Prioritize healthy footwear

REGARDLESS OF OUR CHOICE OF DAILY ROUTINE, athletic lifestyle, work, or activity, happy feet are at the root of our overall well-being and desire to keep it up.

Feet are often taken for granted when evaluating personal well-being, but when we make foot health a priority, many of the lifestyle aches and pains we’re dealing with can be reduced or even eliminated. It all starts with the type of shoes we put on, how often we change them throughout the day, and when we 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.

Don’t let the name fool you. Dave’s Running Shop provides performance footwear and orthotics 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. Getting fitted in 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 reduce foot fatigue. Those shoes we’ve spent our workday in are not necessarily what we should wear around the house or while exercising. Choosing a pair of soft recovery sandals or ultra-cushioned shoes for aroundthe- home wear, and running shoes with the right lift for your calf flexibility during your runs, walks, and cross-training routines will help with overall comfort. Remember not to overtighten shoe laces; 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 our feet and what they might be trying to tell us.

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. Dave’s maintains a personal fitting history and sends out reminders when it’s time to replace shoes too.

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 a first visit, Dave’s will maintain your purchase history and be able to evaluate initial recommendations to meet evolving needs and preferences upon each 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 on any event, including any associated costs/fees, please visit davesrunning.com.

Huntertown Heritage Days 5K

Saturday, August 2, 2025, 8:00 a.m. at Huntertown Elementary School,15330 Lima Rd., Huntertown, Indiana. The 4th Annual Huntertown Heritage Days 5K is part of the Huntertown Heritage Days Festival, which was established in 1999 and will take place this year from Friday, August 1 to Sunday, August 3. This race helps support the Huntertown Heritage Days Festival and all the events the community has come to know and love.

Toledo Jeep® Fest 4-Miler

Sunday, August 3, 2025, 9:30 a.m. (Family Walk at 9:15 a.m.) at 310 N. Summit St., Toledo, Ohio. A Virtual 4-Miler is also offered. Toledo Jeep® Fest is set for the weekend of August 1-3, 2025, and the Toledo Jeep® Fest 4-Mile Run and Fun Walk are set to take place on Sunday morning. Join hundreds of other Jeep® lovers on a scenic walk through Downtown Toledo, along the Maumee River and Promenade Park.

2025 Summerfest 5K and Fun Run

Saturday, August 9, 2025, 8:30 a.m. (Fun Run at 8:10 a.m.) at K.C. Geiger Park, 202 Greenville Rd., Saint Marys, Ohio.

Fly Me to the Moon

Saturday, August 9, 2025, 9:00 p.m. at Neil Armstrong Airport, 7776 OH-219, New Knoxville, Ohio. Get your running shoes on, fly along the taxiway, and run on the airstrip at night. Enjoy this unique view of the airport from the runway. Virtual participation is also offered.

Swanton Corn Festival 5K

Saturday, August 9, 2025, 8:00 a.m. at Memorial Park in Swanton, Ohio. Lace up your running shoes and get ready for the Swanton Corn Festival 5K—a fun, fast, and festive race through the heart of Swanton.

Sylvania Superkids

Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Olander Park, 6930 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania, Ohio. Ages 6-9 at 7:30 a.m. Ages 10-15 at 8:00 a.m. Ages 2-5 at 9:00 a.m. The Sylvania SuperKids Triathlon and Duathlon is one of the oldest kids’ tri/du events in the country, happening each year since 1988. The swim and run take place inside the park, while the bike heads south across Sylvania Avenue to the University Parks bike path, into the local neighborhood, and back to Olander Park.

Sylvania Triathlon, Duathlon, Aquabike & Relay Presented by Skylight Financial Group

Sunday, August 10, 2025 at the Tam-O-Shanter Sports Complex and Olander Lake in Sylvania, Ohio. This event features a choice of distance and race for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a short or intermediate length, triathlon or duathlon, the Sylvania Triathlon/Duathlon is the event for you. Visit Davesrunning.com for full event details and timeline.

Race to the Monument

Saturday, August 16, 2025, 9:00 a.m. at Fallen Timbers Mall, 3100 Main St., Maumee, Ohio. A great way to help MAAM, a local nonprofit organization, and get a race in too! We start at Fallen Timbers Mall near the Barnes and Noble store and run on paved roads and bike trails to the Battle of Fallen Timbers Monument and back. 

Pemberville 5 Miler – The Freeman Five

Friday, August 22, 2025, 6:30 p.m. at 104 E. Front St., Pemberville, Ohio. The five-mile course starts at the Pemberville Fire Hall, runs through Village streets and along River Rd., with an exciting finish at the Fair grandstand.

Scouting America Half Marathon, 10K & Tenderfoot 5K

Saturday, August 23, 2025, 7:30 a.m. (Scout Mile at 7:25 a.m.) at the Wood County Fairgrounds, 900 W. Poe Rd., Bowling Green, Ohio. Virtual participation is also offered. This event offers three distances to satisfy everyone’s ability and training goals: Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K. Visit Davesrunning.com for full event details.

Tammy’s Walk 2025

Saturday, August 23, 2025, 9:30 a.m. at 2761 Broadway St., Toledo, Ohio. We are walking in memory of Tammy Bowlin-Macrae, who was a victim of domestic violence and murdered by her boyfriend on Aug. 25, 2007. This event is held each year to raise awareness about domestic violence in Lucas County, and all proceeds benefit Advocates for Victims and Justice, Inc.

Ottoville Park Carnival 5K and Fun Run

Saturday, August 30, 2025, 9:30 a.m. (Kids Fun Run at 9:00 a.m.) at 150 Park Dr., Ottoville, Ohio. Come join us for a 5k to support the Ottoville Community Park Programs. Each participant will receive a food and drink voucher.