Best place to buy running shoes?

[ChattaDIS]

Does anyone have any secrets on the best place to buy quality running shoes? I know there are discounts out there for last years models but what about current models? I can get 10% off at my local running store but wanted to do better.

[jcieutat]

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.

[ludari]

You can try going to a running expo. I know that shoes are discounted at the expos for the runDisney events.

[cewait]

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.

[ChattaDIS]

We did buy our last shoes from the local run store. I totally agree about buying from them if using their services they are incredibly important to help with finding the right shoe

[goofeygirl]

Originally Posted by jcieutat

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.

Ditto on the roadrunnersports. Thats where I went. They put me on treadmil to check my gait. Put my feet on something that molded to my foot to see what shoe works best. Ended up with a pair of Brooks that I love!!!!

[stargazertechie]

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.

[DisneyRunnerChick]

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.

[Ariel484]

Originally Posted by cewait

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.

Originally Posted by stargazertechie

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.

Originally Posted by DisneyRunnerChick

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.

Cannot agree with this enough. I LOVE my local running store - they are super friendly, knowledgeable and seem to really care. I went in last week ready to buy a new pair of shoes after losing 25 pounds, and the guy I worked with had a different idea - just take out the inserts I'd been using for the past 3 years. He actually steered me away from buying a brand new $100 pair of shoes and he was totally correct! Also, I find that since they know I'm a regular customer they'll throw me a little discount of 10-15% here and there...always a really nice surprise. It's really a great business plan for them, as I wouldn't go anywhere else to get important running gear.

[stargazertechie]

[QUOTE=Ariel484;

Cannot agree with this enough. I LOVE my local running store - they are super friendly, knowledgeable and seem to really care. I went in last week ready to buy a new pair of shoes after losing 25 pounds, and the guy I worked with had a different idea - just take out the inserts I'd been using for the past 3 years. He actually steered me away from buying a brand new $100 pair of shoes and he was totally correct! Also, I find that since they know I'm a regular customer they'll throw me a little discount of 10-15% here and there...always a really nice surprise. It's really a great business plan for them, as I wouldn't go anywhere else to get important running gear. [/QUOTE]

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

[Qltrgrl2]

I buy all my running shoes from my local running store. They offer periodic discounts and I always manage to get the shoes on sale. During the month of February, they had a "leap year" sale, one item at 29% off for an example. I do not know if you can get a better price on the net. Plus, I would never know what were the appropriate shoes for the type of running I do, without the professional help they offer.

[APrunner]

runningwarehouse.com. Their prices are usually better without a discount. Posters here can use the wishraced code for 15% off. If the code does not work online, call them. For some brands, like Brooks for example, they will honor the code on the phone, but not online. Just an agreement they have with Brooks. I prefer Saucony anyway, all is good with them.

I agree with supporting the local guys if they provide a service. But for those of us with no good local places to go, runningwarehouse.com is a great option.

[wellsronald18]

I totally agree that local running store are really good, don’t search here and there, even they provide you lots of facilities and assistance, what else you want?

[Melissahac99]

I love Running Fit. Knowledgable staff that are runners. They size you and check your gait. You pay retail but it's worth the great customer service!

[ilovetexas]

Originally Posted by DisneyRunnerChick

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.

I live just outside ATL and would love to know which store you go to. I was telling DH just the other day that I need new shoes.