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. Whether you’re a marathoner, someone who stands on concrete all day, or you’re dealing with foot pain, our fitting process is designed to match you with the best shoe for your body, goals, and lifestyle.
Here’s an inside look at what makes our shoe fitting experience different, and why people across Iowa travel to Fitness Sports for expert guidance.
⭐ Why Our Shoe Fitting Experience Is Different
Most shoe stores give you a size, ask what color you like, and send you on your way.
At Fitness Sports, our staff goes through monthly coaching, medical education, footwear technology training, and 1-on-1 development so they can treat each customer like a unique athlete—not just a transaction.
We take the time to understand:
- Your foot shape
- Your gait and biomechanics
- Your medical history
- Your daily mileage or work needs
- Any aches, pains, or injuries
- Your goals—running, walking, working, or everyday comfort
The result is a shoe recommendation that feels like it was made for you.
🦶 Step 1: Understanding Your Foot Type & Arch
Your fitting begins with a quick, friendly conversation about your feet and your goals. From there, we analyze:
- Arch height (high, neutral, low)
- Toe splay
- Width and volume of the foot
- Unique foot considerations like bunions, plantar fasciitis, or wide/narrow feet
Our staff is trained to understand how different arch types and foot shapes interact with various shoes, insoles, and surfaces.
🏃 Step 2: Gait Analysis — Watching You Walk or Run
Next, we perform a simple gait analysis. This is where we watch how your body naturally moves. Our team looks for:
- Pronation (inward rolling)
- Supination (outward rolling)
- Heel strike vs. midfoot strike
- Knee and hip alignment
- Cadence and stride pattern
We use visual aids in-store—such as pronation/supination graphics—to help you understand what we see. Customers love that they can finally see why certain shoes feel more supportive.
👟 Step 3: Selecting Shoes Based on Your Mechanics
This is where our expertise shines.
We don’t grab random shoes—we select models built for your movement pattern, foot shape, and activity.
Our curated options may include:
- Neutral shoes for efficient gait patterns
- Stability shoes for overpronation
- Max cushion shoes for standing all day or high mileage
- Natural/zero-drop shoes like Altra for foot-shaped comfort
- Work-friendly shoes including all-black options
- Performance shoes if you’re racing or training hard
With the largest running shoe selection in Iowa—including Hoka, Brooks, New Balance, On, Nike, Altra, and Saucony—the right shoe is always in reach.
🧪 Step 4: Try On, Test, and Compare
You’ll never feel rushed during a fitting.
We encourage you to:
- Walk around the store
- Jog if you want
- Compare two or three models
- Feel the difference in cushion, support, and responsiveness
Our team explains what each shoe is doing for your foot so you feel confident in your choice.
🧩 Step 5: Insole or Accessory Recommendations (If Needed)
If your gait or comfort level can benefit from additional support, we may recommend:
- Premium insoles
- Cushioned socks
- Compression sleeves
- Work-friendly accessories
We never upsell—we educate. Everything we suggest has a purpose: to reduce pain, improve alignment, or increase comfort.
🔁 Step 6: We Encourage You to Recheck Your Fit Yearly
Feet change over time, and so does footwear. That’s why we encourage all customers—even returning ones—to get refit annually.
We treat every visit like your first because your comfort and performance matter.
🧡 Why Iowa Chooses Fitness Sports for Shoe Fitting
People drive from all over the state because:
- Our staff is the most trained and educated in Iowa
- We combine science, experience, and friendly service
- We have the widest shoe selection in the region
- We focus on personalized, community-first care
- We take the time to do it right
With weekly group runs, youth programs, race timing, and a passion for helping people stay active, Fitness Sports is more than a store—it’s a community.
🏁 Experience the Difference Today
Whether you’re running, walking, working, or just looking for everyday comfort, our fitting process is designed to help you feel your best. Visit Fitness Sports in Des Moines, Ames, Cedar Rapids, or Iowa City and experience Iowa’s most trusted shoe fitting process.
