I've been so disappointed with Road Runner website. Last year, DH ordered a pair of shoes that didn't ship for a long time. Eventually he called them and was told, "Oops. We ran out." By that time, the other colors were also sold out and he had to shop elsewhere.

This year, we ordered 2 pairs of running shoes off their website again. One took forever to ship - came from the manufacturer, although that was never noted in the order. The other pair was shipped from RR, but it was obviously used. He called to complain and they sent a 2nd pair - also used! At that point, we ordered the same ones from Amazon and they BEAT the pair of shoes that came from the manufacturer. We are SO done with that store.

Road Runner Sports website

Anonymous wrote:At the risk of stating the obvious, if we all try our shoes out at the local running store but then leave to order them online for $5 less, there won't be any more local running stores. I'm as interested in saving $ as the next person, but it's really valuable to be able to try shoes on, run on the store's treadmill, and even wear the pair outside for a short run before you buy.

I got my last pair at Georgetown Running Company on M St. The sales guy, a distance runner himself, found me 2 pairs that fit all of my criteria. I ran for 10 min on the treadmill and then ran a few blocks wearing one of each till I chose my pair. I just checked online and I got the exact same (rather hefty) price at the store that I found online at Roadrunners, City Sports, Amazon, and Zappos. Try local first, folks!

+1. I buy from Pacer's in Old Town.

Anonymous wrote:Zappos, if you know the model and size. No tax, free shipping.

Me, too. But I got charged sales tax on a recent order! Amazon started charging sales taxes, too.

RNJ Sports in Bethesda and Rockville. They spend the time to find you the perfect fit.

Anonymous wrote:I agree with the "obvious" poster. I usually get re-fit every 12-18 months and will buy the shoes recommended - but by online in the interim. I switch out my shoes every 4 months or so. PRRunning is great - also fleet feet which is closer to me.

Very similar to this poster. I go in to my local running store (used to be Georgetown or PRR, now Fleet Feet) for fitting at least twice a year. I have been struggling with plantar fasciitis, so have been going in more frequently to get suggestions, try new shoes, and buy inserts. I always buy the first pair of a shoe local. If the shoe works for me, I do buy more pairs online, usually at Runningwarehouse.com . They sometimes have codes through Facebook. And join your local running club for discounts at stores.

If I try on shoes at the local running store, I will buy at least one pair there. I want those stores to stay in business. But I go through about 4 pairs a year, and $140/pair is too much for me. Typically, once I find a model of shoes I like, I'll buy the first pair at the local store and then order them online after that until the model changes and I have to switch. I will also buy other stuff at the store, like a foam roller, nutritionals, cute running outfits, etc.

I search roadrunnersports.com, finishline.com, nike.com, runningshoes.com and a few other sites.

Also, if you're a high-mileage runner, you might be able to save money by using the high-end shoes for only your longest runs and races, and finding a good mid-range shoe for your shorter midweek runs. I love Kayanos, but they are pricey as hell, so I buy one pair for long runs and races, and then use Nike Lunarlon Glides for my midweek runs. And I'll look for the less desirable colors on sale for those. (like the ridiculously blindingly neon yellow ones I am sporting now. Stylin'.) And I'll look for "endangered" models of shoes I like, when they clear out the old stuff for the new model. The danger is that you might not like the old model - I am currently suffering with Brooks Trance in a model that I do NOT like - after loving the previous 3 models. And they were expensive. Ugh.

I agree with the "obvious" poster. I usually get re-fit every 12-18 months and will buy the shoes recommended - but by online in the interim. I switch out my shoes every 4 months or so. PRRunning is great - also fleet feet which is closer to me.

Potomac River Running on Rte 7 in Falls Church. I think all the local running stores offer running club members a 10% discount, fyi.

DSW or Rue La La.

Zappos, if you know the model and size. No tax, free shipping.

At the risk of stating the obvious, if we all try our shoes out at the local running store but then leave to order them online for $5 less, there won't be any more local running stores. I'm as interested in saving $ as the next person, but it's really valuable to be able to try shoes on, run on the store's treadmill, and even wear the pair outside for a short run before you buy.

I got my last pair at Georgetown Running Company on M St. The sales guy, a distance runner himself, found me 2 pairs that fit all of my criteria. I ran for 10 min on the treadmill and then ran a few blocks wearing one of each till I chose my pair. I just checked online and I got the exact same (rather hefty) price at the store that I found online at Roadrunners, City Sports, Amazon, and Zappos. Try local first, folks!

zappos. I need wide width shoes and most stores don't have a large selection. It's easier just to order them online

I go get fitted once a year or so and then I buy the same shoes off amazon. Usually there is a new version of my shoe so the one that I want is cheaper.

My local running store is great, but they're a bit pricy for renewing shoes every time they get worn out. Where do you usually buy your shoes without breaking the bank?