An important part of our commitment to growing has been making sure that runners, walkers and hikers not only have good products, but the right products to make their activity enjoyable. Of course, footwear is a vital part of the experience and our 4-Step Fitting Process has been the defining way in which we help runners, walkers and hikers maximize their enjoyment of the sport. But footwear, no matter how great, has limitations when it comes to meeting all of your needs. And if we are really going to maximize our enjoyment of running, walking and hiking, other variables must be considered.

RTS Sports has a 4-step shoe fitting process simply known as the RTS 4-step method.
  1. We take the time to talk to you about what you are looking for in a shoe, how many miles you are looking to get out of your shoes, find out if you are a walker, runner, hiker or just looking for a good every day shoe. We want to get to know you and what you’re looking for out of your shoes!
  2. We conduct a very simple test on our 3D foot scanning machine Albert. Albert shows us your foot measurements, arch height, shows us where your pressure points are, and much much more!
  3. Albert allows us to conduct a bio-mechanical video gait analysis as you walk across Albert showing us your level of pronation or supination. We review your stride throughout the gait cycle and pair this information with your foot scan to guide you towards the correct shoe fitting.
  4. Lastly, and most importantly, we give you options to fit you into the shoe that is best suited for you. Your feedback is important during this process as that will allow us to narrow down the choices that much more.

Our ultimate goal is to fit you into the right shoe and reduce potential injury so that you can make running, walking and hiking more fun and enjoyable. Of course, we want you in a great shoe, but we also want you in the right shoe! There is never a need to make an appointment, and the entire process is free of charge.

The three primary roles of a shoe are:
  1. Accommodate foot characteristics
  2. Provide a stable platform for the foot
  3. Protect the foot from shock generated at impact

It is not uncommon to try on numerous shoe models during our fitting process so appropriate time should be given. Bring your old shoes with you. There is a great deal of knowledge that can be found by examining the tread of your old shoes.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN IT’S TIME TO PURCHASE NEW RUNNING SHOES

When you first start running, it’s tempting to grab whatever athletic shoes you have laying around. But it’s not a good idea. Worn-out or ill-fitting shoes are a common cause of running injuries. And wear and tear are not always apparent to the naked eye. If you want to run comfortably and stay injury free, it pays to invest in a good pair of running shoes that offer the support and the fit that your feet deserve.

It sounds like a simple process—but there are lots of common mistakes that people make when shopping for shoes. Here are some tips on how to make the most out of your investment.

Don’t wait for wear out.

It is generally recommended that shoes be replaced every 300 to 500 miles, but wear and tear can vary widely. If you wear your shoes in lots of rain and snow, or cover lots of tough terrain, or wear them at work, they may wear out sooner. In your training log, note the day that you purchased your shoes, and keep track of the miles you run in them. If the shoes start to feel “flat,” or you start to develop little aches and pains that aren’t related to increases in mileage or workout intensity, you may want to consider replacing your shoes sooner.

See the experts.

At a specialty running store like RTS Outfitters, you’ll find trained staff members who can answer your questions measure your feet, conduct a gait analysis, and watch you move in various pairs of shoes to help you find the best pair to fit your needs.

Bring what you’ve been wearing.

When you shop for a new pair of shoes, take along the socks and any inserts that you’ve been wearing on a regular basis. That way you can realistically evaluate how well the new shoe will fit your feet. And don’t forget to bring the shoes that you’ve been wearing, too. The wear patterns on your old shoes can provide valuable insight into your biomechanics that can help the salesperson identify the best new pair to meet your needs.

Size yourself up.

You may think you know your size, but it’s best to get your feet measured each time you buy new shoes. Foot shape and size can change over time, and one model’s fit can be drastically different from another’s. Many people also have one foot that is slightly bigger than the other. Plus, you’ll likely end up purchasing a running shoe that’s a half size larger than everyday shoes. That’s because the extra room allows your foot to flex and your toes to move forward with each stride. Try shoes on both feet and take them for a test run around the shop, on a treadmill, or on the sidewalk.

Don’t be put off by price.

Want to buy those nice new running shoes, but feel put off by the $120 – $170 price tag? Remember that whatever investment you make in shoes will pay off in the form of hundreds of happy pain-free miles. Trust us, it’s totally worth it. If you just opt for the cheapest pair out there, or put off replacing worn-out shoes, you’re likely to end up injured.

Go for function, not fashion.

It can be tempting to be wooed by shoes that “look speedy,” come in your favorite colors, or are simply what everyone else in your running group is wearing. Remember that there is no one best shoe for everyone. There is only one shoe that offers your feet the unique support and fit you need at any given time. And as your body changes (and ages), and your training evolves, your shoe needs will change, too. Try on as many different models and pairs as possible.