New Location in Winter Garden, FL NOW OPEN!

Why are Properly Fitting Running and Walking shoes so important?

By Jeff Schmelz

If they cover my feet and don’t hurt, they must be good right? What’s the big deal? Feet are one of the most complex parts of the body and the anchor part of our kinetic chain. Issues with your feet can lead to problems with your ankles, knees, hips and back as well as balance and coordination. Shoes are about more than fashion or a lack of pain. Shoes are a very important part of maintaining foot health and overall wellbeing. Finding the right running or walking shoes is very important and requires a shoe fitting.

The first question we ask our clients is if they are experiencing any pain or issues with their feet. The reason we ask this is that 60% of the population experiences pain or stiffness in their feet on a regular basis. The majority also experience concurrent issues with one or more other joints as a direct result of issues with their feet. Common conditions such as bunions, corns, hammer toes and neuroma are often made worse by ill-fitting and or unsupportive shoes. With the aging population here in Central Florida we often find that these issues combined with improper shoes adversely affect balance and posture which in turn makes staying active difficult.

With detailed assessment and proper footwear, we can often reduce pain, improve circulation, improve posture, and balance and improve your ability to move comfortably and efficiently. At Dash Sports, we offer free custom shoe fittings everyday. We watch you walk in your current shoes and see if you pronate. We also measure your feet! Did you know that your feet may shrink with age? Schedule an appointment online or just stop in! https://godashsports.com/shoe-fitting/

Want to know more running shoe specifics? Check out this article in Runner’s World: https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/a19663621/best-running-shoes/. Dash Sports carries a wide selection of Runner’s World’s top shoe choices. Stop in today and try on a pair!

Karen Wehn
2 days ago
Thank you so much for all the detailed assistance given to me today, with helping to find shoes for my specific foot issue. It was an extremely nice experience. I felt listened to, and my specific requests were addressed with care.
Bonny Elder
2 days ago
Kimberly and team were super helpful measuring my mom’s feet and getting her the best fit options for her foot shape, arch and the need for stability. Like that the store has running/tennis shoe styles as well as sandals and flip flops. Nice selection!
Ron Mitchell
5 days ago
Great place to shop for all your fitness needs!Place was busy like the New York subway but got waited on with only a very short wait. Got fitted for the shoes I liked and left. All in less than 15 min☺️
Marc Koslowsky
5 days ago
A+ experience here! Refreshing to actually experience real service. A salesperson who knows the products and helps figure out the right shoe.
Judy Tuttle
7 days ago
I have purchased several pairs of shoes and sandals at the Winter Garden store and I'm always going back for more. I walk, hike, and am on my feet volunteering at a food pantry. My feet are always happy and ready for more. Today Connie helped me with with the first foot pain I've ever experienced. She asked great questions, was very attentive, and had me try on several different shoes. Turns out my feet have changed, so I left with 2 new pairs of shoes and no pain. Thanks for taking so much time with me today!! I wouldn't buy my "happy feet" shoes anywhere else.
Leo&Pat Trainor
1 week ago
Went to Dash for new walking shoes. Not only did did find out I've been wearing the wrong size but also the wrong style for my particular problems. You get what you pay for! They were great to work with
Lauren
1 week ago
What a great experience at Dash Sports, Winter Garden. Connie was very knowledgeable about all of their shoes and was very helpful. It was a lot of fun, and I came away with the perfect walking shoes. I highly recommend them!!
Bianca Gentry
2 weeks ago
Great experience shopping at Dash! Brandy evaluated my current shoe/fit, measured my feet, watched me walk, and listened to my pain points to recommend 3 pairs for me - all of which were solid options. She also helped me find a pair of sandals which took longer, but she was super patient and helpful. Prices were pretty reasonable compared with the same shoes on Amazon, and the personalized service was absolutely worth paying the (very small) difference. I’ll absolutely be back when I’m ready for a new pair. Thanks Brandy & Dash!
Sharinda Bohall
3 weeks ago
Knowledgeable, friendly, and patient with all my questions.
Wide variety of quality shoes.
cheryl pavlacka
3 weeks ago
I was given the attention that I needed to be fit properly with the shoe brand I wanted. They listened to my concerns and helped me with the right style and size. Plus the added bonus of a discount. I bought 2 pairs!
Winter Garden, FL