How Do I Explain To A Sales Associate That I Am A Runner?

05
May
2012
By

I bought new running shoes yesterday and found it to be an odd experience. For years, I have laced up my Asics GT-2150, one pair after another. There has never been a need to talk with a sales associate when purchasing; I’ve known exactly what I want, where they are and how much they cost. Yesterday, however, I plunged into the world of minimalist shoes.

I have been doing all of my treadmill runs sans shoes for a while now (mixed into my normal outdoor road and trail running routine, of course). I have been reading and reading and reading about what others are wearing. And yesterday, I had finally worked up the courage. I was ready to make a purchase.

Oddly though, I had a difficult time explaining to the sales associate at the running store what kind of runner I am. I wanted to try on several different pairs of minimalist shoes and hear how each differed from the prior. I wanted the gal to know I am serious about and dedicated to logging the miles. I wanted to hear her recommendations based on the knowledge of who I am as a runner. Secretly, I wanted her to know about this site. :)

Even after twenty minutes, I don’t think the sales associate quite understood. While she was nice, polite and able to answer my specific questions about the shoes, I felt like I was having to prove to her that I really was ready for them. Maybe it was just me not articulating my needs well enough.

I ended up buying a pair of gorgeous New Balance Minimus shoes, but today I turn to you to ask a question:

How can we as runners adequately define ourselves to running store employees? What do they need to know? What do you tell them?

  • http://twitter.com/BrigitteLyons Brigitte

    I was about to comment on how you should trust yourself and not the associate, and I see that many runners beat me to it (including my husband!). I have the New Balance Minimus shoes, as well, and I love them! 

    A friend recently asked for advice on first-time shoe selection on Facebook, and it was interesting to see a debate break out in the responses. There is a clear divide in philosophies. Either you believe barefoot style running is better for you, or you believe in buying shoes that correct or support your gait in some way.  I am firmly in the first camp, and most sales associates are trained in the second.

    • http://www.twitter.com/lovingtherun Kelly

      Brigitte! I had forgotten about our minimalist/barefoot running discussion (remember when we were driving around downtown at lunch, trying to find a place to park?). I’m pleased that we have matching shoes. :)

  • http://twitter.com/RunningBecause David H.

    My local Fleet Feet is great, and I think it all comes down to training. Train, train, train. Give them a month of watching and listening, reading running blogs and websites, and only after passing some kind of test should they be allowed on the sales floor.

    • http://www.twitter.com/lovingtherun Kelly

      Totally agree!!

  • Mtbob70

    We’ve got some good stores in Tulsa with knowledgeable sales staff. That said, minimalist running seems to be so new that many in sales or into running in general just aren’t familiar with it, or are even skeptical of it. Have to confess, I consulted no one when I bought mine. I just snagged them and tried to adhere to the advice I found online and in other sources about minimalist and barefoot running. So far, it’s worked out.

    • http://www.twitter.com/lovingtherun Kelly

      I think that is worth remembering, Bob. Like I told Abby, I often second-guess myself….and sometimes, I need to just GO BIG! and trust that I’ll make the right decision. And if I don’t, I’ll just keep out checking different shoes until I fall in love.

      Glad to know your minimalists are working well for you. I take my new New Balances out for the first time tomorrow morning. :)

  • Lucus Lyons

    We need to know what we want and they (store employees) need to know what questions to ask for to get anything decent out of the interaction. Abby’s right on with only you know your body that well and I think we all try not to be jerks or perceived as jerks to our fellow runners. That’s why I do my own research and haven’t purchased running shoes in a store for about four years. 

    The last time I did buy shoes in a store, the sales guy told me that the shoes I wanted were intended for “elite athletes only” and not to “run in them everyday or you’ll get hurt.” I’m not elite, I did run in them everyday and I haven’t been hurt since I wore a shoe that was recommended by a running store employee. I prefer to use Runningwarehouse.com because they have a great selection, easy to navigate website and free two day shipping both ways. When ordering a new shoe, I get a few sizes and send back the ones that don’t fit. 

    • http://www.twitter.com/lovingtherun Kelly

      Excellent advice, Lucus! I am about to purchase another pair of Asics (was thinking of doing it today, actually) and will check out runningwarehouse.com because I know exactly what I want. I’ve always gotten them with a coupon at Sports Authority. 

      By the way, I’m racing on 5/20 and 5/28 – two local 10Ks – if you are looking for something to put on the calendar. We can all do brunch afterward. :)   

  • Abby

    To be honest, I generally don’t trust the sales associates in the running stores here. There is just no way they can know what kind of runner I am and what kind of runner I want to be. I do my research and go in knowing which shoes (or maybe I have it narrowed down to two kinds) I want. I hope they’ll answer basic question, but rarely can they give me personal advice. This all may sound snobby, but it’s not meant to. I guarantee they are all better and more experienced runners than me, but I’m the only one who runs my body. That’s why I do my own research. 

    • http://www.twitter.com/lovingtherun Kelly

      I think that is wise, Abby. I often second-guess myself (even after doing my research) and crave the affirmation of another…but I think you’re on to something, for sure! Happy running!

  • http://twitter.com/Wise_Running P Mark Taylor

    I start by telling them my average weekly mileage, what shoes I have been running in, which shoes I am thinking about, and why.

    • http://www.twitter.com/lovingtherun Kelly

      Excellent advice…definitely a good way to start the conversation.

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