About Us

It all started with a good book, actually a GREAT book.  The seed that became Good for the Soles was planted long before owners Tim and Jill Murphy even realized it existed.  Tim and Jill had been running off and on for over ten years - many of the “off” times a result of nagging injuries like sore knees, IT band issues, and hip pain. 

Over a year ago, after reading Born to Run, by Chris McDougall, Tim and Jill were hopeful that their discovery of a “better way” to run might allow them to finally train for and finish a marathon without any injuries or burn out.  They soon attended a ChiRunning workshop (they had to drive all the way to Boston to do it…) and they were instantly hooked.  Their injuries were all but a memory and running was easier than it had ever been.  They went on to “naturally” run their first marathon, Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, doing 39.3 miles over two days with NO SORENESS and very little fatigue.  Their first thought?  Why didn’t someone tell us about this years ago??

Tim and Jill’s passion for natural running stems from the life-changing benefits that it brought to their lives.  Not only had running become easier, but it was finally FUN and the best part is no more soreness or injuries!  They were able to easily meet their running goals and in some cases, far exceed them, thanks to natural running.

Good for the Soles started on a whim when Tim asked Jill, “Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a store around here where we could buy minimalist shoes, instead of having to order them online?”  The conversations soon turned to “Well IF we did open a store, what would we call it?  Where would it be?”  And then, “Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a ChiRunning instructor out here in Western Mass?” 

The rest, as they say, is history…

Good for the Soles is a member of The Natural Running Center!

We are proud to be affiliated with the Natural Running Center. Its website combines the world’s top running scientists, clinicians, coaches, and a half-dozen stores that completely embrace better running form and less shoe.Their overall message is simple: Learn, Evolve, Run! With the information, education, and expert advice you will find on this site, it’s our hope and mission that all runners, beginners or veterans, fast or slow, the formerly injured or those hoping to get back in the game, will learn about the health and performance benefits of minimalist, natural, and even barefoot running.  On the educational front, it’s  also our responsibility to be as neutral and impartial as possible with our recommendations and knowledge that we will be sharing. These are exciting times in the footwear, sports medicine, and running world. The Natural Running Center hopes to makes sense of all this “newness,” and provide a safe, injury-free path for runners everywhere.

Click here or on the image above to go to the Natural Running Center website.