Running Shoes- stores in Southern / Central CA

[Bakonewbie]

I posted about running shoes in the health/fitness section. Seems the general thought is that I need to get to a running store and get fitted for a good pair of shoes. (for the academy)
I don't know of any store like that in the Bakersfield area. (there was one but it is closed)

So, can anyone here give a referral for a store they have used? I am OK with a road trip, seems like it is needed. If I have to drive, OC is probably best as that is where I am from and I have family down there. LA would be closer though.

[COJO2]

runners high. There's one here in long beach. Several others around too. Good spot for runners.

[IronBruin]

There's quite a few in Santa Monica, one is called Top to Top and then there's a New Balance store.

[Fatdome]

I posted about running shoes in the health/fitness section. Seems the general thought is that I need to get to a running store and get fitted for a good pair of shoes. (for the academy)
I don't know of any store like that in the Bakersfield area. (there was one but it is closed)

So, can anyone here give a referral for a store they have used? I am OK with a road trip, seems like it is needed. If I have to drive, OC is probably best as that is where I am from and I have family down there. LA would be closer though.

i would go to ANY champs sporting goods stores. nice shoes for cheap prices. make sure you go one size bigger and replace every 6mos.

[Copp'rPenny]

My husband and I have run for years. We've tried several places but were recently turned onto Road Runner Sports. I would HIGHLY recommend it. They use several technical devices to figure out the shape of your foot and your running gait. Then they give you 3-4 different brands built specifically for your foot and running style. It was a lot more than one guy watching you run while trying on shoes.

And they give a discount for those headed to the academy. ;)

Here are their Cali locations. Maybe you'll be near one?

Concord
Willows Shopping Center
1975 Diamond Blvd
Concord, CA 94520
(925) 825-8052

Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa Courtyards
1835 Newport Blvd.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949) 515-9540

Laguna Hills
Oakbrook Village Shopping Center
24291 Avenida De La Carlota
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
(949) 855-9252


San Carlos
1125 Industrial Rd.
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 654-2603


San Diego
5553 Copley Drive
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 974-4455


San Diego Clearance
Rear of:
5629 Copley Drive
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 974-4455

Thousand Oaks
1714 Newbury Road
Newbury Park, CA 91320
(805) 375-1415


Torrance
25359 Crenshaw Boulevard
Torrance, CA 90505
(310) 326-8530


West Hills
Fallbrook Center
6745 Fallbrook Ave.
West Hills, CA 91307
(818) 274-0383

[Copp'rPenny]

Other fun running shoe facts:

Shoes need 48 hours to return to their shape after a run. If in the academy you are running on consecutive days, it would be better to have two pairs of shoes and alternate. I plan to do this.

If you're running 12 miles a week, you'll get six months out of them. If you're closer to 20, four months is all you'll get.

To figure out if your shoes are losing it, check the sides of the sole (usually white). If there are lots of wrinkles in it, it's time for a new pair.

Finally, to tie your shoe so it won't come untied (but will come apart with one tug of a lace), send ONE of the loops around again before pulling on both loops to secure. This method was developed by a nurse who was tired of bending down and tying her shoes all day/night. Try it, it works!

[WPD954]

i would go to ANY champs sporting goods stores. nice shoes for cheap prices. make sure you go one size bigger and replace every 6mos.

BAKONEWBIE.......Isn't there a CHAMPS in the Valley Mall ? I think thats where I bought mine.

Def save you some gas $$$$

[serenade84]

Yes there is. Does the KCSD still require you to wear the New Balance shoes, (I think the 1911 or something like that) or did it change. I was looking for them at Foot Locker and they didn't have them.

[Copp'rPenny]

I can't believe they would MAKE you buy a particular shoe. For example: Some people have their second toe longer than their big toe. They would definitely wear a different shoe than someone with pretty toes like mine :D. Plus, shoe companies come out with new shoes and new versions of existing shoes (and stop making some makes) every SIX months. It would be completely impractical.

I'm already bummed that most academies prescribe which socks to wear. Cotton socks give my feet blisters. I think I'm going to wear my running socks under my academy socks as long as I don't get in trouble.

[Bakonewbie]

Does Champs offer fittings? Sales people who actually run?

I don't know what they make us wear. I didn't think they would make us wear one shoe over another. (shows what I know) Too bad there aren't any of the Kern guys on this board! I know a few guys but they are all older and don't know much about the academy.
Maybe I'll find out when I get my uniforms next week? I guess I should wait until then before spending $$$ on new shoes. I have a pair of new balance now and I don't like them at all. Too stiff and no cushion. (I like running in cross trainers better than these) I don't know what model they are, think I paid around $60 on sale at Big 5. (reg price around $100)

I was going to head over to Road Runner Sports tomorrow but now I am thinking I should wait and see what KCSO says when I get my uniforms. That sucks because it is going to take a full day for me to get shoes. A trip to Road Runner Sports in West Hills is going to take 4-5 hours round trip plus 30 min to an hour at the store. Add in typical So Cal traffic and it will be an all-day project! One I'd rather get done tomorrow than put off until next week.

[Stugotz]

Run with Us and A Snail's Pace, both in Pasadena

[Blackavar]

Snail's Pace also had a store in Laguna Hills. Don't know if it is still there though. Great store, great staff.

[Nesnat]

Hey Bakonewbie I also live in bakersfield and your right there is no place in this town to go and get properly fitted for a pair of running shoes. I need to get fitted for a couple of pairs of good running shoes as well, I am starting the CHP Academy in West Sac in Febuary. The closes place to us is in Valencia. Its a Running store called Runnerslane http://www.runnerslane.com/running-shoes/information.php. My problem is I wear size 15 and those aren't as easy to find. I am gonna try and get up there tomorrow, I will let you know how it is. Good luck in your academy, stay strong, don't quit...

[Nesnat]

I also hear this place is pretty good, their in San Luis Obispo. Haven't been there, but from what I have heard and checking out their website, they have a huge selection of shoes at pretty good prices. http://www.runningwarehouse.com/CustService/?from=cs.

[Copp'rPenny]

Snail's Pace also had a store in Laguna Hills. Don't know if it is still there though. Great store, great staff.

It's still there. I think nearby Roadrunners does a better job of analyzing the customer's needs. I didn't think they gave me enough info to make the best decision. But they do have a great selection.

[Bakonewbie]

Thanks for all the info guys/girls. Once I figure out what they will let me wear I will go get some good kicks. (I still suck at running but good shoes can only make me better)

Nesnat- good luck in the CHP. My bro-in-law did that about 7 years ago. It took him 4-5 years to get back to Bakersfield but he is back now. I hope you get a good station. He had to commute to Newhall for over 2 years from Bako. (then Tejon, then Bako) Great pay though! I think that station is full but I know they just got 2 boots from the academy. (rare for that station) If you get Bako- he'll be one of your FTO's! :)

[Nesnat]

Thanks Bako. We'll see how it goes. You never know I might get lucky...

[serenade84]

Thanks for all the info guys/girls. Once I figure out what they will let me wear I will go get some good kicks. (I still suck at running but good shoes can only make me better)


To clarify, they give you a form with all the things you will need and on this form they listed a shoe, which at that time was the New Balance 912. It's at least a recommended shoe, probably not mandatory. This was a year ago when my best friend went through the KCSD Academy.

[Copp'rPenny]

That shoe isn't on New Balance's roster anymore. And it might have been a uniform shoe, not a running shoe. See
http://www.newbalancetampa.com/shop/product_detail.asp?model=MCE912BK

[Bakonewbie]

To clarify, they give you a form with all the things you will need

I assume they will give that when I pick up the uniforms. (I hope) Ask your buddy what the deal was with the pre-academy.
How long and what hours- 8-5 M-F?
What kind of PT was there? (lots? as bad as the academy or more educational stuff, showing us how they want it done) I am trying to find out if I'll be able to keep working out up until the academy starts.

[serenade84]

I told him about your pre academy and he said they didn't do that a year ago when he went in. I DO have a friend going to the academy with you this month, who is a Det. Deputy now, so I'll ask him about that stuff for you.

[BossMan1364]

There is also a snails pace in Orange County. As well as The runners store (I believe) in the City of Orange.

[Bakonewbie]

I got my paperwork today. (they don't give us uniforms, they give us 3 patches and a list of stuff we need to buy)
They don't have any running shoes listed. You can get what you like. The sheet says; high quality, conservative color/style running shoes. (no restricion on socks either- calf length, solid white gym socks)
So now to take the drive...

[serenade84]

Is there a specific water bottle you have to get?

[Bakonewbie]

Yes- 20 oz Ultimate Direction brand fast draw plus water bottle, gray with black mesh hand hold. (available at Mike's Uniforms)

[serenade84]

Let me know if you can't find one in black, and DON'T sharpie a different colored one.

[WPD954]

Yes- 20 oz Ultimate Direction brand fast draw plus water bottle, gray with black mesh hand hold. (available at Mike's Uniforms)

where is mikes uniforms ? I went to code 3 uniforms and wasnt overly impressed, is mikes better ?

[Bakonewbie]

I haven't been to any of them yet. My bro-in-law likes VIP on 19th. They are also on the Kern list. It seems like Mike's has more of the stuff on the list though. Mike's in on 19th at H. I am going by this week so I'll let you know what it is like.

[WPD954]

is VIP near 19 th and chester ? I saw one in that area when I was downtown.

[Bakonewbie]

Yes, that is the one. I guess the guy that owns it is retired BPD. My bro-in-law (CHP) likes that store.

[WPD954]

thanks....let me know how mikes is.

[WPD954]

Let me know if you can't find one in black, and DON'T sharpie a different colored one.

thats how we roll in B-town ! :p:D

[serenade84]

thats how we roll in B-town ! :p:D

My friend said half the class couldn't get one in black and used a sharpie. As you can guess, it was hell for the class when the instructors found out.

[WPD954]

My friend said half the class couldn't get one in black and used a sharpie. As you can guess, it was hell for the class when the instructors found out.

LOL.....I thought you were joking!!! :eek: Yes....i can just imagine.

[Nesnat]

I was at all three the other day Mikes, Code 3 and VIP. I think VIP has the best selection of the three. Code 3 seemed to be over priced and Mikes was kind of small and half there store is for high school letterman jackets and such.

[WPD954]

thanks Nesnat, think I'm going to check out VIP.

[Bakonewbie]

I am going to get uniforms tomorrow. I did go get my running shoes today. I went to Road Runner in Thousand Oaks. That place is awesome. The fitting is done on a computer and they know their stuff. I tried on a ton of shoes and tested them out on the treadmill. They video tape you on the treadmill running barefoot and then play it back in slow motion. It really tells a lot about how you run.
I ended up with a great pair of shoes (only $110- got them down to $90 with discounts) I also picked up an extra set of inserts and 6 pairs of running socks for the academy.
I drove home (2 hours) and did 3 miles in them. No more sore feet. (was having mild pain in the ball of my foot) These are great, no sore feet!

[Bakonewbie]

OK, so I ran around and got/ordered all the stuff I need for the academy. I went to all 3 uniform shops today and I can say VIP is by far the best. The people are great, took lots of time with me and got me all the stuff I needed. (gave me lots of good tips too)
I had to go to Mike's Uniforms to get my PT gear. (they are the only ones that can put on the Kern stuff) I saw them "fitting" a guy from my academy while I was there. I am VERY glad I stopped at VIP first! They did not give the same care, etc that VIP did. There isn't much in their store either.
My last stop was to Code 3. They have a nice store, the girls there were very nice. They have a good size store with plenty of stuff. They did not know as much as the people at VIP. But, the store was nice. I picked up my boots there. I went with the 5.11 boots. They fit great, like slippers! (plus you get a free polish kit, free socks and a free pair of ADU pants from 5.11 when you buy a pair of their boots) I tried on the 5.11's at VIP but wanted to try some other types before I bought.
So there it is... Bakersfield's uniform shops rated from top to bottom.
1) VIP (chester & 19th)
2) Code 3 (Rosedale)
3) Mike's (only if you need academy specific PT gear... no other reason to go here unless you are CDC as they had a ton of that stuff)

*VIP also gives in house credit for 6 months, no fees or interest. I did not use that but thought it was a nice feature for someone who needed it.

So far I have spent about $1000 on stuff for the academy. (more to come too)

[WPD954]

I bought my 511 boots at code 3. I need to buy a beenie and gloves, getting too cold out. I thouoght code 3 was ok, but I'm used to the uni stores we had down south before I moved up here.

[Copp'rPenny]

I am going to get uniforms tomorrow. I did go get my running shoes today. I went to Road Runner in Thousand Oaks. That place is awesome. The fitting is done on a computer and they know their stuff. I tried on a ton of shoes and tested them out on the treadmill. They video tape you on the treadmill running barefoot and then play it back in slow motion. It really tells a lot about how you run.
I ended up with a great pair of shoes (only $110- got them down to $90 with discounts) I also picked up an extra set of inserts and 6 pairs of running socks for the academy.
I drove home (2 hours) and did 3 miles in them. No more sore feet. (was having mild pain in the ball of my foot) These are great, no sore feet!

I'm glad you thought it was worth the drive. Those guys have it down to a science. I love watching my feet run in slow motion. Almost makes me look like an athlete! :D

[VChopefull]

haha. I was at Roadrunner sports in Thousand Oaks the other day getting shoes for a running clinic put on by the Sheriff's Dept and I too thought to my self "Wow, I look like a serious athlete in slow motion" he then said "I can tell by your running that your a beginner"

So much for feeling like an athlete. lol

Roadrunner sports is the best for a "True running shoe"