The Hoka Knock Off Effect

Ever heard the phrase “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery?” Well in the case of Hoka One One they must be extremely flattered.

That’s because Hoka is battling for the top spot for high-end running shoe sales.

So other companies are seeing this, and they’re trying to “model” what Hoka is doing.

In other terms, they’re trying to build some of their shoes to look and “function” like Hoka.

Here’s just a quick example where you can judge for yourself and see if there are any similarities.

Now the truth is…

Any time another company “imitates” the original one it’s rarely any better.

Part of the reason is the other companies realize if they can get the “look” to be similar people will buy it.

But that doesn’t mean that they function the same.

It doesn’t mean that the materials are the same.

And it doesn’t mean it’s even close to the same thing.

In the case of Hoka, here’s what still separates them from the “knock-offs.”

When reaching out to Hoka to ask about the “knock-offs,” they said…

“Our products do differ and we do have technologies that are trademarked. Primarily in the midsole materials that we use. I can tell you that there has not been a brand that has stacked up to us successfully when it comes to how we construct our shoes.”

Now I wanted to share all of this with you not to shame what other companies are doing but to just keep you informed when looking for high-end running shoes.

Not all shoes are equal. And if you’re going to invest your money in shoes, I want you to know what’s going on and to make sure you’re actually getting what you pay for.

So always be conscious of what you’re purchasing when it comes to shoes.

When you start to see brands look eerily similar it’s time to start digging a bit and see who the “originators” are.

Because usually, the originators are the ones who’ve invested the money, time, and resources to create something that is truly what’s best.

The imitators… not so much.

And if you want to know more about Hoka’s or want to try a pair on, scroll down to schedule an appointment and you can get your feet in them to see the difference.

How To Remove Your Shoes The Right Way!!!

So you’ve had a long day. You get home, you walk in the door and first thing you do is go to take your shoes off.

So you put one foot on the back of the other shoe and then slide your foot out of it.

Well, doing it that way is probably not the best for your shoes.

In fact, it’s one way to ruin the support and longevity of your shoes.

So how do you take them off the right way?

The video below will show you how to do it. Not only that it’ll show you how to put them on the right way too.

And if you want your shoes to “last” longer you’ll want to make sure you’re putting them on and taking them off the right way.

What Is Shoe Offset And Why Is It Important?

So what is shoe offset? Well, it’s basically the measurement from the heel to the toe of a shoe?

In the video below you’ll see why the shoe offset is important, what type of offsets are common, and how certain offsets can actually help you.

Not only that, you’ll see what the standard offset was for years and what came along to shake up the industry and change that.

Shoe offset is a BIG part of the industry now and knowing what offset is right for you can make a big difference between a shoe that fits, and feels great versus something that feels horrible on your feet.

So take a look at the video below to learn a bit more now the shoe offset.

How To Know What Shoe To Buy

Below is a video that shares a big tip on how to know what shoe to buy. This video was put together because there are so many options out there when it comes to buying shoes.

But how do you know what is right?

Do you know what look for?

What should you never buy?

Well, over the years these questions have popped up quite a bit. So I wanted to share one big tip that’ll help you find a good quality shoe.

So take a look…

Winter Footwear And Weathering The Storm

When it comes to the months between December and early April what type of winter footwear should you be looking for?

Well, we know two things to be true when it comes to the winter.

It’s going to be cold.
It’s going to snow, sleet, freezing rain, and sometimes all of that mixed together.

So it’s important to know what type of shoe can handle the cold, rough weather, and be durable.

In the video below you’ll see what type of shoe works and what you should look for when purchasing any sort of winter footwear.

So check it out.

The “Shoe” Club

If you’ve been a customer or been following what we do here at the store you know that John and I use only high-quality products.

We make sure that we don’t offer cheap or low-quality products. That’s because we truly want what works best for anyone who needs help with their feet.

But we also want to make sure that what we offer is competitive and fair for anyone who needs something for their feet.

And to really help with this we decided to now open up the “Shoe Club.”

What Is The Shoe Club?

After purchasing a pair of shoes, boots or inserts you will have the opportunity to enroll in the “Shoe Club.”

It’s a program where instead of you buying your next pair of shoes, boots, or inserts and paying for it upfront, you pay a monthly installment for either the shoes, boots, or inserts.

Here is the breakdown in pricing.

Kid’s Shoes – $10/ month
Adult shoes – $15/month
Inserts – $15/ month
Boots $20/ Month

For example, after you purchase the first pair of adult shoes (at the normal rate) you can then enroll in the Shoe Club.

That means that you pay $15/month towards the next pair of shoes instead of paying full price when you need them.

Then when you are ready for a new pair you can apply what you’ve paid into the Shoe Club program towards that pair.

Doing it this way keeps you from having to pay the bigger one-time cost for the shoes.

And the longer you’re in the program the less you will owe at the time of picking up the shoes. You can even end up with a credit.

Here are examples of how it will work based on a $120 pair of Adult shoes

At 4 months
$15/ month x 4 months = $60 paid. You would owe $60 at the time of pickup.

At 6 months
$15/ month x 6 months = $90 paid. You would owe $30

At 8 months
$15/month x 8 months = $120 paid. You would owe $0.

At 10 months
$15/month x 10 months = $150 paid. You have a $30 credit.

Important Details (Terms) For The Shoe Club

– The shoe club applies to any shoe, boot, or Superfeet insert we have available. No custom orthotics at this time.

– You can use the Shoe Club for multiple items at once too. If you want to enroll for shoes and inserts at the same time you can. The monthly cost will reflect multiple items. For example, 1 pair of shoes ($15/month) plus an insert ($15/month) would be $30/ month. Also, that total amount can be applied to whatever you want as well. For example, if you don’t want to pick up a 2nd pair of inserts but are paying for them monthly, you can apply that money to something else such as another pair of shoes at the time of pickup.

– You must buy the first pair of shoes, boots, or inserts as you normally would. Which means you pay for the normal full cost of them. Once you do that you can then choose to enroll in the Shoe Club for any of those products going forward.

– You must notify us or stop in prior to picking up any future pair of shoes, boots, or inserts. (We need to make sure we have everything in stock. If not we will order it.) If it’s a kids’ shoe you must stop in prior to picking up the next pair. We have to measure your child’s foot to make sure it is the correct size.

– You can use the balance in your “Shoe Club” at any time.

– No refunds.

So this that’s it.

If you’re interested in this you can either stop by the store or schedule an appointment by choosing a date and time below.

The Lock And Load Shoe Lacing Technique

Below there is a walk-through video on to do what I call the lock and load shoe lacing technique.

Basically it’s a high loop, a low loop, and a cinch to bring it all together.

If you’re not sure what that means then check out the vidoe below.

We’re always showing people different ways to lace their shoes depending on what can help them.

The lock and load shoe lacing technique is great to help lock the heel in place so the shoe doesn’t move. But what’s really good is it frees up pressure on the bone on the top of the foot.

So you’ll have a very sucure fit with your shoes and less pressure on the top of your foot.

Here’s the walkthrough video on how to do it.

If you have any questions about this shoe lacing technique just let us know.

Why Your Shoe Size May Be Wrong

Did you know your shoe size may be wrong?

In fact, one of the biggest things I see is people in the wrong size shoes.

Simply having a shoe that fits properly can alleviate a lot of the foot issues they’re having.

Just because you can fit your foot into a shoe doesn’t mean that it’s the right fit.

So a lot of times that’s why I like to size feet using a Brannock device.

This gives a really good breakdown of the width and length of your feet.

But, what if I told you that the Brannock device may show you as a certain width and length but that still may be wrong.

Would you believe me?

Well, in the video below I show why this is exactly the case and what else determines the true size of your feet.

I think you’ll like this one. So take a look.

Gift Certificates For The Holiday Season

So the holiday season is here. That means lots of shopping, and sometimes not knowing what to get your family and/or friends.

So gift certificates are always a great option.

And I wanted to remind you that gift certificates are available here at the store.

All you have to do is simply stop by and pick one up.

If you have any questions just call at 845-342-9226

Introducing The “Kids” Club

So John and I have decided to do something we’ve never done before.

We’re calling it the Kids club.

If you have or had kids then you know how quickly their feet grow.

Sometimes it seems like the moment you buy a new pair of shoes they’ve outgrown them.

And you know what that means?

It means, you’ve constantly got to buy a new pair of shoes for your kids.

Which adds up.. $$$$

So we wanted to do something to solve this problem.

And we’re calling it the Kids Club.

In the video below you’ll learn what it’s all about. So make sure you take a look at this

Here’s What The Kids Club Is

It’s a program where instead of you buying a pair of kids shoes and paying for it upfront, you pay a $10 a month installment for the shoes.

So after you pick up the first pair of kids shoes (at the normal rate) you can enroll in the Kids Club. That means that you pay $10/month towards the next pair of shoes instead of paying for them upfront when you need them.

Then when your kid(s) are ready for a new pair you can apply what you’ve paid into the Kids Club program towards that pair.

Doing it this way keeps you from having to pay the bigger one time cost for the shoes.

And the longer you’re in the program the less you will owe at the time of picking up the shoes. You can even end up with a credit.

Here are examples of how it will work based on a $60 pair of kids shoes

At 4 months
$10/ month x 4 months = $40 paid. You would only owe $20 at the time of pickup.

At 6 months
$10/ month x 6 months = $60 paid. You would owe $0

At 8 months
$10/month x 8 months = $80 paid. You would have a credit of $20.

Important Details (Terms) For The Kids Club

– Right now the kids club is only for ages 5 and under.

– You must buy the first pair of shoes as you normally would. Which means you pay for the normal full cost of them. Once you do that you can then choose to enroll in the Kids Club for any kids shoes going forward.

– You must stop in with your child prior to picking up the next pair of shoes. (We need to size the child’s foot and make sure we have the shoe in stock. If not we will order it.)

– No refunds.

So this that’s it.

If you’re interested in this you can either stop by the store or schedule an appointment by choosing a date and time below.

We’ve Got More Kids Shoes

That’s right. We’ve got more kids shoes. All different brands, models, styles and colors.

We’ve got kids shoes for any age and any size.

This has been a long time coming and we’re really excited for this.

That’s because there hasn’t been a lot of focus on actually getting kids the “right” shoes that actually fit well.

So not only do we have all these kids shoes…

We will also take time to measure and size them properly. We’ll also take a look at how they’re developing.

All of this will help find the perfect shoe for you kids.

So take a look at the video below and see what we’ve got for you.

Orthotics And Insoles Overview

When it comes to the orthotics and insole industry it’s expanding quite a bit.

More and more people are turning to orthotics for…

-A better fit.
-Performance.
-And to alleviate pain issues.

So we wanted share with you a short video breaking down what is actually taking place in the industry so that way you have a better idea about how orthotics and insoles can benefit you.

Not only that, you’ll learn about the difference between the orthotics and insoles and which companies are producing solid products.

So take a look at the video below.

If you have any questions just let us know.

The Aftersport Slide Sandal Overview

More and more you will see people wearing sandals around. And not just to the beach.

They’re becoming more and more popular.

Especially after you’ve been on your feet all day, or have finished a run, or even just want something simple to wear.

So the shoe industry is paying attention and now making sandals that aren’t just some pieces of cheap rubber molded together.

And this is where the aftersport slide sandals come in.

I wanted to share a quick video with you to show you what types of quality sandals there are…

And a bit more on what sets them apart. So take a look at the video below to learn more about the aftersport sandals.

If you’d like to try a pair of the aftersport sandals, schedule an appointment below.

The Superfeet Aftersport&™ Sandal Slide Review

Here is the Superfeet Aftersport™ Sandal Slide review.

At the end of the day, your feet have taken thousands of steps and have had to manage thousands of pounds of pressure.

Multiply that if you went for a long run or did some sort of physical exercise.

So it makes sense that they may need a “break.”

They need to recover.

Obviously the best way to do that is to get off your feet and let them relax.

But sometimes that’s just not possible.

So what can you do?

Well, you can wear what’s called a recovery sandal.

And Superfeet has a good pair called the Aftersport™ Sandal Slide.

What makes these unique is that they can actually be custom made to fit your foot. Which is pretty cool, honestly.

And you can learn more about that and what these sandals are like by checking out the quick review below

These are some pretty good recovery sandals. Feel free to let me know what you think about the Superfeet Aftersport™ Slide Sandals.

Hoka Evo Jawz Shoe Review

The Hoka Evo Jawz is designed specifically for the trails. In this video review (below) you can see exactly why this is a trail shoe.

Not only that, it’s not a bad looking shoe (in my opinion).

So if you’re looking for a lightweight but aggressive trail shoe…

The Hoka Evo is definitely something to consider.

Check out the video below to learn more about the shoe.

If you’d like to try a pair on just scroll down and schedule an appointment.

Hoka Challenger ATR 4 Review

Among all the shoe reviews we’ve done here the last one we did was an overview of trail shoes.

Well, we thought it’d be a good idea to do individual reviews of some of the shoes we covered in the overview video.

What you’ll see below is a quick video review of the Hoka Challenger ATR 4.

You’ll see all the features, and what makes it a “trail shoe.”

So check it out

If you’d like to try a pair on just scroll down and schedule an appointment.

The Trail Shoe Overview

Here’s a little trail shoe overview for you.

Since one of the fastest growing segments in the shoe industry is that of trail shoes, things can get a little overwhelming with all the options out there.

It makes sense this segment is growing fast.

That’s because more and more people are running the obstacle course/mud races, and out on the trails.

Previously your best options for something like this would be hiking boots or regular sneakers. There were very few in-between options.

But now there are quite a few.

So I recorded a quick video for you to break down some of the different options out there so you can get a good sense of what’s available.

The great thing about many of these shoes is they can be used as an everyday shoe as well.

So if you’re into obstacle course running, hiking/ walking or just an everyday type of shoe take a look at this video.

If you’d like to try a pair on just scroll down and schedule an appointment.

The Alegria TRAQ Review

Now I can honestly say the Alegria TRAQ is different.

It’s the first shoe I’ve ever stocked that has a digital chip in it. This chip acts as a pedometer. It links up via Bluetooth with an app you can install on your smartphone.

Once they’re linked together it’ll track your steps, and do some other pretty cool things.

The great part is, they actually make a solid shoe. It’s not a gimmick, joke, or anything like that. It’s good.

It also looks pretty good.

And here’s a quick video of the Alegria TRAQ. You’ll see what it looks like and some of the other features that it has.

So take a look.

To Try A Pair On Scroll Down And Schedule An Appointment

The Hoka Elevon Shoe Review

Last fall (2017) Hoka introduced the Fly collection. One of the shoes in that collection was the Elevon.

It was introduced to add a new addition to their already successful running shoe line.

If you’re not familiar with the Hoka brand here’s another quick review for you…

The Hoka Clifton 4 Shoe Review

One thing to know about Hoka’s is that they are very comfortable. The Elevon is no different.

But there are also a bunch of other features that make it a great shoe.

So I put together a short video (25 seconds) that will show you exactly what the Elevon looks like and some of its features.

Here you go…

To Try A Pair On Scroll Down And Schedule An Appointment

The 361 Sensation 3 Shoe Review

Well, The 361 brand is moving along well. They are now onto the 3rd version of their popular Sensation 3 model.

There were some changes that were made from version 2. One of the big ones was trimming it down to save some weight.

And they did that without sacrificing support and comfort.

There were also a bunch of other changes that seemed to really help the shoe. Take a look at the video below to see what the Sensation 3 looks like and what some of the other changes are.

If you’d like to know more or try a pair on click the button below to schedule an appointment

Schedule Your Appointment

How Custom Shoe Orthotics Are Created

One of the big elements of what I do to help people find solutions to their foot problems is to use custom orthotics.

Every week I get a lot of questions about the process. From what would be right for the person, to how does it all work?

So I created a video that explains the exact process that’s used in the store to create custom orthotics.

Take a look at how it all works below…

If you watch this and are not sure if you need inserts or custom orthotics, or if you know you need orthotics…

Just schedule a time to come in. Either John or I will get you up and running with everything. That way you can start feeling better.

Click here to schedule an appointment.

The New Balance BM/BW 1000 Snow Boot Review

Ever have boots that just don’t keep your feet dry?

Ever have boots that just don’t keep your feet warm?

I’d say most of us have had to deal with that at one time or another.

But I’ve got a good boot from New Balance (the BM1000/ BW1000) that does a great job of keeping your feet dry and warm.

So if you’d like to see what these boots look like, and learn a little more, watch the short video below…

If you’d like to learn more or try a pair on stop by the store at

329 Route 211 East, Middletown, NY 10940

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The New Balance 1400V1 Hiking Boot Review

**Updated Review***

If you scroll all the way down the page you’ll see the quick 30-second review I did for the New Balance 1400V1 Hiking Boot.

Originally we did review it as a hiking boot, but it actually is so much more than that.

Since it has been so popular and there have been quite a few questions about it, I decided to do an in-depth review of the boot.

So not only will there be the quick 30-second review on this page, you’ll see the in-depth one as well.

Here’s that in-depth review of the New Balance 1400V1 boot.

** Original Post And Review**

The New Balance 1400V1 Hiking boots are designed so that not only are they comfortable, but they can handle the rough stuff.

A lot of times when it comes to hiking boots if you want comfort, you sacrifice durability.

Which basically means the boots get torn up really quick when the trails get rough.

If you want boots that are really durable, then a lot of times they are NOT comfortable.

And that’s why I like the New Balance 1400V1 hiking boots.

It’s a good combinarion of comfort and durability.

Check out the quick video below to learn more and see what they’re all about.

If you would like to learn more about the New Balance 1400v1 hiking boot or try them on to see how they feel on your foot you can either…

Stop by the store at 329 Route 211 East, Middletown, NY 10940

Or schedule an appointment by clicking here.

😉

Altra’s Versus Brooks/ Saucony And Hoka

In this video, you’ll see a comparison between the Altra Shoe brand and Saucony, Brooks, and Hoka.

The Altra’s have very distinct differences between the other three brands. These differences allow me to solve a lot of different foot issues that may have been a challenge before.

So watch the video below to see how the Altra’s are different, and how they are helping to solve foot problems for many people.

Oh, and just in case you didn’t see the Altra Paradigm 3.0 review which will give you a good background to this video…

You can see that review here.

insert video

Let me know what you think in the comments below

🙂

How To Size A Child’s Foot

With all the shoe options for kids out there, and how fast kids feet grow, it can be a challenge to figure out how to size their foot.

You’ll see a lot of options and tips on how to do it. But in the video below I wanted to show you the simple way that works every single time.

That way you know the most accurate size of your child’s foot.

Now if you’re not sure where to go to do this, or even what shoe would work best for your child’s foot, stop by the store here at..

329 Route 211 East, Middletown N.Y. 10940…

And I’ll help you through all of this.

🙂

How To Choose The Right Kids Shoes

Since I just introduced Pediped kids shoes I also wanted to make sure that you know what to look for in a good kids shoe.

There are a ton of options out there today. But so many of those options will not be a good fit (no pun intended) for your kids.

There’s definitely process to choosing a shoe for your kids that is going to be right. And in the video below I’ll walk you through what to look for and how to select the right kids shoe.

If you want to know more or see the shoes in person, stop by the store at…

329 Route 211 East, Middletown, N.Y. 10940

🙂

Introducing Pediped – Quality Kids Shoes

For all the years I’ve been in the shoe business I’ve never offered specific shoes for kids. Well today I’m officially announcing that I have a great quality brand of kids shoes in stock.

It’s from Pediped. The fastest growing kids shoe brand in the U.S.A. In the video below you will get to see what the shoes look like, and how they are really great shoes.

So take a look…

🙂

Merrell Jungle Moc Review

The Merrell Junge Moc review breaks down why this shoe is different from the other Merrell shoes.

It’s a slip on shoe that is not only comfortable but popular with many people.

In the video below I take you through the features of the shoe and what makes it so popular.

As always, if you have any questions just let me know in the comments below…

🙂

Merrell Ventilator Shoe Review

Here’s the Merrell Ventilator Shoe Review. This is another Merrell shoe that we stock here at the store. It’s great for hiking, or all around comfort.

It’s one of our favorites and people are really liking it.

So here’s a video review to break down the shoe and what people are liking about it.

Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below….

—

Why You’ll Like Merrell And A Review Of The Moab Rover

It seems that a lot of people love Merrell shoes. Myself included. Overall they have a great fit and are very comfortable.

It’s actually surprising how many actually tell me how much they “love” Merrell.

But if you’re not sure why, or you are new to Merrell I put together a quick video for you to share with you the reason why people love Merrell.

Not only that but I did a quick review of the Merrell Moab Rover as well. That way you can see what that shoe is all about.

So take a look at the short video below and see what Merrell is all about…

As always, feel free to leave a comment. And if you have Merrell shoes already, just let me know below.

Frank

Merrell Moab GORE-TEX Review

The Merrell Moab GORE-TEX review will dive into why this is such a great shoe. This is a quick video that show you the highlights and what this shoe is good for.

This is also one of their popular models. So take a look at the video to learn a bit more about the Moab GORE-TEX shoe.

Feel free to leave a comment below…

🙂

How Custom Foot Orthotics Are Made Specifically For Your Foot

Ever wonder how custom foot orthotics are made? As you know everyone’s foot is different. It’s just like a fingerprint. No two feet are the same.

So when major foot problems pop up, many times the best option is to have an orthotic specifically customized for your foot.

You can use inserts as well and those will help, but if you need more help the custom is the way to go.

So when you have a custom foot orthotic done it takes more time than just slipping in an insert into your shoe.

The custom orthotic needs to be specifically designed to your foot. So there needs to be a way to perfectly capture the shape of your foot.

So I use a very specific process where I wrap plaster around your feet, then use a plastic bag and vacuum to seal the mold tightly to your foot.

That way it gives the most accurate casting for your foot.

I get questions about this process and what it’s like, so I put together a very quick video of what the casting looks like, and then what the finished product turns out to be.

So take a look at this quick video on how custom foot orthotics are made…

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need some custom foot orthotics.

–

Why Are Orthotics Important And How They Work

I get the question all the time…

Do I need orthotics?

Well, the answer is… It depends.

A lot of times the person does need them. But they’re not exactly sure what they are designed to help with and what the process is to get them to fit right for their feet.

So I put together a quick video explaining why you may need orthotics, what they help with, and what the process is like so that they fit your feet perfectly. That way they can help you.

Feel free to take a look at the video below.

And if you have any questions call me at 845-342-9226

Yours In Happy Feet… Frank

Here’s Info About Our Grand Opening

So Here Are The Details We Have So Far…

Please keep in mind that this is tentative and things may/can change!!!!

Date: Saturday September 12th, 2015

Time: 10am – 2pm

Location: Frank’s Custom Shoe Fitting & NeighboRx Pharmacy – 329 Route 211 East, Middletown, NY 10940 – Across the street from ShopRite

What Is Taking Place?

Grand Opening Party – And we are combing this and having a joint grand opening with NeighboRx Pharmacy – which is right next store.

– We will be having food.

– We will be having Ice Cream

– I will be aiming to see if I can get one or two special guests who are big in the running world.

– I will be aiming to have specific vendors (TBD) so you can test new and different products.

– I will be holding special clinics (TBD) – Possibly on lacing techniques, shoe fitting tricks, etc

– Other special guests (Names and info TBD)
So this is the basic idea of how our Grand Opening is shaping up. The actual timetable of when everything is taking place will be locked down in the coming weeks, and will be updated here.

So keep checking back.

Thanks,
Frank

For more information or if you have questions call…

845-342-9226

—

What Is The Shoe Club?

Here is the breakdown in pricing.

Here are examples of how it will work based on a $120 pair of Adult shoes

***Important Details (Terms) For The Shoe Club***

Here’s What The Kids Club Is

Here are examples of how it will work based on a $60 pair of kids shoes

***Important Details (Terms) For The Kids Club***

If you’d like to try a pair of the aftersport sandals, schedule an appointment below.

If you’d like to try a pair on just scroll down and schedule an appointment.

If you’d like to try a pair on just scroll down and schedule an appointment.

If you’d like to try a pair on just scroll down and schedule an appointment.

To Try A Pair On Scroll Down And Schedule An Appointment

To Try A Pair On Scroll Down And Schedule An Appointment

For more information or if you have questions call…

845-342-9226

Important Details (Terms) For The Shoe Club

Important Details (Terms) For The Kids Club