Luke’s LockerProper Shoe Fitting Training Manual

By: Brandon Dion

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Main Menu Greet the Customer Identify Needs Analyze Arch Type Identify Foot Type Neutral Over-Pronation Supination Common Injuries Proper Measurement Explanation of Sizing Identify Cushion Needs Selecting Shoes Fitting Shoes Side by Side

Treadmill Time Analyzing Gait Final Suggestions Summary

Greet the Customer

Luke’s primary objective is customer service. Always greet the customer by introducing yourself and asking “What brings you in today?”

Identify Needs

The best way to identify your customer’s needs, is to simply ask them questions such as: What types of activities do you intend to use the

shoe for? (Running, Walking, Crossfit, Zumba, Boot Camp, Style, etc.)

Are you training for anything right now? How many miles are you running/walking at a time?

Arch Type

Have the customer remove their shoes and stand up. Look at the medial (inside) of each foot and determine whether the customer has a high, normal or flat arch.

Identify Foot Type

The next step is to identify whether the customer has a neutral foot, supinates or is an over-pronator. To do this, have the customer walk in a straight line away from you for 8-10 paces and then turn and walk back to you. Crouch down and watch the feet carefully as incorrect amount of stability is one of the 3 major causes of injury for runners, related to footwear.

Neutral Foot

A neutral foot will stay in the middle as the person walks with perhaps a slight bit of medial, or inward motion.

Over-Pronation

Over-Pronators will have a noticeable amount of medial or inward motion and require a shoe with guidance, stability or motion control, depending on the amount of over-pronation.

Supination

Supination occurs in less than 10% of the population and is identified by the foot rolling laterally, or outward. These customers typically have a very high, rigid arch as well.

Common Injuries

Some of the common injuries that occur because of improperly fit running shoes and possible causes include: Shin Splints – Too much stability, lack of cushion/old

shoes Medial (Inside) Knee Pain – Not enough stability Lateral (Outer) Knee Pain – Too much stability Central Knee Pain – Lack of cushion/old shoes Black or Missing Toe Nails – Shoe size too small

Proper Measurement

Using a Brannock Device, measure each foot for length and width. Use the measurement of the longest toe (not always the “big toe”) on the longest foot and add one full size. (Ex. Longer foot measures 7.5, shoe size will be 8.5)

Explaining Sizing

Explain that this allows foot to swell during exercise and eliminates bruised toenails caused by toes hitting the end of the shoe.

A properly fit running shoe should have a thumb width between the longest toe and the end of the shoe.

Cushioning

Next, ask the customer how much cushioning they would like. Minimal, Full Cushion or Max Cushion?

Keep in mind, that cushion typically adds weight.

Shoe Selection

Now that you have identified the customers arch, foot type, size and cushion needs you should be able to select 3-4 shoes from different brands that could work for the customer.

Side by Side Comparison Have the customer try

each pair as well as compare multiple shoes side by side.

The goal is to find the shoe that contours the bottom of the foot the best and feels the most natural to the customer.

Treadmill Time Once the customer

has selected the shoe that feels the most natural, take them to the treadmill to begin gait analysis in the selected shoe.

Gait Analysis

Have the customer jog at a comfortable pace for 60-90 seconds. Watch for hip, knee and ankle alignment. If the customer is staying centered over the shoe and they are not feeling problems with fit, you have done your job.

Final Suggestions

If any final adjustments are needed – for instance, the “Runner’s Loop” to snug up a slipping heel, now is time.

Summary

Customer service is Luke’s number one priority. By knowing and using the fitting process properly, you will ensure excellent service every time by knowing and serving your customer’s footwear needs.