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 footwear 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 workday 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. 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 MIT – Spring 2023
Monday, January 2 to Sunday, April 23, 2023. Dave’s Marathon In-Training Program gives you the benefit of personal coaching through a training plan designed to enable you to achieve your goal. The Marathon and half-marathon program will begin Monday, January 2, 2023. The Mercy Health Glass City Marathon will be the focus of all the programs offered. Each program will have different pace groups to meet your needs and assigned coaches for each group. Come out and join hundreds of other runners just like you, and let Dave’s Running help get you to the finish line.
Dave’s training programs now offer an alternative to our in-person training. This option is for those who may not feel comfortable running with others at this time, those who prefer to train on their own, those who may not be able to meet on the official training days due to a hectic schedule, as well as runners from around the country looking for expert training resources. Dave’s Remote Training includes our full program online, offering everything that the in-person program does except for the official in-person group sessions. Dave’s Remote Spring MIT program is powered by the Training Tilt online platform, which has a robust online experience to accommodate all of your training needs and allows for interaction with coaches and other runners in the program.
If you want to complete your first half marathon, we will get you to the finish line with a detailed training program to gradually build your endurance. It is designed to get you from the start line all the way through 13.1 miles to the finish line.
Dave’s Winter Warriors 2023
Monday, January 2 to Sunday, February 26, 2023, at 5700 Monroe St. in Sylvania, Ohio. Are you looking for something different to kick off 2023 with a “new year, new you” resolution? Dave’s Running Shop is offering a low-intensity, 8-week winter running and/or walking conditioning program. It is designed to keep you moving through the winter months and prepare you for the upcoming spring racing season.
The program includes two official group practices: Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Dave’s Running Shop in Sylvania; and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the Shops at Fallen Timbers (on causeway behind Red Robin).
Unable to make the meeting days but want the accountability and coaching to keep you going through the winter months? The Dave’s Remote Program option is another way for you to train and stay active throughout the winter months. Our remote program is powered by a fully operational online platform from Training Tilt and offers a robust online experience.
Dave’s 10-Miler & Yeti 10K
Sunday, January 22, 2023 at 1101 Panther Pride Dr. in Delta, Ohio. 10-Miler Early Start at 11:30 a.m., 10-Miler at 12:00 p.m., Yeti 10K at 12:20 p.m.
Dave’s 10-Miler was started in 1974 by Dave himself and has happened every year regardless of the unpredictable weather. At the race, we have seen weather ranging from highs of 65 degrees to blizzard conditions and ice on the road, so be sure to dress appropriately. The course starts and finishes at Delta Middle School and loops through the beautiful countryside of Delta, Ohio. After the race, fill your belly with a great lunch. ✲
