Feet First Sports, Columbia

Every person runs with a unique gait, and thus requires a unique shoe to keep their stride even and their posture straight. The staffers at Feet First—in business for 35 years and staffed with all experienced runners, triathletes, or coaches—understand this, and they spend their days helping runners find exactly the right shoe to meet their needs.

In addition to conducting a visual analysis of each customer's feet and gait, they use an iSTEP computer-analysis system to detect important information not visible to the naked eye. This system analyzes the points on the foot that endure the most pressure while running, and then can even make orthotic recommendations based upon that information. But it takes more than a good pair of shoes to maximize a workout's efficacy, which is why the store also sells orthotic inserts, fitness apparel, and socks that tickle you if you try to slow down.