Ready to Run

Tuesday I made my way to The Sneaker Store, 4490 Commercial Dr., New Hartford, NY, because I found my running shoes had lost any vestige of gush. At my age, I need all the help I can get.

Bosco, the parrot, was not in his cage as usual but was eating his way through a cardboard box. Bosco is the only talking parrot I have ever met. The first time I went to The Sneaker Store, I couldn’t figure out who kept saying hello to me. But Tuesday I was not greeted as the attractions of cardboard outweighed other considerations. You have to understand these bird concerns.

The Sneaker Store is one of those stores where you get one on one service from a knowledgeable staff. Rich pointed out features I would not have noticed, explained the benefits of the design, and laced up the sneakers for me to try on. What more could I ask?

I even tried something I had never tried before — a wide width. The front of my foot is wide, because I’ve had bunion surgery (didn’t help much; they still ache when it’s going to rain), but my heel’s always been narrow. I know from when I sold shoes about a hundred years ago that many people have a narrow heel. What I did not know was that that most sneaker manufacturers know this and allow for it. Thus, the width in a wide shoe is primarily where it is needed most. I know some readers are probably saying, “Well, duh, a shoe manufacturer would probably know how a foot is built!” I guess I have kind of a zen mind, because it’s all news to me.

To conclude, I left with two pairs of running shoes, one of which has lovely bright yellow laces. I know, aesthetics are not the primary concern with athletic footwear. Shut up! I can be happy about my yellow shoe laces if I want to be!

Now I can blog about some of my enjoyable runs around Herkimer. I may even run in some of the local races. I shan’t be in the Boilermaker; I know they’re already full, but I’ll keep my eye out for some other Mohawk Valley runs in which I can participate.

For more information about The Sneaker Store, visit their website at http://www.the-sneaker-store.com.