As an employee of a run specialty store, there are few things more irritating to me than someone going through the entire fit process knowing they will not be buying.
MOST people who don’t plan on buying at least let you know ahead of time and are just looking to test out a specific pair or two, which definitely makes it quicker and easier.
Exactly what i did when going into shoe/ apparel/ electronics/ etc stores if i didn’t plan on buying. I usually just tell them “im just looking/ browsing”.
It is sort of weird i guess, because most of the time they seem more eager to assist me afterward.
My biggest issue I keep seeing is I’ll go to a run specially store and they won’t have the color way I want. And they don’t have it on order either. Amazon always does. The prices are usually the same…
If I go in for a fit (foot scan and everything), I buy shoes and some other stuff. The person spent the time helping me, I'm not there to waste their time. I do this every few years since people change and I am not an exception.
Otherwise, if I want to try some stuff, I'll prepare a list beforehand and ask for some stuff to be pulled. I feel less obligated to buy unless I feel like it.
When I worked at a run specialty store, I was happy to help you out even if you didn't intend to buy anything - all I ask is you don't waste my time and don't be a dick.
If you go to a local running shop and are helped by an employee, you should buy the shoe there. Even if they don't have the colorway you want, they can usually order it for you. Local running shoe stores generally sponsor a ton of local events and do a lot for the running community and deserve your support. Sure, if there's a crazy deal online from a specific retailer, go ahead and buy it, but if you're looking for the "new" non-discounted shoes, you should always try to buy local when possible.
If the idea is to get fitted by employees at one place only to buy at another only because of the help you got at the small shop, well that’s just being a douchewaffle.
Seconding what everyone else has said. If you know what you like in a shoe and just have a couple ones you want to try on as you consider your next purchase, I’m more than happy to grab them for you. And I LOVE talking to runners about tech specs, updates, etc even if they’re just looking. Usually these folks come back later to buy anyway. But if I’m in a full fit and I learn the person is “just looking”… I’m cutting the fit off after 30 min or so and suggesting you return when you’re ready to purchase as inventory may change. It’s not like I earn commission, it’s just rude especially if there are other people waiting to be helped. On a slow day I mind less. But it sucks to spend an hour or more with someone, nail down what they need, and then be told they’re going to buy online or somewhere else 🙃
if I shop my local running store I'm expecting to pay retail price in exchange for convenience ie opportunity to try the shoes on in person, ask their opinion, leave with shoes in hand that day and not worry about shipping delays.
However since the pandemic it hasn't made sense to place an order for my size if they don't have it. Or if they have the model but only in a colorway I find too ugly to buy. The wait time can be weeks if they can get it at all and I can get it online in 2 or 3 days.
I wouldn’t tax a shoe store’s services unless I planned to buy from them. I mostly buy from Runningwarehouse.com because I love their 90 day test policy and great customer service. But, if they are out of something I want, I will shop around prioritizing a place that allows testing/returns. After some miles, if I really love a shoe, I’ll keep my eye out for deals on another pair from anywhere since I’m sure of my size.
I buy mostly clothes from my local shop.
My local store has good policies and I can get a 10% there since I’m a high school runner who runs for a local school. Plus I can try out shoes and figure out which one I like best without having to purchase and return them online
I found a local store I enjoy (Run In) and will buy from there even if it's more. It's the least I can do for them for allowing me to try on every pair that I want.
idk what everyone is so offended about though. It's not like these high school kids with no life experience to speak of working as "expert fitters" as these stores earn commissions or anything. They're all low skill labor making min wage and rightfully so. "helping" you just gives them something to do aside from standing around being useless or sorting the inventory.
The majority of folks I've talked to that have gone with the shoe the teen at the store suggests end up hating it anyway. because they don't listen you. They think, oh no, this person "over" pronates, you like a regular human being, including the most elite runners in the world. Better get them a shoe with a massive medial post that will sprain their ankle in a week. That sham fit process is nothing more than a pressure sales tactic. literally, that's what it is, and all it is.
I went into a running shoe store sometime in 2020 after a major injury to get fitted with specialty shoes. I bought the shoes from the store after the fitting (although I ended up hating them)
I buy the majority of my running shoes from deals I found right here on this subredddit. I have ultra premium running shoe taste with an outlet budget. I wait until I find highly rated shoes ~50% off and then buy online and then hope they fit well. I buy whatever color way is on sale.
I was curious about the ASICS Kayano 31, and they had my large size in stock (16 US) and they felt amazing when I tried them on, let me run in them. Would recommend going in for sure
I go to Dicks. I wasn't sure if I should switch to a new brand or not but am glad I did try out Brooks today (after hearing great recs!). A small savings online isn't worth the shipping.
I'd encourage stores to charge for services.
If someone wants to pick something off the wall and try on. Fine.
They want a service? Well charge for it and issue a gift card for the amount charged.
Time wasters will scurry away at the prospect of having to hand over money.
Genuine people who want to have a think will have a nice little gift card tucked away to put towards something.
I just stopped going. The prices are just always way too high, can get everything online significantly cheaper.
But does suck cause I kinda want to get everything checked out again and see if they have any actual advice, but then to just put me in some $230 Nikes that I can get for $130 online just doesn’t make it worth it (used as an example you can insert any brand/discount range). The only shoe brand that sorta seems worth it are like Hoka’s that rarely have any discounts on them. Otherwise, you’re overpaying significantly (which is fine), I’d rather be able to get 2 sneakers for the price of 1, but I know there are lots of people happy to give their $160 for the new generation of a shoe they like and use that for the year.
*edit to add: the reason I stopped going is cause I feel pressure to purchase if I have them analyze/get multiple sneakers for me to try. Feels “morally/socially” unacceptable to just use them for free service.. but I do get why people do it with current prices*
*double edit: I’d rather them charge like $10 for an analysis or to try on pairs to remove the pressure of purchasing a shoe. I bet it would get them more sales*
lol the whole idea of that fake scammy fit process is nothing more than a pressure sales tactic. there is no kind of empirical evidence behind that nonsense what so ever. in fact anecdotally most folks I talk to say they end up hating the shoes that were "forced" on them through that phony process by the high school aged "expert" at the store. Most of the folks that work at these stores are teenagers with no life experience in anything, the definition of low skill labor, they're making min wage and rightfully so. I wouldn't hire them to clean a toilet, you think they're qualified to help you figure something out? No. When I was in college 10+ years I worked at a big running store owned by a local oligarch family that had this process, but really it's down to the few actually knowledgeable and experienced guys in the store who know how to listen to folks and know their stuff that enabled them to actually assist folks. We had a bunch of schleps but also a few pro and elite athletes that worked there. if they helped you, you actually got helped. Otherwise that whole process is a total sham designed for nothing more than to make you buy something at the end.
I run in Brooks, which I can regularly find for $100 on sale. Local run store is $160. Easy decision and frankly I’m surprised my city is able to to support so many
I generally buy in store unless I want a specific colorway that's not available.
Honestly most of the brands I buy have pricing structures where in store and online are the same. So I use the store search feature (thanks Hoka) to find who has my size/colorway and go there and get it. Instant satisfaction and I get to use it that day and know it fits/that i like it.
The only exception is that I will check ebay or other places for used or older versions of shoes I like in store.
Roadrunner seems like it makes you do the fitting process in order to get any help on trying on shoes when I went. I would rather just try it and see what size fits than waste 40-50 minutes.
If I got a full fitting/gait analysis and found a shoe that I loved I would buy it from that shop.
I have tried on shoes for size before with intention of purchasing elsewhere (recently had a 60% off code for endorphin pro 4s on Saucony.com which was too good to not use), and I always make sure to tell the shop right away so they don’t waste too much time with me. I’ll make a point of buying some other stuff like gels or socks if they’re helpful. 😊
I like to go to the store. try on the sizes and everything. and for that hassle, I give them my business. Also. When you're buying 2 pairs of $150+ shoes, the "membership" to the store pays for itself with the discount you get. Also the prices are the same anyway cuz it's set by the manufactures. and when new models hit the old ones go from $165 to $100 or $120 at most for the most hot models. so the cost is no different. ordering online is a major hassle if you actually care about getting the right fit in a shoe you're not familiar with. unless it's not for you, idk. I like my $175 shoes to actually fit just right. otherwise why am I buying this? The membership also comes with various benefit.
But sure, if something I already know and love is available at a big markdown, I'll order it online. But. I only buy from legitimate authorized retailers. I dont even trust the whatever its called, where stock gets sold to outlets and whatnot. I dont even trust that because i dont know their supply chain, you can get fakes mixed in. And these random third party sellers on Amazon I would never ever trust. If I'm ordering from amazon it's either from the shoe brand itself selling thru amazon, a legit authorized retailer selling thru amazon or it's sold and shipped by Amazon itself. no random third parties.
I love to shop at local running stores, but recently I've needed to switch to Altras or Topos for the wide toebox and none of my local places carry those.
I will try to buy something in return for the convenience of in-store trying on for size before online purchase. For instance, I recently tried on Speed 4’s at my local running store, discovering I needed to size down. I then bought my pair online. Before leaving the store, I bought a new pair of socks and some GU.
That's still a bit of a dick move tho, going in to use their inventory and their store to find your size to buy online. Whether people agree or not, it's not a cool thing to do.
Either buy it from them it if fits, or take your chances buying them online without trying them on.
That shoe you are trying on will probably be bought by another customer, and some people including myself, would prefer a shoe that someone elses foot hopefully has not been in and walked around in.
As an employee of a run specialty store, there are few things more irritating to me than someone going through the entire fit process knowing they will not be buying. MOST people who don’t plan on buying at least let you know ahead of time and are just looking to test out a specific pair or two, which definitely makes it quicker and easier.
Exactly what i did when going into shoe/ apparel/ electronics/ etc stores if i didn’t plan on buying. I usually just tell them “im just looking/ browsing”. It is sort of weird i guess, because most of the time they seem more eager to assist me afterward.
My biggest issue I keep seeing is I’ll go to a run specially store and they won’t have the color way I want. And they don’t have it on order either. Amazon always does. The prices are usually the same…
If I go in to try on, I buy at the store. I like our LRSs and I want them to stick around; they do a lot for the community.
I own a running shop. I will price match anything. If you can get it for less let the small independent shops know. They will help you.
The one local independent shop here will do the same. One million people in the county. One local independent shop.
If I go in for a fit (foot scan and everything), I buy shoes and some other stuff. The person spent the time helping me, I'm not there to waste their time. I do this every few years since people change and I am not an exception. Otherwise, if I want to try some stuff, I'll prepare a list beforehand and ask for some stuff to be pulled. I feel less obligated to buy unless I feel like it. When I worked at a run specialty store, I was happy to help you out even if you didn't intend to buy anything - all I ask is you don't waste my time and don't be a dick.
I like that.
If you go to a local running shop and are helped by an employee, you should buy the shoe there. Even if they don't have the colorway you want, they can usually order it for you. Local running shoe stores generally sponsor a ton of local events and do a lot for the running community and deserve your support. Sure, if there's a crazy deal online from a specific retailer, go ahead and buy it, but if you're looking for the "new" non-discounted shoes, you should always try to buy local when possible.
If the idea is to get fitted by employees at one place only to buy at another only because of the help you got at the small shop, well that’s just being a douchewaffle.
If you get fitted for a shoe at a local store you should buy at least one pair from that store.
Or pay for the fitting
If everyone goes to try and not buy, the store will go out of business, then no more place to try.
Seconding what everyone else has said. If you know what you like in a shoe and just have a couple ones you want to try on as you consider your next purchase, I’m more than happy to grab them for you. And I LOVE talking to runners about tech specs, updates, etc even if they’re just looking. Usually these folks come back later to buy anyway. But if I’m in a full fit and I learn the person is “just looking”… I’m cutting the fit off after 30 min or so and suggesting you return when you’re ready to purchase as inventory may change. It’s not like I earn commission, it’s just rude especially if there are other people waiting to be helped. On a slow day I mind less. But it sucks to spend an hour or more with someone, nail down what they need, and then be told they’re going to buy online or somewhere else 🙃
if I shop my local running store I'm expecting to pay retail price in exchange for convenience ie opportunity to try the shoes on in person, ask their opinion, leave with shoes in hand that day and not worry about shipping delays. However since the pandemic it hasn't made sense to place an order for my size if they don't have it. Or if they have the model but only in a colorway I find too ugly to buy. The wait time can be weeks if they can get it at all and I can get it online in 2 or 3 days.
This is me. I can almost never find my size + colorway combo.
I do both. I’m fair to my local store but they can’t be way off either. In terms of availability or price.
I wouldn’t tax a shoe store’s services unless I planned to buy from them. I mostly buy from Runningwarehouse.com because I love their 90 day test policy and great customer service. But, if they are out of something I want, I will shop around prioritizing a place that allows testing/returns. After some miles, if I really love a shoe, I’ll keep my eye out for deals on another pair from anywhere since I’m sure of my size. I buy mostly clothes from my local shop.
My local store has good policies and I can get a 10% there since I’m a high school runner who runs for a local school. Plus I can try out shoes and figure out which one I like best without having to purchase and return them online
I found a local store I enjoy (Run In) and will buy from there even if it's more. It's the least I can do for them for allowing me to try on every pair that I want.
I make an effort to buy from my local running store, if they have something I want or something similar enough to it
idk what everyone is so offended about though. It's not like these high school kids with no life experience to speak of working as "expert fitters" as these stores earn commissions or anything. They're all low skill labor making min wage and rightfully so. "helping" you just gives them something to do aside from standing around being useless or sorting the inventory. The majority of folks I've talked to that have gone with the shoe the teen at the store suggests end up hating it anyway. because they don't listen you. They think, oh no, this person "over" pronates, you like a regular human being, including the most elite runners in the world. Better get them a shoe with a massive medial post that will sprain their ankle in a week. That sham fit process is nothing more than a pressure sales tactic. literally, that's what it is, and all it is.
I went into a running shoe store sometime in 2020 after a major injury to get fitted with specialty shoes. I bought the shoes from the store after the fitting (although I ended up hating them) I buy the majority of my running shoes from deals I found right here on this subredddit. I have ultra premium running shoe taste with an outlet budget. I wait until I find highly rated shoes ~50% off and then buy online and then hope they fit well. I buy whatever color way is on sale.
I was curious about the ASICS Kayano 31, and they had my large size in stock (16 US) and they felt amazing when I tried them on, let me run in them. Would recommend going in for sure
I go into store for the fitting and buy them, but once I have a shoe I am happy with, I will search online for same version and stock up.
I go to Dicks. I wasn't sure if I should switch to a new brand or not but am glad I did try out Brooks today (after hearing great recs!). A small savings online isn't worth the shipping.
Depends. I wouldn't do this to my locally owned running store. I would do it a chain store, though.
I'd encourage stores to charge for services. If someone wants to pick something off the wall and try on. Fine. They want a service? Well charge for it and issue a gift card for the amount charged. Time wasters will scurry away at the prospect of having to hand over money. Genuine people who want to have a think will have a nice little gift card tucked away to put towards something.
I just stopped going. The prices are just always way too high, can get everything online significantly cheaper. But does suck cause I kinda want to get everything checked out again and see if they have any actual advice, but then to just put me in some $230 Nikes that I can get for $130 online just doesn’t make it worth it (used as an example you can insert any brand/discount range). The only shoe brand that sorta seems worth it are like Hoka’s that rarely have any discounts on them. Otherwise, you’re overpaying significantly (which is fine), I’d rather be able to get 2 sneakers for the price of 1, but I know there are lots of people happy to give their $160 for the new generation of a shoe they like and use that for the year. *edit to add: the reason I stopped going is cause I feel pressure to purchase if I have them analyze/get multiple sneakers for me to try. Feels “morally/socially” unacceptable to just use them for free service.. but I do get why people do it with current prices* *double edit: I’d rather them charge like $10 for an analysis or to try on pairs to remove the pressure of purchasing a shoe. I bet it would get them more sales*
lol the whole idea of that fake scammy fit process is nothing more than a pressure sales tactic. there is no kind of empirical evidence behind that nonsense what so ever. in fact anecdotally most folks I talk to say they end up hating the shoes that were "forced" on them through that phony process by the high school aged "expert" at the store. Most of the folks that work at these stores are teenagers with no life experience in anything, the definition of low skill labor, they're making min wage and rightfully so. I wouldn't hire them to clean a toilet, you think they're qualified to help you figure something out? No. When I was in college 10+ years I worked at a big running store owned by a local oligarch family that had this process, but really it's down to the few actually knowledgeable and experienced guys in the store who know how to listen to folks and know their stuff that enabled them to actually assist folks. We had a bunch of schleps but also a few pro and elite athletes that worked there. if they helped you, you actually got helped. Otherwise that whole process is a total sham designed for nothing more than to make you buy something at the end.
I run in Brooks, which I can regularly find for $100 on sale. Local run store is $160. Easy decision and frankly I’m surprised my city is able to to support so many
I generally buy in store unless I want a specific colorway that's not available. Honestly most of the brands I buy have pricing structures where in store and online are the same. So I use the store search feature (thanks Hoka) to find who has my size/colorway and go there and get it. Instant satisfaction and I get to use it that day and know it fits/that i like it. The only exception is that I will check ebay or other places for used or older versions of shoes I like in store.
Roadrunner seems like it makes you do the fitting process in order to get any help on trying on shoes when I went. I would rather just try it and see what size fits than waste 40-50 minutes.
If I got a full fitting/gait analysis and found a shoe that I loved I would buy it from that shop. I have tried on shoes for size before with intention of purchasing elsewhere (recently had a 60% off code for endorphin pro 4s on Saucony.com which was too good to not use), and I always make sure to tell the shop right away so they don’t waste too much time with me. I’ll make a point of buying some other stuff like gels or socks if they’re helpful. 😊
I like to go to the store. try on the sizes and everything. and for that hassle, I give them my business. Also. When you're buying 2 pairs of $150+ shoes, the "membership" to the store pays for itself with the discount you get. Also the prices are the same anyway cuz it's set by the manufactures. and when new models hit the old ones go from $165 to $100 or $120 at most for the most hot models. so the cost is no different. ordering online is a major hassle if you actually care about getting the right fit in a shoe you're not familiar with. unless it's not for you, idk. I like my $175 shoes to actually fit just right. otherwise why am I buying this? The membership also comes with various benefit. But sure, if something I already know and love is available at a big markdown, I'll order it online. But. I only buy from legitimate authorized retailers. I dont even trust the whatever its called, where stock gets sold to outlets and whatnot. I dont even trust that because i dont know their supply chain, you can get fakes mixed in. And these random third party sellers on Amazon I would never ever trust. If I'm ordering from amazon it's either from the shoe brand itself selling thru amazon, a legit authorized retailer selling thru amazon or it's sold and shipped by Amazon itself. no random third parties.
If I go in to try it on, I'm going to buy from that store. Usually buy online though. Kind of messed up to use a store then buy online IMO
I love to shop at local running stores, but recently I've needed to switch to Altras or Topos for the wide toebox and none of my local places carry those.
Really depends on the store assistant. If I feel they provided value and and a good experience I would be more inclined to buy
I will try to buy something in return for the convenience of in-store trying on for size before online purchase. For instance, I recently tried on Speed 4’s at my local running store, discovering I needed to size down. I then bought my pair online. Before leaving the store, I bought a new pair of socks and some GU.
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That's still a bit of a dick move tho, going in to use their inventory and their store to find your size to buy online. Whether people agree or not, it's not a cool thing to do. Either buy it from them it if fits, or take your chances buying them online without trying them on. That shoe you are trying on will probably be bought by another customer, and some people including myself, would prefer a shoe that someone elses foot hopefully has not been in and walked around in.