Running Shoe Demo Day at Belle Isle Casino

Your relationship with your running shoes lasts for miles and miles, so make sure you're a good fit at RUNdetroit's annual Running Shoe Demo Day starting at 10 a.m. on March 22, 2014 at the Belle Isle Casino.

Attendees are able to try out any pair of shoes for free on their hunt to find running shoes with the right fit. There will be compression, GPS and nutrition products available for sample by various vendors including Saucony and New Balance. And an obstacle course with varied levels for people who really want to put the comfort and durability of the shoes to the test. The first 500 people to register will be entered into a raffle to win prizes.

But with so many shoes to try, which running shoes should we be kicking our heels to try? We asked Justin Craig of RUNdetroit to steer our feet in the right direction.

Altra Olympus

"A Zero Drop super cushioned neutral shoe," Craig says. "Great for runners and walkers seeking a roomy shoe with loads of softness."

Photo taken by Miriam Pranschke.

Brooks Transcend

"If Detroit's auto engineers got together to design a shoe from the ground up, they'd probably come up with something like the Transcend," he says. "The Transcend offers a soft ride for runners who wear neutral shoes, but also incorporates guide rails for runners needing extra support."

 

New Balance 980

"The theme here is cushion and the new 980 Fresh Foam has a lot of it, yet remains light and almost slipper like. (It's) great for runners looking to pick up some speed without sacrificing comfort."

Newton Gravity

"Newton is a very unique shoe. With the addition of lugs under the forefoot, this shoe offers an energy return, as well as offers runner feedback on foot strike with the goal of helping you run with better form. Newton is something you have to run in, to experience."

Photo taken by Miriam Pranschke.

Saucony Ride 6

"A great combination of weight, durability and cushioning for the everyday runner or walker," he says.

Photo taken by Miriam Pranschke.