Brooke Torres is an ultra runner who couldn’t understand why running shoes were so uncomfortable. So, she started a running shoe company to fix that problem.
Enter: Hilma Running Shoes. They make shoes specifically for the needs of women’s feet, which are uniquely shaped and not just a smaller version of men’s feet (since as you’ll hear, that doesn’t work).
As I spoke with Brooke, I remembered prior podcast guest Stacy Sims and her famous line that “Women are not just small men.” That rings true for feet, too.
Brooke founded Hilma to bring a great technical running shoe to every woman for every run.
Instead of designing fits that were simply smaller versions of men’s shoes, Brooke focused on multi-dimensional sizing for shoes that feel good to each unique user.
Normally, I’m very reluctant to have running company CEO’s on the podcast, since the episode could feel like a massive advertisement. But I confidently made an exception with this episode.
Hilma Running Shoes is a small company that is serving the running community in a new and positive way.
They’re solving a very real need among women runners. If you don’t know about Hilma yet, you should.
Brooke Torres on Supporting Women in Sports with Proper Running Shoe Fitting
Does the perfect pair of running shoes exist? No— at least not one single pair that’s perfect for everybody!
But Brooke shares wisdom on the show to help you find a pair that will be a fantastic fit for your feet.
In this episode, Brooke Torres and I talk about:
- Women’s foot shape and its impact on running shoe design
- How poor-fit shoes can lead to injury and discomfort due to differences in foot geometry
- Heels, high arches, and bunions: common foot problems in women
- How women often choose to size up in order to find more width
- Hilma’s three different fits, with a 90% try-on success rate
- The cost and time required for custom shoe creation (it’s a lot)
- Personalized shoe fitting for women, using data and quizzes to determine the best fit
- Running shoes for various purposes and from urban walking to moderately technical trails
- Helping women feel welcome in the outdoor industry
Send this episode to a woman runner who would appreciate Hilma Running Shoes, or to any running gearhead who wants to stay on top of running shoe developments.
Subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, or Google Play
Links & Resources from the Show:
- Brooke on Instagram
- Hilma Running Shoes on Instagram
- Hilma Running Shoes website
- Get the free injury prevention email series.
Thank you to 2Before!
We are supported by 2Before, a powerful sports supplement made from New Zealand Blackcurrants designed to increase endurance, manage inflammation, support immunity, and promote adaptation. 2Before helps to boost performance by increasing blood flow, making it more efficient for the body to pump oxygenated nutrient-rich blood into the muscles.
So, if you want to try to boost your performance and immune system, use code JASON for 30% off 20 packs and multi-serve packs at 2Before.com.
Thank you to 2Before for supporting Strength Running!
Thank you DrinkLMNT!
A big thanks to DrinkLMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at DrinkLMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You’ll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best.
DrinkLMNT’s products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day.
If you’re not familiar, LMNT is my favorite way to hydrate. They make electrolytes for athletes and low-carb folks with no Sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. I’m now in the habit of giving away boxes of LMNT at group runs around Denver and Boulder and everyone loves this stuff.
Boost your performance and your recovery with LMNT. They’re the exclusive hydration partner to Team USA Weightlifting and quite a few professional baseball, hockey, and basketball teams are on regular subscriptions. So check out DrinkLMNT to get a free sampler pack and get your hydration optimized for the upcoming season.
