ActiveSalem Student Athlete Headquarters

ALL COACHES and TRACK & FIELD / CROSS COUNTRY ATHLETES!

• 10% Off All Training Shoes
• 10% Off All adidas, Asics, Brooks, newbalance, Nike, and Saucony Track & Field Spikes/Racing Flats

WE ARE THE SOURCE FOR TRACK & FIELD IN THE SALEM AREA

135 Commercial St NE - Downtown Salem
(By Court Street)

503-364-4198

HOURS: Monday - Friday 10AM to 6PM
Saturday 11AM to 6PM

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Which spike has the most arch support?
A: Actually, running spikes do not have any extra support. Extra support and cushioning means extra weight. Spikes are just meant to get you from the starting line to the finish line with as minimal shoe as possible. If you are a distance runner needing more support, try a road racing flat.

Q: Can I wear my orthotics in my spikes?
A: No. Virtually all spikes are too narrow and not deep enough to accommodate an orthotic. If you do manage to fit it in, don't expect the orthotic to perform the same as if in a training shoe – it won't. If you absolutely can't run without your orthotics, you shouldn't be wearing spikes. Try a more supportive road-racing flat or even a lightweight training shoe.

Q: Why do I get blisters while I'm wearing my spikes?
A: Blisters are always caused by some level of friction on your foot. Because spikes are much different than the shoes we're used to wearing, and we wear them exclusively for speedwork and racing, a little friction here or there can be very irritating. Try wearing socks if you haven't been wearing them - and if you have, try an lightweight anti-blister sock and Bodyglide (available at GFR).

Q: Why don't you have my school colors?
A: It is impossible for a shoe company to make a good shoe in every possible school color. Most of them do make multiple color options, and we do our best to stock as many different colors as we can. Don't cry if you don't find your color – in reality, it's not that important! How many elite runners do you see wearing shoes that match their jersey? It doesn't matter to them if it matches – what matters is their performance. Your performance will grab all the attention, not the fact that your shoes do or don't match your uniform.

Q: Do racing shoes come in widths?
A: No.

Q: Shouldn't I be wearing the same shoes that the elite runners wear?
A: If you are experienced and strong enough, you may, but you don't have to. Don't think that wearing the same shoes that Bob Kennedy wears will make you faster. It doesn't work that way with shoes. Good shoes are important, but they do not guarantee better performance. Years of smart, consistent training is the ticket to athletic success. Think about it: Bob would run fast no matter what spikes he wears!

Q: Why shouldn't I buy my shoes online?
A: Online shopping is not the cheapest way to go. Add in shipping fees, and you are not saving a penny – GFR offers a 10% discount to all student-athletes, PLUS you get to try the shoes on, get personalized service and valuable advice, and you are supporting your local business. What if your online purchased shoes don't fit? You send them back and waste both time and money, or you just have to suffer with poorly fitting shoes.