In this episode we take you to Charm City Run in Frederick, Maryland, to speak with store owner Josh Levinson about running shoe tech and terminology. How are running shoes engineered these days and what is the insider terminology you should know? Learn about stack height, heel-to-toe drop, stability, energy return, carbon and nylon plates, midsole foam durometer, torsional rigidity, gusseted tongue, and more.
Josh and Kara Levinson opened their first specialty running store in 2002. Charm City Run now has 7 locations (six in Maryland and 1 in Delaware) and 200 employees!
Special thanks to Academy member Stefanie Smith for arranging this interview!
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Links Mentioned in This Episode
Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA running Coach.
Altra Running -Altra shoes are designed to fit the natural shape of feet with room for your toes, for comfort, balance, and strength. So you focus on what really matters: Getting out there.
Joint Health Plus by Previnex -prevention is the best medicine and you need to protect your joint cartilage from breakdown. Get 30% off during their Black Friday Sale (no coupon code needed) or use code MTA for 15% off your first order the rest of the year.
IQBAR brain and body-boosting bars, hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees. Their Ultimate Sampler Pack includes all three! Get 20% off plus FREE shipping. Just text “MTA” to 64000.
The Virginia Credit Union River City Half -March 7 in Richmond, Virginia.
2026 Running Retreat in the Italian Dolomites with Run the Alps. See this page for details.
Athens 2026 Marathon Tour with MTA and Dean Karnazes. It’s going to be epic!
3 Responses
Thanks for an amazing episode! When I first moved to Baltimore in 2003, I stopped by the original—and much smaller—Charm City Run in Timonium. That visit changed everything. I picked up shoes, gels, and even had them special-order a running watch (imagine doing that today!)
But here’s the thing: as a newcomer training for my first marathon, CCR gave me so much more than gear and advice. They introduced me to the best local trails for long runs and to races that helped me discover parts of the city I might never have experienced otherwise. In the store, they were playing music from a local radio station—one I soon learned was WTMD, a public radio station supporting local artists and new music across genres. I became a proud member, and it rekindled my love of music.
Over the years, my wife, our daughter, and our son and his wife have all become loyal CCR shoppers. It’s truly a family tradition—and a testament to the community CCR has built.
At their best, local running stores are more than just places to buy shoes—they’re gateways into the wider community. And now, more than ever, we need that. Thank you for sharing that.
Thank you Stan! I’m glad you enjoyed the episode.
Stan-
Thanks for your wonderful comment. Your last paragraph is right on and what we aspire to. Thanks for making CCR a family tradition and I am glad we played a part in rekindling your love of this amazing sport and music. Be well sir and have a great Thanksgiving with you and yours. It was great to spend time with Trevor and MTA.
Josh