Photos: INTERSPORT Hübner
Primarily known for its chemical industry, Leuna in Saxony-Anhalt also possesses an abundance of nature and green spaces – and therefore offers a variety of running routes for runners from the region. Whether along the Saale River, through the garden city or through the Elster-Luppe-Aue wetlands, there are many opportunities to accumulate kilometers in and around Leuna. In addition to suitable routes, the right equipment is essential for really enjoying a run. A particular focus lies on choosing the right running shoes. Since 2015, sports enthusiasts from Leuna and the surrounding area have been able to get a wide selection and the advice they need when buying running shoes at INTERSPORT Hübner. In our ‘RUN LOCAL, BUY LOCAL’ series, we are portraying the specialist sports retailer from the Günthersdorf district of Leuna, which is located in the NOVA shopping center.
The roots of INTERSPORT Hübner date back to 1995, when Joachim Hübner opened the first shop in Dallgow, at that time still under the name INTERSPORT Profimarkt. Today, INTERSPORT Hübner operates a total of nine stores in Brandenburg, Thuringia, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt, including the Leuna location in the NOVA shopping center since 2015. “Over the years, more and more locations have been opened continuously offer our customers a high-quality product range of sports products and advice. The Leuna store was also renovated and modernized in 2020,” says Dorit Merk, manager of the footwear department at INTERSPORT Hübner and an expert in running and fitness.
Just like her colleagues, Dorit Merk’s enthusiasm for sports brought her to her job. The 51-year-old is a passionate triathlete and takes part in Hyrox competitions. In this sport, various fitness exercises are combined, which requires a combination of strength and endurance. “Running is an indispensable part of my training,” says the Leipzig native.
This personal enthusiasm carries over into her work: “It's incredibly fun to pass on my passion for sports to our customers.” Dorit and her team draw on their own athletic experience to provide their customers with personalized and comprehensive advice. During a running shoe consultation, they first get an impression of the given parameters, such as performance level, running kilometers, running frequency, as well as physical conditions, previous injuries, pain, or even misalignments. In addition, foot pressure points, the foot position, and the leg axis provide information about the running style.
Dorit Merk discussing running clothes with a customer.
Based on these data, Dorit selects three potentially suitable running shoe models. The most important thing now is to let the customer try on the different running shoes without comment. “The shoe has to feel completely right for the customer, regardless of the technology,” Dorit explains. “Once a favorite has been found, I describe how the model in question works. If necessary, I’ll bring out another similar model to try on.”
For almost two years now, the INTERSPORT Hübner team has also been selling True Motion running shoes, which are characterized by their innovative U-TECHTM technology. The most popular model alongside the U-TECH Nevos is the U-TECH Aion. “We had customers who simply came back after two months to thank us for the great running experience,” says Dorit. “Others just said, the Aion again please!”
With the new U-TECH Aion 3, you’ll experience unrivalled comfort – like never before in a running shoe. With 40% more of the newly developed full-length U-TECH™ foam, the running experience is even smoother and softer. The U-TECH Aion 3 uses the innovative Biological U-TECH™ technology for the first time, which leads to a unique transition and effectively minimizes the risk of running injuries. What are you waiting for? Experience pure comfort with every step.
Try the new U-TECH Aion 3 and get comprehensive advice at INTERSPORT Hübner in Leuna.
On two floors, sports enthusiasts will find a wide range of equipment for all kinds of sports. In addition to running, this includes cycling, winter sports, outdoor sports, water sports, racket sports, team sports, and much more. INTERSPORT Hübner in Leuna offers sports enthusiasts the opportunity to get equipped from head to toe for their favorite sport. With their passion for sport and their expertise, Dorit Merk and her team make the store an indispensable port of call for running and sports enthusiasts from the region.
Anyone looking for the right running shoe will not only find the latest models here, but also advice based on their personal needs and athletic goals. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced runner, at INTERSPORT Hübner in Leuna, everyone will find what they are looking for – and run home with a good feeling. True to the motto: RUN LOCAL, BUY LOCAL.
Almost 100 % of our technology is derived from scientific findings and biomechanical research. Prof. Dr. Gert-Peter Brüggemann, head of the Institute for Biomechanics and Orthopedics at the German Sports University Cologne for decades, is largely responsible for this. Over the past 25 years, he has been part of numerous innovative running shoe developments – and thus a sought-after expert among the giants of the industry.
Discover all True Motion stories – and be the first to hear about new products, promotions and events. Simply, center your run!
Discover all True Motion stories – and be the first to hear about new products, promotions and events. Simply, center your run!
Discover all True Motion stories – and be the first to hear about new products, promotions and events. Simply, center your run!
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