The first purchase on reaching America in 2003 was a pair of track shoe a gift from my brother in law ,a quick mental calculation revealed that back home I could have got several pairs.This tradition is being methodically followed by my children and relatives here depending on where I arrive during my sojourn to States . This time due to baggage restrictions prefer to reach here without shoes confident as usual that my folks will show their generosity and take me to the town's best store and allow me the liberty to choose any brand without restriction. Anand my son on this occasion had different plan, this store he selected for me here in Des Moines I came across is a sports- shoe clinic a very specialized store, whose staff came with concept like" Motion control and Maximum Heel Rotating Flexibility " .I was beginning to assume that soon a physician will examine me and I will be deprived of selecting a track shoe of my liking.My son told them that in Mumbai father is a compulsive brisk walker and as a routine covers a distance of 10 to 12 kilometers in a well measured timing They were not impressed queries like" Are you aware that it is a myth about a foot size does not change in adults - the shoe store specialist emphatically said that foot size changes in adults and it is more pronounced among sr citizen like us ( for a moment I believed at least we are somewhat capable even now ) so we have to measure once a year yet another point feet swell over the course of the day, they also expand when you run or walk so shoes should fit your feet when they are at the largest . The average pair of track shoe should be replaced after using for 300 Km. The prescription was a pair recommended not made in USA but made in Japan . Anand satisfied and happy that he will be able to sustain and prolong the family's tradition.
Another key point is how in this country, the emphasis is for horses for courses concept hence specialization in every area.
ReplyDeleteShoes with ankle stability for lateral movement, quick start stop movements, same for sports like golf, table tennis, running and walking.
At first I was thinking in terms of this being such a marketing heavy country who are masters at selling bit now I do feel to a large extent, especially for sport shoes, it makes sense.
Thanks for sharing your experience with trying on a new pair of walking shoes at the "shoe clinic". The idea of having a workstation to try and buy sport shoes is a huge marketing tactic, as Anand says, but it works for people who need a perfect fit (and who doesn't?). It's interesting that adult feet change size through the course of the day. Happy walking!
ReplyDeleteInteresting read. Thanks for sharing your experience. After reading your blog, I am really curious to find what did they do to find the perfect shoes for you and also if that pair of shoes met your expectations.
ReplyDeleteThis article makes me go back to the time when a Rs 399.99 Power Shoes from Bata was THE status symbol..
Thanks.Yes,Power Shoes of Bata used to be a status symbol that I have seen many office goers during my working days at Nariman Point with Power Track Shoes donning safari suits.The Clinic Shoe Store I guess selected a walker shoe for me where the heel of the shoe has plenty of support so that when the foot hits the heel first and rolls from heel to toe, the brisk walking becomes effortless.
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