Don't be cheap with your feet

Tara Pipia
Times Herald-Record, Middletown, NY

Don't think you can stop by a discount department store and find a superior running shoe for a low price.

Manufacturers make two kinds of sneakers: inexpensive ones with cheap materials and expensive ones with good materials and the latest technology. If you plan on running farther than the end of your block, you should take your shoe shopping seriously.

Frank Giannino, owner of Frank's Shoe Fitting, and Gary Groo, owner of the New Balance Store, both in Middletown, will tell you that where you buy your shoes makes a difference. Giannino says department stores sell brand names for less money because the shoes are made with just that – less.

The sneakers are "softer and lighter than those in specialty shops," Giannino says.

They are in no way suitable for the road. Expect to spend between $75 and $100 for running shoes, Giannino says, if you are serious about preventing injury.

Groo says that New Balance makes a variety of shoes, from low- to high-end quality. The model numbers in the department stores (400 to 700s) have less stability and cushioning. These shoes will cost only $40 or $50 but, "you get what you pay for," he says.

Of course, what shoe store owner wouldn't say that? Two local podiatrists, however, back up those claims.

Dr. Paul Atlas, a podiatrist at Family FootCare Group in Middletown, says the models offered by department stores are, indeed, of lesser quality.

"You won't find any sneakers made with new technology" in a department store, Atlas says. And, he adds, chances are there won't be a fit guide explaining what special features each shoe has.

For the serious runner, he suggests a specialty store where you will have a better chance of finding a quality shoe.

Dr. Bruce Fischer, a podiatrist in Florida, says department stores sell lower-end brand-name models and no-name brands. I tried to come up with some no-names without luck until my Uncle Vito told me about his Etonics and LA Gear. These types of brands are more likely to have even less stability than the lower-end brand-name models. Fischer highly recommends purchasing a quality model made specifically for running. But if you ask Uncle Vito, the Etonics are great.

Just to double check, I stopped by some local stores to see what models were available and at what prices.

Giannino and Groo sell New Balance running sneakers with higher-end model numbers, ranging from 765 to 1221. Giannino sells other name brands as well, but New Balance seems to be a popular shoe in his store. Prices in both stores ranged from about $75 to $145.

Kohl's sells a variety of sneakers with prices ranging from $35 to about $75. But the New Balance model numbers were all lower end: 410 to 715.

Dick's sold even more brands, with only one higher-end New Balance model (807). Most of the sneakers, regardless of features, were pricey.

Modell's had a variety of brands as well, but most were fashion shoes. The running shoes were inexpensive ($35 to $75), but, again, all models were lower end: 406 to 718 for New Balance.

Good shoes, fitted properly by someone who knows running shoes, could mean the difference between being sidelined with injuries or running pain-free.

With the 25th Times Herald-Record Orange Classic coming up in June in Middletown, you'll want to be at the starting line ready to go. Every Sunday, starting at 8:45 a.m. on Carpenter Avenue behind the former Caldor's, you can practice the 10K route. Bring your best running shoes, and if Uncle Vito decides to come, I hope he steps up from those Etonics and LA Gear.