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 every lifestyle. 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.
Packo’s Panther 5K Run/Walk with Free $5.00 Packo’s Gift Certificate
Sunday, March 9, 2025, 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. Top 3 finishers of each age group will receive a Packo’s Panther mug. 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, the CTC parking lot, or in front of Whitmer on Clegg.
2025 Downtown Tiffin St. Paddy’s 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, March 15, 2025, 10:00 a.m. at Calvert Catholic Schools, 152 Madison St., Tiffin, Ohio. Join us for the 10th annual St. Paddy’s 5k Run/Walk in Downtown Tiffin and experience the luckiest 5K there is. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a fun and festive run/walk while supporting a great cause—all proceeds benefit downtown revitalization and programs
Shamrock Shuffle
Saturday, March 15, 2025, 8:00 p.m. at Hensville Park, N. St Clair St., Toledo, Ohio. A unique 3-mile run/walk on St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Bring a group of friends and participate in this unique nighttime glow run party event. For this event, we encourage you to dress up, enjoy a beer on course, take the shortcut, and stick around to party. Hensville Park will serve as our official post-race party in conjunction with the St. CatTrick’s Day Weekend Party put on by the Toledo Walleye. Capture the excitement of Toledo Walleye Hockey at our St. Patrick’s Day party at Hensville Park—a recipe for an evening to remember.
March Mayhem
Sunday, March 23, 2025 at Monclova Elementary School, 8035 Monclova Rd., Monclova, Ohio. Kick off your spring running season with the March Mayhem 15k/25k! This competitive race is the perfect opportunity to tune up for your upcoming marathons and test your fitness against a field of dedicated runners. Warm up after the race with delicious grilled cheese sandwiches and hot soup. Perfect for refueling and socializing with fellow runners. 25K at 7:30 a.m. 15K at 8:30 a.m.
