Natalie needs a new pair of shoes for her upcoming marathon. She has found four pairs that meet her standards for support, comfort, style, and breathability. She wants to get a pair of Nike shoes, but there is also a pair of Under Armour shoes that feels amazing. Natalie is at which stage of the consumer decision$-$making process?

a$.$ Evaluation of alternatives

b$.$ Information search

c$.$ Need recognition

d$.$ Purchase