Blog

“Running” Store

Question for the night: Is there a really good running store in LA? I need one that carries shoes made for “runners”.

Now I’ll explain. In New York, I was totally spoiled. As long-time readers know, when I used to live in NYC, I was a loyal customer of a great running/triathlon store called Jackrabbit Sports. Not only does the owner, Lee, staff his stores with real athletes who know – and use – what they’re selling, but he stocks great products, from running to yoga to triathlon clothing, swimming and cycling gear and, importantly for this blog post, a fantastic selection of running shoes. Jackrabbit sells all the major running brands and you can count on them to have a wide variety of models – from heavy motion control shoes to fast racing flats. And that store was right around the corner from my apartment.

Jackrabbit taught me that I am a neutral runner and that I can run in basic, lightweight shoes. I don’t need shoes with support and thick medial posts and motion control and other things that make shoes heavy and force my feet to hit the ground unnaturally. I used to think I needed that stuff, but in fact, all that crap in the shoe was probably causing injuries. They introduced me to my first favorite, the Mizuno Wave Rider 9 and, when that shoe was replaced with the very disappointing Wave Rider 10, they got me into the Brooks Defyance.

In LA though, I am having a hell of a time finding a comparable running shoe store. There are plenty of “running” stores. And they all carry the exact same shoes. Lots and lots of the same shoes. Flashy, expensive, tricked-out shoes for people who think that expensive shoes equals better shoes. Heavy motion control beasts for people who think the right shoes will solve their knee injuries.

For a few weeks I’ve been hunting for two specific models of Brooks – the Ghost and the Launch. I love all my other pairs of Brooks, and since I could use a couple new pairs I want to try some new shoes. The Ghost and the Launch fit somewhere in between a lightweight trainer (like my Defyance) and a racing shoe (like my Brooks ST Racer). And for that reason, they’re probably not that popular with the mass of joggers to whom the local stores cater. Jackrabbit would likely have them (as would a few other quality stores in NYC) and I can buy them online. Some of the stores have told me they can special order the shoes. But, I don’t want to buy them without trying them on. And I can’t find them anywhere within the city of LA.

Does LA need another running store? Or am I just missing the store that’s gonna hook me up? Help me readers!

Run – September 29
Distance: 7.1 miles
Time: 55:29
Average heart rate: 147
Course: Griffith Park loop
Conditions: Some sun, comfortable, 60’s