I am doing the C25K. Slowly, but I'm getting there.

I have read several posts about being sure and getting properly fit for running shoes at a running store.

Could someone give me the names of these "real" running stores where I can go and get fitted for correct shoes? Is it like a Footlocker or Dicks's?

I'd say go on Yelp.com and just type in the word "running" and then enter your city or the main city in your area, and see what you get! The smaller, non-chain places are better if you're looking to spend some $$ on a really good, quality shoe. You can also go in, get their advice/recommendations, and then if it's too pricey, find the shoe online or elsewhere for cheaper.

Good luck, and great job getting started with C25k!

http://www.runnersworld.com/store/se...17-0-0,00.html

Do NOT go to Foot Locker or Dick's. (And I wouldn't choose Athlete's Foot over an indie or local real-runner's chain, either, regardless of what RW says.)

i think most areas have RoadRunner Sports (chain)

You'll have the best results with a fitting if you go to a specialty shop, not one of the major sporting goods chains. I think most urban centers should have at least one running/walking specific store - search for "running" and your city name on Google or Yelp. Or if that doesn't work, try searching out running events in your city and you might find the stores in that roundabout way.

Hi there, I was also going to recommend road runner sports. I have never seen a physical road runner retail store, but I would recommend (if you aren't near one) to try their website to get an idea of what type of shoe might works best.

they have a shoe finder tool that I have found to be pretty accurate. www.roadrunnersports.com

If you find some of the shoes a bit expensive, you can search online for the particular shoes you like to see if another store (zappos, etc) has them cheaper.

Also, from personal experience - even the best pair of shoes can be ineffective and cause injury without the proper orthotics (insoles) to go on the inside of them.

Fleet Feet is a running-specific chain that I went to previously. They do the whole look at how you walk/run and have you test shoes on the treadmill deal. There are likely local shops as well. I just got my newest pair at Team Nashville, which is obviously a local store here. As someone said, just do a google search

http://www.fleetfeetsports.com/store-locations

DITTO! I second or third Roadrunner! And join their club for 10% ALL your orders and purchases. I love love love them.

Thank you all so much!

I checked out all the links you all shared and found a store not to far from me that does the "fit" for my foot. My achilles tendon has been bothering me and I hope the proper shoes will help this as I really want to learn to run.

Again, thank you everyone!