Proper shoes and fit = Improved walking and running!
Shoes are the most important item you wear, because wearing the wrong shoe or worn out shoes can cause injuries that may stop you from running or walking. You should have your running or walking mechanics analyzed before you purchase shoes. If you are already walking or running, it's a good idea to bring the shoes you are currently wearing with you, along with the socks you normally wear. Sometimes the wear patterns on your current shoes will give hints as to what is or is not working, as well as allow us to see what type of shoe you are wearing.
Finding the right shoe - the process
At The Sporty Runner our staff will help guide you through the process of finding the right shoe for you. First we may ask you questions about the types of walking or running you do, about your training, any problems you may be having, and what you like or don't like about your current shoes. Next, if you don't know what your gait is like or what type of arch you have, we will have you walk without shoes on to see the shape of your arch and the amount of flexibility in your arch. These two pieces of information will tell us what type of shoe (Neutral/Cushion, Stability, or Motion Control) is most likely to work well with your foot. Then we'll bring out a pair of the correct type of shoes, and after making sure of the proper size and fit, have you either walk or run down the floor to watch your gait, making sure that the shoe is working correctly with your running style. Based on what we see, we will then bring additional shoes for you to try, until we have found the shoe that fits and feels best on your feet, and gives you the correct gait.
Foot Shapes
High Arch
Shoe Category: Neutral/Cushioned.
Medium Arch
Shoe Category: Stability.
Flat Arch
Shoe Category: Motion Control.
Shoes
At The Sporty Runner we believe that your shoes are the single most important investment you can make for a successful running or walking program.
Shoes Companies
To ensure that our customers are able to find the correct shoe that fits and feels the best on their feet, we carry a great selection from the following companies:
Aasics. USA
Brooks
Mizuno
Pearl iZUMi
Saucony loyal to the sport
Apparel
Whether it's fashion or function, competition or casual, the right apparel for your sport will help you to be at your very best. To learn more about the different types of apparel we carry at The Sporty Runner just click on the links below:
Running/Walking
Technical fabrics that are lightweight, keep you cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter, and dry all the time are the hallmark of todays running and walking apparel. We carry a great selection of Men's and Women's apparel so if you're a competitive runner looking for a new race day outfit or a casual walker who just wants to be comfortable, we've got you covered at The Sporty Runner. Some of the great apparel brands we carry are:
Brooks
Hind
Insport
Mizuno
Moving Comfort fit for Women
Pearl iZUMi
Swimming
Don't hit the water in the wrong suit! From competition suits to fitness and training suits for men and women, we've got just what you're looking for at The Sporty Runner. Many of our suits feature chlorine resistant materials that will stand up to heavy use, unlike some fashion swimwear that breaks down in a matter of weeks. The Sporty Runner carries a nice selection of suits from these fine brands:
Dolfin
TYR Always in front
Triathlon
Triathletes take their equipment seriously. Because of that, we carry a wider variety of triathlon apparel brands at The Sporty Runner than anywhere else in the state. And if we don't have something from one of the brands we carry in stock, we'll gladly order it for you! We carry triathlon apparel from these fine brands:
Pearl iZUMi
TYR Always in front
ZooZ Sports
Accessories
Runners, Walkers, Swimmers, Triathletes, what do they all have in common? Every one of them has a need for something more than just the basics. From energy gels to swim goggles, pedometers to race number belts, we've got the accessories you want at The Sporty Runner.
Swimming Accessories
From goggles to training equipment, you'll find everything you need at The Sporty Runner. Not only do we have a wide selection of goggles from TYR and Aqua Sphere, we've got training equipment like kickboards, pull floats, hand paddles, even kick fins.
Triathlon Accessories
Race number belts, Easy laces, Transition packs, everything you need to train and race sucessfully you can find at The Sporty Runner.
Running and Walking Accessories
Accessories, what would we do without 'em? A new pair of socks because the dryer ate your favorite pair, some gels to get you through tomorrow's long run, something to keep the sweat from dripping in your eyes, a knee strap because you're just not as young as you once were, the list goes on and on. We almost have too many accessories to list at The Sporty Runner so check out our great selection, from the gotta haves to the sure would be nice to have! Some of the fine brands of accessories we carry are:
The Sporty Runner is a specialty running store located in Downtown Conway Arkansas. We have been in business for over 11 years serving runners and walkers in the greater Central Arkansas region.