I have been a runner for over 20 years and a Physical Therapist for 10 years.  When treating patients for running injuries, one of the first questions I ask is whether there has been a change in footwear and how long a person has been wearing a particular shoe.  I have always known how important shoes are when running, but I never really knew a lot about the shoe themselves.  When my husband complained of recurrent foot pain that only occurred while running I evaluated his gait pattern.  He was in a small, uncommon class of people who supinate – or run on the outside borders of their feet.  Someone recommended we meet with Josh at Charm City Run to fit him for shoes.  My husband went in 3 years ago, Josh took one look at his gait pattern and classified him as an under pronator – one who runs on the outside borders of his feet.  He was fitted in the correct shoe, ran 2 marathons since and the foot pain has never returned. I was also having knee pain while training for a marathon.  I knew that my IT band on the outside of my thigh was tight, but I actually had clicking that occurred with every step on my left foot.  I treated myself but the clicking only went away when I was fitted by Josh in the correct shoe.  Needless to say, if anyone I know needs to be fitted for any type of exercise shoe, I refer them to Josh and his staff at Charm City Run. Kristen Nause

You only get one pair...of feet, that is...and that is what I realized as I evolved from total novice to the more informed and experienced runner I am today. About a year and a half ago, I was not a serious runner at all and was completely ignorant when it came to running shoes. I used to buy whatever looked cool and was on sale! A running partner advised me to purchase better quality running shoes and referred me to Charm City Run. The sales associates, rather--mavens, must have sniffed out my new blood. Before fitting, the associate probed me to learn what my needs were, what my level of experience was, and any problems I was experiencing. Already, I was impressed and felt like I was in good hands. Next, they observed and diagnosed my gait as I walked up and down a red carpet in the store sans shoes - such a simple service, yet so novel because not many other specialty retailers in the industry do this. After going through a guided and thorough fitting process of trying on multiple sizes and styles of shoes, I felt comfortable making a decision on which shoe was best for my foot and gait. Never had I been to a store to purchase running shoes where the associates listened and cared about my needs, empowered me in purchasing process and were so positively involved in my decision. They helped me see the value in investing in my feet by buying proper, quality shoes...after all, you only get one pair! Katie Czech

Several years ago I started running seriously and knew that I needed the proper foundation, running shoes, in order to avoid injuries. I had gone to another running store and received terrible service. I saw Charm City Run's advertising at a 5k Race and decided to give them a shot. I could not believe the service I received! I thought I would look at the various styles available, pick one I thought looked nice, and then try it on to see if it fit. Josh evaluated my foot for pronation by running on the treadmill and then recommended several styles that would be best for my situation. I would try on over half a dozen shoes with him checking the fit for each one.  He was very patient and encouraged me to run around the parking lot to see how they felt. There even was an occasion when I had purchased a pair of shoes but after a week of running they didn't feel quite right. I called Josh and he told me to bring them back and we started the process all over again. Any opportunity I have I wholeheartedly recommend Charm City for getting evaluated for the proper shoe (and all your running needs too)! Thank you CCR for your expertise. Leslie Kulick

The experts say that the strike force of  a runner is 2 to 3 times our body weight. I'm a big guy, so my shoes are absorbing somewhere around 600 pounds with each foot fall. But I love to run, so a long time ago I just figured that minor knee pain, shin splints and  hip soreness were just part of the deal for me. After completing the 2001 Baltimore Marathon, my "regular" running store closed. I had heard about this new place in Timonium called Charm City Run, so I gave it try. Josh spent over 30 minutes with me, talking and watching me run. He put me in a pair of Sauconys. I've run a 1/2 marathon, two ten milers and a bunch of shorter events since then, along with my regular 10-12 mile a week habit. No problems, no pain, just running ever since. Thanks Josh. Jim Kucher

Just because a shoe has the latest technology and looks cool doesn't mean it's the shoe for you. The experts at Charm City Run will fit you with the right shoes for your feet.  They figure in your weight and frame of your body, plus the pronation of your feet and the arch of your feet. Then they can decide what shoe is right for you. You can even try them on the treadmill to see how they feel on your feet. They have plenty of name brand shoes to try on and if they don't have your size they can order you a pair. So if you need a pair of shoes go to Charm City Run. Your friend and runner.  Robin Goodwin

"The staff at Charm City Run spend a lot of time with you during the fitting process, really paying attention to how your body works and matching the best shoe to you.  I lost a good amount of running time from an injury based on a bad fitting somewhere else and I would never go anywhere but CCR. The shoes they put me in have taken me through many miles, including the Baltimore marathon. I've taken friends and family new to running there knowing that they'll beat the first hurdle to starting a fitness program just by getting the right shoes. Karen Kay