With size-15 feet, James Sterling isn't an easy fit for a running shoe. Knee problems can compound the search even more.

Sterling, however, said he has found the right formula at NIKETOWN in Waikiki, particularly with staff member Daniel Matsumoto.

"Daniel has been really good," Sterling, 62, said. "He knows the kind of running (shoes) I need, and because I wear a size 15, (NIKETOWN) has been excellent in special ordering so that I can get my shoes in a matter of days."

A retired government auditor, Sterling doesn't own a car, and relies on walking to get around. He said he has been hampered by degenerating cartilage in his left knee, but has found help from Dr. Thomas Kane.

"He honestly helped me continue my running," Sterling said.

Sterling is also quick to credit his Nike 360 shoes.

"I truly believe that my shoes have been the best for my knee and have saved me from further knee problems," he said.

Sterling, who is 6 feet 8, played college basketball in the 1960s, took up running in 1976, and has pursued it with a passion.

"I just can't think of anything more I enjoy than putting on my running shoes to go out for a jaunt," he said.

Sterling is hoping that his knee will allow him to run The Ho-nolulu Marathon on Dec. 10.

"As long as the doctor says it's OK, I'm going to run that marathon," he said.

As part of his regimen, Sterling trains on an elliptical machine six days a week for one to two hours at a time.

"My physical therapist gets on my case if I start doing too much, so the machine helps ease the pounding when compared to running," he said.

HOW THE SHOES FIT

With my plantar condition, I asked Daniel Matsumoto to take a look at my feet to see what he was up against, as in the past Nike shoes have only worked out for me twice.

I told Matsumoto that it didn't matter if I was fitted with running shoes, cross trainers or walking shoes, as long as they helped me withstand my plantar pain after long days of walking.

Matsumoto, who has run the Honolulu Marathon, first opted for running shoes, then after not finding a good fit, switched to walking shoes.

I was pessimistic, as court-shoe styles from Nike have not worked for me in the past. However, the Monarch shoes that Matsumoto brought out were what I was looking for.

After two weeks, the shoes have withstood the test in providing me with the proper cushioning for my plantar condition.

"We do have a 30-day return policy, if the shoes do not work well for customers, they may return their shoes along with their original receipt. The customer service desk will review returns on a case-by-case basis," Matsumoto said.