Roadrunnersports.com
You can join the vip club for like $2 annually and then you get 10% off every purchase and shipping is free. They have been running a 25% off promotion recently. They also allow a 60 day return policy if you don't like the shoes. I am an avid runner and go through several pair per year.
runningwarehouse.com is also a good one.
Please do one thing prior to heading to the net for the better deal. If you were fitted by your local running store, please purchase the shoes. Yes, you are paying full retail, but you are also receiving a service. After the first pair, the head to the net stores or other places. Also, many running stores will offer discounts if you join a local running club.
I only say this as these small businesses struggle for survival and gladly offer help, but if no one ever purchases a shoe, then they will leave.
I will actually go so far as to say buy your shoes from your local running store- and get fitted EVERY time you need a pair of shoes. Age, slight weight fluctuations, spinal subluxations, they all add up to a slightly different fit each time.
I get fitted each and every time, and it was only my most recent pair that didn't work out so well for me- and they accepted them for a full refund even after I had put 30 miles on them.
I can't tell you how awesome my local running store is; not only do they offer free fittings, classes, and water for local runners, but they are always willing to sponsor any local events -and I live near ATL, which has a huge running market. In addition, when I cracked the face of my Garmin three months after I purchased it, they replaced it with no problems and no receipt!
I've been tempted by these Internet deals, but I feel like that would be cheating on my running store. My advice would be to stick with a business like that, especially since I know if something goes wrong, they got my back.
Another thing I would recommend is to ask them the next time you are there if they participate in any product testing. I was at an injury prevention clinic and they were offering sign ups for consumer product testing. I figured WHY NOT and gave them my information. I'm now emailed once a month or so for a consumer test panel. It normally takes between 30 minutes and an hour, they normally schedule after business hours, and I go to an independent test facility and try things. I lovingly refer to them as "the snack people"- I've been testing energy gels/goo for the past few months. I go after work, try between 3 and 20 energy gel products, and they hand me a VERY generous gift card to my local running store on the way out. I've not had to pay for shoes in several years out of pocket- I'm able to use the gift cards.
If you have a very common foot size (men's 9, women's 7, normal width is one of the most common) there is a frequent need for shoe product testing- aka you get a free pair of running shoes in exchange for your feedback. Occasionally the companies will ask you to mail the shoes back (at their expense) so they can measure wear after x number of miles- still a great deal- you get fresh shoes frequently, and you don't have to pay
I can't tell you how awesome my local running store is; not only do they offer free fittings, classes, and water for local runners, but they are always willing to sponsor any local events -and I live near ATL, which has a huge running market. In addition, when I cracked the face of my Garmin three months after I purchased it, they replaced it with no problems and no receipt!
I've been tempted by these Internet deals, but I feel like that would be cheating on my running store. My advice would be to stick with a business like that, especially since I know if something goes wrong, they got my back.