198 replies to this topic

[chookrunner]

Great time to stock up on shoes from overseas.

On a recent thread some people talked of buying from England, well I just heard the A$ buys 60P !!

I still buy off Ebay.com where the A$ = US 0.90

Mad if you don't.

[Rafferty]

What are your typical shipping costs for a pair of runners?

[blush]

My hubby leaves for the USA on Saturday.... he has a big shopping list from me!!

[chookrunner]

Rafferty, on Mar 3 2010, 03:28 AM, said:

What are your typical shipping costs for a pair of runners?

My last pair was about A$40, which is ridiculous, but I bought the Asics DS Trainers for around A$68 so A$108 to my front door.

It only goes to emphasise how we are getting ripped off in Australia. Some little "backyarder" in Minneapolis or Pittsburg can afford to sell me a pair of Kayanos for A$120, say, when they are $269.99 online here from Rebel.

If we were a third world country you'd understand it, but why does it cost more than double to get them from China to here than from China to there ?

The best thing Rafferty, is to get a few mates together or to buy a few pairs for yourself.

[Rafferty]

chookrunner, on Mar 4 2010, 04:10 PM, said:

My last pair was about A$40, which is ridiculous, but I bought the Asics DS Trainers for around A$68 so A$108 to my front door.

It only goes to emphasise how we are getting ripped off in Australia. Some little "backyarder" in Minneapolis or Pittsburg can afford to sell me a pair of Kayanos for A$120, say, when they are $269.99 online here from Rebel.

If we were a third world country you'd understand it, but why does it cost more than double to get them from China to here than from China to there ?

The best thing Rafferty, is to get a few mates together or to buy a few pairs for yourself.

Shipping costs really do shave off a fair bit of the savings.

At the end of the day you may save around A$30 or A$40, but I'm not sure if that's worth the associated risks and inconvenience with purchasing online from O/S.

For what it's worth I do buy the majority of my runners from the USA, primarily 'cos I often visit and also have a kid living there.

[Bellthorpe]

Not at all. I buy from 2 to 4 pair at a time. The per pair shipping costs are therefore from about $10 to $20.

Risks? I've never had a dud deal.

Inconvenience? I click a few buttons, enter a credit card number then pick them up at the Post Office. Hardly inconvenient. Actually more convenient than going to a physical store.

[OurDogScruff]

I don't see much risk either. DanKiwiPom and I recently bought 2 pair of Brooks GTS 9 and 2 pairs Brooks Infiniti for $270 US delivered I think they were. At the current exchange rate that's $300AUD.

Considering at the time GTS9 were on Rebel's website for $269.99. I think we got a great deal.

Not really seeing the problem with shipping costs. Buy more shoes, shipping per pair is effectively reduced.

They took 6 days to arrive. Probably less time than it would take Rebel to send them.

And we saved a fair bit more than $30 - $40 a pair.

Snap em up...

[yeti]

chookrunner, on Mar 3 2010, 02:10 PM, said:

It only goes to emphasise how we are getting ripped off in Australia. Some little "backyarder" in Minneapolis or Pittsburg can afford to sell me a pair of Kayanos for A$120, say, when they are $269.99 online here from Rebel.

And I was thinking it was bad over here, but A$270 for Kayanos is a bit rich indeed (160€/A$240 in Germany). Somehow I seem to remember that things were the other way around when I was still living in Australia (i.e. before 2005).

Yeti

[tomh]

Ordered 2 pairs on a Friday, picked up from the downstairs mail room (at work) on the following Tuesday. I call that more convenient than having to deal with twits in a store wanting to "fit" you out for a pair of shoes you've been wearing for years.

[Rafferty]

OurDogScruff, on Mar 4 2010, 10:51 PM, said:

Considering at the time GTS9 were on Rebel's website for $269.99. I think we got a great deal.

Fair enough, but I've never paid full local retail price on any pair of shoes so that's not a comparison I could use.

Like I said, I buy from the USA (both in-shop and online) and enjoy the substantial savings associated with zero freight costs. There however still remains an element of risk if you end up receiving a poorly made shoe (lumpy seams etc) - there's nothing quite like trying them on and then making the decision to open your wallet.

[Spud]

Just ordered 2 pairs of shoes with a USD$42 shipping charge, still total cost AUD$188 delivered. That even beats Pauls Warehouse!

[Whippet Man]

I have purchased 6 pairs (3 roadies + 3 trailies) this week from 2 different suppliers. Both about US$47 postage. Even if these shoes were available in Oz, which they're not, they would have been close to twice what I have paid for them.

[Rafferty]

Brooks Glycerin 8 online USA price: US$130, shipping US$37 = AU$185.

I can buy locally for AU$215.

[Bellthorpe]

You're looking in the wrong place then. Try here.

[Spud]

Whippet Man, on Mar 5 2010, 08:18 AM, said:

I have purchased 6 pairs (3 roadies + 3 trailies) this week from 2 different suppliers. Both about US$47 postage. Even if these shoes were available in Oz, which they're not, they would have been close to twice what I have paid for them.

Who are the roadies for?

[Rafferty]

Bellthorpe, on Mar 5 2010, 08:56 AM, said:

You're looking in the wrong place then. Try here.

Cheers, mate.

Can you find me ladies US8.5 in width B?

[Bellthorpe]

No doubt, but I'm not going to do your eBay searches for you.

If they're not there today, just set up a watch list and let eBay let you know when they become available.

[DontStop]

I hardly buy anything in a bricks & mortar shop if I can get it online.

In the time it takes me to walk to my car and start the ignition (let alone get to the shops) I've already found what I want, paid for it, and it's on its way.

As others have said, if shipping costs are an issue - buy more than one pair at a time. The difference between shipping one pair and three is usually only a few dollars, so that way you're only adding $10 or so to your shoes. And that's pretty much a bus fare or petrol/parking anyway.

But the huge bonus with purchasing online is that you regularly get parcels of goodies delivered to you, which you then get to unwrap. It's almost like having a birthday every few weeks.

[Rafferty]

Bellthorpe, on Mar 5 2010, 09:35 AM, said:

No doubt, but I'm not going to do your eBay searches for you.

If they're not there today, just set up a watch list and let eBay let you know when they become available.

I see.

Maybe when they become available on ebay (who knows when?) they might also be on the half price table at Paul's Wharehouse?

[LukeF]

Now I have shoes that work for me, I'm looking at online options.

Question - shoe makers say that some shoe materials degrade over time, regardless of the amount of wear they get. If that's true, does it affect your bulk-ordering decisions? (I'm a long way off getting thru 6 pairs of shoes in a year )

Edited by LukeF, 05 March 2010 - 11:39 AM.

[blair]

LukeF, on Mar 5 2010, 11:35 AM, said:

Question - shoe makers say that some shoe materials degrade over time, regardless of the amount of wear they get.

Of course they say that! They want you to buy shoes more often!

[LukeF]

balri, on Mar 5 2010, 12:36 PM, said:

Of course they say that! They want you to buy shoes more often!

Of course! I'm just wondering if the built-in obsolescence is fact, or a sales-boosting fiction.

[Bellthorpe]

Rafferty, on Mar 5 2010, 11:18 AM, said:

Quote

If they're not there today, just set up a watch list and let eBay let you know when they become available.

Maybe when they become available on ebay (who knows when?) they might also be on the half price table at Paul's Wharehouse?

Maybe, but I can't see why. These pop up on eBay all the time.

I have permanent watch lists set up for Mizuno shoes in my size, for two different models. I often get alerts when I don't really need them, but if they're a real bargain I might buy a pair or two.

And of course superseded models, I'm happy to pay less money for a shoe with an outdated logo in a non-current colour.

[Whippet Man]

LukeF, on Mar 5 2010, 01:16 PM, said:

Of course! I'm just wondering if the built-in obsolescence is fact, or a sales-boosting fiction.

Fiction.

[miler]

Bellthorpe, I get the feeling every dollar's a prisoner with you!!
Whippett Man, it's actually not fiction, if you leave a car trye for a long period of time (even out of the elements) it won't be as durable when you use it as a newly made one. Shoes are no different.

[DontStop]

Fact.

EVA does oxidise, and over time the properties you want from it diminish. The actual rate will depend on the quality of the EVA used, and how much light and heat you subject your shoes to.

[Bellthorpe]

You use running shoes made from car tyres? Wow! And you call me a scrooge ...

[Buakaw]

And people complain about job losses due to Australian businesses closing when everyone is sniffing a bargain out from overseas.

[pipi]

DontStop, on Mar 5 2010, 04:35 PM, said:

Fact.

EVA does oxidise, and over time the properties you want from it diminish. The actual rate will depend on the quality of the EVA used, and how much light and heat you subject your shoes to.

As a polymer scientist - I would label the above comment as scaremongering and distortion of the reality. If you store your shoes in a dry cool spot and they are made from quality components they will last for many years. If you store them damp, place them next to the water heater (or somewhere else hot) or leave them in the sun then they will fall to bits. Your shoes probably degrade more in one day by leaving them locked in a car on a sunny day then they would over several years in your cupboard.

[Maggot]

Spud, on Mar 5 2010, 08:08 AM, said:

Just ordered 2 pairs of shoes with a USD$42 shipping charge, still total cost AUD$188 delivered. That even beats Pauls Warehouse!

That still seems a bit on the expensive side for a couple of pairs of KT-26s, Spud .

[DontStop]

pipi, on Mar 5 2010, 04:52 PM, said:

As a polymer scientist - I would label the above comment as scaremongering and distortion of the reality. If you store your shoes in a dry cool spot and they are made from quality components they will last for many years. If you store them damp, place them next to the water heater (or somewhere else hot) or leave them in the sun then they will fall to bits. Your shoes probably degrade more in one day by leaving them locked in a car on a sunny day then they would over several years in your cupboard.

Thanks for your input - it's good to have someone who knows what they're talking about on this. Actually, I reckon it deserves its own thread: how many runners are guilty of keeping their shoes in a hot car, etc? Probably all of us at one time or another.

By the way, does this mean that we agree that eva DOES break down over time, and that this is fact and not fiction? And that the way you store stockpiled shoes WILL affect the rapidity of the process?

As an aside, I'm not sure how many Australians have a dry, cool spot they can store shoes in year after year? I know people who've tried to store wine at home in the 'cool' cupboard under the stairs.... well over 30 degrees at times. I'm not trying to be willfully argumentative, but in another thread someone was planning to run in shoes they've had lying around for 8 years. People should err on the side of caution on this one, IMO.

[vat]

Buakaw, on Mar 5 2010, 03:45 PM, said:

And people complain about job losses due to Australian businesses closing when everyone is sniffing a bargain out from overseas.

Yeah, it's a tough one. I try to make a point of supporting local stores (Intraining and Active Stride in Brisbane mainly because I'm generally going through Milton or South Brisbane anyway) and if getting advice am happy to pay close to RRP, especially if I'm trying a new model for the first time because I really rate the service at those stores (same with Running Science in Rozelle, NSW), but if it's a second or third pair of shoes I know suit me and the pricing difference is $50-80 after shipping, then I'm going to go OS. I've found the real bargains, as Bellthorpe suggested, with outdated models and colours, the discounting is much more savage in the US than here.

Pricing does seem to have moved up considerably here particularly with Asics. Their running range seem to have all moved up $20-50, depending on the model.

The issue doubtless lies with wholesale pricing from their suppliers.

[Cirque]

Bellthorpe, on Mar 4 2010, 12:40 PM, said:

And of course superseded models, I'm happy to pay less money for a shoe with an outdated logo in a non-current colour.

Well yes, but that's OK for you - you run alone in the bush. If people are wearing outdated shoes at the GCM it would put the cheersquad in a terrible predicament! Do we cheer, or not, or just do it halfheartedly?


OK - my serious question - Don't the shoe companies frequently change the specifications of their shoes? I only wear New Balance, and their models seem to change very frequently so is this something that is more prevalent with them? How do you manage to keep buying shoes online without physically test-driving them?

[Coogee1979M]

Cirque, on Mar 6 2010, 11:37 AM, said:

Well yes, but that's OK for you - you run alone in the bush. If people are wearing outdated shoes at the GCM it would put the cheersquad in a terrible predicament! Do we cheer, or not, or just do it halfheartedly?


OK - my serious question - Don't the shoe companies frequently change the specifications of their shoes? I only wear New Balance, and their models seem to change very frequently so is this something that is more prevalent with them? How do you manage to keep buying shoes online without physically test-driving them?

Can you go to Rebel and try them on there? Then you can ask them to sell the shoes to you for $100 instead of $200. When they say no, you can then go home and buy them online.

[blush]

Bellthorpe, on Mar 5 2010, 12:40 PM, said:

Maybe when they become available on ebay (who knows when?) they might also be on the half price table at Paul's Wharehouse?


Maybe, but I can't see why. These pop up on eBay all the time.

I have permanent watch lists set up for Mizuno shoes in my size, for two different models. I often get alerts when I don't really need them, but if they're a real bargain I might buy a pair or two.

And of course superseded models, I'm happy to pay less money for a shoe with an outdated logo in a non-current colour.

Jeepers Bellthorpe!! They really are a lot cheaper on Ebay, even cheaper than in the US stores!! I never thought to look there for shoes, but hopefully I will save myself even more money now.... just gotta get them in my size... watch list set up! Thanks for the tip!

[KeithE]

Hi All,

I went to {Edit: an online running store}

I just purchased 2 pairs of Adidas shoes

1 x Supanova Glide 2
1 x adiStar Ride 2

Getting the two for $AU250 delivered.

The Ride 2 cost $240 in Aus., & Gides cost $200

So $440 - $250 .. not bad $190 saving on deal

Thanks for the URL Tony,

Regards,

Keith

[vat]

Cirque, on Mar 6 2010, 10:37 AM, said:

OK - my serious question - Don't the shoe companies frequently change the specifications of their shoes? I only wear New Balance, and their models seem to change very frequently so is this something that is more prevalent with them? How do you manage to keep buying shoes online without physically test-driving them?

Asics has traditionally worked to roughly annual model changes, with a mid-year colour change. Typically the model changes are feature-creep, with some stuff from the Kayano filtering down to what ever the 2XXX/3XXX series is called now, and stuff from those filtering down to whatever the 1XXX is now, with some other changes to the DS and the various other running models in the range.

Couldn't tell you about the other brands - Brooks is a bit all over the shop with their range (stuff like the Adrenaline seems to change annually, the Infiniti less so, and the T4 seemed to go for years with a mid-life colour change before being eventually replaced by the T5.

[Whippet Man]

Brooks do make frequent updates to their models but the one I run in usually lasts a couple to three of years before the change. And I have been in the same model and size for about 13 years and only gone from version #4 to #8. All without much noticeable difference. I used to buy them at the small specialty running shop. But he was squeezed out by the pressure of the big franchises. Then I used to by them at Paul's until they folded down here. Enter online purchasing. If the small guy was still going I would definitely support him.

As it stands the trail shoes I buy I can't even get in Oz. So little choice there.

I bought 6 pairs for a rough total of AUS$650-$700 with postage. The equivalent if I could get them off the shelf here would be over AUS$1200. Sorry no choice for me.

And as for breaking down, thanks Pipi for the explanation. Dontstop, I guess everything will breakdown eventually. I was talking practicalities. Unlike the dude that was trying to resurrect a pair of 8 year old worn runners, I have many pairs under my bed in their boxes that keep perfectly well for up to 3 or 4 years with no loss of performance. Most get worn sooner than that but I have some discontinued favourites that I have kept for many years before a special occasion beckons them into service.

[Bellthorpe]

Just to show that I can be iBellthorpe, I'll answer this way:

@Buakaw re Australian businesses. I said it all in this post.

@vat re local stores. I agree, and if a local store had spent time and given me good advice, I would buy a pair from them. I would not go into the store, spend their time and find a good model, then go home and buy it online.

@Cirque re superseded models. I'm mainly interested in which models the cheersquad will be wearing. Matching colours? But to your serious question re changing features. I wear Mizuno, and I have never detected any change between models that is not cosmetic. In fact, I sometimes buy an entirely new Mizuno type of shoe without having tried it on. This year I bought Wave Ascend for the first time, for cross country. And a while ago I changed from Wave Rider to Wave Precision to get a lighter shoe with less support.

[blush]

Bellthorpe, on Mar 6 2010, 04:31 PM, said:

@vat re local stores. I agree, and if a local store had spent time and given me good advice, I would buy a pair from them. I would not go into the store, spend their time and find a good model, then go home and buy it online.

Totally agree... having just recently started running (semi-)seriously, I went to a specialist running store, spent a full HOUR, with the very helpful fellow in there, tried on at least 10 different pair of shoes, before settling on a pair, which I bought there for $280. But now I know the shoe works for me, it will be online purchase, or getting hubby to buy on his twice-yearly USA trips.

[fastguts]

Bellthorpe, on Mar 6 2010, 05:31 PM, said:

Just to show that I can be iBellthorpe, I'll answer this way:
@vat re local stores. I agree, and if a local store had spent time and given me good advice, I would buy a pair from them. I would not go into the store, spend their time and find a good model, then go home and buy it online.

@iBellthorpe I saw this happen during the week at a dedicated running store. Young woman with partner tries on 10 pairs of shoes, with whole observed running in them etc. The salesperson was fully attentive and skillful. I had to wait at least 15 minutes while this charade went down and then they left without purchasing a thing. People do it all the time, must be frustrating when you work on commission.

I want to know which online store KeithE used. Can anyone PM it to me?

ifastguts

Edited by fastguts, 06 March 2010 - 04:47 PM.

[vulture]

Just received my nth face, rucky chucky trail shoes for $150 delivered ( $40 of which was postage). Sweet as deal. Only mistake was not buying 3 pairs at once to cut down on postage average

[vat]

I think I had a Pavlovian response to this thread this afternoon. Checked Active Stride's site out, saw Brooks Cascadias were on special, drove over, tried them out and bought a pair (don't you love it when they let you take a little test run in shoes, and you know they're right in the first four strides), and then went and rain 14k or so in them at the back of Mt Coot-tha in the glorious mist and drizzle.

What the hell is that bell, and why am I suddenly hungry?

[ican]

Bellthorpe, on Mar 5 2010, 09:35 AM, said:

If they're not there today, just set up a watch list and let eBay let you know when they become available.

Pardon my ignorance how do you do this?

[Bellthorpe]

Log in to eBay.

Do an 'advanced search'.

Check the box 'Save this search to My eBay'.

[thomo]

Bellthorpe, on Mar 7 2010, 11:47 AM, said:

Log in to eBay.

Do an 'advanced search'.

Check the box 'Save this search to My eBay'.

You went easy.

You must of had a very nice run this morning.

BTW, for people buying online overseas from xxxx.com & xxxxx.com make sure you do a search for discount coupons. Can save 100% on postage by the 10-20% discount codes.

[loubee]

thomo, on Mar 7 2010, 08:55 AM, said:

BTW, for people buying online overseas from xxxx.com & xxxxx.com make sure you do a search for discount coupons. Can save 100% on postage by the 10-20% discount codes.

I was just coming on to say the same thing. This week I have found a 20% discount code for Road ID and another coupon for free shipping, value $30, to Aus with a sports clothing store. Just google "store name and coupon code" and you will get a pick of coupons.

[Ding]

Just ordered a roadid with 20% discount...! Many thanks loubee.

[bobbys]

I just recently purchased 2 pairs of Brooks Adrenalines GTS 10 - got 2 x free Brooks Tech T-shirts included and with postage, came to $260 AUD.

I've also looked at Ebay but compared to some of the online stores, the prices were a little high (they had the GTS9 for the same price as the on-line store had the GTS10.

At the end of the day - still more expensive than here.

Like most others, I like to support local but with prices like these (and the 15% discounts) you can't really compete.

This should now keep me going until August.


BobbyS

[LukeF]

Whippet, Pipi & DontStop - thanks heaps for the input re EVA breakdown. And yes, I'm in a 3rd story apartment with no aircon - there were times the last couple summers it felt like living in a hot car, no doubt to the detriment of my shoes.