Performance footwear is an investment—do it right the first time

Avoid paying more in the long run by getting fitted in and purchasing the first time the right performance footwear for you and your active goals.

THE JOY IN healthy living stems from the choices made in the process of living healthfully.

Footwear made for an active lifestyle comes with varying levels of support, stability, cushioning, and comfort combined to work best for varying types of feet and functions, but one thing remains constant in this equation—you get what you pay for.

Always compare apples-to-apples. It’s true, performance footwear often has a greater purchase price than shoes designed for everyday fashion or made by cutting corners in manufacturing to lower the price on the shelf. When making a choice to train in lesser footwear that won’t stand up to the test, the savings reflected at the checkout too soon turn into undesired add-on charges. All too often, issues impacting foot health arise and begin to compound expenses far exceeding the savings on the initial purchase. Plantar fasciitis, arch pain, tendon strain, numbness, and other ailments will derail training and set goals to the sidelines. 

Avoid paying more in the long run by getting fitted in and purchasing the first time the right performance footwear for you and your active goals. 

Material used and construction technology dictate overall performance and ultimate success in maintaining a healthy training regimen. Quality will always cost more, so don’t start out on the wrong foot by choosing your primary tool based solely on price.

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.

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. 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 more information, including any applicable fees, please visit davesrunning.com.

Connor Greer Memorial Scholarship 5K Run/Walk

Saturday, April 1, 2023, 9:00 a.m. at 9190 Co. Rd. 9, Findlay, Ohio. A 5k run/walk to benefit the Conor Greer Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship was created to recognize multisport athletes and NHS members graduating from Liberty-Benton. All funds raised will go directly to the scholarship account to enable multiple rewards each graduation year. The race will begin and end at the high school football stadium.

Dave’s Spring Training Run

Saturday, April 1, 2023, 7:30 a.m. at Lourdes University, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania, Ohio. This is the final BIG long, group run before the Mercy Health Glass City Marathon. Join the local running community as we complete a preview run on portions of the GCM course prior to the big day. All are welcome no matter your ability level and race distance or training program. Dave’s MIT Program will have coaches who will lead the long run at set pace ranges, so you can run with others at the same pace.

The premium package will include an official Spring Run t-shirt plus a ticket for the end-of-the-run refueling buffet. There will also be other edibles and beverages to get you on your way to recovery.

Bowling Green State University Sexual Assault Awareness Month 5K & Dog Walk

Saturday, April 15, 2023, at the BGSU Student Recreation Center, 1411 Ridge St., Bowling Green, Ohio. 5K begins at 10:00 a.m. Dog walk begins at 10:15 a.m. All proceeds benefit the Center for Violence Prevention and Education and The Cocoon. There will also be prizes in various age and competitive categories.

Whitehouse Primary 5K & 1K Kids Fun Run

Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Whitehouse Primary School, 6510 Texas St., Whitehouse, Ohio. 5K at 8:30 a.m. 1K Kids Fun Run (grades K-4) at 9:30 a.m. Start and finish at Whitehouse Primary School, flat and fast 5K course on village streets and Wabash Cannonball Trail.

Little Hero 5K Run/Walk

Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 2200 Kenwood Blvd., Toledo, Ohio. 5K Run/Walk at 9:00 a.m. 1/4-Mile Kids Run at 8:45 a.m. On June 17th, 2018, Christian James Albain, 10, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away in the arms of his loving parents after a valiant battle with leukemia. Christian will always be our “Little Hero,” and this annual memorial event will be held to forever honor Christian’s life.

Run The 419 Day

Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. Celebrate our hometown area code day at one of four free Dave’s run/walks. They will each start at 6:00 p.m. at four different locations spread through the 419 region (Sylvania, Perrysburg, Findlay, and Delta). Sign up online for one of the locations, and on April 19th you’ll receive an email with the exact coordinates of the run/walk, based on your choice. Dave’s arches will be up at each location, giving the feel of a real race. Track yourself with your Garmin or Strava app on the course, and submit your time for inclusion in the online results. When you finish, we’ll all head over to a nearby establishment for specials on food and beverages, and to enjoy the camaraderie like only runners can.

Justice for Sierah Color Run

Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the University of Toledo, Centennial Mall, in Toledo, Ohio. The Spirit of Sierah, Justice for Sierah’s Color Run is designed to honor the life and legacy of Sierah Joughin, a University of Toledo student who was tragically taken from our community in 2016 by a repeat violent offender. Participants can choose to walk or run a one-mile Fun Run or 5K route throughout the campus. 5K starts at 9:00 a.m. One-Mile Fun Run starts at 9:15 a.m. Virtual participation is also offered.

Dooby Du Duathlon

Sunday, April 30, 2023, 9:00 a.m. at 10001 W. Central Ave., Sylvania, Ohio. The event begins in the quiet, suburban Secor Metropark, just west of Toledo in Berkey, Ohio. Get back outside. Get on your bike and ride. This is a great event for multi-sport beginners and seasoned athletes alike to get a feel for racing again