Perhaps it's just me, but I'm finding it difficult to shop and buy shoes, athletic shoes in particular at the moment.

I used to be very active with racket sports and would buy shoes regularly. The big stores (I can't even remember the store names now - seems like they are all gone except for Big 5) I used to patronize are all gone. I haven't bought tennis shoes for a long time now (probably 15-20 years). I have bought various types of hiking / walking shoes but not competitive court shoes.

There are some familiar names, like Fleet Feet but they are mostly running shoes. No real court shoe selection. Sport Authority seems to be gone. Big 5 selection is limited. Dick's seems to be the big chain but their in store selection is limited (and don't have the brands / models I'm looking for).

There are some specialty tennis stores but their selection also seems limited.

The shoes I'm interested seem only available online - direct from manufacturer or Prime / Zappos. Dick's may also work for select brands/models but not sure why I'd use them over manufacturer / Zappos.

Am I missing something? Is this how shoes are bought now? If so, do you guys use something like Prime or do you just go direct to manufacturer?

I'm looking for Asics / New Balance tennis shoes (higher end of their models). But I can't find them in any local store.

Go to a store that sell upscale footwear. You will pay more but will be fitted correctly

I cannot find any running shoes that fit me locally. Ever. I'm a 7 size, and they're harder to find than hen's teeth. I run Asics and always buy them online. Walking/working shoes are just slightly less hard to find, and I really have to look hard.

Amazon. Free returns if they don’t fit. And they have size 14. Nobody in my town has anything in size 14.

If I'm buying Asics or New Balance, any reason to buy via Prime vs factory direct? Perhaps Prime would be better for shipping with easier returns. And one less place to give out CC and personal info. Although trying to reduce Prime patronage. Kinda torn. Leaning toward Prime because of proven convenience and limit digital footprint. But open to reason to consider otherwise.

But dismaying to hear that I'm not the only it seems facing this. There was a day when I could just go to a local store and buy what I wanted. Those days seem gone now. I still try to buy local but it's getting difficult.

I go Amazon and look for features I want in my size. I don't worry much about comfort because I generally go with at least an alloy toe and I always rip out the insoles for Sole footbeds.

I prefer to go to real stores and try them on first. Admittedly the last two pairs were ordered on-line from Discount Shoe Warehouse with no problems though.

For new balance court shoes, I buy direct from them or bob’s new balance outlet. They both have sales and shipping specials.

I've had decent luck ordering them from directly from the manufacturer when possible.

Since I don’t do anything formal nowadays, my shoes are mostly hiking shoes or boots and I know my size.
I just do a search for the best delivered price. Many times that’s on Amazon but sometimes the manufacturer has deals. I try to shop before I need them so I can find them on sale somewhere.

Amazon. Free returns and I often save money over store bought shoes. Tennis shoes in some form or another is pretty much all I wear now.

I go to my brick and mortar Nordstrom store a buy shoes that I find appealing, and comfortable.

Racquet ball was my favorite pass time when I could get off my road bike. I found Reebok was my best action foot wear. Basically their walking shoe line and they are still made. Good foot support, good comfort and traction for speed. Club C5 if you might need to see them.

Kohl's carries a good line up of sport footwear. I love the Kohls stores.

Kohls or if you have a DSW in your area. Whatever you do, do not buy anything from Dick’s. I’d go barefoot before I’d buy shoes from them. They are very anti-gun.

Chris

My size is relatively average @ 8.5 and never had much of a problem with fitment except for wide shoes which I do not wear.
I can pretty much order anywhere and it is fine.
My wife however, has tiny feet at size 5-5.5 women's and generally cannot find much that fits.

quote:

Originally posted by konata88:
I'm looking for Asics / New Balance tennis shoes (higher end of their models). But I can't find them in any local store.

The 'ASICS Outlets' near me have their Court Shoes on display/available in the store. Maybe there's one nearby, or reasonably close to the 'gilded cage'...

New Balance outlets on the other hand, seem to be hit or miss in terms on what they have on hand so YMMV.

quote:

ASICS Outlets

It took a bit of effort (no thanks to the actual ASICS website) but I found Outlets.

Unfortunately, nothing close by. Same w/ NB.

Looks like I'm stuck w/ Prime. Hopefully just need 1-2 iterations to get the right size.

I’ve used Zappos for years. I have a very average size but a 4E width. Brick and mortar stores never had shoes that fit.

quote:

It took a bit of effort (no thanks to the actual ASICS website) but I found Outlets.

The local Fleet Feet carry the Asics Solution Speed FF 3 which is a very nice tennis court shoe.

While they are mainly known as experts on running shoes, you might check your local store