When Rob Sherer and Ken Sly opened Ground Up Athletics in Vintage Park last spring, they each brought a different set of expertise to the sports apparel store. Sherer, with an extensive background in marketing, played a key role in designing the store and promoting the products. Sly, a board certified pedorthist and personal trainer, has helped bring a medical knowledge to the customer experience.

"The foot is the key piece of any athletic activity," Sly said. "Each shoe we offer has attributes specifically designed to give you the stability or flexibility that you need for your chosen sport."

Although many name brand shoe lines tend to focus excessively on running and basketball shoes, Sly and Sherer emphasize the subtle aspects of their footwear that end up making huge differences for athletes when put to use. Weightlifters, runners and volleyball players alike will be directed to a shoe that is built specifically for what they need, he said.

A popular element of Ground Up Athletics is the custom-made arch supports that get inserted into a shoe, Sly said.

"That's what sets us apart," he said. "The knowledge and the dedication to helping everyone who walks in here."

122 Vintage Park Blvd., Ste B

Houston 832-843-6668

www.groundupathletics.com

Hours: Mon.–Wed. 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

Thu.–Sat. 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

Sun. Noon–5 p.m.