About Us

 

From enthusiasts to experts.

Every member of the Wakefield Running team was first a Wakefield Running customer. We visited the store for the same reasons you probably do:

To find a shoe that will allow you to get through the workday without pain; to find a comfortable shoe to walk the dog and chase the kids around in; to prevent injuries while you train for your bucket list race; or maybe to snatch that gadget or piece of technical clothing to make your workouts a bit more enjoyable.

Our team has (literally!) been in your shoes, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

 

Meet the Team

  • Keith began at Wakefield Running shortly after studying exercise science in grad school at URI in 2003. Assuming that he was only filling in short-term, he enjoyed hearing many interesting and inspiring stories of customers. He feels fortune to have the ability to make real and immediate impact on so many people’s lives. He finds it rewarding hearing that a shoe has reduced pain, or new gear has increased someone’s enjoyment in their chosen activity.

    One of his job hazards is being forced into trying so many shoes in the name of research. He wears and likes many models, but the Hoka Mach 4 is the fave at the moment, whether running or walking the dog. Light, response and stability enough for pavement and dirt!

    Keith prefers to never stop moving, a body in motion is a happy body! He began running in preparation for sixth grade cross-country, and has resisted stopping ever since. He is still learning to embrace walking and slower paces that his four-legged training partner often dictates. He loves running or walking in new places, as there is no better way to explore than by foot, every step is a new adventure!

    Any perfect SoCo day must begin and end at the beach, a bike ride to the Gansett Town Beach to swim, maybe a short run down Ocean Road, before the ride home. A return to the beach in the evening completes the perfect day.

  • Mary is our social media master, vp of marketing, and shoe fitting wizard. She has run 15 marathons, speaks French, and once ran the Paris Marathon while speaking French!

    Her life as an athlete took time to develop. She claims to never have broken a sweat until she was in her early 30s. It took her FOREVER to hit the 3 mile mark, and then an ETERNITY until 3 miles felt easy.... But soon after that she was bit by the running bug and never looked back. She wishes she had started sooner, but also feels immensely grateful it's still part of her life.

    The best is yet to come in her current favorite shoe, the Flame by 361!! It's like the lovechild of the Saucony Speed 2 and the Mizuno Rebellion, and even with orthotics for her size 8 1/2 pancake-flat feet they are super light. She can't wait to try them out in a summer race (or two)!

    Her best day in SoCo involves a run by the ocean with friends, with lots of laughter and maybe a wildlife siting or two. Then, spending time at the beach or in her yard (on endless projects) and would conclude some good food prepared by someone other than herself 😂.

  • Lori is a RI native who spent twenty years living in every corner of the country with her Navy husband and six kids. She returned to South County in 2007, and started working at Wakefield Running a few years ago after her mom duties became less demanding.

    She started running in high school, but didn't really get into running until after having four kids and needing a break while her husband was deployed. Lori has always enjoyed making new friends and building friendships through the sport. Her Wakefield Running highlight is when a customer walks away excited to run or walk in their new shoes.

    One of her favorite places to run is the Cliff Walk in Newport, but only off season. A memorable run was the 8 mile downhill portion of the Ski to Sea Race in Bellingham Washington down the mountain road of Mt Baker. Her fastest 8-miles ever, but sorest legs the next day.

    Little known facts about Lori: She could swim before her first birthday, has an innate ability to solve fictional crimes well before the culprit is revealed, and she makes a mean chocolate chip cookie.

  • ​Will says that his dad had him running at a really young age. Like many Rhode Island kids, the Narragansett Youth Track Series launched his running career, at age two. However, it wasn’t until high school though where he truly discovered a love of running. He made so many good friends and memories through this sport.

    By far his favorite shoe is the Saucony Endorphin Speed. The combination of responsiveness and cushion is perfect! These have accompanied him on almost 2000 miles worth of runs and are pretty much the only thing he runs in currently.

    If he could do anything in South County, he would definitely do something at the beach. A perfect day is also not complete without a good run.

  • Mollie is a life-long South County resident who was raised immersed in the sport of running. She is currently studying Political Science at URI, and is the proud owner of three cats, Pepper, Goose, and Willow.

    Growing up with parents who run and coach, running has always been a big part of her life. As she has gotten older, she has transitioned from sprinting to running longer distances. Although she no longer runs the 400m, Allyson Felix still is (and always will be) her favorite runner!

    Her perfect day would start by getting outside and running or walking. It’s so beautiful in the early morning, especially before it gets too hot! After that, she would drive to Jamestown to go to the beach and read. To end the day, she might stop by the food trucks at Narragansett Town Beach, or get fish and chips from one of the local seafood restaurants in Narragansett.

    The Saucony Endorphin Shift 2 is currently her favorite shoe. It’s lightweight and responsive,

    with firm cushioning to support flat feet and pronation. She bought them rather impulsively

    last summer, right before a flight to San Francisco! After walking and running all over the Bay Area she knew they were her perfect shoe.

  • Kaylie currently runs for Furman University in SC, and was a former standout cross-country and track runner at LaSalle Academy in Providence.

    Her running began when she was 12, when her dad started running occasionally to lose weight and she would sometimes tag along. In 7th grade she decided to try track. Her dad took her to the track to race every event in one day to see which ones she was best at (probably not a great idea!) She ended up running the 3,000m and 200m at every meet that season. Her first high school coach got her running career on track (pun intended) and has remained one of her biggest supporters.

    Kaylie’s go-to is the Mizuno Wave Rider; she loves the stability and durability. Recently, she completed an 8 mile run in them immediately after eating 2 plates of spaghetti. Please don’t try this at home, Kaylie is a professional!

    She loves running on any turf field, especially at sunset near her house at the base of the Yawgoo Valley Hill. Narragansett beach is her favorite walking spot. Upon college graduation, she wants to travel to every state in the US.

  • He began running his freshman year of high school. He fell in love with the sport after becoming close with teammates his coach, and realizing how friendly the running community is. His best moment at WRC so far has been getting to meet and help other local runners that he see running in town and/or at local races.

    Tim’s favorite SoCo day starts with a morning run with local friends on the South County bike path followed by cooling off at Narragansett Beach with a swim and some Del’s lemonade.

It’s always been our goal to enhance and grow our local running and walking communities while offering resources and training opportunities to assist you in achieving your fitness goals.

Since 1990 we have been your local independent footwear store. Our passion is to continue to make Wakefield Running Company Southern Rhode Island’s go-to destination for walkers, runners, and everyday athletes. We have focused on improving the quality of life in our community, and helping to make fitness opportunities more enjoyable and accessible for all.

For walkers, runners, and everyone in between.

Everyone needs good footwear - not just runners. Whether you are a fitness walker or looking for a more supportive all-day shoe, we're here to help you find footwear that's perfect for your lifestyle.

 

Our Process

  • First, we’ll get to know you and your favorite activities. What are you planning to do in your shoes? What has worked for you in the past? What hasn't? Any aches, pains, or injuries? All this will help us select the best models for your unique set of needs.

  • Our goal is to keep your foot tracking in the center of the shoe to optimize balance and stability. Some people do this naturally, while others need the help of built-in support. By assessing your biomechanics and foot shape, we can determine just the right amount of support for you.

  • Next, we’ll pull a variety of shoes for you to try. Take them for a spin around the store, and give us some feedback. Then, we’ll make adjustments until you’re walking out of our store with the perfect pair of shoes and a smile on your face.

  • Remember those aches and pains you told us about? We also offer tons of products to help aid your recovery and prevent future injuries. Plus, our expert team is always happy to share tips and tricks for at-home pain relief. It’s free advice you’ll actually welcome!

 

Stop by the store for a free gait assessment.
We’d love to help you find a fit that feels good.