Howdy, Stranger!
Categories
Help after naive Sports Direct purchase
![[Deleted User]](https://wa.vanillicon.com/a77f813a92c8f7f2302e586f8f9bc1b1_100.png)
Hi Runner's World,
Yesterday I went into Sports Direct to buy a pair of running shoes (probably my first mistake), and was fairly surprised to receive a lot of enthusiastic help in choosing a pair. Naively, I didn't question their advice and, not knowing their relationship with Karrimor, came away with a pair of D30 Excels.
I had a quick browse of the internet and, to my horror, have since learned that pretty much no-one has anything good to say about Karrimor running shoes (as well as discovering SD own Karrimor, hence the sales push).
I'd like to replace them. I think at this point, with the shoes unworn, the best I can hope for is in-store credit. So, my question is, does anyone know of a reasonable pair that Sports Direct are known to sell? Obviously I don't expect people to know the stock of my local branch, but I thought it was worth an ask as I'm feeling gutted and hoping to change for something a bit better.
If it helps, I'm a fairly casual runner, roughly 5K three times a week. Quite flat feet/low arches, I think.
Thanks in advance.
The materials in this website are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor, qualified personal trainer, therapist, dietitian or nutritionist Runners's World, Part of the Hearst UK well-being network © Copyright 2017
Comments
The Karrimor shoes might be fine for you - but we just don't know.
I happily run miles in my cheap Adidas Kanadia trail shoes. Much cheaper than the road shoes.
Karrimor are probably perfectly fine shoes. runners are as obsessed with brands as much as any other shopper. Not a "cool" choice but don't let snobbery put you off because they are probably as good as the next shoe.
The main problem with SportsDirect for me is that every shoe you ask for they never have the size you want. Unless it's Karrimor obviously
I tend to run in Karrimor tops and shorts, never had any problems, if you want to swop your shoes for them then no problem. Its just as good as most other kit
stood looking at the shoes in a DW Sports the other day whilst waiting for my daughter to finish a dance class and there was a guy behind me being 'advised' on his first pair of running shoes by the young sales lad who had put him on a treadmill etc to 'analyse' his running style. Poor guy - i so wanted to just turn around and tell him that he was being told absolute tripe. The best bit was when the guy asked the difference between two shoes and the sales guy said there was not a lot of difference and either would be fine - never pointing out the true difference that one was a stability and the other a neutral shoe. Never really know what to say in those situations or do i just keep quiet. I am happy to say i am an adidas snob, always run in them and will always pay the money for them, but i would always advise people when getting their first pair always go to a proper shop - don't buy cheap as its these first steps in running that are going to make you decide if its for you - the last thing you want is to experience injuries and niggles brought about by the wrong type of shoe, you will become one of those that decide to try running, don't enjoy it and never do it again. The guys at these type of cheaper, high volume stores really have no idea and are just worried about the sale.
Oh god please just keep the shoes and try them. 5k three times a week is fine, one hastily assembled set of bits of Chinese Plastic is much like another. Sports Direct bullshit is the same as Sweatshop bullshit too.
Nothing wrong with Karrimors in my opinion, other than some snob folk find them too cheap for their taste.
I owned a pair of excellent Karrimor trail walking shoes, for which I paid a pittance and it took me two years to thrash them.
Gi'em a try I say, but if you are determined to exchange them unworn, SD sell Nike, Adidas and several other mainstream (more expensive) brands.
You should be able to return them if they're unworn... From the SD website - it's for mail order but the same should apply for retail sales
If a full refund including original delivery costs is required then the entire order needs to be returned back to us within fourteen (14) working days. However you will be responsible for the cost of returning the goods to us. If a refund is payable to you we will process the refund as soon as possible, and, in any case within fourteen (14) days.
The goods do not need to be in their original packaging however in a sellable condition, and at your own cost and risk.
You have a legal obligation to take reasonable care of the goods while they are in your possession. If you fail to comply with this obligation, we may have a right of action against you for compensation. This applies to all goods that are returned.
But - I'd agree, for the mileage you're doing and how much they cost - just try them, I have all sorts of trail shoes from £25 to £125
Despite a lot of adverse comment on Karrimor shoes on here, I have run several thousand miles over the last couple of years in Karrimor shoes (the previous version of the excel) with absolutely no problem, and have run up to 70 mile ultra's in them. I'd suggest you keep them and run in them . you will probably be fine. However, as many people have commented on this and other threads, SD is not the place to go for good advice on kit, and the whole "discount" thing looks like a scam (no worse than you will see in big electrical stores though)- find yourself a decent local specialist running shop (ask a few other local runners where they get good service and advice).
Hi All,
Thanks very much for your responses, some of the positivity here makes me feel like I haven't invested in a complete dud.
It's not snobbery that had me worried – happy to wear the brand – I just hadn't read a single positive thing about Karrimor shoes previous to this thread.
If I'd spent £30 or so I wouldn't have been so worried, but these shoes cost £70 and, although I know you can spend a lot more, I felt like I should be getting something of reasonable quality for that amount.
The snobbery was pointed at the reviewers rather than you. Try not to go along with the crowd so much and be your own man.
Thanks Philomena, I appreciate your advice. As a relative beginner, I try to bear in mind that some people will be set in their ways, but I also want to recognise that a lot of opinion will be based on a lot more experience than I have!
remember that
1) most 'expert user' opinions online are really just people saying 'I chose to spend xx amount on brand yy, and feel the need to affirm my choice.'
2) running forums are awash with folks who need virual nods of approvement every time they go for a run, invest in some kit etc. Not unlike people posting pictures of their lunch on facebook.
If you like them, and are just getting going, and you arent doing something daft like running in astroturf shoes, I wouldnt be too fussed about reviews for now.
L:eave that for when youre past 30 miles a week and wondering about suport, vs neutral, forefoot running etc etc