I have been wearing Mizuno Wave Riders forever. Unfortunately, when the 16s came out, I hated them. I bought some 15s on Ebay and have been wearing them for six months. But the time has come. I need new shoes. However, I HATE THE NEW WAVE RIDERS!
So I headed to my local running store for some answers. The manager there knows his shit. I explained my situation to him. He had me try on the Wave Rider 17s. They felt the same as the 16s and I didn't like them at all. He also had me try on several other brands with a similar fit to my old shoes. He checked my feet and he checked the fit of the shoe. He listened to all of my concerns and assured me that even though it doesn't feel like the 17s give me as much support and cushioning as the 15s, they actually give me more support. The change feels drastic, but it's actually not that drastic and I would get through it.
I was so thankful for his help and decided to get the 17s. But I did the douchiest thing ever. I told him I'd think about it and be back later.
It was a lie.
I went right home and ordered the shoes online.
Store price: $114.00
Holabirdsports.com price: $69.95
I got two pair... for just a little over the price of one pair at my local running store!
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Mizuno Wave Rider 17s
$69.95 @ Holabirdsports.com
(18s are coming out very soon, so these are closeout prices!)
I feel really bad. The manager at the running store is so nice. He remembered my name, even though I only go in there like once a year. And he was so knowledgeable and spent a lot of time helping me. I want to support local businesses, but when the price difference is so drastic, I just had to buy the shoes online.
A friend of mine told me not to sweat it. "Don't worry," she said, "The real housewives of Camp Hill can buy their shoes at the store and you can buy yours online."
Where do you buy your running shoes? Do you support local running stores or do you try to find them cheaper online?
Everything is just soooo expensive at the stores. Amazon prime is super convenient, I think I buy everything there.
ReplyDeleteHaha I do the same thing all the time! Don't feel bad ;)
ReplyDeleteI need shoes like that!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to be getting my first pair of Mizunos this week and I am anxious to see which ones I am sent! I hope they are cushion-y ones!
ReplyDeleteWhat kind did you order?
DeleteI got my shoes today and they are the Wave Rider 18. Since this is my first pair of Mizunos, I have nothing to compare it to, but I wanted to ask you if you generally were the same size in each style or do some run bigger or smaller than others? I'm torn if I want to go up a size or not but was going to go to the running store and try on the 17's ( because they don't have the 18 yet) to see if the next size up would be better. I am so indecisive when it comes to shoes...lol Thanks for any help you can provide.
DeleteI wear the same size in every mizuno wave rider whether it's the 7 or the 17. Never wavered at all. I would say whatever size you wear for one, you'd wear for the other. And obviously I never tried the 18 yet (SERIOUSLY WHY DO THEY NEED TO HAVE 18 VERSIONS?????), but the 16 and the 17 felt EXACTLY the same to me.
DeleteThanks! Yea, these shoe companies are crazy always coming out with new styles already!
DeleteWhen it comes to shopping at Target vs. Amazon, I don't feel to bad ordering online because they're both national retailers who will do a lot of business, regardless. But when it comes to local shops, I do make a significant effort to shop them. I always buy my running shoes from my local shop because I'd be sad if they go out of business and I can't go in for that custom gait analysis and fitting.
ReplyDeleteI'm not judging you, but if that local place goes out of business, don't complain that there's no well informed running expert around to help you find the perfect fit.
Yup, that is exactly why I feel bad about it. I suppose it is the chance I have to take until I can afford their prices again. Or their prices go down.
DeleteI definitely understand but I do try and support my local shop when they help out like that. I was having issues wearing my old shoes since my injury so I went in for a new analysis and got fitted for a totally different brand/style and bought a pair from them. I bought a second pair online for cheaper but I do like getting that first pair from them when I would've been so screwed without their advice!
ReplyDeleteThat is a very good idea Emmeline. And I did think about doing that.... but obviously didn't. I have definitely bought shoes there before. I always order my trail shoes through them because they are usually the same price across the board.
DeleteI'm the same as you - I like to try them on in the store so I know how they feel first but then I prefer online. However, my husband got me a new pair of Mizunos as a thank-you this past weekend and he bought them at the local running store - I will let that count for my contribution:)
ReplyDeletelol nice!
DeleteEek I have done something similar. I just can't pay the higher price. I always search online for the lowest price for the shoes I need!
ReplyDeleteI always look online, and don't feel bad! I feel like most people do this =)
ReplyDeleteAmanda @ www.slimplifylife.blogspot.com
When I am going to buy the current model of a shoe I usually just go into the local running store and buy it since I know I'll have to pay full price no matter what. However if Running Warehouse or somewhere else has an older version of the shoe for cheaper I don't even think twice about it!
ReplyDeleteThat makes me feel better. The douche thing is that I went in for advice and didn't buy. I think I have bad running karma now!
DeleteI always buy my shoes online. I feel bad because my running store is local and amazing but...they overcharge! I do get my gels and stuff there to make up for it!
ReplyDeleteThat's def a good way to keep your running karma intact.
DeleteGlad to hear you found shoes! Finding running shoes is so stressful! I am a big money person so if I can save money by buying online, I'm in. You got two pairs of shoes for $140! That is super awesome!!!
ReplyDelete