The Hard Sell

Sorry NLR, I wasn't trying to patronise, I think I just used a cliche that you might have felt was obvious. Apologies once again.

John 

Ok JW. Nuff said on that. As for Buyer Aware. As far as i know the consumer is entitled to a refund if the product is faulty or if they are mis-sold an item. Not to mention the fact that a consumer is unlikely to return to the shop.

Had an excellent experience in Up and Running in Sheffield the other day, did the treadmill footscan thing for the first time and came away with New Balance 858 Stability shoes instead of the motion control brooks that I had been running in.

The manager was really friendly and helpful, I must have spent 15-20 minutes with him and he recommended the 858's over more expensive shoes.

Felix

I've had the same experience as Sensible in my running shop: I ask for size 8 spikes, I get 9.5s, I ask for 8.5-9 trainers, I get 8s, but the sizes they say I am do fit. 

My local running show is excellent, they are entitled to get it wrong once in a while. They do try their best. JD Sports is always availalbe.

My local one tried to push me into a pair of Asics Nimbus 9, which dosen't sound surprising, until you know that I went in saying "I run in Kayanos, but am looking for something slightly lighter to run 5/10ks in". I also said I started running with the Nimbus 8, but then felt the Kayanos were better suited to my running style.

And the next bit...

I said I'd been interested in the 2120 / 30 - The bloke tells me "don't run in them, they'll kill your feet and are totally different to the Kayano." He then spotted I had a pair of Kinsei 2s on (I don't run in them, got them as an unexpected present!) and he started on a huge rant "I wouldnt even wear them up town!" At this point I thought bugger it, I'll just go and try shoes on elsewhere, and promptly left!

After 2 pairs of Nimbus 9's which were excellent I downgraded to some 2120's. They were just as good. Just bought another pair from sweatshop. 45 quid with 20% off for spending over a hundred with a watch I bought. Also free delivery on Shoes. So I ended up paying only 36 pounds.

Thanks for that North London Runner, will have a look at sweatshop!