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.

Hilma Running Shoes makes 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).

In this episode, Brooke 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

I'm normally 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 solving a very real need among women runners. If you don't know about Hilma yet, you should.

Links & Resources from the Show:

Brooke on Instagram
Hilma Running Shoes on Instagram
Hilma Running Shoes website
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Thank you 2Before!

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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.

Men’s vs. Women’s Feet: Why Hilma Running Shoes is Making Shoes for Just for Women

The Strength Running Podcast

Men’s vs. Women’s Feet: Why Hilma Running Shoes is Making Shoes for Just for Women