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 that 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 a proper fit and purchasing the right performance footwear for your active goals the first time. The material and construction technology of your footwear 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.
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 more information, including any applicable fees, please visit davesrunning.com.
1-148 Infantry Regiment 5K Memorial Run
Friday, April 4, 2025, 5:00 p.m. at the Camp Perry Joint Training Center, 1002 Lawrence Rd., Port Clinton, Ohio. Join us for a memorable and meaningful event as we honor and remember the fallen soldiers of the 1-148 Infantry Regiment. This 5K memorial race is open to all—civilians, veterans, and active-duty military personnel—who wish to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Virtual participation is also offered.
Connor Greer Memorial Scholarship 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, April 5, 2025, 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 athlete(s) 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 5, 2025, 7:30 a.m. at Inside the Five Brewing, The Fieldhouse, located at 1040 N. Westwood Ave, Toledo, Ohio. This is the final BIG long, group run before the Mercy Health Glass City Marathon and Owens Corning Half-Marathon. Join the local running community as we complete a preview run on portions of the GCM course before 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.
Operation K.A.V.I.C. 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, April 5, 2025, 9:00 a.m. at Keller Logistics Group’s new Headquarters in Defiance, Ohio. Runners will complete a 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) course. Walkers will have the option of completing a 3.1-mile, or 1-mile course. Operation K.A.V.I.C. is a non-profit based in Defiance Ohio that assists veterans in crisis and is there to fill the gaps in the veterans’ military benefits. In the past, we’ve been able to help with dental bills, car repairs, tools for work, therapy dogs, home repairs, and much more!
Bowling Green State University Sexual Assault Awareness Month 5K & Dog Walk
Saturday, April 12, 2025, 10:00 a.m. (Dog Walk at 10:15 a.m.) at the BGSU Student Recreation Center, 1411 Ridge St., Bowling Green, Ohio. All proceeds benefit BGSU’s Center for Women and Gender Equity’s Gender Violence Prevention and Education Services and The Cocoon. There will also be prizes in various age and competitive categories. Come show your support and get moving!
Terra State Community College Titan Flower Power 5K Race/1-Mile Walk/Fun Run
Saturday, April 12, 2025, 9:30 a.m. (Flower Power 1-Mile Run/Walk at 10:30 a.m.) on the Terra State Community College campus, 2830 Napoleon Rd., Building C and D, Fremont, Ohio. This year’s event will focus on raising funds and awareness for the Health and Wellness fund, providing services to the Terra State Community College family. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities will take part in this annual event. The start and finish line will be in parking lot D in front of the D and C buildings (Allied Health and Elaine Denman Recktenwald Center). The mostly paved course encompasses the campus grounds and nearby bike trail.
Whitehouse Primary 5K & 1K Kids Fun Run
Saturday, April 12, 2025 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.
Big House 5K
Sunday, April 13, 2025, 8:00 a.m. This event is an exciting run/walk that courses through the University of Michigan campus before participants finish the race on the 50-yard line of Michigan Stadium. We proudly host this event to raise awareness for six local non-profit organizations. All race proceeds are split among the six beneficiaries. We partner with colleagues on campus and look to our Athletic Department service pillars to select beneficiaries whose work addresses immediate needs in our community.
Little Hero 5K Run/Walk
Sunday, April 13, 2025 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.
SVA 5K
Saturday, April 19, 2025, 9:00 a.m. at Swan Creek Metropark, Toledo, Ohio. Join the Student Veterans of America for a 5K run/walk! Our goal for this race is to celebrate the Month of the Military Child and encourage physical fitness for all ages. Donations will go to the University of Toledo chapter of Student Veterans of America. This race will help better our community by celebrating veterans, their families, and especially their children’s efforts. We will also provide information on networks for veterans who are attending school and outreach possibilities for veterans and service members in Toledo and the surrounding community.
Mercy Health Glass City Marathon
Saturday, April 26-Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 6:30 a.m. The Mercy Health Glass City Marathon 26.2-mile, one-loop course is one of the fastest marathon courses in the Midwest. Marathoners, half-marathoners, and relay teams (leg 1) will all begin together on Bancroft St. near the University of Toledo North Tower. The course will circle campus past Ottawa Park before continuing West into beautiful Ottawa Hills. Heading north into the quiet neighborhood of Ottawa Hills, the marathon course leads you to the area’s finest Metroparks system utilizing the University Parks Bike Trail, and then a tour through Sylvania leads you back to Wildwood Metropark and down the bike trail to a short tour of the UT campus. All runners finish on the field inside the Glass Bowl stadium. ✲
