By STEPHANIE ROSENBLOOM
As anyone who jogs knows well, even the most advanced $250 sneakers vary greatly in comfort and efficacy, depending on whose feet are inside. But it is not easy for runners - even expert runners - to analyze their own problems and needs.
Foot shape, running style, past injuries and weekly mileage all come into play. Increasingly, salespeople at many stores are demonstrating that they can offer expert advice.
While some stores ask customers to run in the aisles or trot on the sidewalk under the eye of a salesperson, at JackRabbit Sports in Park Slope, Brooklyn, runners pound a treadmill in front of a video camera. Their stride is analyzed in close-up and frame by frame before a shoe is recommended.
"The weight should be evenly distributed across your whole foot," said Lee Silverman, the store's owner. If it's not, leg muscles overcompensate, which can lead to injury.
On a recent Saturday, JackRabbit was a kind of laboratory, illustrating how much joggers differ in their styles, their needs and the sneakers that work best for them. The opinions of sneaker experts might differ of course, but here is how the experts at JackRabbit analyzed the needs of a cross-section of customers and matched them with appropriate shoes.
1. Asics Gel-Kayano XI, $135
Who bought it: Sweet Joy Hachuela, 31, who runs 10 miles a week. She overpronates, and the arches of her feet flex slightly when she runs. She needed a sneaker with a lot of stability under the arch.
2. Adidas adiStar Cushion, $110
Who bought it: Tom Smith, 38, who is 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds; because of his size he had always bought shoes with lots of support. But at JackRabbit he learned he is a "neutral runner" who distributes his weight evenly and doesn't need the extra support.
3. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 5, $90
Who bought it: Frank Richards, 35, an ankle roller. These shoes, which have dense cushioning under the heel, prevent overpronation originating from the ankle.
4. Mizuno Wave Creation 5, $119.99
Who bought it: Chris Van Winkle, 40, who is training for a triathlon, has high arches and needed a sneaker with a lot of cushion in the back because he lands hard on his heels.
5. Asics Gel-Nimbus VI, $110
Who bought it: Joyce Berhoft, 36, who has knee pain, had always bought shoes with extra lateral stability. She learned she was a neutral runner and didn't need such a rigid sneaker.
6. Nike Air Structure Triax 8, $90
Who bought it: Melissa Richards, 30, who runs 10 miles weekly and wanted a wide toe box to accommodate a bunion.
7. Saucony 3D Grid Hurricane 7, $120
Who bought it: David Varnish, 45, a marathoner, had two concerns: his left foot overpronates, and he pounds on his heels as he runs. These sneakers help limit overpronation and provide plenty of rear cushion.
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