When it comes to spending your hard-earned bucks on running, shopping local offers plenty more advantages than a computer.
Sure, there are certain things that are undeniably better when purchased online—like bulk cereal, toilet paper, and vitamins. But if you're hunting for a new pair of running shoes, you may want to consider heading to the real-life store around the corner.
Of course no matter where you shop, if you use a rewards credit card you'll get plenty of perks, like with the BuyPower Card®—which gives you 5 percent in Earnings for the first $5,000 you spend on purchases every year and an unlimited 2 percent earnings on every purchase after that. Earnings are redeemable towards the purchase or lease of a new Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac vehicle.
But for someone looking for the running gear that will take them to the next level, nothing beats a face-to-face shopping experience. Here’s why.
1. An expert will guide you to the perfect pair.
A Part of Hearst Digital Media Fleet Feet Sports Chicago, and there’s a lot more to it than simply Googling "Health & Injuries" and putting the top result in your virtual shopping cart.
"Some shoes get rave reviews online, but I’ve tested them myself and they don’t work for me at all," says Justin Craig, co-owner of RUNdetriot, a running specialty store in Detroit. "Finding a fit and a feel through an online channel is going to be really hard."
For starters, there are so many variables when it comes to feet, including foot length, foot width, arch height, and heel width, says Zimmer. On top of that, "there are so many different ways a foot can strike the ground," he says. These small nuances can make a big difference in how your running shoe fits, and thus performs, which is why it’s important to make sure you’re fitted in the best shoes for you—and not necessarily the best rated.
That’s where running stores come in. The staffers are specially trained experts who can help you weed through the various options to determine which brand, size, model, and make are best for you, says Zimmer. Plus, certain stores may even offer a high-tech recommendation through gait analysis that takes precise measurements of your foot. Once you’ve identified a few options, you’ll be able to test out the shoes yourself—either on an in-store treadmill or with a run around the block—to make sure they feel comfortable and supportive as you move. All of this happens before you shell out any money. "What we are trying to do is give the customer the best chance for success," Zimmer says.
2. You'll save time (in the long run).
While shopping online offers the initial convenience of not having to leave your couch/bed/favorite armchair to buy new garb, brick-and-mortars have a "much higher chance of getting it right the first time," Craig says. "You can try multiple products on and compare them back-to-back." This saves you trips to the post office and the corresponding angst when you have to return products that looked a whole lot better on your screen.
3. You’ll meet local runners.
"The goal of the running store is people getting connected," says Zimmer. From running clubs to racing teams to training programs, there are many different groups, both formal and informal, offered through running stores. These provide organic opportunities to meet like-minded athletes, potential training partners...and even potential love interests. "We’ve had 26 marriages that have come through our Chicago stores," Zimmer says. You can’t find that on Amazon (yet).
4. You’ll learn more about the sport.
Running stores aren’t just places to buy gear. Oftentimes, they’re also a center for high-quality, trusted information about the sport. "We are running nerds," Zimmer says. "We are total geeks about the sport. If people have a passion for running, the specialty store is the place to be."
At Craig’s store, this passion comes in the form of educational classes that are open to the general public. "We’ll have free injury prevention nights where physical therapists are available to educate people on foam rolling, strengthening, and stretching," he says.
The store also hosts self-defense classes—also free—taught by instructors from the Detroit Police Academy, as well as many other educational opportunities, like a recent class for runners who missed race goal times on how to run a smarter, more efficient race.
5. You could score some serious perks.
"Your run shop is kind of like your neighborhood bar," says Craig. "With frequency comes perks." Just like you might receive the occasional gratis beverage at the saloon next door, if you drop by your local run store, you could score free swag, become a go-to gear tester, or get first dibs on new apparel, Craig says.
6. You’ll get psyched about running.
When customers come to the running store, whether they're experts, beginners, or somewhere in between, they’ll receive an extra level of advice and encouragement that you just can’t get from an online experience. "Just coming in and getting a pep talk along with a pair of shoes can put someone over the edge in terms of them feeling excited about the sport," Craig says.
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