The mighty shoe has been called the carriage to the foot, a fashion-forward receptacle of phalanges, and the durable bread between our butter-heels and bacon-sidewalk. Today's Groupon dresses your walkers at Big River Running Company. Named Best Runner's Store in St. Louis by The Riverfront Times, Big River's expert running staff helps experienced marathoners and novices alike find the proper gear to help them perform at the peak of their ambling abilities. Like ocean currents and rap star pseudonyms, the store inventory changes with the seasons, but Big River Running consistently carries top-name running apparel—such as an Under Armour Microfleece 1/4 Zip ($50) or a Nike Women's Be Strong Capri ($50)—as well as top-of-the-line shoe brands ($90-140). The friendly staff can also examine your particular gait and analyze your shoe wear pattern to determine your current footwear insufficiencies, then match you with a perfect sole mate.

Reviews

Riverfront Times named Big River Running Company the "Best Runners' Store" of 2010. In 2009, Competitor Magazine included the store as part of its "50 Best Running Stores in America" list. The St. Louis Development Corporation honored the retailer as one of the businesses of the year in 2009. St. Louis Business Journal included Big River Running Company's founder, Ben Rosario, in its "30 Under 30" list in 2008. Three Yelpers give the store five stars.

• The experts at the three Big River Running stores will examine the wear and tear of your old shoes and watch your gait to help you avoid blisters, shin splits and other running-related dangers. – Riverfront Times
• Perhaps the the best part of BRRC is the staff. Everybody is friendly, but most importantly-they know their stuff. The employees are ACTUALLY runners! – Kyle K., Yelp