THOMASVILLE- In November of 2019, Chris and Teresa White had no idea that they were about to become one of the many small business owners faced with the impact and uncertainty of the pandemic. Just months before the town was placed under a national lockdown, the Whites opened Active Soles Running Company, a running shoe and equipment store.

Now, with the effects of the pandemic dwindling and Downtown Thomasville returning to its usual state, Active Soles still remains. With the couple’s consistent work ethic and a love for running, the business continues to thrive on E. Jackson Street nearly five years later.

From the time the couple began renting their space in the bottom section of historic downtown, it took them five months for the two of them to gut, repair and decorate the rustic space. Now, it is painted with their signature red color and still displays the old, exposed bricks of the original building, completely unrecognizable from its original state.

The wide selection and friendly staff

On the walls, shoes and running gear line the colorful displays. The store carries numerous brands and various running equipment, including trendy sunglasses and clothing. Some of the brands include Hokas, Mizuno, New Balance, Brooks, Altra and more.

At the shop, there is a tight-knit and youthful staff, full of employees who are eager to greet customers when they walk through the red door. Sarah Kate Still, who works in sales, was sorting Hoka boxes and prepared with a smile for whoever walked in.

Still described how the business has a fun environment that welcomes a variety of community members. “It’s a go with the flow kind of job,” Still said.

Even outside of Thomasville, their customers span all across the state.

“We meet a lot of kind people from all over Georgia,” Still said.

According to Chris, employees like Still help hundreds of customers per month, depending on the month, with buyers from Valdosta, Moultrie, Tallahassee, Bainbridge and other neighboring towns.

The TCS student said that the store’s top selling brands tend to be Hoka, Altra and Brooks, with Chris also stating that the Hoka One One style is the most popular.

She has worked at Active Soles for about a year now. Still is one of many dedicated part-time staff members who keep Active Soles Running Company afloat.

Beyond the sneakers

Besides providing a friendly environment with premier shopping, the store also sponsors various races, runs and walks, in an attempt to promote a healthy and active lifestyle.

Every Tuesday and Thursday morning, the shop sponsors and leads runs in the community, along with sponsoring the annual Rose City Walk and hosting their own walks.

The couple felt it was important to truly promote the message behind what they were selling. This was a huge driving factor behind opening the store, since there were not many local running stores or fitness groups that catered to those who work in the medical, teaching or service industries.

This need to promote health stems from the couple’s love for running and fitness. Chris has been a runner for nearly 15 years, while Teresa is in her 10th year. The Whites have run marathons and even after sustaining a knee injury, Chris continues to walk.

Doctor- recommended shopping

According to Chris, Active Soles is a recommended shopping destination by numerous podiatrists. When patients suffering from pain or discomfort are often prescribed Hokas, their doctors send them to Chris and Teresa.

They have had customers with referrals from doctors spanning all the way from Valdosta and Bainbridge, as well as locals.

This is because the store sells a variety of shoes that are regarded as not only medically healing shoes, but extremely comfortable shoes. Many Hoka and Brooks styles are plush and have thick soles, providing extra cushion and stability for running, walking and everyday life.

The store isn’t just catering to runners and fitness walkers. Chris says that he “wants to cater to walkers, runners, doctors, schools teachers, servers” and more. These are a demographic of people who don’t always have time to go running or exercise during usual times, but remain on their feet most of the day.

The store provides these workers with something crucial: comfortable and supportive footwear. and as they do so, they do it with pleasure and care.

“If someone wants to try on 10, 15, 20 pairs of shoes, we’ll grab them for you,” Chris said. “We want to give customers an individual experience.”

There are not many sporting or outdoors stores in Thomasville that carry a wide selection of men and women’s tennis shoes, while still remaining a small business that cares about more than just their sales. Active Soles cares about the health and wellbeing of their customers, while also promoting comfortable and healing footwear.