Running in outlet shoes?

[dreamfinder]

Has anyone ever used running shoes bought at a factory outlet? My latest pair (brand new this week...) is New Balance, who just has a factory outlet around the corner. Most of what they sell is irregulars or seconds, but getting shoes for like 30-40% off MSRP is tempting. I have no idea if they are just cosmetic, or possibly structural. Anyone ever done this and have any thoughts? Obviously someone uses them as this outlet mall has Saucony, New Balance, Nike, Puma, Under Armour and Reebok all selling running sneakers.

 

[joel_maxwell]

Has anyone ever used running shoes bought at a factory outlet? My latest pair (brand new this week...) is New Balance, who just has a factory outlet around the corner. Most of what they sell is irregulars or seconds, but getting shoes for like 30-40% off MSRP is tempting. I have no idea if they are just cosmetic, or possibly structural. Anyone ever done this and have any thoughts? Obviously someone uses them as this outlet mall has Saucony, New Balance, Nike, Puma, Under Armour and Reebok all selling running sneakers.

I wouldnt. Simply because ur feet are the most important thing to keep healthy. If there is something wrong with them structurally, you could cause future injuries or a slow injury over time.

If you need to save some cash, shop Amazon. When my local running store screwed me over twice telling me they ordered my shoes but really didnt (and we all know once you reach that XXX miles on a pair, you need new one NOW), I started ordering through Amazon. I save a lot.

 

[wdwmagic]

I'm not saying this is the case for all outlets, but a lot of them now specifically make products to be sold in the outlet stores. There is nothing actually wrong with them (like cosmetic issues), they are just low priced models (or in some cases, not all that low!). Often these products have never been sold in regular stores, so it makes comparing pricing impossible. Some outlet stores are more genuine though, and do sell their "full store" items that are out of season or slightly damaged. Outlets are certainly not always what they seem.

 

[Tim_4]

Has anyone ever used running shoes bought at a factory outlet? My latest pair (brand new this week...) is New Balance, who just has a factory outlet around the corner. Most of what they sell is irregulars or seconds, but getting shoes for like 30-40% off MSRP is tempting. I have no idea if they are just cosmetic, or possibly structural. Anyone ever done this and have any thoughts? Obviously someone uses them as this outlet mall has Saucony, New Balance, Nike, Puma, Under Armour and Reebok all selling running sneakers.

I buy all my athletic shoes at the Reebok outlet. Theirs aren't irregular, they just happen to be old models, returns, or perhaps a cosmetic flaw like a scuff. When I hear "irregular" it get nervous.

 

[TowerOfTerror]

I wouldn't buy any model of sneaker I have never seen before at an outlet because it maybe a irregular ("B" grade) shoe or made direct for outlet. Stick with models you know and you should be fine buying from outlets. A large majority of the time you'll just wind up finding last seasons color-ways or version.

 

[dreamfinder]

The definitely wouldn't consider buying just any shoe off the floor. Only what I have already tried and know. My biggest concern is if they are there for scuffs or cosmetic flaws, which is fine by me, they get destroyed anyway, or if there is something worse hiding beneath the surface.

The whole "made for the outlet" thing irks me too. At least I know how to tell straight off from the label is if was overstock/last season vs made for outlets.

 

[tigsmom]

I live near (and have worked at) one of the biggest outlet malls in the US and I can tell you that most stores do not offer seconds, but sell things that are either made especially for the outlet or sell "last year's" stuff. We have a Reebok, Nike, Puma and a few others and none sell anything that you cannot buy elsewhere (these are not seconds). Most people go into the store with a specific shoe in mind and are just looking for a better price than the retail stores. While I am not a runner I do have some nice New Balance walking shoes (walking is more my speed ) and I have never had a problem and that is a plus because i have small very wide feet.
Only time will tell, but if they give you a problem I would dump them (but that is with any type of shoe).

 

[6laurac]

I, too, was very tempted to get a pair of New Balance running shoes for $30 less than my favorite website offered them but there was something "not quite right" about them even though they were the same style and color. The 1260's I run in are expensive but getting 1st quality at a great price online may be a better option for you too. I am just funny about my feet pounding pavement even for a few miles.

 

[mouse_luv]

I used to work for a Reebok outlet and I can tell you they are brand new shoes. They are just like you can get online on the Reebok webpage. The only difference is you are paying considerably less for them. I wear the shoes and I love them.
Now as far as the place you described as having irregulars, I wouldnt shop there. Too many unknowns, esp with running shoes.

 

[tigsmom]

You do realize that the word "outlet" is used as a way to get tourist in the door? It cracks me up every time I drive past the numerous "outlet" malls here in Orlando and the parking lot is always packed like they are giving something away for free. I avoid the outlets like the plague simply because you spend and hour driving around looking for a spot and fighting a hundred others cars trying to get one empty spot...it's simply not worth it when the prices at the "outlets" are just as high as the regular mall.

Have never shopped at the outlets in Orlando, but I'm sure they are the same as here...some are true outlets (selling seconds, last year's styles and overstock) for much less than retail, but most are boutiques that sell things especially made for them by the name brand (while not seconds they are not the same quality as you would find in the larger retail stores/name stores) or are used to liquidate the retail stocks (stores like Off 5th Avenue). These malls are mainly for tourists and the "locals" rarely shop there; outlets = savings and boutiques = retail prices...still these prices are less than what these "tourists" pay at home, even with shipping.
A Lens Crafters has recently opened here and the optician told me many tourists bring their doctor's prescriptions here because it costs less (She used Brazil as an example and glasses there are 3- times the cost ).

 

[dreamfinder]

You do realize that the word "outlet" is used as a way to get tourist in the door? It cracks me up every time I drive past the numerous "outlet" malls here in Orlando and the parking lot is always packed like they are giving something away for free. I avoid the outlets like the plague simply because you spend and hour driving around looking for a spot and fighting a hundred others cars trying to get one empty spot...it's simply not worth it when the prices at the "outlets" are just as high as the regular mall.

Ayup. I most certainly do. And in this case it would only be to buy a known item for less than a certain price. Everything else is secondary. We have several outlets around, and we know which ones actually have true outlets in them and are worth a stop and which only have lesser quality goods sold under the main brand name.