POULSBO — Poulsbo Running’s Chris and Brooke Hammett are putting their best shoe forward as they work to fit Poulsbo with all its fitness needs. From beginners to the advanced, the specialty sporting goods store is calling all active people to find just what they’ve been looking for.

First opened in April 2006, Poulsbo Running is now flourishing on 10th Avenue just south of Central Market as it continues to provide competitive and recreational runners, joggers and walkers an array of products designed specifically for their needs. From shoes for all surface types in both adults’ and kids’ sizes to swimming gear, insoles and triathlon essentials, Poulsbo Running stocks a hefty arsenal of brands that include Adidas, Nike, Under Armor, New Balance and Teva. With nutritious energy products, various sporting accessories and running books and magazines, the store is ready to equip the most experienced runners and novice walkers alike for all their activity requirements.

“There was nothing over here that was specifically a running store,” said Chris Hammett. A former chef who needed a break from the restaurant hustle and bustle, Hammett went to work at Sound Sports in downtown Seattle about 10 years ago. The quick employment fix soon became permanent.

“It was going to be temporary, but we hit it right off,” he said. Hammett is now partner with Sound Sports owners Ben and Cindi Raykovich. “We were ready to expand stores. I already knew how big of a market there was here.”

Hammett grew up on Bainbridge Island and has lived in Poulsbo for more than a decade. He said he and his family are here to stay, and hopes to see Poulsbo Running flourish into a successful business that continues to give the community what they need.

“It’s perfect for anybody to be able to do,” Hammett said of running and walking activities. “We want to make it not so intimidating.”

He said they often have customers new to running or walking, and want to appeal to others like them, not just the active elite.

At Poulsbo Running, providing the right product includes examining customers’ forward movement to determine which footwear will work best for them.

“We basically look at their feet, watch them walk, see their ankle mobility, zero in on the fit and go through the different models that would work,” he said of the process. “It’s not rocket science, it’s just getting someone into the right shoe.”

Hammett said he hopes area consumers who discover Poulsbo Running continue to spread the word, making it known it is no longer necessary to go to Seattle for specialty products.

“Hopefully we’re doing a good job and people are telling other people,” he said. “We’re seeing a lot of repeat customers.”

Brooke Hammett said what makes Poulsbo Running different from other sporting goods stores is the level of experience the staff has to offer.

“We’re all runners,” she said. “We’ve got the personal experience… that’s what sets us apart.”