching

We are a society of bargain hunters, attracted to the marketplace of Walmart or the internet. I'm surely one of the worst culprits. But when it comes to buying shoes, specifically athletic shoes, it might make sense to buy local from a retailer who knows the ropes.

There's no intention of making any commercial endorsement here. San Antonio offers several shops which specialize in gear for the runner, or the swimmer, the biker, the baker, the candlestick maker. You know what I mean. When it comes to shopping for running shoes you can read, read, read on the internet, or consult the latest "Buy This" edition of Runner's World. Or, you can walk into a store owned by a runner, employing experienced runners as sales people, and ask them to help you choose a pair of shoes. Find a store which is a comfortable fit for you and then use the expertise of knowledgable sales people. When you leave the store with a great fitting shoe which is just right for your demands and for your particular skeletal features, you'll be glad you went the local route.

It has taken me awhile to come to this approach, but I must say that I have gotten great advice and great service on my last several pairs of shoes. For example, I walked into my local favorite the other day for new shoes. The salesman, an experienced runner, looked at the shoes I had last bought from that store, and knew exactly what features I would need in the new shoes. Was it simply luck that the first pair was exactly the right shoe for me. I think not. The online discounters court me constantly, but I've come to realize that they don't know me, and they've never cheered for me in a local race. If you haven't done so already, it's time to get acquainted with a local shoe store. Your feet will be happy, and so will you.