Is there any stores where they "know what they are talking about," closer to Southern California?

Hi. Have you checked out xterragear.com -- and look under their new footwear? There are very nice shoes, reasonably priced and they have excellent options. Please tell them Barbara Peterson sent you, they will like it. (I am an XTERRA athlete, and have just tested their shoes with great new appreciation for their product line). You can also look me up as a viable reference under Ambassadors/SW REGION.

Good luck!

Runners High.

hi-

i know this reply is REALLY late, and chances are, you've already bought a pair of sneakers for your running pleasure, but i thought i'd offer my 2 cents.

a few years back, i was visiting my father in SoCal and he's got some amazing hills up by his house, which ultimately fed my desire to get a new pair of running shoes.

my sister, an avid runner before her injury, recommended a store that she had used before and had good experiences- Road Runner Sports. Not sure if you'd heard anything about them, but they have a knowledgeable staff there that take time to analyze your stride via motion camera/treadmill combo, talk about your pronation/lack thereof, and can recommend shoes that fit your price range. honestly, i they were great.

when they opened up a store location closer to me, here on the east coast, i was reminded at just how professional and easy-going they were to deal with.

i ended up buying some asics both times as the models i got fit my arches very well and i liked the support, but even if you don't have the first clue at what it is you want in a running shoe, definitely give them a try.

i went to the one in mission viejo, but i believe there is also one near newport beach.

again, sorry if this long-winded reply is too late, but who knows... you may already be in the market for another pair o' kicks!

take care,

-j.

SophiasWisdom   I must reiterate that you should at least google "running shoe stores" and the state in which you live. I did that and found a GREAT place here in NH that spent 1.5 hours with me and DH in order to fit us with the correct shoes/sneakers....they were great!!!!

I have Asics Gel Kayanos. I pronate, and I have RA so need the extra cushion of the gels...The tech that was fitting me kept telling me = you'll KNOW when you have the right pair!!! AND I DID!!!!!  it was amazing....They are not the same size as my everyday sneakers, so be sure to be fitted.... hope this helps....

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you can choose what suits you...........