KindRunner Custom Fit Process

Have you checked out KindRunner.com yet? If not, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!?! They are an amazing online running store with an experience like no other.

One of their many great concepts: Custom Fit Process. As most of you know, if you go into a running store, they will look at your current sneakers and help you find a good sneaker based on your stride and form. Well, KindRunner.com does this as well, online and with a phone call.

I absolutely LOVE my sneakers Brooks Pure Connect, I’ve had some great results in them and they fit wonderfully. I wanted to try out the Custom Fit Process to 1: make sure they were the right shoe for me, 2: experience the process itself, as a KindRunner ambassador it is good knowledge to have and 3: discuss trail shoe options. Going through the custom fit process is one of the best decisions I’ve made for my running.

The first steps are to fill out an online questionnaire that asks about your running habits, current shoes, issues, injuries, etc. Then, you attach pictures of the soles of your running shoes so they can examine your wear pattern for stride, pronation, supination, etc. Next step: schedule a time for the phone call.

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I didn’t write on my application, and they didn’t tell Mike when he was given my info and photos, that I am a KindRunner Ambassador. I wanted to experience this as any customer would. Mike called me right at my scheduled time (I LOVE punctuality!), and we got right down to business. He discussed what was on my info sheet and then stated that based on the wear pattern I am pretty much as neutral as they come in runners. I hit midsole on the 4th to 5th metatarsal and turn in to the center, just like one should. That basically, it shows I work on my form. So, yes, FORM IS IMPORTANT!! Overall, I was right, this is a great shoe for me. For running efficiency in this shoe, I am a 9 out of 10. He did discuss with me the Brooks Pure Cadence, as it has more arch support but the same heel drop. He asked why I preferred the low heel drop and when I told him it helps me keep my form by letting me know when I heel strike, he laughed and said, yep, form is important to you. (it is, knocking on wood, I have never had a running injury).

So… with the determination that my street and racing shoes were a good fit and options for me if I wanted more arch support, I asked him about trail shoe options. As I increase my trail running, it is beyond evident that my Connects are not good on the trail. Mike reviewed four different shoes with me and gave me great information as far as weight of the shoe, heel drop, what terrain each is better for and how they fit (snug, narrow, etc). He gave me his thoughts on which ones would be best for the trails I would be running.

Then, he started to tell me about KindRunner and how he started the business. At this point, I let him know I was an Ambassador, he was excited to hear how much I enjoy the company and commented how no one told him that before he called. I am glad… it was nice to learn that they treat all customers the same.

So… now the decision is which trail shoes do I get??

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I went with Inov8 and they had a unisex version so I didn’t have to wear pink.

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All in all, I couldn’t be happier with my experience. I have been to several local running stores and definitely feel that I received more in depth information, more dedicated time as the customer, and great feedback on my shoe/running concerns with KindRunner than I ever got in a store.

Well… now it’s your turn. Go check them out, sign up for the Custom Fit Process and experience it yourself. I want to hear how it goes.

Remember… they also offer Confident Runner Pricing if you know which shoes you want and won’t need to worry about exchanging/returning them, Kindness Cash: where you receive $10 for every old pair of shoes you send back for them to re-purpose, and free shipping.