Pokemon FireRed is the Gameboy Advance remake of the classic Pokemon Red that was released for the original Gameboy. The game includes a wealth of quality of life improvements over the original game, bringing it in line with more modern Pokemon design, graphics, mechanics, and audio. One of these improvements is the inclusion of the Running Shoes – an item first introduced in Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, which allows the player to run across the regions instead of walking. Think of the Running Shoes like a bicycle, but all you need to do is hold down the “B” button, and you’re off!
The Running Shoes are certainly a desirable item as they make your journey throughout the Kanto region in Pokemon FireRed far quicker and more convenient. Indeed, they are the kind of items that you don’t realize how much you need until you get your hands on them.
But how does one find the Running Shoes in Pokemon FireRed, especially since they were absent from the original? Well, you are in luck because today, we will explore how to obtain this fantastic item and discover how it will completely change how you interact with this Pokemon classic.
Beat the Pewter Gym
Before you can get your hands on some slick-looking Running Shoes and speed around Kanto like you are Sonic the Hedgehog, you first have to beat the Pewter Gym in Pewter City. This Gym is the first you will encounter in the game, residing not far from where you begin your adventure. This means you don’t have to play too much of the game before you unlock the Running Shoes.
However, before you can even dream about scooting around with some fancy new shoes, you will need to complete the Gym by going toe to toe with the Gym’s Leader, Brock. The Gym is based on Rock-type Pokemon with a visual design reminiscent of Japanese rock gardens.
Before you can even think about being awarded that trainer badge, you must make your way through a series of battles against other trainers. These include:
- Jr. Trainer – Fights with Diglett Lv. 11 and Sandshrew Lv.11
- Camper Liam (Pokemon FireRed Only) – Fights with Geodude Lv.10 and Sandshrew Lv.11
Now that you have beaten these trainers keep making your way north until you confront Brock.
The Battle with Brock
In Pokemon FireRed, Brock will be equipped with the following Pokemon at his disposal:
Geodude
Level: 12
Type: Rock/Ground
Ability: Rock Head
Held Item: None
Moves: Tackle (Normal), Defence Curl (Normal)
Onix
Level: 14
Type: Rock/Ground
Ability: Rock Head
Held Item: None
Moves: Tackle (Normal), Harden (Normal), Bind (Normal), Rock Tomb (Rock)
As this is the first Gym Leader of the game, fighting Brock isn’t too difficult so long as you have a decent group of Pokemon at your disposal before the fight. Simply be patient, make smart choices, and you will defeat him in no time. It also helps that, unlike in the original Pokemon Red¸, Brock no longer processes the five full heals for his Pokemon whenever they are affected by a status condition.
Your starter Pokemon will also determine how easy or difficult this battle is. If you begin with Bulbasaur or Squirtle, you can reasonably easily defeat both Pokemon with a Bubble or Vine Whip, respectively. However, if you chose Charmander, you may need the aid of an ally Pokemon such as Butterfree.
Once you have finished off Brock, you will receive 1400 credits and the first badge of your adventure. But, more importantly, you have now completed the sequence of events to obtain the Running Shoes. Let us speed on to the fun stuff now.
How to Obtain the Running Shoes in Pokemon FireRed
Congratulations! You have beaten the Pewter Gym and defeated the game’s first Gym Leader, Brock. Now it is finally time to get your hands (or your feet?) on some awesome new Running Shoes.
All you have to do is exit the Pewter Gym and head towards the city’s easter exit towards Mt. Moon. Here, Professor Oak’s Aide will stop you in your path and give you the Running Shoes as a reward for all the hard work you have already put into your adventure.
And there you have it! You are now the proud owner of a pair of Running Shoes, meaning you now can zip around the Kanto region to your heart’s content.
How to Use the Running Shoes in Pokemon FireRed
Using the running shoes in Pokemon FireRed is quick and easy. All you have to do is hold down the “B” button on the Gameboy Advance and move in whatever direction you like with the D-pad. Away you go!
The Running Shoes allow you to move at nearly double the speed of regular walking. This is still less than the bicycle, which will enable you to travel at almost 8 times the regular walking speed. However, the Running Shoes still make a significant difference to your traversal through this fantastical world.
However, be warned because while the Running Shoes are certainly a huge advantage in simply getting from point A to point B, there are times when you should not use them. For example, if you decide to use Running Shoes while moving through tall grass, you are more likely to attract the attention of a wild Pokemon. While this is handy if you are looking to grind, it isn’t ideal if you want to quickly move through an area.
Similarly, using the running shoes around trainers who randomly change the direction, they are facing will cause them to look towards you, inciting a battle.
And there you have it! That is where to find and how to use the Running Shoes in Pokemon FireRed for the Gameboy Advance. We hope this guide was helpful and that you can now enjoy a speedy Pokemon experience.