Welcome to The Randburg Runner, my little haven here in Linden where your perfect pair of running shoes is waiting to be discovered. I’m Gordon “Big G” Howie, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that the relationship between a foot and a shoe is as personal as it gets. When someone slips on a pair and you hear that contented “Aah,” you just know you’ve hit the spot.
I arrived in South Africa from Scotland at the age of 24, and I’ve never looked back. Running has always been in my blood—my very first cross-country race was through mud and rivers at 14, and to this day I can’t stand still for too long. In my store, you’ll often see me jogging between towers of shoe boxes, ready to help someone find that perfect fit.
Over the years, I’ve seen many fads come and go. Some folks talk about having a thumb’s width of space in the front of your shoe. I always say, “That’s the biggest load of rubbish I’ve ever heard!” After all, whose thumb are we talking about? Everyone’s foot—and thumb—is different. Instead, I rely on a tried-and-true method to figure out which shoe suits you best:
1. Examine Your Old Shoe
Your old footwear is the fingerprint of your foot. It tells me how you land, whether you overpronate, and if you need a little extra stability.
2. Analyze the Bare Foot
Foot Forensics, I like to call it. Many South Africans, myself included, spent a good chunk of childhood barefoot. Over time, arches can drop, which means a stability shoe is often just the thing. But no matter your foot type, we’ll find the model that keeps you comfortable and supported.
It’s not about style alone—though I won’t deny we have plenty of color options. It’s about getting you into a shoe that helps you run without pain, prevents injuries, and makes you feel like you could run forever. Sometimes we’ll spend an hour going through different pairs until we find the one that’s “pair-fect.” And yes, you’re more than welcome to ask if it comes in another color once we’ve nailed the fit!
At the end of the day, I’m here to make sure your feet are happy. If you’re a flat-footed runner like so many of us here in SA, don’t worry—I’ve got your back. My job is all about matching the right foot to the right shoe, not about telling you what type of chocolate you prefer. So come on in, take a run around the shop if you need to, and let’s find the perfect pair together.
See you on the road,
Big G
Owner, The Randburg Runner
