Our fit process, evolved

Finding the right shoe starts with what you need it to do.

From there, we match your use case to the right footwear experience, then refine by fit, support, feel, and movement.

How we find your best starting point

We begin by understanding how you’ll use the shoe, then use fit, movement, and comparison to make the right choice clearer.

Understand the use case

Running, walking, standing, training, racing, recovery, or daily comfort.

Match the experience

Connect, Classic, Float, Bounce, Fast, or a useful blend.

Fit the shoe to the foot

Length, width, volume, shape, and preference still matter.

Refine support when needed

Video gait analysis can help guide the comparison.

Let feel decide

The final choice happens on your foot.

These are starting points, not boxes.

The category gets us moving in a better direction. Your fit, feel, and movement make the final call.

The Five Footwear Experiences

Modern shoes are often defined by the experience they create underfoot, not only by traditional labels. These five experiences give us a smarter starting point.

Connect

Lower, nimble, and more ground-connected.

Best starting points:Gym work, HIIT, short workouts, and those who dislike big cushioning.

Classic

Familiar, balanced, and everyday.

Best starting points:New runners, walkers, general fitness, and many traditional support needs.

Float

High-cushion, protective, and comfort-first.

Best starting points:All-day standing, walking, recovery miles, easy miles, and softer ride preferences.

Bounce

Modern, energetic, lively, or propulsive.

Best starting points:Competitive and dedicated recreational runners seeking faster daily training.

Fast

Race-day and speed-first performance.

Best starting points:Racing, speedwork, and performance-focused goals.

Research-Informed. Not Formula-Driven.

Our fit process is informed by modern footwear research, including Brooks Run Signature work and Dr. Benno Nigg’s research on preferred movement paths and comfort-based shoe selection.

In practical terms, that means comfort is not just a nice bonus. The shoe that feels best is often the one that best complements how you naturally move, helping running or walking feel easier, smoother, and more natural.

We still use observation, video gait analysis, and fit tools when they help, but we don’t reduce your decision to a single scan, label, or category. The best shoe still has to work on your foot.

Video gait analysis

When support is a real question, video gait analysis helps us see how you move and decide whether more traditionally supportive options should be part of the comparison.

Foot Scanning

A 2D & 3D scan can help us talk about size, shape, width, and volume. It is a helpful visual, not a final prescription for which shoe is best.

Different Needs.
Different Starting Points.

This is where the framework becomes practical. The right starting category depends on what the shoe needs to do for each individual.

Gym work or HIIT

Connect or Classic

We may prioritize nimbleness and stability under load instead of defaulting to a tall, soft shoe.

Walking 3–5 times per week

Classic or Float

Classic may offer versatility. Float may offer softer protection. Support is added when the person’s history suggests it.

On your feet all day

Float or Classic

We usually start with comfort and shape match, then refine quickly because fit failure shows up fast here.

New middle or high school runner

Classic, maybe Bounce

We often keep the first option familiar, then explore Bounce if the athlete wants more energy and handles it well.

Competitive or dedicated recreational runner

Bounce or Fast

Bounce may fit daily training needs. Fast may fit speedwork or race-day needs. Distance, goals, and tolerance still matter.

Experienced marathoner

Float, Bounce, or Fast

The answer may be a rotation: Float for recovery, Bounce for training, Fast for workouts and race day.

Example Visit Prep

You:
I walk most mornings and stand much of the day. Where should I start?

Footwear Guru:
Start by comparing cushioned, stable-neutral options like Ghost Max 4, Bondi 9, 1080v15, and Triumph 24.

Quick guide:
Ghost Max 4: safest all-around
Bondi 9: softest standing comfort
1080v15: lighter daily comfort
Triumph 24: higher-heel, bouncier feel

Next question:
Are you standing mostly on hard floors, and do you need slip-resistant traction?

Ask Footwear Guru

Use Footwear Guru Before You Visit

Footwear Guru helps you clarify your goals, compare shoe types, understand tradeoffs, and arrive with better questions. It does not replace the in-store fit process. It makes the in-store conversation more productive.

Before the Visit

Ask questions, compare shoes, explain discomfort, and narrow your starting point.

Compare With Our Team

Use it as a shared reference for comparisons, cushioning preferences, or model changes.

Make the Final Call

Try shoes on, compare fit and feel, and work with the Big Peach team to make the final decision.

Fit Process FAQs

Do you still do video gait analysis?

Yes. We use it when it helps guide support or shoe choice, but it is no longer the only starting point.

Do you still fit stability shoes?

Yes. Stability shoes still matter, especially for some guests. We simply look at support after we understand use case, fit, and footwear experience.

Is Footwear Guru replacing the in-store fit process?

No. Footwear Guru helps you arrive with more clarity. Big Peach helps you make the final decision through fit, feel, movement, and in-store comparison.

Is the fit process only for runners?

No. It is for runners, walkers, people on their feet all day, gym users, students, healthcare workers, and anyone trying to find better footwear.

Do I need an appointment?

No appointment is needed, but Footwear Guru can help you arrive with a better starting point.

Should I bring my current shoes?

Yes, especially if they worked well, failed badly, or relate to a discomfort pattern.