A quiet, unassuming store on an otherwise busy street, Movin' Shoes is the place to go for your running needs. I've told many people that the place to go. Every employee runs, and their body types show it.
I've bought my last four pairs of shoes from them, and a month ago, went back to get myself ready for a new season. I brought the latest copy of Road Runner Sports catalog, with at least seven different shoes circled, and my existing pair. It was within a half-hour of closing of a long day, and the clerk assisted patiently answering every mundane, newbie question that I could muster. I must've tried on at least six different pairs of shoes, settling on some Brooks Beasts that hoped to provide the support for my flat feet without additional inserts.
I tried them out on two separate occasions, but didn't find the comfort and support needed. Saturday, I went back, again within an hour of closing, following three people to find the store bustling with people. There were many boxes of shoes strewn about with all types of people trying out shoes. There was the high school athlete, struggling to find race shoes in a twelve-and-a-half, the newbie runner learning just how much she overpronates, the New Year's resolution, dealing with blisters as she moves from the treadmill to out doors, and a few more out of earshot.
I hung out behind everything, ready to wait for awhile. Suddenly I was confronted. I explained my situation and asked for a new pair of my old shoes. He disappeared in the back and came back with the new model. Was the old model available? Another few minutes in the back, and no, they weren't. He took a look at the Brooks, said that's OK, they're a bit more, but we'll call it even. Really? Sure.
I promised to come back. I also promise to send everyone that asks about running shoes in Madison to Movin' Shoes.