Shoe Buying Frustration

**finallyME** · 06-24-2015, 04:59 PM

I had quite the experience finding trial runners for myself. But, I did find the store to buy them at. Now, with a few years of experience, I know that New Balance fits my foot perfectly, and I know the exact size of theirs that fits…11 4E. It is long enough that my toes don’t crunch at the front when on a long downhill section, and they are wide enough to be comfortable. If I get 2Es, then they are too long. With that being said, I recently wanted to see if other companies had something to offer. I started out at REI. I have never had good success with them. All their offerings are always too narrow. This was the case this time. I went to Sportsman’s Warehouse, and found some Keen’s that were wide, but the heels are too loose. Their sandals work, but I wanted Trail Runners. I went to another local store here that is similar to REI with no luck. Then I went to a big box sports store (I think Sport’s Authority). I was able to try on the Merrill Ventilators in Wide, and they fit…. Yay. I had been looking at them and had wanted to get them for a while, but after trying them on…. I think they have too much padding. That means too much stuff inside that would take a long time to dry out if they get wet. They are also kinda heavy for a TR. At this point I decided that New Balance for me….so I go to the New Balance store. They only had 4 models of TRs and none were in my size. I went to their store because I figured they would have the largest selection. I will never go back. Now, I live in a small town 30 miles west of Salt Lake City. All these places are more than an hour from my house. I took a couple lunch breaks and visited them because my office is closer. I finally decided to go to the small Big 5 a mile from my house. Because we are in a small town, this store is pretty small. But, they had at least 5 New Balance options that were TRs and came in my 11 4E. $50 later, I walk out with the 531s. Now, why did I wander all over the city looking for shoes?

Moral of the story. Don't buy shoes that don't fit.

**crashdive123** · 06-24-2015, 07:16 PM

What is this thing called running of which you speak?

**hunter63** · 06-24-2015, 08:01 PM

Called "running around looking for shoes"
Do they make "Mosey Shoes?'....I don't wanna run, just mosey.

I do feel you pain in finding what you want....and it does seem like when you find something that is "just right"...they quit making them, or it.

Glad it worked out......

**Rick** · 06-24-2015, 08:13 PM

Merrill shoes are awesome. Try as I might I've never ever figured out why running would be a good thing. Okay, you get there faster but so what? I have much more to time to decide if I even want to go there.

**pete lynch** · 06-25-2015, 04:34 AM

I like NB also. I liked the MT411s so much I bought 3 pair.
I used to buy cheap shoes every year thinking I'd save money but suffered from sore feet whenever I wore them. The 411's cured that.
I agree: dont skimp on footwear.

**finallyME** · 06-25-2015, 09:12 AM

The shoes are called trail runners. It is the type of shoe they are. That doesn't mean I run with them. But they are lighter than boots, breath well, dry fast, and are comfortable. I don't run down trails. My mom taught me to never run in church.