My
Letter of recommendation for our Fleet Feet store
During the summer of 2002, I decided to begin running. I
first bought all my running shoes according to price and
color. Whatever was on sale, or looked good, was was my
shoe of choice. Once I decided to buy some
‘real’ running shoes, I did my online
research to find the best shoes for me. A friend also
recommend I try out Fleet Feet, the local running store.
Armed with my internet information, I walked in and
immediately found the running shoes I wanted. I
confidently told Blaine Lewis, the owner, exactly what I
wanted.
What he asked me next was surprising:
“What makes you think you want those shoes?”
I did not realize it then, but I was getting the best
customer service around. Blaine wanted me to have a
positive running experience in my first pair of running
shoes. We talked it over, tried on several pair of shoes
and even went out for a run around the parking lot. We
decided on a pair of New Balance which were the best fit
for my running style. I bought the shoes and trained for
and completed the Marine Corps Marathon in the fall of
2004. I continue to go to Fleet Feet for running shoes,
training supplies and endurance advice.
I have seen Blaine and his wife, Robin, in other
situations since then. They are out in the public eye
attending races and handing out water and nutrition. They
are frequently out early on the greenway, getting to know
the morning runners. Blaine even came to my fifth grade
classroom to give a spelling test as part of my volunteer
program. He was well prepared and genuinely excited about
talking to the students about running a race as well as
running a business.
Fleet Feet Sports, along with its customer support, is
the type of business we need in Roanoke. Blaine, Robin
and the staff are focused on getting each customer into
the right shoe for an optimum experience. Whenever I
visit the store, I am greeted in a friendly manner. I am
often asked about my early morning runs, my running
partners, my recent and future races as well as my
family. I have friends who are walkers and runners. I
have friends who have children who run on team teams. I
have recommended Fleet Feet to them and dozens of others
regardless of fitness level. They have all come away with
a sense of excitement about their new shoes.