Learning Center

Des Moines, Get Ready: Fitness Sports is Opening at 2915 Ingersoll Ave!
For over four decades, Iowa runners, walkers, and active movers have trusted Fitness Sports to keep them on their feet. Since opening our doors in 1984, our mission hasn’t changed:... Read more...
Walking in Iowa presents a unique physical challenge: our surfaces vary dramatically within just a few miles.
A single walk along the High Trestle Trail or the Clive Greenbelt shifts between rigid asphalt, non-yielding poured concrete, and loose, crushed limestone gravel. Each of these surfaces places distinct... Read more...
Step Into Fit: Des Moines’ Go-To Local Shoe Store Comes to Ingersoll
Finding the perfect pair of shoes isn’t just about picking a size off a shelf—it’s about how every mile, walk, or workday feels on your feet. For decades, Fitness Sports... Read more...
Why Online Shoes Fail Your Heel Pain: The Ultimate Plantar Fasciitis Shoe Fitting Guide at Fitness Sports Iowa
If you’ve ever taken that first sharp, agonizing step out of bed in the morning, you know the debilitating toll of plantar fasciitis. Sharp heel pain, arch soreness, and tight... Read more...
Tired of Achy Feet? Ask These 10 Questions Before Your Next Shift (Or Let Iowa’s Shoe Fitting Experts Do It for You)
If you spend eight, ten, or twelve hours a day on your feet—whether you’re working hospital shifts, teaching in a classroom, stocking retail floors, or pacing concrete surfaces—foot fatigue is... Read more...
Crushing the Course: The Ultimate Guide to 2026 Cross Country Shoes & Spikes
The crisp morning air, the sound of breaking twigs, the wide-open grassy straights, and the unpredictable mud. Cross country season is officially here. Whether you are a varsity runner eyeing... Read more...
Cross Country Spikes in Iowa: 10 Questions, Answered
The ten questions we hear most about cross country spikes in Iowa, answered by the fitters at Fitness Sports, covering fit, pins, models and when to buy. Read more...
The Best Shoe Fitting Experience in Cedar Rapids: Why More People Choose Fitness Sports
Buying a new pair of shoes shouldn’t feel like guessing. Whether you’re training for your first 5K, walking every day, working long hours on your feet, or simply looking for... Read more...
Best Shoes for Teachers Who Stand All Day (2026 Guide)
If you’re a teacher, you probably spend more time on your feet than almost anyone else. Between standing in the classroom, walking hallways, supervising recess, and attending school events, it’s... Read more...
Top Shoe Store in Iowa: Why Fitness Sports Should Be Your First Stop for New Shoes
Why Fitness Sports Is Iowa’s Top Shoe Store for Running, Walking, Work, and Everyday Comfort When it’s time for a new pair of shoes, most people start with a simple... Read more...
Shoe Store for Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Fitness Sports in Marion
The Fitness Sports store that serves Cedar Rapids is at 1026 7th Ave in Marion. Here is what it carries, how the free fitting works and when it is open. Read more...
How Much Does It Cost to Get Professionally Fitted for Shoes? | Free Shoe Fittings at Fitness Sports
If you’ve ever searched online for running shoes or walking shoes, you’ve probably wondered: How much does it cost to get professionally fitted for shoes? The answer surprises many people.... Read more...
Where to Get Running Shoes for the Cedar Rapids Marathon
Training for the Cedar Rapids Marathon means putting serious miles on your body and your shoes. Whether you are preparing for the marathon, half marathon, or 10K, finding the right... Read more...
Why Fitness Sports Is the Go-To Running Shoe Store in Des Moines
When runners and walkers in Des Moines think about the perfect place to gear up, there’s one name that consistently comes to mind: Fitness Sports. More than just a shoe... Read more...
Where to Find HOKA Shoes in Iowa at Fitness Sports
If you are looking for HOKA shoes in Iowa, one of the best places to start is Fitness Sports. With locations across Iowa and a team focused on gait analysis,... Read more...
Where to Find Brooks Shoes in Iowa (And Why Fitness Sports Is the Best Place to Go)
If you’re searching for Brooks running or walking shoes in Iowa, you have options—but not all options are created equal. While you can find Brooks online or in big-box stores,... Read more...
Finding Group Runs in Cedar Rapids: Your Guide to the Local Running Community
If you’re looking to stay active, meet new people, and enjoy running more, joining a group run in Cedar Rapids is one of the best decisions you can make. Whether... Read more...
Top Running Shoes We Carry at Fitness Sports (2026 Guide)
If you’re searching for the best running shoes, the biggest mistake is choosing based on hype instead of fit. The right shoe depends on cushioning, support, and how you actually... Read more...
Running Shoes in Des Moines: Where to Buy and Get Fitted
A local guide to buying running shoes in Des Moines, covering our Des Moines, Clive and Ankeny stores, the free fitting, the brands we carry and in-store pickup. Read more...
Best Shoes for Standing All Day: Nurses, Teachers and Retail
What to look for in shoes for long shifts on hard floors, plus the cushioned and stability models we fit nurses, teachers, retail and warehouse workers into. Read more...
What Is a Gait Analysis—and Why Do You Need One Before Your Next Pair of Running or Walking Shoes in Iowa?
If you’ve ever bought a pair of running or walking shoes and thought, “These just don’t feel right,” you’re not alone. The problem usually isn’t the shoe—it’s that the shoe... Read more...
Top Iowa Races to Run in 2026
Iowa has one of the most passionate running communities in the Midwest. From iconic half marathons to fun fall races through cornfields, Iowa-owned races showcase the best of local running... Read more...
Where to Buy Track Spikes in Iowa: Fitted, Not Guessed
Where to buy track spikes in Iowa, what a real spike fitting covers, how to size a growing athlete, and why the pins, wrench and exchange policy matter. Read more...
Top 10 Questions About Finding Track & Field Spikes in Iowa
1. Where can I buy track spikes in Iowa? Fitness Sports is one of the best places in Iowa to buy track and field spikes because we carry a wide... Read more...
Find Your Perfect Hoka Shoes at Fitness Sports in Iowa
Are you searching for Hoka shoes near you in Iowa? Whether you’re training for your next race, hitting the trails, or just want everyday comfort with unbeatable cushioning — Fitness... Read more...
Find Your Perfect Brooks Shoes at Fitness Sports in Iowa
When it comes to running or walking, the right shoes make all the difference. At Fitness Sports, we’re proud to carry a wide selection of Brooks running and walking shoes... Read more...
Fitness Sports Is Moving to Marion, Iowa – Your New Go-To Shoe Store for Running, Walking & Everyday Comfort
Big news for runners, walkers, and active families in Eastern Iowa:Fitness Sports Cedar Rapids is moving to Marion, Iowa, bringing the same trusted shoe fitting experience, expert staff, and top... Read more...
The Top Shoe Store in Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Why Locals Choose Fitness Sports Cedar Rapids
If you’re looking for the best shoe store in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, your search ends with Fitness Sports. Locals trust us for expert guidance, personalized service, and the perfect pair... Read more...
The Top Shoe Store in Ames, Iowa: Why Locals Choose Fitness Sports
If you’re searching for the best shoe store in Ames, Iowa, look no further than Fitness Sports in Ames. For decades, Fitness Sports has been the trusted destination for running... Read more...
The Fitness Sports Shoe Fitting Process: Why Iowa Trusts Us for the Perfect Fit
Finding the right running or walking shoe isn’t guesswork—it’s a science. At Fitness Sports in Iowa, our entire approach is built around helping every customer feel better with every step.... Read more...
🏃‍♂️ Best Running Shoe Store Near Me in Iowa (2026 Guide)
When you search “running shoe store near me” anywhere in Iowa, Fitness Sports continues to rank as one of the top choices—and for good reason. With four locally owned stores,... Read more...
Top-Ranked Shoe Store in Iowa
When people search “shoe store near me” in Iowa, one name consistently rises to the top—Fitness Sports. With locations in Des Moines, Ames, Cedar Rapids, Ankeny, Marion, Downtown Des Moines... Read more...
Fitness Sports: Iowa’s Go-To Shoe Store for Supportive Footwear, Shoes, and Insole
When it comes to finding supportive footwear that keeps you comfortable, injury-free, and performing your best, Fitness Sports has become Iowa’s trusted leader. With locations across Des Moines, Ames, Iowa... Read more...
Why the Best Choice for Shoe Stores in Iowa is Fitness Sports
If you’re looking for a shoe store in Iowa that truly stands out, here’s why Fitness Sports should be your top pick — whether you’re a runner, walker, on your... Read more...
Winter Running Tips for People Who Live in Iowa
When winter hits Iowa, many runners and walkers face a choice: hang up the shoes or embrace the cold. At Fitness Sports in Des Moines , we believe that winter... Read more...
Why Fitness Sports – Your Go-To Running Shoe Shop in the Des Moines Area
If you’re looking for the best place to buy running shoes in the Des Moines metro, look no further than Fitness Sports. Here’s why this locally-owned store stands out and... Read more...
Choosing the Right Race Timer — and Why I Recommend Fitness Sports Race Timing
Planning a running event in Iowa — a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, cross-country meet or fun run — means there are lots of moving parts. One of the most critical is... Read more...
Gobble, Run, Repeat: How to Find a Turkey Trot in Iowa
Thanksgiving morning doesn’t have to be all about the stuffing and the nap. Across the U.S., the “turkey trot”—a fun run or race held on Thanksgiving or the weekend around... Read more...
Shoe Store in Ankeny: 10 Questions About Finding the Right Fit
The ten questions Ankeny customers ask us most about finding the right shoes, answered by the fitters at our 604 SW 3rd St store. Read more...
Fitness Sports is Coming to Ankeny!
We’re excited to share some big news—Fitness Sports is officially opening a new location in Ankeny, Iowa! Since 1984, Fitness Sports has been Iowa’s hometown running store, helping walkers, runners,... Read more...
Top 10 Questions People Have About Getting Running Shoes in Cedar Rapids
Finding the right running shoes can make the difference between enjoying your miles and dealing with discomfort or injury. At Fitness Sports in Cedar Rapids, we hear lots of common... Read more...
Fitness Sports is Coming to Marion, Iowa!
We’re excited to share some big news—Fitness Sports is officially opening a brand-new running store in Marion, Iowa! For years, Fitness Sports has been Iowa’s go-to destination for runners and... Read more...
Running Store for Iowa City: Coralville and North Liberty
Fitness Sports serves Iowa City from two nearby stores, Coralville and North Liberty. Free gait analysis and fitting, plus running, walking and work shoes. Read more...
Fitness Sports Des Moines – The Highest Ranked Shoe Store in Town
We’re excited to share some big news – Fitness Sports Des Moines has been recognized as the highest-ranked shoe store in the area! This honor highlights our dedication to providing... Read more...
Fitness Sports Cedar Rapids – The Highest Ranked Shoe Store in Town
We’re excited to share some amazing news – Fitness Sports Cedar Rapids has been recognized as the highest-ranked shoe store in the area! This recognition reflects our commitment to offering... Read more...
Fitness Sports Ames – The Highest Ranked Shoe Store in Town
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news – Fitness Sports Ames has been recognized as the highest-ranked shoe store in the area! This honor reflects our commitment to offering unmatched... Read more...
Celebrating Fitness Sports: Top 50 Running Store in America 2025
We are thrilled to announce that Fitness Sports has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Running Stores in America for 2025! This prestigious accolade highlights our commitment to... Read more...
Shoe Store in Ames, Iowa: Free Fittings at Fitness Sports
Fitness Sports in Ames sits at 410 5th St, a short trip from the Iowa State campus. Free fittings, running and walking shoes, wide sizes and youth spikes. Read more...
Discover Your Perfect Fit at Fitness Sports, Des Moines
When it comes to finding the perfect pair of shoes in Des Moines, Fitness Sports stands out as your premier destination. Located in the heart of the city, Fitness Sports... Read more...
Where to Get Cross Country Spikes in Iowa
As cross country season approaches, runners across Iowa are gearing up for muddy trails, fast courses, and unforgettable races. Whether you’re a high school athlete, a college runner, or simply... Read more...