Online shopping is growing tremendously year over year. A lot of times shopping online can be more convenient and cheaper than going into a store to buy the same thing. However, there are some things that you just don’t want to buy online. Running shoes are one of those things that offer a better experience to be purchased at the local running specialty store than online.
Here are four reasons why you don’t want to buy running shoes online:
You Can’t Try on Shoes Online
Since all feet are different, one of the most important aspects of purchasing running shoes are making sure that they fit your feet. Shopping online for a t-shirt is a little different than shopping for running shoes since shoes are something you want to try on to make sure they fit right. We have found that the same exact shoes can fit differently based on where they are manufactured, so even if you are reordering the same exact shoe online that you currently wear you may be surprised that it could fit a bit differently if it is made in a different country. When you come into a local running store, we make sure to give you a gait analysis to make sure we help you find the proper shoes for your feet, and you can even test them out on the treadmill if you like.
You Miss Out on the Assistance of Expert Staff When You Buy Online
A lot of times we have questions when we make a purchase, and it is harder to get answers and expert advice online than in a local running store. Sometimes you need someone to point you in the right direction or offer up another type of shoe based on your foot type that you wouldn’t have even considered. The local expertise of running store staff can’t be found online.
You Can’t Get a Deal on New Shoes Online
A main reason why people shop online is to find the best deal and easily compare many prices at once. You can find good deals on running shoes online, but only on the older shoe models. If you are looking for a deal you will find older shoe models on sale at your local running store, and you can try them on. The most current shoes must be sold online at the manufacturer suggested retail price, so you will not save money by purchasing new shoes online.
You Have to Wait for Shipping When You Buy Shoes Online
Not only do you have to wait (and sometimes pay for) shipping when you order shoes online, but nobody knows how long they have been sitting at a warehouse before they are shipped. It is also a pain to return shoes that you order online if they don’t fit right. When you buy shoes at a local running store, you not only know they are a good fit for your feet but you get to walk (or run) out with them right away.
Not only are you supporting the local running community when you buy shoes from a local specialty running store, but you get personal one-on-one assistance with local expert staff, a gait analysis to find the right shoes for your feet, the same pricing as you would pay online (deleted here), and you get to walk or run out with them the same day. Buying running shoes online may be perceived as convenient and a cost savings but once you really look into it the benefits of buying from your local running specialty store it is really a no brainer.
Starting in January Complete Runner will offer a new service. If we don’t have your size in stock we will ship them to your house for free (based on availability).
