Good Work out shoes??

feelin_gr_8

WOW PEOPLE! Take your hand, reach for your undies, and get them out of a bunch! Must we hijack a thread about shoes and go into the morals of free fittings? I think that's a smidge ridiculous. Manners on that topic vary. Just like tipping or using a company's restroom without buying something, etc. Rules vary so widely by culture and individual.

As for those who know how to stay on topic and not brawl over free shoe fittings....thanks for your suggestions.

shawmutt

Since you're not running, getting running shoes seems to be a waste of time and money. Sure, running shoes will fit like a glove and are comfortable, but they're overkill if your cardio is an elliptical. If you're cardio is higher impact, you will benefit from a running shoe. If you think you might try running (like a couch to 5K) because it's fragging awesome, get yourself a good pair of running shoes. If not, any comfortable shoe will do—trainers, cross trainers, walkers, basketball, etc. if it isn’t a “running” shoe it’s marketing b.s.

One thing about running shoes--they change the models all the time, like yearly. I tried the buying the first pair at the shoe store and then online. From one year’s model to the next, they changed shoe so much I had to return it and go back to the local shoe store. They'll watch you walk, they'll watch you run, and they’ll be able to give you suggestions. Make sure they have a good return policy, 30-day minimum. Even the most comfortable shoe in the store can cause issues down the road.

As far as the online vs. store debate—keep in mind folks, prices change. A $30 cheaper price online for something you buy every six months might be worth it in the short term. Don’t be surprised when those online prices rise after the local running stores go out of business! Is $5 a month worth it to build rapport with a local shoe store? That’s up to the individual to answer. To me personally it is.

Sabine_Stroehm

We've all shopped, then bought online.

But I try to remember that if I buy everything from amazon and big box stores, the smaller stores, speciality stores and the like may disappear. I'm not ready for that to happen.