Our Method

We got the goods that’ll get you going!

We got the goods that’ll get you going!

Step 1: Health & History

The first step we take before fitting any shoes or recommending any gear is to understand what makes you tick. We’ll conduct a brief interview to assess your goals and understand what level of fitness you have. We’ll also want to know if you’ve had any particular injuries such as pain in the knee, legs, or joints. Do you like to run on trails or do you do most of your activity on a treadmill or on the streets? Are you hoping to lose weight, train for your first marathon, or looking to gain endurance or speed? After we understand some of these facts – it’s on to step 2…

Step 2: Arch Analysis

The second step in finding the right fit for you is to learn about your arches. There are many types of arches – some are flat, others are high, and others fall somewhere in between. Whether you overpronate, supinate, or are neutral – it all comes down to understanding your arches. We use the latest technology in getting an accurate read on your arches. The system we use is the most revolutionary in-store foot analysis device ever created. This patented technology features 3,744 Gold plated barometric sensors that measure the pressure exerted by the foot every 0.25 cm2 and gives us an accurate computer image to keep on file. Knowing your health, history, body type and arches – we can now move on to step 3…

Step 3: Gait Analysis

Now that we have a read on your health, goals, and arch analysis – we’ll put you on a treadmill and video tape you running to get an accurate look at your body movements while in motion. Playing back the video in slow motion, we’re able to analyze more specifically how each of your feet fall when you run, at what point on your foot do you strike the surface, and how does your foot react when you toe off. Answers to these questions will place you into the category of overpronater, supinator (under pronater), or neutral. This information will be used to determine what type of shoes and gear are right for you, and we’re off to step 4…

Step 4: GU, Goodies, and Gear

With an endless variety of options for shoes, clothing, and accessories available – we take the time to find those products that fit you best. Because we’ve listened to you and learned about your needs, we’ll know whether to put you in a Neautral, Stability, or Motion Control Shoe – we’ll know whether to suggest GU, Clif Shots, or Hammergel – we’ll know whether a 2 bottle or 6 bottle fuel belt might work, we might suggest certain races, hook you up with a running club, or even head out on the trails to run with you…. So stop on in and get a level of experience and service unmatched in the area.


OUR PROCESS

“To provide this award-winning customer service is simple, but never taken for granted.”

  1. It starts with listening. We start with a series of questions to find out what you need. It’s quick and gives us a starting point on how we may be able to help you.
  2. scanSecond, we provide a simple and clean foot scan to get us on the same page on what type of foot design you have. We use it to provide more information and start the education portion for you. Terms you may hear: high arch, flat foot, medium arch, wide or narrow, pronate or supinate.
  3. Third is the demo phase. This is where you get to try different shoes, and you tell us what you like and don’t like about the shoes. We listen, and continue to educate from our knowledge and experience of each shoe. We work closely with the various shoe manufacturers to understand their products, and make sure that we are able to match the right shoe with the right customer. We will consult with you and help you select the best option.
  4. Last, the video analysis. This is a free and optional service and used to educate you on what we see as you try out your shoes on our in-store treadmill. We will show you in slow motion what your foot is doing in the shoe and may be able to see pronation or supination while your foot rolls through the gait phase of your running or walking cycle. This allows us to provide additional feedback, in addition to your “feel” in the shoe.

tredmill


OUR PLEDGE

We guarantee customer satisfaction on our service and your purchase.

In the end, we stand by our service and your selection. We guarantee your satisfaction. If you are not happy with any purchase within the first fourteen days, please come back in and we will be happy to exchange product or give you a store credit.

Santa Cruz Running Company was founded by Tim Schenone on his coffee cup at Starbucks. “Follow your passion. It will lead you to your purpose.”