Where do you buy running shoes?

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maoriboy

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#225618 27-Nov-2017 09:51

I'm starting to get more into my running and, as a result, need to get a decent pair of running shoes. My problem is that with the width of my Islander feet (4E) it really limits my options. Basically only Asics and New Balance do anything in NZ. Rebel Sport has about 6-8 models of which perhaps 2 were suitable for my running style (neutral). Kelly's Sports shoes had 4 and none were any good, Shoe Clinic had 2 in stock but could ship some in if I decided to buy them (without trying them on there was no chance of that) and Athlete's Foot has an ok range but horribly expensive.

So where do you go? I'm more than happy to try on shoes and buy in store for a reasonable price (then buying the same pair online but much cheaper). Any online stores you'd recommend?

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#1908289 27-Nov-2017 09:53

Shoe Clinic give you 30 days to return shoes if you buy in-store. Expensive, but great service. In the past I've bought from them, then when they wear out buying from Amazon or Rebel sports on sale.

sbiddle

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#1908295 27-Nov-2017 10:07

I have wide feet as well and find getting shoes in NZ is a mission. I really don't know why this is the case when there are no many Maori and Pacific Island people that have big feet that are normally wide - one can really only assume it's a case of importers not bringing in products because they don't see the demand, and customers simply buying what they have on offer rather than what they actually need.

I'm lucky because I'm normally in the US at least 2x per year so just buy everything over there. I've dealt with both Athlete's Food and Shoe Clinic before and found both to be good. Athlete's Foot do have some good specials at times.

MikeB4

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#1908296 27-Nov-2017 10:09

The Athletes Foot but I don't run in them.

davidcole

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#1908312 27-Nov-2017 10:26

I've went to Shoe Clinic here in Wellington to be fitted. And bought the shoes off them from the fitting (@ $230).

But subsequent to that, I've bought the next years model after about 500km from Runningwarehouse.com or wiggle.com.au - normally for about $100 - $120NZD landed.

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jonathan18

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#1908316 27-Nov-2017 10:31

I'm assuming the New Balance website will have their full range of shoes available? As you mention, it's a brand that is usually is good in providing for a wider foot, so it'll be surprising if you can't find anything in their range. (Though I guess Kelly's or the other stores should have had most models available anyway.) The site often has good sales - this past weekend for example, they had 50% off nearly all their range (and they always have free shipping for orders over $100), so I picked up a pair of 1260s for $140.

Of course, the initial hassle is finding a physical store that stocks a good range, and it seems like you've done range of stores in PN at least...

alasta

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#1908397 27-Nov-2017 12:38

I go to the New Balance outlet shop - I think they have branches in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

You can often get outgoing models with significant discounts and there is nothing wrong with them. I regularly run half marathons and I am training for a full marathon and I never need to spend more than $150 at the New Balance store.

davidcole

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#1908421 27-Nov-2017 13:06

alasta:

I go to the New Balance outlet shop - I think they have branches in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

You can often get outgoing models with significant discounts and there is nothing wrong with them. I regularly run half marathons and I am training for a full marathon and I never need to spend more than $150 at the New Balance store.

Buying last years model is a good trick also, quite a bit cheaper.

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MikeAqua

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#1908458 27-Nov-2017 13:50

Shoe clinic. I used to be >120kg. The right shoes were critical band shoe clinic got it right.

Mike

martyyn

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#1908569 27-Nov-2017 17:31

If you know what you need then you can't go past prodirectrunning.com

Can't even begin to think of the money I've saved using them for running, football, netball and casual for us over the last ten years.

But every now and then Rebel have a decent sale on Asics and they come close to the same price.

I've worn Kayano's for about 20 years.

blackjack17

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#1908573 27-Nov-2017 17:41

I go to that ASICS factory store in dressmaker every year or so. Normally pay around $150 for a pair of Kayanos. I have the 22s at the moment and are happy with them.

I have wider feet and don't normally have an issue getting the wider shoe.

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mattwnz

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#1908586 27-Nov-2017 18:05

blackjack17: I go to that ASICS factory store in dressmaker every year or so. Normally pay around $150 for a pair of Kayanos. I have the 22s at the moment and are happy with them.

I have wider feet and don't normally have an issue getting the wider shoe.

I have always had asics, but the kayanos 23s I got this year I wasn't that impressed. The toe box was very cramped so I had to go half a size larger than my other asics. Reading other reviews about them, that seemed a common complaint. They also cut in at the heel, pushing in my tendon, as the heel seems very high. I was getting heel pain too, although I can't be sure if that was link to the shoes, but Ionly started getting it after I started using them. They are also quite heavy relative to other running shoes I have. Although they are reasoably comfortable in terms of the padding, but I don't think I will buy this model again.

mattwnz

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#1908590 27-Nov-2017 18:11

In terms of getting the best price when reduced, and trying on shoes, Rebel is okay. But they tie the shoes together with wires, which can make it difficult to try them out.

pom532

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#1908807 28-Nov-2017 09:03

mattwnz:

In terms of getting the best price when reduced, and trying on shoes, Rebel is okay. But they tie the shoes together with wires, which can make it difficult to try them out.

Just need to ask a staff-member to take it off if they don't offer to do it.

nicnzl

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#1911860 2-Dec-2017 00:31

mattwnz:

blackjack17: I go to that ASICS factory store in dressmaker every year or so. Normally pay around $150 for a pair of Kayanos. I have the 22s at the moment and are happy with them.

I have wider feet and don't normally have an issue getting the wider shoe.

I have always had asics, but the kayanos 23s I got this year I wasn't that impressed. The toe box was very cramped so I had to go half a size larger than my other asics. Reading other reviews about them, that seemed a common complaint. They also cut in at the heel, pushing in my tendon, as the heel seems very high. I was getting heel pain too, although I can't be sure if that was link to the shoes, but Ionly started getting it after I started using them. They are also quite heavy relative to other running shoes I have. Although they are reasoably comfortable in terms of the padding, but I don't think I will buy this model again.

That's interesting to hear.

I've been running in Kayanos for years, but for the first time I picked up an unexplained injury in my inner left ankle using the 23's. Almost 4 months of physio now and still not 100%.

Earlier in the year I trained for and ran an ultra marathon using 21's and 22's, and had no issue whatsoever. Then on a much more limited running schedule using 23's, I'm injured.

I'm tempted to look at some minimalist shoes now that the over-engineering seems to be having an effect on me

minimoke

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#1912192 3-Dec-2017 09:45

For context, I'm large, have widesh feet and pokey out little toes. When I'm training I'll do 80km a week.

When I started running late in life I struggled firstly to find a comfy pair. I settled on Asiics. And then as the KM's got up a pair that lasted. I was struggling to get 450 - 500 kms out of a pair and when shops want $250 a pair I had to find a supply. Also asiics wernt lasting and I even went through a couple of pairs of Kayanos to give them a decent shot. Still no good.

Shopped mainly at Rebel Sport when they had a sale - too expensive otherwise. Window shopped at Shoe Clinic but never any sale - but that is countered by their return policy. Been to DressMart whee the sell cheap shoes and even an imported who just lays them all out on an old factory floor. Found Mizuno excellent - but they canned the Paradox which was a great shoe.

After many trial and tribulations I found a brand and style that suited. Unfortunately they are Saucony "Guides" and that's a brand not well supported in NZ. So I now go to amazon where I'll pay around USD$70 a pair inc YouShop postage.

So my suggestions:

- read the product and user reviews on amazon and buy a pair of something - allow 2 -3 weeks for delivery. Give it a shot then refine your search from there.

Subscribe to RunniningShoe Guru. I got an email the other day. Saucony Guide 10's $USD40 a pair. Bought me 3 pairs. Havent run in 10's but currently in the the 9's (with a spare pair waiting in storage) which has been my go to style from the 7's. (Obviously 2017 11's about to come out and quitting last years stock - I don't mind at all as I'm not into latest version.

And if you find the toe box too tight I will sometimes snip out a bit of the upper to make a wee hole for my toe to poke out. Only takes a couple of mm but that's all my toe needs to avoid callouses.

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