Our Team
At The Sneaker Store in New Hartford, NY, we pride ourselves on exceptional customer service. This couldn’t be accomplished without our quality team of fitness enthusiasts. Each are extremely knowledgeable about the products we stock in our store.
For over 40 years, The Sneaker Store has served the Utica and Mohawk Valley community as the premiere athletic and pedorthic footwear headquarters. We are proud to be locally owned and operated, offering unmatched customer care and product knowledge. We carry the latest and greatest in athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories for the family, and our staff is carefully trained to achieve the best possible fit to keep you comfortable in your shoes whether you’re running, walking, hiking, racing, working out, or working.
We believe it is our responsibility to encourage healthy and active lifestyles in our community (and we even think it’s fun!). At The Sneaker Store, we participate in sponsorships, workshops, and races, and we offer team and group promotions (just ask!).
We invite you to join us for a group run, yoga class, runner safety seminar, or one of our upcoming races and growing list of events.
We’re also very excited to be able to offer run coaching services to our community!
Josh Belisle
Running/Fitness History/Habits: I’ve been running since high school and ran competitively at MVCC and SUNY Geneseo. I like running all distances and completed my first marathon in 2017. I train 5-6 days a week and still compete within my age group.
Go-To Running Shoe: Saucony Speed
Gear You Can't Live Without: Let me be very honest… Body Glide!
Hobbies: Music, hiking, and chasing my kids around
Experience: I started in the run specialty industry as a young 16-year-old in 1999. I didn’t have a lick of experience, but I learned a ton from all of my mentors.
Personal Motto: Consistency breeds success
Favorite aspect of your job: Hearing from customers about their training, goals, recent races, and even their setbacks. You can learn a lot about a person on a sales floor if you do it right.
Advice to runners: Be realistic in your goals. Don’t shy away from lofty goals, but realize it takes time to achieve most running goals. Find good people to surround yourself with and be patient. The goals will come, but only if you’re patient and you listen to your body.
Geoff "Bday" Hale
Running/Fitness History/Habits: Has-been collegiate runner and current begrudged marathoner. I run daily… I haven't missed a day in over a year. It is the default fitness option and a great way to clear the mind.
Go-To Running Shoe: New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer
Gear You Can't Live Without: Theragun. The reciprocating massage thingy.
Hobbies: Chasing two small children that are just about as fast as I am, two dogs that are no longer as fast as I am, and sometimes strum the guitar.
Experience: Computer doctor by day, shoe geek by night, I've spent over a decade solving foot problems.
Personal Motto: "Who's going to carry the boats" - David Goggins
Favorite aspect of your job: Aside from the relationships and meeting new faces, learning something new in the fitness realm from all walks, whether that is diet ideas or training philosophies.
Fun Fact: Contrary to popular belief, my name is not actually Birthday.
Advice to Runners: Build a routine that can't fail, you can have all the latest gear and best methods but if you're not putting money in the bank, you will not have anything to withdraw on race day. There are no shortcuts.
Morgan Belisle
Running/Fitness History/Habits: I started running when I trained for my first Boilermaker in 2011. I ran my first (only) marathon in 2022 and like to mix up running with hiking, walking, and other fitness routines to keep it fresh!
Go-To Running Shoe: On Cloud Monster
Gear You Can't Live Without: Really good socks.
Hobbies: Chasing kids!
Personal Motto: “Grit is not about persevering with a route that isn’t working. It’s about staying focused on a goal but flexible on the path. Healthy persistence requires peripheral vision.” - Adam Grant
Favorite aspect of your job: Discovering new brands and products to help people run more comfortably, safely, and stylishly so they are more likely to stay active
Ben Jackson
Running/Fitness History: I’ve been running ever since the 7th grade. I ran for SUNY Delhi and SUNY Plattsburgh in college with mixed results. Lost the fire for a few years, but came back in 2019 and cannot wait to see what my 2nd act in running brings!
Go-To Running Shoe: New Balance Beacon/Saucony Endorphin Speed
Gear You Can't Live Without: Backwards running hat.
Hobbies: Talking professional Track & Field, cooking, drinking great beer/coffee, giving people hugs (damn you COVID), board games, being a cat dad.
Personal Motto: Again To Carthage.
Fun Fact: I left the sport and maybe ran a total of 50 miles from 2010-2018.
Advice to runners: It’s all relative. We are all runners whether you run at 6 min pace or 10 min pace. I have more respect for the Mom/Dad of 4 kids who gets their foot out the door everyday than the pro who gets paid to run.
Favorite aspect of your job: Helping customers through my knowledge of our products, so they get to enjoy their favorite activity, reach their goals, and get fit!
Sharon Scala
Running/Fitness History/Habits: I’ve been a runner for about 12 years. I try to get out there every day to continue my 1 + miles a day streak.
Go-To Running Shoe: Well that changes… Currently I'm bouncing between Brooks Glycerin and Saucony Speeds
Gear You Can't Live Without: My Garmin. I need to know my pace and distance when I'm out there.
Hobbies: I’m a hairdresser, too.
Personal Motto: If you don’t use it, you’re gonna lose it.
Fun Fact: I’m a little* crazy about dogs (*Editor’s note: A lot crazy about dogs).
Advice to Runners: If I can do it, you can. Don’t let excuses stop you.
Favorite aspect of your job: A lot of people who come into the store are people I run with. So I get to see people I care about all the time.
Kurstan
Running/Fitness History: I’m more of a weight lifter than a runner. I run a mile to a mile and a half every day.
Go-To Running Shoe: On Cloud Monster or Saucony Speed
Gear You Can’t Live Without: A hair tie
Hobbies: Working, playing volleyball, and coaching volleyball
Favorite aspect of your job: Finding the right shoe that works for that person
Scott Young
Running/Fitness History/Habits: I’ve always been athletic, soccer was my primary sport. Running had always been about maintaining fitness and stress relief. I participate in a variety of outdoor activities, it keeps it interesting and more enjoyable.
Go-To Running Shoe: Saucony Endorphin Speed
Gear You Can't Live Without: Anything Smartwool! 365 days of comfort, for any activity. Even on the hottest days.
Hobbies: Hiking, canoeing/kayaking, photography, carpentry, reading, et al… how I have time for work is beyond me.
Experience: I’ve been in the specialty run industry for nearly 35 years
Favorite aspect of your job: There’s an opportunity to learn something new everyday.
Advice to Runners: Running can be anything you want it to be. Set your own goals.
Sam Lee!
Running/Fitness History/Habits: I've been hooked on running since my middle school days. I competed at Utica College, and then started participating in local road races post-college. The last few years I really got into marathons! I run 5-6 days week - a mix of easy days and "fun" workouts. I run with friends a few days a week - helps to stay motivated!
Go-To Running Shoe: Right now my go-to running shoe is the New Balance Fuelcell Trainer. You feel like you're working alot less in those!
Gear You Can't Live Without: My Garmin watch for sure! I have the music feature and nothing beats listening to tunes or a podcast while running.
Hobbies: Playing with my three puppies, vegging out with a book, or finding any live music!
Experience: I have a Masters of Social Work and when I'm not working at the Shop, I am a school social worker.
Personal Motto: You get back the same energy you put out.
Favorite aspect of your job: I love being a part of the run community! Working at the Shop allows for us to be center stage for all the best running events and festivities.
Fun fact about you: I am known for my awful diet! I live off pizza, burgers, and cereal. Never ask me for run diet advice!
Advice to runners: Just keep showing up and putting in the work. You'll see it pay off. And find a group of run friends you vibe with - makes it so much more fun.
Amanda McElroy
Running/Fitness History: I ran in high school but hung up my running shoes for 5 years after that. In 2013 I started again and could barely go a mile without stopping. In 2019 I completed both my first Boilermaker 15K and my first half marathon. I ran my first marathon in the fall of 2021, the sky is the limit!
Go-To Running Shoe: Saucony Tempus
Gear you can’t live without: Shokz headphones, a jogging stroller to take my little one running with me, and my Nathan Hydration vest for long runs
Hobbies: Running and spending time with my family
Advice to runners: Keep going, you are doing awesome!
Personal Motto: Watch this.
Favorite Aspect of your job: The look on a customer’s face when they put on that perfect shoe; happy feet make for happy miles
Karen McDaniel
Running/Fitness History: I started running in March, 1986. I found success in track and field, road racing and cross country. I run 5-6 days per week, incorporating hill work, tempo, and interval training.
Go-To Running Shoe: I have a lot of shoes in my rotation, but my recent go to is Saucony Tempus.
Gear You Can't Live Without: Garmin 265
Hobbies: Gardening, photography, golf, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, kayaking
Exprience: I have a bunch of coaching certifications. I'm presently serving as The Sneaker Store "head coach".
Advice to runners: Approach training in a sustainable manner. Invest in quality gear, and get involved in the local running community.
Favorite aspect of your job: I love coaching! It's so satisfying helping athletes achieve their running and fitness goals.
John Nicotera
Running/Fitness History/Habits: I can't remember much of my life before running was in it. Won 3 State Championships running at Sauquoit Valley. Ran at the University of Buffalo from 2005-2007. Quit running for 7 years. Coached XC and Track & Field at NY Mills from 2013-2019. Now the Head Varsity XC & Track Coach at Sauquoit Valley.
Go-To Running Shoe: New Balance 1080
Gear You Can't Live Without: I'm a simple guy- short shorts and a backwards hat.
Hobbies: Making memories with my wife, Erica, our Boxer, Nala, and new baby Cali. Working on my project car(s). Skiing. Reading. Hunting. Coffee. Stoicism.
Experience: Penn State University (We Are!) BS in Kinesiology, minor in Human Movement University of South Florida- MA in Physical Education
My running motto is: No Pain.
Favorite aspect of your job: Everything. I can honestly say that I love my job here.
Jen Bachelder
Running/Fitness History: I’ve been running consistently since 2015. I like to run long distances. I’ve run a 50 miler, 3 x 50k and several marathons. I also enjoy cycling and hiking. I run just about daily - early bird gets the worm!!
Go-To Running Shoe: Saucony Endorphin Speeds
Gear You Can't Live Without: My Garmin
Hobbies: I am a mom of three, so I am busy with them often as they become interested in sports and other activities. I like to strength train twice a week and ride my bike. I am also a certified run coach through RRCA and the Sneaker Store. Helping others to achieve their goals is very rewarding!
Experience: I am an RRCA Certified Run Coach
Personal Motto: Nobody Cares, Work Harder & Believe, and you can do anything.
Advice to runners: Don't ever count yourself out, anything is possible!!
Favorite aspect of your job: "JOB"?? This isn't a job!! I love interacting with other like minded individuals.
Jeannine Macera
Running/Fitness History: I've been running for over 30 years and enjoy racing anything from 5k-MarathonI I run 5-6x week, strength and cross train as a supplement.
Go-To Running Shoe: Saucony Endorphin Speed
Gear You Can't Live Without: Saucony Speeds and Garmin Watch
Hobbies: Spending time with my three boys and cooking plant-based meals!
Experience: RRCA level 1 coaching, certified plant-based nutrition, former school counselor
Personal Motto: When things get tough, just keep moving!
Advice to runners: Running is a privilege. Embrace all of it - even the most challenging miles!
Favorite aspect of your job: Working together as a team!
Fun Fact: I drink beet juice before every race.
Jillian Humphrey
Running/Fitness History: I ran track for 6 years and cross country for 5 years at Whitesboro. I am currently running for SUNY Brockport’s cross country and track and field teams.
Go-To Running Shoe: Either the Saucony Ride 15s or more recently the ON Cloud Surfer!
Gear You Can't Live Without: My Garmin!
Hobbies: I love spending time outside, with friends and family, and with my dog, Piper!
Experience: I’m currently studying exercise science on a PT track at SUNY Brockport.
Personal Motto: One day at a time!
Advice to runners: Remember progress isn’t linear, be patient with yourself and trust the process! And have fun, if you’re not having fun then you’re doing it wrong!
Favorite aspect of your job: Getting to connect with other runners in the community as well as helping people find their perfect shoe!
Fun Fact: Although I’m 4’11, I’m a steeplechaser!
Katie Phillips
Running/Fitness History: I’ve been running since I failed every sport in grade school. Turns out I’m pretty good at running and stuck with it! I’m currently half marathon and marathon training.
Go-To Running Shoe: New Balance Super Comp Trainer
Gear You Can't Live Without: Spibelt
Hobbies: Hiking, traveling
Experience: Bachelors in Sociology and Masters in Social Work
Personal Motto: “You are allowed to make a big deal about things that’s are important to you”
Advice to runners: Join a run group!
Favorite aspect of your job: Sharing a love for the sport with others
Fun Fact: I was most athletic in junior firefighter academy