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Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Somnio Running Shoes Product Review & Giveaway

I have worn Brooks running shoes for five years and have suffered from bunions (from my running and from my dress shoes and high heels at the office). Though my shoes had carried me through thousands of miles, my feet hurt terribly (especially the bunion on my right foot), my bunions ached and I decided to see if a small change could make a difference. I decided to donate several pairs of highly-uncomfortable high heels (though kept my favorites that I could still wear semi-comfortably). And, I wanted to see if a new pair of running shoes would help me even further.


I came across Somnio (HERE) online. Somnio is Latin for “dream.” Their mission is to help people achieve their lifestyle goals and do so while remaining injury and pain free. They claim that they aren’t just selling shoes; they’re solving problems, and are helping to make some dreams come true along the way. Somnio is founded on the principle that shoes should adapt to the individual and improve biomechanics. Every person is different, and they believe that every pair of shoes should be different, too, so they built a platform for making that possible. Their exclusive system of almost infinite shoes and limitless possibilities was designed in the nation’s leading sports medicine lab, and then tested and refined on “real runners”. Their adjustable component system is superior to every running and casual shoe currently on the market. They believe focus provides a clear path to achievement. They are focused on making great shoes that accommodate to every individual's needs.

They are focused on building the perfect Somnio shoe for you. And, that’s exactly what they did for me!!

The approach of Somnio’s design (as taken from their website):
Somnio’s design is embedded in the concept of alignment control and force distribution. To achieve this level of customization, Somnio utilizes a “direct” vs. “indirect” approach. Old convention achieves alignment control (in this case pronation control) through firmer medial mid-sole materials to “block” motion from happening (“indirect”). It does not address the actual alignment of the foot/ankle itself. When the same durometer (cushioning) is used across all weight categories, it can create a stiff/unnatural feeling for some runners. Somnio’s “direct” approach toward alignment control incorporates both the extrinsic and intrinsic design concepts utilized in orthotic prescription. Extrinsic posting in an orthotic changes the angulation of the foot/ankle while intrinsic posting supports the structural alignment of the foot and can be made to improve the foot/ankle alignment.

Last shape and medial mid-sole durometer options are offered in all Somnio models upon which further customization occurs. Somnio uses the different last/durometer options to accommodate for foot shape and weight categories.

Somnio achieves improved force distribution through improved alignment and customization of the cushioning inserts at the postero-lateral heel and across the metatarsal-phalangeal joints (balls of the feet). While old convention relies on numerous shoe models that try to predict the various combinations of firmness/softness that someone will like, the intangible “feel” of a shoe is a very personal experience and can be customized throughout the Somnio footwear line.

There are six shoes for men and six running models for women, ranging in price from $70 (on sale on the Somnio website) to $160.

I was asked to go get my “prescription” at a local running store. A prescription?!?! I had no clue what kind of fitting they had in store for me. The wonderful folks at Berkeley Running Company (HERE) in Madison helped me get fitted. WOW – what an amazing process! In the past I had just been asked by local running stores to run on the treadmill or to take a quick jaunt around the parking lot. I was simply asked if it was comfortable or not (How do you really know?!?!?). Or, I’d simply stop in and pick up another pair of the exact same shoe I was already using (typically the case). Well, not that day!! I was asked to use the patented Line-Up device and do a variety of activities to get fitted properly while barefoot. A model was then chosen for me and we played around with various cushions until I got what I thought was the right fit for me. They analyzed me as I ran on the treadmill and I tried out the shoes. I could still feel the pain and rubbing on the bunion on my right foot and we adjusted the cushioning accordingly. I ran on the treadmill again and immediately felt a difference. My foot felt completely different as I ran on the treadmill and there was no pressure on my bunion. It was amazing. It even made the impact on my right ankle seem lighter.


The Somnio fit process works in 5 easy steps:
The individual stands on our patented Line-Up device. (pictured above)
The fitter adjusts the varus until the knee is aligned.
The fitter uses the arch ball to select the correct footbed.
The fitter uses the chart to select the correct Ind-X inserts.
Then, the fitter slides the F.E.A.T system into the shoe for the individual to try.

BEYOND SHOE SIZE AND PRONATION: HOW TO TRULY CUSTOMIZE A SHOE.
The Line Up Measuring Device is our patented fitting tool.
The biomechanic design is a result of our partnership with the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine. While the individual stands barefoot upon the Line Up Device, the fitter uses the adjustable slides to easily determine:
Which footbed fits their arch
Which cushion is appropriate for their weight and running surface
Which varus wedge inserts best align the foot and lower leg


Step 1: Line Up Device
Standing barefoot alignment assessment:
The shoe fitter measures arch height (Low, Normal, High) and pronation (Neutral, Mild, Moderate, Significant).
Supinators should chose a neutral model shoe to encourage any pronation.
Cushioning is selected based on body weight.

The individual does a single leg squat on the Line Up Device:
The individual places their heel against the heel cup. This allows the inherent tibial torsion of the lower leg (degree varies between people) to place the foot naturally vs. forcing the foot straight forward and imposing an internal rotation of the knee/femur.
Fitter lines up laser on middle of patella.
The individual perform a single leg squat (1/3 knee bend) while looking straight forward.
The individual performs a few repetitions of the squat so the fitter can assess typical running patterns.

Step 2: Adjust Varus
The fitter adjusts the varus using our patented Line Up Device.
The fitter adjusts the balance of the Line Up Device to optimize the alignment of the laser tracking on your patella.

Step 3: Use Arch Ball
In this step the fitter will select your ideal arch height based on:
Archometer.
General visual assessment of arch height (Low, Normal, High).
Historical tolerance of arch support (this is determined during your initial questioning).

Step 4: Select Components
The fitter will use the Durometer Gauge, your general weight and the varus setting to select your correct inserts.
Durometer will initially be based on body weight or injury needs and then be adjusted to accommodate for fit.



Step 5: Shoe Trial
Place the Functionally Engineered Adaptable Tricomponent [FEAT] System into the shoe.
The fitter will use their biomechanical knowledge to make specific adjustments to get the best shoe fit. Any necessary adjustments are based on how the shoe actually fits and feels.

Modifications:
The shoe fitter’s first priority is addressing any alignment needs with appropriate canting changes.
They will modify durometer of inserts to provide a good balance between comfort/feel and injury needs.
Arch height is typically a straight forward decision.



Here is the Somnio prescription that I was given:
Model: Womens Exact Change (I knew that I would need a stability shoe)
http://www.somniorunning.com/womens-exact-change
Women's Size 10 (my usual size)
This shoe provides stability. With a slightly curved last, it’s best suited for runners with medium to high arches and moderate pronation.

F.E.A.T.SYSTEM Functionally Engineered Adaptable Tricomponent SystemInterchangeable footbeds for a custom fit based on the runner’s arch height, providing more support and comfortIndX cushioning inserts for long-lasting cushioning and customization based on weight and preferred running surfaceTunable Varus angulation for addressing each runner’s particular biomechanical needs – like having a custom orthotic made specifically for your shoe2 Step dual density midsole for pronation controlRoll Bar midfoot bridge provides extra support and gait alignment during the transition from heel to forefootRoad Block tread rubber compound for durabilityStretch Mesh forefoot material allows the shoe to move with the foot and accomm dates a wide variety of foot typesLace Keeper keeps laces in place and tied

Neon Yellow Cushion front and back (Variable Cushioning (inner front and outer back) is based on the runner’s weight and preferred running surface.)


Varas Wedge - right foot is red; left foot is blue (Adjustable Varus Wedge inserts (three sizes) for biomechanical fine-tuning.)Provides correction of subtalar joint alignment (direct pronation control). Full foot varus wedges are utilized to provide better functional alignment control throughout stance phase (forefoot control is particularly needed during mid-to-late stance).
Footbed - right foot is green ++; left foot is green ++ ( Customizable Footbeds (three sizes) to match arch height and shape of foot.)Provides improved alignment control by more adequately supporting the arch structures (aids in “intrinsic control” of subtalar joint alignment. Increased comfort (allows for accommodation to both the high and low ends of the arch height spectrum).

Footbed packages (HERE) retail for $40 on the Somnio website. They also had these for sale at the running store.




Running Diva Mom’s Experience with Somnio Running Shoes:

Fitting day was like a "spa day" at the running store. The fitting took about one hour of pampering (the store was kind of busy, too) with my professional fitter and I left with my “prescription” to email to Somnio. I received my shoes about one week later and have been using them for the past month (all on the treadmill). I was even able to pound out that half marathon the treadmill last weekend. Since my right foot and left foot had slightly different prescriptions, I did feel a little difference in my shoes when I first put them on, and even during the first mile of my runs. In the right foot, the cusion felt similar to when my sock is bunched up under my foot. Kind of annoying at first. But, that went away as I got about a mile in and got comfortable with my shoes. Very comfortable. I also noticed that the shoes seemed “chunkier” and not as “slender” as my Brooks (not that my Brooks were a sleek design either). Appearance-wise, they seemed less feminine (less sleek/slender) and I certainly wish that they had some girly color options (think pink!). But, outside of my annoying personal color preferences, the performance on these babies was great. The toe box seemed a lot wider. My toes seemed to move better and more freely and they didn’t fall asleep like they do sometimes when I’m running at longer distances. I did get a blood blister under my longest toenail (like I usually do in my Brooks on long runs). I’m not sure if this was the shoes, just my annoying feet, the fact that my nail may have been too long at the time, or if my toe simply couldn’t stand the same exact pounding/wear on the treadmill time after time after time (versus being outside on the road and having some variety). So, the fit was great. My bunions didn’t hurt (even after that 13 mile run on the treadmill). And, my feet still don’t ache about 100 miles later. I am absolutely, completely amazed about that fact! One downfall is the suggested retail price for these shoes and the fact that you also have to purchase the cushions as they wear down. An added expense. Running is already an expensive hobby (despite what non-runners may think!). But, based on my personal experience and what they’ve done to make my feet happy again – I think they are a great investment! What a difference. I suppose that I could justify the splurge by taking the money that I spent at a discount department store (on a couple of pairs of cheap shoes every few months) and apply that to these babies?! I would totally recommend these shoes to anyone that has problems with their feet or just wants to try something new. The fitting experience, alone, was enough to make me more informed and make me appreciate what my feet (and my body) are actually doing for me.


Oh yeah, my Somnios came in this awesome box! I thought it was pretty cool. Apparently, the kids did, too! They love altering boxes and making projects. This was a fun (and messy) project for all of us.


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One VERY lucky winner will win a
Pair of Somnio Running Shoes

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!


1 – Become a follower of my blog or already are?! LEAVE ME A COMMENT

2 – Follow Running Diva Mom on Facebook HERE. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

3 – Visit the Somnio website HERE and tell me what you think is fabulous. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

4 – Become a fan of Somnio on Facebook (and let them know Running Diva Mom sent you!). LEAVE ME A COMMENT

5 – Post about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook or Twitter account. LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.

Enter now though Thursday, December 9th.
Winner will be announced on Friday.

[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at charter dot net ) ]

244 comments:

  1. I am a follower - and it appears to be the first poster!

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  2. I like the Runnisance shoe but would be so interested in seeing which one is right for me and my bad knees.

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  3. Already "like" you on Facebook!

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  4. I follow on Facebook as well.

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  5. I follow you on Facebook! And I was not the first poster! ;-(

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  6. I visited the Somnio website and I think their trail runner looks pretty cool.

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  7. I think it is fabulous that each shoe is designed specifically for you individual feet.

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  8. I posted a link on my blog to your giveaway!

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  9. Follow via GFC...
    rae1124(at)aol(dot)com

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  10. The cushioned motion control sounds fabulous!
    rae1124(at)aol(dot)com

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  11. I became a follower! Thanks for the great giveaway!

    Heather Vance
    heatheroni83274@yahoo.com

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  12. I "like" you on facebook.

    Heather Vance
    heatheroni83274@yahoo.com

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  13. I am totally thrilled at the idea of getting each foot fitted as it needs to be so that the rest of my body is aligned. I struggle a lot with the right side, so what's good for the goose is not necessarily good for the gander in my case. haha.

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  14. The self control shoes are pretty cool. Being able to determine with professional help is awesome.

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  15. what a great, in depth, honest review. Thank you! I am always on the lookout for a great new shoe, and appreciate the time taken to really show us the aspects of the shoe. New follower!

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  16. I think it's cool that each foot is specially fitted.

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  17. i also love the cushioned motion control, as that is my biggest need!

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  18. I love that each foot is specially fitted

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  19. I am a friend on facebook too :)

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  20. Very good review. So glad you found something that makes your feet happy. I know what you mean about running being expensive as I dropped a good chunk of change for shoes, socks, compression socks and Body Glide last week!

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  21. I went to their site and I love how you can look at each individual shoe and see which one fits your particular foot width, arch, etc. So neat! Hope I win!

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  22. Went to their website. I have yet to pay even $100 for a pair of running shoes. ...

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  23. I love that you can get each foot fitted individually! I know that my feet aren't created equal - and since I already pay a lot for my current shoes these look like they'd be another great option.

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  24. Linked to my sidebar @ running42km.blogspot.com

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  25. I became a fan of Somnio on FB

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  26. I visited the Somnio website and think it's very cool that they have videos explaining how they work

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  27. These sound like amazing shoes-Thank heavens I follow your blog!

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  28. I like you on facebook.

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  29. I like Somnio on facebook.

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  30. I bet I'm a neutral, what an unbelievable concept (but I have to agree, the colors are kind of blah, but I guess they are focusing on the "guts" of the shoe)...

    Unfortunately, I found the nearest dealer is 130 miles away (and I live near a major city).

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  31. Adding a link on my blog.

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  32. I thought it was interesting that so many different problems can be linked to faulty gait.

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  33. I am a follower. Those shoes look cool!

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  34. I'm a follower and reallly need a change in shoe. This would be great.

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  35. As a physical therapist who constantly reviews gait, footwear, and orthotics, I think that it is AWESOME that you can completely CUSTOMIZE running shoes! I will be telling my patients about these!

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  36. Linked on the sidebar of my blog! www.LauraElaineDesigns.blogspot.com

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  37. I am now a fan of Somino on FB!

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  38. So glad I stumbled across your blog. I had no idea there was a shoe company like this. Love it.

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  39. visited Somnio website. Love it.

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  40. I am now a fan of Somnio on FB

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  41. Wow!! These sound like a dream! I have been a diehard Sacouny fan for 8 years but I could always use a change! I am already a fan of yours on Facebook!!

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  42. I am already a follower of your blog! And may I say that I love it!

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  43. Their website is really easy to navigate...I love the cute names for the shoes like mission control, runaissance, and self control! I also love that they have a part where they create a training plan! I'm always looking for new ideas!

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  44. I would so love to win this! I'm a follower!

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  45. I like Somnio on FB and left them a comment

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  46. Awesome giveaway! I follow your blog

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  47. I also love the fact that they place such an emphasis on getting the right shoe for you..not millions of other people. The build the shoe up piece by piece based on your body. Please add me in for 1 more entry!

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  48. I am a follower! Woohoo!

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  49. I also like the fact that the shoes are so personalized to your needs. I recently had a poor running shoe fitting experience and am kind of jaded right now... yours sounds like the one I wanted, instead of the one I got. So glad you found these shoes!

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  50. Their website is nice. Lots of good info, easy to navigate, doesn't take forever to load.

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  51. I went to their website and looked at their shoes and would be interested in finding out what would be the best type for me.

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  52. Linked to your site on www.facebook.com/karin.wizer.

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  53. Their Westridge Trail shoes are super light!

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  54. Wow. What a giveaway! I read your blog and LOVE it!

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  55. I also follow you on Facebook!

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  56. And I checked out their site, and while I don't know what kind of shoe I would need, I think the name of the Runaissance shoe is fab. ;)

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  57. I love that the shows are modified to feet your own feet! Finally something to support my super high arches!

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  58. I'm guessing I'd need almost the exact shoes you have, since we have the exact same feet (size 10 with evil right bunion!)

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  59. I liked somnio on fb and posted on their wall...

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  60. I follow your blog

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  61. I follow you on fb

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  62. Besides all the amazing shoe stuff (which I'll need after these pregnancy-induced foot changes), I love the Wave T-shirt.

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  63. Linking this contest to my blog.

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  64. I liked somnio on fb and posted on their wall

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  65. Now folloing Running Diva on FB

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  66. I visited the Somnio website and think it's very cool that they have videos explaining how they work and that how so many problems can arise from a bad gait.

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  67. Great stuff on their site -- love the sound of a "cushioned motion control" shoe!

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  68. I linked you in my sidebar! What a great giveaway!!

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  69. The Womens Pacemaker is to die for!

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  70. I'm a blog follower

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  71. I follow on your FB

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  72. I'm a somnio fan on FB

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  73. Westridge shoes look pretty awesome

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  74. On their website I learned they actually have a store 10 miles from me, who knew?

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  75. posted a link to my twitter!

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  76. Tweeted the giveaway from @bighappyfamily

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  77. I think the pacemaker or westridge are awesome!!

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  78. I think the whole concept is pretty great. Its custom fitted shoes and since for most people left and right are no likely the same, it makes perfect sense. And they have two places close to me that will do the fitting!

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  79. Oh my word! what a science!! I am a follower!

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  80. Pacemaker would be a great shoe!

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  81. Linking you on my blog right now!

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  82. Their approach is quite refreshing.
    I once was fitted where we put a small thick band aid under an insole to correct a SLIGHT pronation. This company is smart, adding the different little inserts of diff density. It DOES matter.

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  83. I like the Runaissance (neutral) or the Westridge.

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  84. I love somnio - I have a pair and they are helping so much with my hip imbalance and knee issues - would love to win so that I could have another pair as backup!!

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  85. Oh, I love all of their shoes and I NEED some new shoes. This is awesome

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  86. I've never heard of this brand of shoes before but they sound amazing!

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  87. this sounds like a great shoe! although i'd like a pair i'm pretty sure my sister-in-law could use them more. she has bunions and has a really hard time finding comfortable shoes. nice to know there's somebody out there thinkin' about ya!

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  88. I know I need a motion control shoe; the Mission Control looks perfect!!

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  89. Posted to my blog (365awesomedays.blogspot.com)

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  90. I think this ENTIRE concept is ABSOLUTLY amazing. How wonderful that they create something perfect JUST for you???!! I am in LOVE

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  91. I like all the customer feedback on the somnio website.

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  92. I am a follower - and the woman who said hello to you in the bathroom line at the GOTR race! Sounds like you had a good race! Maybe I'll see you around town again sometime.

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  93. I am also following you on facebook now too!

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  94. I love that Somnio recognizes that all feet are not alike - even those on the same body!

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  95. How cool is that? You know I'm a follower!

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  96. Hey, did you know you can get trained as a fitter?

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  97. Posting your giveaway on my blog.

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  98. I love the whole idea of Somnio but I love that their stability shoes are on sale even more!

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  99. I like how you can find the perfect fit for your shoe.

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  100. I am a follower of your blog!

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  101. I think it is fabulous that the shoes can be perfectly fitted to my feet. This is a huge plus!!

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  102. I love how the shoe is based on the arch height. I have absolutely no arch! Wonder what they could do for me.

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  103. THe fit process is amazing! I am excited that there is a running store (relatively) near me that does this now so I can go check it out!

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  104. I'm a blog follower!

    Amy Lauren
    proudpatriot2007(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  105. And I'm a facebook fan.

    Amy Lauren
    proudpatriot2007(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  106. I really love how the website lists an expo calendar so that you can find Somnio at races and events :).

    Amy Lauren
    proudpatriot2007(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  107. I'm a fan of Running Diva Mom on Facebook.

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  108. I would LOVE a pair of the Total Control shoes. It would be a huge gift to be able to get a pair custom fit to me. It would make a huge difference with my knee issues. I'd probably cry if I won this one :)

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  109. I'm a fan of Somnio on Facebook.

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  110. I posted the giveaway on my blog.

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  111. I posted the giveaway on Facebook.

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