Let Dave’s help you find the right footwear fit

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During a fitting at

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  • Dave's Running
    Dave's Running
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FEET ARE OFTEN TAKEN FOR GRANTED when evaluating personal well-being, but when you make your foot health a priority, many of the lifestyle aches and pains you’re dealing with can be reduced or even eliminated. It all starts with what type of shoes you put on, how often you change them throughout the day, and when you replace them with new ones.

The human foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments all working together to provide support, balance, and mobility. Those are a lot of moving parts. Additionally, everyone’s feet are set up a little bit differently and should be evaluated individually.

Getting fitted for the proper footwear consists of several observational and measuring steps. All of these steps are pretty basic, but it takes a trained professional to evaluate what they all mean once put together.

During a fitting at Dave’s, you’ll be asked to walk, run, or jog; stand in varying ways; and flex your feet through a few low-intensity movements. 

Measurements will be taken, and your existing shoes will be inspected for wear patterns before any type of shoe is recommended and tried on for comfort. You’ll be able to walk around the store in each pair and ask any questions that arise. It may be that you simply need an insole for the type of shoe you’re already wearing. Ultimately, it’s about what feels best to you, so you shouldn’t ever feel pressured into any one choice during a fitting.

Changing shoes throughout the day is one way to maximize their life and reduce your foot fatigue. Those you’ve spent your work day in are not necessarily what you should wear around the house or while exercising. Consider a pair of soft recovery sandals or ultra-cushioned shoes for around-the-home wear and running shoes with the right lift for your calf flexibility during your runs, walks, and cross-training routines.

Remember not to over-tighten your shoe laces; your feet need good circulation to perform at their optimal levels. Going barefoot at some points throughout the day is also a great way to stay in touch with your feet and what they might be trying to tell you.

Unfortunately, shoes will not last a lifetime. They only last so long before the stability and cushioning begin to break down and no longer support your foot health. When worn regularly, shoes typically last about six months before they should be replaced. Frequency of wear, type of activity, wear patterns, and miles put on them will be the primary deciding factors in their overall lifespan.

Don’t let the name fool you. Dave’s Running Shop provides footwear for people of all ages and lifestyle preferences. You don’t have to be a runner to find the right footwear at Dave’s. In fact, a large number of our customers don’t run at all—but they keep coming back because their feet feel good in their selection and they were treated right during their visit.

Dave’s Running Shop is the only locally owned and operated footwear store in Northwest Ohio, and was the first running shop in Ohio. Founded in 1973, four area locations serve the community from Sylvania, Perrysburg, Findlay, and Delta. The staff is thoroughly trained on the ideal fitting process and latest footwear technology, and no one at Dave’s works on a footwear sale commission. The sole mission is to fit each individual in what’s right for them and their lifestyle goals.

After getting fitted on your first visit, Dave’s will maintain your purchase history and be able to evaluate initial recommendations to meet your evolving needs and preferences each time you visit—giving your feet exactly what they need to feel good the whole time you’re on them. ✲

Don’t miss Dave’s races!

Runners, get ready to “take your mark” in these exciting community events sponsored by Dave’s Running Shop. For full details on any event, including any applicable fees, please visit davesrunning.com.

Dave’s 5K Training – Spring 2024

Monday, March 4-Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 5700 Monroe St., Sylvania, Ohio. Spring means the road racing season is ramping back up, and Training the Dave’s Way will have you putting your best foot forward when heading out the door to your local 5K. The Dave’s Spring 5K Program is an eight-week training program that provides expert coaching alongside a fun and motivating community of runners who are working toward a common goal. Training is always more enjoyable with others, and Dave’s Running Shop will get you on the right track to a healthy lifestyle. An online remote training option is also offered. Visit davesrunning.com for full details.

Packo’s Panther 5K Run/Walk with Free $5.00 Packo’s Gift Certificate

Sunday, March 10, 2024, 9:00 a.m. at 5700 Whitmer Dr., Toledo, Ohio. The race will begin on Whitmer Drive, run throughout WLS neighborhoods, and finish on the 50-yard line of Whitmer Memorial Stadium. With a paid $25 registration for this race, all runners will get a soft cotton race shirt, $5 gift certificate to Packo’s, a Tony Packo’s hotdog, along with other food/drinks after the race. The winning male and female of the 5k race will also sign a Tony Packo’s bun and have it on display for a full year at the Secor Road store. This race will help benefit Washington Local cross country, which is around 300 runners from 1st through 12th grade, as well as help start two $500 scholarships for one male and female senior cross-country runner from Whitmer High School. We are asking people to park at the stadium on Whitmer drive, in front of Jefferson, in the CTC parking lot, or in front of Whitmer on Clegg.

Blarney Shamrockin’ Shuffle

Friday, March 15, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. Embark on a luminous journey under the glow of green and a moonlit sky at Downtown Toledo’s annual St Paddy’s Event. A nighttime glow run, with a smashing post-race party hosted at the Blarney Irish Pub. Jig through the course, then step into the heated party tent where your lucky finish grants you access to an unforgettable celebration of magic, music, and endless Irish cheer. Join us for a night of radiant fun and post-shuffle revelry that’ll keep your spirits high and your heart warmed. Custom shirts, glow sticks, beer, and a live band in a heated tent await your inner leprechaun.

2024 Henry County Special Olympics Polar 5K/Athlete Walk

Saturday, March 16, 2024, 9:00 a.m. at 521 Glenwood Ave., Glenwood Park, Napoleon, Ohio. Break up the Winter Blues! Join us in this community event to meet and walk/run with our Athletes of Henry County Special Olympics. All proceeds from the race stay in Henry County to purchase new equipment and cover expenses of helping our athletes reach their highest goals. We will be starting and ending our race at Glenwood Park. There will be music, food, and fun. A silent auction will also be taking place with amazing items for bid.

X&A 5K

Sunday, March 17, 2024, 2:00 p.m. (kids 1K fun run at 1:30 p.m.) at 208 N. East Ave., Deshler, Ohio. The Month of March not only represents the celebration of Xavier’s birthday, but also the sixth anniversary of Xavier and Aidan’s entering into eternal life on 3/21. The 3.21 Run commemorates this date. Please join us in this community event to run the streets of Deshler, on roads they ran repeatedly over the years, in celebration of their lives. The 5K (3.1-mile) race/memorial walk begins and ends at Pirate Park, with all proceeds earned going towards wellness projects in the Patrick Henry Community. There will also be a 1-mile memorial walk for those who do not wish to participate in the timed 5K route. Virtual participation is also offered. 

March Mayhem

Saturday, March 23, 2024 at The Shops at Fallen Timbers, Maumee, Ohio. The final race of the Spring Marathon Race Series leading up to the Mercy Health Glass City Marathon. Good competition will challenge you if the weather doesn’t. Swap split data after the race over hot soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. 25K at 7:30 a.m. 15K at 8:30 a.m.