KEITH T. DENNETT | New South | CONTACT
A specialist running store has sold out of high-end trail shoes this week, all thanks to a new wave of customers that haven’t been on a run since their Year 10 cross country carnival.
It appears business is booming at ‘Runners Touch’, an athletic shoe store in the Old City District, which has been serving Betoota’s corporate triathlete and long-distance charity run community for over 15 years.
The Advocate understands after years of fitting Strava obsessed trail runners, the store has become popular with local graphic designers and French Quarter trendsetters who ironically wear a Lacoste bum bag to carry their asthma puffer.
Speaking to store owner Michalo Mizano, the wiry 45-year-old told The Advocate he was a little dumbfounded by the new set of customers, but was more than happy to take their money given their obsession for buying two pairs of Gore-Tex Salomon sneakers in one transaction.
“Usually my customers consider themselves high performance athletes, so you can imagine the air of superiority and snide I have to deal with as I fit them into the perfect running shoe.”
“It’s actually been quite nice to have these rich hipsters come in, ask what other colours I have and then walk out with two pairs no questions asked!”
A registered podiatrist, who’s built his small business on his famous “10 Day – No Fit – No Fee” policy, Michalo said he was also relieved to not have to put customers on a treadmill and offer his physical assessment service.
“Usually I have to assess my customer’s running style, their foot pronation, the kinds of surfaces they are training on, but not these hipsters!”
“Most just admit they’ll only be wearing them to a cafe to buy an oat milk latte, or when they’re heading to some warehouse rave.”
“Although I did have to install a second mirror in the shop the other day, they sure like to cuddle up and take a photo of each other while they’re shopping on a Saturday morning…”
More to come.
