Tag: runningshoes

Free Running Shoes for XC Athletes

by natashadyer

To celebrate the upcoming cross-country season and support young runners, Run Wichita and Fartleks Running Shop have partnered to host a two-part Free Running Shoe Giveaway event!

During our first giveaway event on August 4th, close to 30 students from Wichita and surrounding cities came in to Fartleks to receive a free pair of gently used running shoes. Members of the Run Wichita board were on hand to help sort the shoes and provide guidance to the students on proper fit.

There’s still time to get involved. Here’s everything you need to know:

Why We’re Doing This

Run Wichita believes that every athlete deserves the best gear to perform at their peak. Running shoes are crucial for preventing injuries and enhancing performance, and we want to ensure that these young runners have access to quality footwear.

Who Can Participate?

This giveaway is open to all high school cross country athletes in Wichita and surrounding areas. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, we want to support your journey.

How to participate and support:

  • Students in need: Our next giveaway event will be at Fartleks Running Shop on Friday, August 16 from 5 – 7 p.m.
  • Donations: If you would like to donate gently used running shoes, please drop them off at Fartleks. We especially need larger sizes for women and smaller sizes for men.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this giveaway. Let’s continue to help our local students have an amazing cross-country season and support their running journeys!

For questions or more information, contact Karlee Rose, president of Run Wichita, at kdrose18@yahoo.com.

Spice up your run with shoe testing

by natashadyer

Are you a runner looking to spice up your running experience with a new pair of shoes? Look no further than your local running store where demo days and groundbreaking technology are changing the game in shoe testing and selection.

Shoe demo events at running stores, like Fartleks Running Shop Smoothie Stop, offer a creative and enjoyable opportunity for runners to discover their next favorite shoe. Participants get a firsthand look at what’s new on the market and have a chance to literally take that footwear on a test drive in a group run.

Andrew Schinstock, owner of Fartleks Running Shop Smoothie Shop, says that his demo days are driven by the desire to offer more than just the tried-and-true brands. “The shoes I select are the ones that are the most unique and interesting. It’s for people who want to try something different,” said Andrew. 

He also believes in integrating customer feedback when deciding on what shoe to feature, responding to the needs and interests of the local running community. “If I hear people talking about how they want to try a certain shoe, I’ll try to plan a demo day for that one. My goal is to help people find a better shoe and get out of the generic box of running shoes,” he explained.

Plans are in motion to increase the frequency of demo days at Fartleks Running Store, but runners can also check with other local running stores for their events.

Shoe demo days are not the only way for runners to find their next daily trainer or racing shoe. Many running stores also offer personalized foot analysis, such as advanced 3D foot scanning technology. This technology is the same as what’s utilized by leading footwear giants to design shoes to meet a wide array of foot shapes and needs. The scanners provide detailed measurements of your foot, assessing length, width, and arch height, to pinpoint shoes that offer the right balance of support and stability for your feet. Foot analysis is commonly offered without an appointment, but contact your favorite store for more information. 

If you’re tired of the same old, generic running shoes and are ready to try something new and exciting, head to your local running store for a demo day or foot analysis soon!