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Running Gear: Discount Store vs Running store

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    loriwells6
    I just started running in March.  I went to a running store and had my gait analyzed and found out what kind of shoe to buy.  I bought the shoe there and spent $100.  Since then I have become one of the millions of unemployed people so I need to watch my money.  I would like to get a trail running shoe as I run 1 day a week on a single track 3 mile trail that is used by horses and mountain bikes.  The grade is 10-15 %.  I also run 1 day a week on a trail that is paved (I have the option of running on the unpaved shoulder) Can I buy a decent shoe at a  place like Big 5 or Sports Authority?  I've been tryiing to do some research on the shoes I have seen in recent ads but don't get too much information from them. 
    • CommentAuthorBronze membershipjsparksh
    • CommentTimeAug 4th 2009 edited
     
    jsparksh
    I buy my shoes online at roadrunnersports.com. If you know what type of shoe you need, they class them into three types for you. You can probably look up the shoe you have and it will tell you if you want "neutral", "stability" or "motion control". They also have some info on this on the site. They often have sales (in fact one right now 10% off all list prices plus free shipping...). Also, I often will buy the prior year model as it closes out because these will be on super sale. I've had a good experience with this site and buy all my shoes there now. They also have user reviews and you can sort by price, by what's on sale, etc. Their "shoe analyzer" also worked well for me. I really like the shoes it picked. When I wore my last pair out, I bought two more on super sale because they were phasing it out. Good luck and sorry about the job.
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberrmpires
    • CommentTimeAug 5th 2009
     
    rmpires
    I have had good success buying my trail running shoes at the Sports Authority. Granted, the employees there won't be as knowledgable about trail shoes as at a speciality running store, and you need to know what you are looking for.
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberrzeznika
    • CommentTimeAug 5th 2009
     
    rzeznika
    I would check the selection out at a running store, get a good opinion, and make sure they fit well. Then I would find them online for a cheaper price. www.HolabirdSports.com is a website with good prices and selection.
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberloriwells6
    • CommentTimeAug 10th 2009
     
    loriwells6
    Thanks for everyone's comments.  I did do a lot of research online.  I needed a stability shoe.  I did buy my first pair of "good shoes" at Fleet Feet" and they told me that and other things so I knew what kind of shoe to buy.  I ended up at Famous Footwear because I had a $20 off coupon from buying my son 2 pairs of Van's earlier in the year.  My husband needed new trail shoes too so we did the buy 1 get the 2nd pair half off plus $20 off of that.  I got a pair of Asics Kahana's for $36.  I took them out yesterday to the trail and they felt pretty good.  I just wish they were brown in color because that is what they are going to look like soon.  I did dust them off after the run and will try to keep that up.
    • CommentAuthorFree MemberEB
    • CommentTimeAug 10th 2009
     
    EB
    Once you get fitted at a running store, save money by buying at a discount store or on-line. But, when you can(pending the job market), go back and support the specialized running stores. Good luck finding a job!!!!! Keep running!!!!!!!
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberaedwards92
    • CommentTimeAug 22nd 2009
     
    aedwards92
    I guess I'm lucky in that the specialized store I go to is at least the same price as the chain stores and very often cheaper. They also give me a discount for being a repeat customer. They are Rhode Runners (www.rhoderunner.net)t. But unless you are near Rhode Island I guess it doesn't help you much.
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    northwestru
    I don't mean to be offensive, but I think what rzeznika suggests is unethical. If you come to the store to take advantage of their staff and their stock, trying the shoes on and getting an advice on what to pick, you should have at least the decency to have a serious intention to buy there. You may have to pay an extra 10-20 bucks, but you've used their additional service. Otherwise it's like eating in a restaurant and running away without paying the tips. 

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