At Fleet Feet Sports, we hope to become more than just a store where you shop. We want to become a place you visit often because you feel comfortable. We want to be a resource for all your running, walking and general fitness needs. We want to be a place that inspires. And we want to be your friend.
Retail
When visiting our retail locations, we believe in experiencing the products we recommend, so don’t be surprised if we ask to see you test a pair of shoes both in the store and outside for a short jog down the sidewalk. We may even ask to take several measurements to ensure a quality fit. We are most known for our shoe and bra fit process, where we help select the right choice based upon your unique physiology and personal goals. But our apparel and accessories selections are what make us truly standout. From well-known brands to harder to find standouts our stores will have you excited for each new season.
Taking Charge of Your Foot Health
Much like how regular exercise is vital to overall fitness and health, foot health is important to your well-being. Unfortunately, foot health is a subject many people don't think about enough, and some take for granted. At Fleet Feet Sports, helping you find the right fit is our 'Fitlosophy™'. We believe that choosing proper footwear for an athletic activity is a key step to sustaining an injury-free, enjoyable fitness program.
Tips for Selecting the Proper Footwear for any Athletic Activity:
1. You can't judge a shoe by its color! Shoes fall into one of three categories: neutral, stability, or motion control. Wearing a shoe with too little stability or too much stability can cause numerous problems such as plantar fasciitis and IT band strain, and over time, more severe problems. It is important to select a shoe appropriate for your foot biomechanics, not based on color or stylistic attributes.
2. Be willing to share information. Have you just started a new fitness program? Be prepared to discuss any injuries or nagging pains you are experiencing. What shoes and styles have worked well for you in the past? Are there any styles that have caused problems? If your current style has been successful, bring them with you to the store.
3. Have your feet measured each time you purchase shoes. Feet change as you age. Life changes such as the birth of children or weight gain or loss can cause gradual changes in your feet. The size and style that worked for you three years ago might not be the best option anymore. We will use 3D imaging to measure your foot length, width, arch height, and instep height. In addition, we will watch your gait and foot biomechanics to help you make healthy choices about which shoes fit and are best for you.
4. Don't forget your orthotics. If you wear orthotics, be sure to bring them along. It will be important to have your orthotics on hand so we can help you select a shoe that fits your orthotic properly.
5. Athletic shoes should allow for a thumbnail length between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. The flex point in the shoe should bend at the ball of your foot and your heel should remain stable and not move in and out of the shoe. Walking around inside the store does not mimic the same movement. We invite you try the shoe on the sidewalk for a short walk or run, or on the treadmill.
6. Check the wear of your shoes regularly. The midsole of a shoe is made of a foam material which compresses and breaks down over time and miles. As a shoe breaks down, the shoe does not offer the same cushioning and benefits as it did on Day 1. Runners and walkers should replace their shoes every 300-400 miles. Checking and changing your shoes is one of the best ways to continue with a healthy fitness program and avoid the doctor's office.
Regardless of your level of fitness, smart choices in footwear can make a significant difference in the enjoyment of your fitness activities and everyday life. Proper fitting footwear can mean the difference between pain and discomfort and injury-free activities. Doctors and podiatrists play a significant role in diagnosing and aiding pain and discomfort; however, simply choosing the right footwear is a key step toward comfort.
Connect With Us
See the latest from Fleet Feet Memphis