Let’s face it, when shopping for running shoes it is a hassle to buy running kicks at your local running store or online.
1. You question the knowledge of the sales person.
2. Some local running stores only carry a limited stock.
3. Your local running store is several miles away.
4. Both online and local running stores have limitations on return policy.
5. Shipping costs can be crazy.
These are just a few examples of what a consumer might go through. Now as a new runner, you put every ounce of trust in the sales person that they will fit you in the right shoe. Even for experienced runners, after your research and mull over reviews on a particular running shoe/s making that purchase can be exciting or disheartening. This is understandable because with so many brands and styles of running shoes, it is difficult to know if you are truly getting a shoe that fits “you”. So, as a consumer you expect the sales person to know their product/s, maybe get a little information about you and recommend the best options of running shoes so that you will feel confident in what you are purchasing and avoid having buyer’s remorse.
1. You question the knowledge of the sales person.
2. Some local running stores only carry a limited stock.
3. Your local running store is several miles away.
4. Both online and local running stores have limitations on return policy.
5. Shipping costs can be crazy.
These are just a few examples of what a consumer might go through. Now as a new runner, you put every ounce of trust in the sales person that they will fit you in the right shoe. Even for experienced runners, after your research and mull over reviews on a particular running shoe/s making that purchase can be exciting or disheartening. This is understandable because with so many brands and styles of running shoes, it is difficult to know if you are truly getting a shoe that fits “you”. So, as a consumer you expect the sales person to know their product/s, maybe get a little information about you and recommend the best options of running shoes so that you will feel confident in what you are purchasing and avoid having buyer’s remorse.
Well, “here I come to save the day” (yes, I did use the Mighty Mouse tune) or in the case of this post, Here comes Optimal Run to save the day. This is an online store that offers an outstanding shoe buying solution for walkers, runners (of all abilities), crossfitters and anyone looking to get started on their way to an active lifestyle. Now how does Optimal Run achieve fitting all sort of said individuals? They offer a unique experience that is called Personalized Footwear Recommendation (or as I call it PFR).
The PFR is a series of questions that basically ask who are, what’s your running experience, what types of shoes you currently use and what would be your perfect (Optimal) shoe. Once this information is submitted, their team will compile your information and send you a personalized video (much like mine) recommending specific running shoes and why, usually in one business day. So I tried this feature out last Thursday (06/27) and received my personalized video the same day! The first recommendation (Mizuno Wave EVO Levitas) I have been considering buying, just haven’t had the time to go to the local running store or online to purchase. So once Patton told me why it would fit me, I immediately bought a pair. Now, this is where the best part of the PFR comes into play. The second recommendation (Newton Distance Trainer) I emailed Patton back informing him that although the Newton is a good shoe, it’s not build for me and informed him why (since I’ve tried running in them on multiple occasions). He understood my reasoning and offered another recommendation (Inov8 Road 178) which coincidently is another shoe I’ve been researching just have not bit the bullet on this one.
Now, as far as purchasing the Mizuno Wave Levitas; I purchased on Thursday (06/28) through their website and used the FREE USA priority shipping. To my surprise, I received my new kicks on Saturday (06/29)!!! Not only did I receive a personalized video, I also had a quick delivery of my new kicks. Then to top it off, I found a personalized card thanking me for my purchase. The team at Optimal Run is all about customer service and finding you the best running/workout shoe for your optimal performance that they even have a 40 day “Any condition return” policy. That’s freaking awesome right there. No more running on a treadmill so that you don’t get your shoes dirty or smudged in order to “actually” test out your kicks.
So to test out Patton’s recommendation, I set out for a 12 mile run on Sunday in my new kicks. The one thing I can say about these shoes…Patton was spot on! The Mizuno Levitas responded well and for a lightweight zero drop shoe, gave me the perfect amount of flexibility/protection/cushion that I have been looking for in a lightweight trainer. I’ll be writing a review on the Mizuno Wave EVO Levitas soon (want to get several more miles on them).
To get started on one of the best shoe buying experience, head on over to Optimal Run and check out the Personalized Footwear Recommendation. Also, check them out on Facebook and like their page.
Kyle
Train Hard = Race Easy, Train Smart = Race Fast ™
Now, as far as purchasing the Mizuno Wave Levitas; I purchased on Thursday (06/28) through their website and used the FREE USA priority shipping. To my surprise, I received my new kicks on Saturday (06/29)!!! Not only did I receive a personalized video, I also had a quick delivery of my new kicks. Then to top it off, I found a personalized card thanking me for my purchase. The team at Optimal Run is all about customer service and finding you the best running/workout shoe for your optimal performance that they even have a 40 day “Any condition return” policy. That’s freaking awesome right there. No more running on a treadmill so that you don’t get your shoes dirty or smudged in order to “actually” test out your kicks.
So to test out Patton’s recommendation, I set out for a 12 mile run on Sunday in my new kicks. The one thing I can say about these shoes…Patton was spot on! The Mizuno Levitas responded well and for a lightweight zero drop shoe, gave me the perfect amount of flexibility/protection/cushion that I have been looking for in a lightweight trainer. I’ll be writing a review on the Mizuno Wave EVO Levitas soon (want to get several more miles on them).
To get started on one of the best shoe buying experience, head on over to Optimal Run and check out the Personalized Footwear Recommendation. Also, check them out on Facebook and like their page.
Kyle
Train Hard = Race Easy, Train Smart = Race Fast ™
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