Sound Runner

Preston Ranton and Julie Francis of Sound Runner.

1088 Main St.
Branford, CT
(203) 483-8222
soundrunner.net

762 Boston Post Road
Madison, CT
(203) 318-8190

238 Main St.
Old Saybrook, CT
(860) 388-3800

When talking to Sound Runner owner Julie Francis, it becomes clear she has not just a deep knowledge of but a real passion for the right running shoes, for what they can do for any given person's specific run. Oftentimes, upon deciding to take up running, she says, "People go into whatever store and think, 'OK, I need a new pair of shoes. I'm gonna get these.'" At some point, they get more serious [about running], and things start to break down. They're not comfortable anymore. If you really want to make a commitment to running, and to enjoying running, Francis says, "Take pride in what you're doing! Be a partner with us. Let us help solve the problem. "We go through a whole process to put you in the right shoe," she explains. "We know a lot about the foot. We discuss what kind of program you're in, whether you've had surgery." And even then, Sound Runner doesn't have a standard rubric. As with a mattress or a pair of jeans, personal comfort is as much a factor as anything. Francis isn't the only one at Sound Runner who knows what she's selling through personal experience. Her staff is made up of dedicated runners, including marathoners and personal trainers. For her, her lifelong passion for running dovetailed perfectly with her knowledge of retail (she'd previously worked in New York stores) in her opening of the first Sound Runner store in 2001. Even though she opened the store in the midst of a recession and has expanded to a third location in Old Saybrook during this one, she hasn't looked back. "This is my way of life," she says. "There aren't a lot of things you have control over. You have control over yourself."

2nd: Woodbridge Running Company

7 Landin St.
Woodbridge, CT
(203) 387-8704

3rd: Trailblazer

296 Elm St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 865-6244

1004 Main St.
Branford, CT
(203) 488-0802

1 Mohegan Sun Blvd.
Uncasville, CT
(860) 862-2267