shoes | Complete Runner

Hoka Has Done it Again!

October 28, 2015 By Complete Runner

We all know how Hoka One One took the running/walking community by storm with their uber cushioning and light weight shoes, we’ll they’ve done it again. But, this time it’s a Waterproof boot.

Hoka One One cushioning has benefited runners/walkers around the globe for 6 yrs, and the same cushioning is now available to hikers in the Tor Summit WP. A groundbreaking blend of running shoe cushioning and supportive trekking uppers come to play in the TOR ULTRA HI WP to create a category-defining outdoor boot. A combination of leather and tough nylon mesh provides support around the foot and ankle, and Event® waterproofing keeps your feet dry. Vibram® MegaGrip outsole rubber on our proven midsole blend of EVA and RMAT® material provides both traction and cushioning, and a smooth, natural ride. You’ve gotta try these!

Add Variety to Your Feet to Reduce Your Chance of Injury

December 18, 2014 By Complete Runner

In the same way that we add variety to workouts to improve our performance, and cross training to stress different muscle groups, a study shows that rotating your running shoes can drastically reduce your chances of injury.

It is probably something most people haven’t thought of, but it makes total sense. The impact of your foot and muscle groups will be totally different when wearing your light-weight, low heal-drop racer trainers than when you wear your high cushion training shoes. If you wear the same shoes all the time you will always stress the same muscles, not allowing your feet and legs the proper recovery to improve your speed and strength.

Rotating your shoes is not only smart, but also proven to help reduce injury. Consider adding a pair of complementary shoes to your race bag today and your feet and legs will thank you.

What is the Difference Between Walking Shoes and Running Shoes?

May 27, 2014 By Complete Runner

cortana

If you are a competitive walker, or want to get into the sport, you may be wondering what the difference is between walking and running shoes. Before we discuss that, let’s first look at the differences between running and walking.

When running you put more impact on your feet, knees, and joints. On the flip side, the most efficient way to walk is when your shoe never leaves the ground. Because of this it is best for walking shoes to have a low heal drop and minimal cushion, which will allow for an efficient, light-weight walking shoe.

What this ideal walking shoe sounds like is a good pair of racing flats, which are super light-weight with a low heal drop. Ironically, racing flats aren’t just a good shoe to improve performance of runners, but also make for a great walking shoe.

Learn more about racing flats in this previous article, and stop in Complete Runner to try on a pair.

Instinct

Shoes for Winter Running

November 23, 2013 By Complete Runner

New Balance Shoes Flint MI

Shoes are made for every activity under the sun, and shoes specifically made for winter running are no exception. Unlike regular running shoes or racing shoes, winter running shoes are made specifically for the needs of those running outside in the harsh winter elements to keep their feet dry and comfortable. So, what are the main differences between regular running shoes and winter running shoes? A few of the features and benefits of winter running shoes are:

1 – Aggressive bottoms for better traction on snow and ice. Just like knobby tires on a truck, the tread on winter running shoes made to keep you on your feet when running on snow and ice. Traction aids that slip over your shoes can offer additional stability and peace of mind when running on ice.

2 – Water resistant to keep water out while highly breathable at the same time, most winter running shoes are made with Gore-Tex to ensure your feet are dry and comfortable.

3 – Tongueless with no seams under the laces to prevent snow and water from making their way in.

4 – Rubber toe protect for added protection when kicking snow and ice.

Don’t Forget About the Socks

Almost as important as a good pair of winter running shoes are the socks you wear. If you happen to step in snow or water that is higher than your shoes, a good pair of socks will help to pull the moisture away from your skin. Look for a quality, high-performance sock like Smart Wool to work in combination with your winter running shoes to keep your feet dry and comfortable.

The Best Shoes for Winter Running

While this is not a comprehensive list by any means, but we’ve had good experience with the following winter running shoes:

NB 910
Brooks Ghost GTX
Saucony Xodus
Salomon Synapse MID CS WP

If you plan on running outside this winter a good pair of winter running shoes should be on your essential list along with some good running tech wear. Let our expert staff help you transition to winter running, stop by Complete Runner today!

Are Your Current Running Shoes Doing You Right?

June 26, 2013 By Complete Runner

You heard us say how important it is to get a gait analysis to determine the right pair of shoes for your unique feet, and of the importance of running insoles to give your feet the proper support and cushion not typically found in standard shoes. Well, we’ll shut up and let you hear it straight from one of our recent customers:

“I just wanted to say thank you guys for taking care of me yesterday. I came in to get a gait assessment and some new shoes due to some excruciating ankle pain I had been having with my other shoes. I was very pleased and happy with the time that was dedicated to me and my needs. I ended up with a great pair of Mizuno Wave Inspires with some high quality insoles you sell as well. I went for a run today and the pain was near gone. I believe what I am feeling is residual pain from other runs that I had done prior to getting these shoes over the time of a month. I was very surprised and ecstatically pleased.”

~Christopher

If your feet or limbs are in pain there is a good chance it is your shoes. If this sounds like you feel free to stop in the store for a no pressure gait analysis to see if your current shoes are doing you right.

Your Shoe Size May Surprise You This Spring

March 28, 2013 By Complete Runner

Just as your belly can get a little bigger in the winter months when your overall pace of life is slower, your feet can also change during this time. Even though your feet are continually changing, a weight gain or loss will most likely make this change more noticeable after trying on your shoes that you haven’t worn in a while. This is why it is critical to get an expert fitting and gait analysis each time you buy new shoes.

The online shoe store can’t measure your feet.

The sporting goods store may be able to measure your feet.

A running store will not only measure your feet, but also determine your foot type (gait analysis) to recommend the best shoes for your feet. We are runners fitting runners to go the distance in their new shoes.

What Are the Best Running Shoes?

March 28, 2013 By Complete Runner

Best Running Shoes

With dozens of running shoes to choose from we often get asked the question, “What are the best running shoes?” We like to tell people a simple concept that the best running shoes are the shoes that best fit your feet.

Because your feet are different than my feet, how can I suggest that my running shoes are superior to yours? My shoes fit my feet best, and your shoes fit your feet best, so we have both found the best shoes for our feet even though they aren’t the same.

Let’s say you go to the dealer because you are in need of a new vehicle. You tell the salesperson you need to buy the best vehicle. After asking you a few questions, it is determined that you need a truck to haul supplies for your job, but you drive a lot and are on a tight budget so a small truck would be best.

At the same time your uncle comes into the same dealer and says he needs the best vehicle, and he ends up driving away in a new Cadillac.

You were both looking for the best vehicle, and you both got the best vehicles that met your needs, functionality, and budget. Totally different vehicles for totally different reasons.

Nobody has feet exactly like yours, so the shoes that fit you right may not be the same shoes that fit your friend. This is important to understand because a friend may recommend a shoe to you and just because the shoe works for your friend doesn’t necessarily mean they are going to work for your feet.

An expert fitting and gait analysis will determine what shoes are best for your feet. Not only will this maximize your performance, but also help you reduce injuries associated with having bad shoes.

It’s Time to Fly and Run Easier With Hoka One One Shoes

February 28, 2013 By Complete Runner

Hoka One One Flint Michigan

Running is hard work.

Whether you are training for your first 5K or your 30^th Crim, you need to put your body through consistent and grueling training to get where you want to be.

Somewhere in the process the constant pounding of our feet on the pavement and trails can take a toll on our knees, body, and feet causing fatigue and injury. These challenges can quickly become obstacles in reaching our goals, and are quite often difficult to overcome.

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a shoe that was designed to alleviate these problems?

Well, there is. Say hello to the Hoka One One.

This is a shoe like nothing you’ve ever seen before, and needs to be experienced first-hand to fully understand and appreciate how they can change your running experience for the good.

The Hoka One One website states:

“With the goal of designing shoes for optimal performance, comfort, efficiency and fun, Hoka One One has pioneered a new philosophy in running by merging aspects of minimalism and maximalism.”

This shoe is minimalistic in nature with its low heal drop and super light-weight. However, it also has a super thick midsole to absorb the pounding for a comfortable run, and has a much larger outsole area to improve stability and traction. It is hard to fully understand how a shoe can offer minimalism, comfort, and stability at the same time but that is the magic of the Hoka One One.

The shoes also have adaptive tuning technology where you can take a drill from your garage and drill out part of the midsole to better adapt to your pronation or supination.

We are seeing a lot of people who couldn’t run in the past due to knee pain or weight issues now able to run with the Hoka One One shoes, and this excites us!

Do you know anyone who could potentially benefit from the comfort and performance these shoes offer? Bring that person with you into Complete Runner to experience the Hoka One One first hand from one of the few retailers in the state to offer them.

5 Warning Signs Your Running Shoes Need to Retire

February 28, 2013 By Complete Runner

Old Running Shoes

Most things in life eventually wear out, including our running shoes. Your shoes may last 350-400 miles depending on certain variables like your weight, the elements you run in, and so forth. It is critical we are aware of the condition of our running shoes since most feet injuries can be contributed to old, broken down shoes.

We’ve compiled a list of signs that may signify it’s time to trade in your old running shoes for a new pair.

Bald Tread

Your vehicle tires aren’t safe when they have lost all their traction, and your shoes are no different. A worn out midsole will not only feel uncomfortable with its lack of cushion, but also increase the chances of injury and falls.

Sloppy Fit

As your shoes wear they will start to get sloppy and stretch out, not fitting as good as they did at first. This will cause your feet to move around more, causing discomfort, blisters, and achy feet.

Worn Out Heal

Your shoes should offer the right support for your specific feet type. After time if the insole of your heal gets worn down your shoes won’t do what they were created to do in the first place, no longer keeping you from pronation or supination.

Holes Inside

Not only will the outside of your shoes wear down over time but the insides as well, sometimes to the point where you can see holes or torn fabric around the heal. This can get painful when the inside of your shoes wear out and rub against your foot.

You Wore Them All Winter (or Haven’t Worn Them Since Last Summer)

Running outside in the winter elements is hard on your shoes, and they can absorb moisture into the midsole which will harden over time and decrease the cushion and comfort of the shoes. Not wearing your shoes at all for several months can sometimes be just as bad as wearing them outside all winter as they will still break down when not in use.

Do you have any more tips that aren’t found on this list? Let us know in the comments.

The Guide to Buying Track Spikes

January 29, 2013 By Complete Runner

Track Night at Complete Runner

With the high school track and field season right around the corner now is a good time to start thinking about getting your racing spikes and shoes. This may be a little intimidating for first time track athletes and parents so we’ve put together a few tips to make the spike buying process easy and pain free.

Click here for Complete Runner’s Guide to Spikes [pdf]

Why Do I Need Spikes?

Spikes are meant to help athletes perform their best on the track. They are super light-weight and give you that extra boost that could be the difference between second and first place.

What Kind of Spikes Do I Need?

Shoe companies usually have three types of spikes based on your running events: sprint, mid-distance, and long-distance. The sprint can be anywhere from 100 meters to 400 meters, and the mid-distance can cover 800 meters to 5000 meters, making it a good all-around spike for the athlete who does a little bit of everything.

Do Spikes Fit Differently Than Running Shoes?

We like to have about a thumb length of room in our running shoes, but we want a snug fit in our spikes so you may need a half or full size smaller than your running shoes. We will make sure to custom fit your spikes to make sure you have the right size for your feet.

Should I Only Wear Spikes to Race?

Since spikes are very light and have little cushion they are meant to be used only for racing. This is not to say you can’t use them for a hard track workout but this should be the exception. Make sure you have a new pair of running shoes for your daily training runs and keep the spikes for the meets when you really need them.

How Much do Track Spikes Cost?

Just like running shoes spikes come in a variety of brands and performance levels. Some will cost less than running shoes and some about the same. Most brands have entry level spikes that are a good value for first time runners as well as a higher end model with the latest technology that running veterans will be sure to want to perform their best.

What About Changing the Spikes?

After a while your spikes will wear down and you will want to replace them. When you buy new spikes most of the shoes include a wrench and some of the higher end shoes also come with a spike pouch. We have a variety of spikes of all different lengths as well.

What Now?

We invite you to stop by Complete Runner to check out our new New Balance, Saucony, Under Armour and Hoka and let us help you find the right track spikes for your feet this season.

If you are a track team or coach we have team nights to help the whole team learn more about spikes and get custom fitted. We’ll provide the refreshments and group discounts. Just call us at (810) 233-8851.