The last pair of running shoes that I bought was at a running specialty store where the store people watched me walk, recommended a type of shoe for the type of run/walk that I had, and helped me find a pair of shoes that helped me train from being a couch potato to running and finishing a marathon. Those beloved shoes are nearing the end of their days. So now I am looking for some resources here on base in Yokosuka or nearby to assist with finding the right pair of running shoes.I have been to the Wellness Center at the Fleet Rec, but they directed me to The Sports Authority in Yokohoma. As much as I like to speak to my Japanese hosts (and I normally don't mind doing so), isn't there some kind of English speaking resource here on base that can help tell me if am over-pronating or pronating?

isn't there some kind of English speaking resource here on base that can help tell me if am over-pronating or pronating?

Thats funny.. No, but you could possibly try the FFSC. They may have some Japanese staff that may help. But its not their primary job.

For finding good shoes, you could check sports authority. It doesnt take much Japanese, to point and say, size.. Or just ask them to measure you, and they will gladly assist.

You could also order online, and just have the shoes shipped to you.

Thanks Adam. Not quite what I am looking for though.

I can figure out shoe size. It's the other things that your feet do that count when you are distance running. For example, your feet tend to swell during long (4 mile +) runs so you usually want to get shoes that are a little bigger than your normal size. Depending on whether your feet tend to turn in or turn out while you run can affect what kind of shoe you might want to get. I can go to a specialty store in the US and get this information and assistance easily, but the conversation and advice can turn technical and has the potential to make running quite unpleasant. Not to mention the $100 or so wasted on shoes that hurt your feet when you use them for what you purchased them for. With some help figuring out what my feet are doing, I can easily go out and ask for the outstanding sales people here to help me find what will fit my needs.

Maybe I can ask the nice people at the hospital to help me out. Has anyone had any experience doing this?

I know of a website that might help.


Have you heard of Road Runner Sports?  I know it's not the same as having your stride checked out but if you sign up for their VIP program you can get a 90 day guarantee that you'll like your shoes.  Here's some information from their website:

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Hope this helps some.