Going to the running shoe store just isn't the same for me

Triathlon Forum
1

Allow me to explain that I live 100 miles from a legitimate running shoe specialty store. So going to the running shoe store has always been rare and as a result, a treat. The “kid in the candy store” thing was in play. Everything that I like was at the store. The clerks are cool. I listen and learn a lot about why this shoe was better for me than another. The latest cold weather gear is there. The flyers about upcoming races are there.

Over the years I have accumulated a lot of gear, some I like and some that sits in a bin in the basement. I have gotten to a point where I know what I like. I have come to an understanding about why one garment works better than another. I have strong opinions about which shoe is right for me, now. I know that this GPS watch is compatible with this HR monitor. I know my way around the store.

So my family considerately gives me gift cards to the running shoe store for the holidays so I make a trip, yesterday to pick up something fun. The last time I was there I was accosted upon entering the store by a clerk who was in her 2nd year of high school x-country who began to lecture me about the latest shoe for running my first 5K. Ouch. Not wanting to be disrespected this time I thought I would come prepared and wore my IM finishers jacket.
I am met by another new clerk who wants to sell me stuff I already have and tell me why I am wrong for liking what I like. They don’t have anything I need but can order it. They can’t answer my questions about my HR monitor, telling me stuff I know isn’t correct. Wow! I left without buying anything.

Thinking back, I don’t think that it has anything to do with them and is all about me. I have gathered so much information about my favorite activities that I don’t need the running shoe store anymore. So much for that special treat. What’s a guy going to do?

2

Try the shoes and buy on-line?

3

I bet the owner of the store would value your feedback about these two visits.

4

Sounds more like your running store has become complacent/based on your staffing and selection notes, sounds like in some financial distress more than anything else. This also goes into “what it is you need:” what were you looking for that wasn’t in-stock? Something that more than 1 person every 3 months is looking for? Something that someone should be buying on a daily basis?

It sounds more like you need a new running store.

5

Once you’re an expert, consumer-grade is annoying. You’ve become like a physicist that can’t stand watching sci-fi movies because you know so little of it could actually happen. There is no solution. Just get used to it. But then try opening an expert level running store and watch how fast it goes out of business.

6

Not wanting to be disrespected this time I thought I would come prepared and wore my IM finishers jacket.

Was that supposed to be in pink?

7

Not wanting to be disrespected this time I thought I would come prepared and wore my IM finishers jacket.

Was that supposed to be in pink?

X2.

8

I stopped shopping at my local store because every time I wanted something they had to order it.

Well, I can order it, get it faster and cheaper than they can. The convenience of the local store is lost to me. If they had what I want in stock it would be a different situation.

When they said they would order something, couldn’t get it and then didn’t bother to let me know, I was done with them.

jaretj

9

I normally do only wear my sprint-finisher T. Don’t want to overwhelm these guys…

Seriously though:
I stopped thinking of a running/bike store being a candy store after my first year in the sport.
I still go to running/bicycle stores. I try not to bother, be bothered by the employees and just wander around to have a look what new gadgets are out and “en vogue”.
Then I’ll go home and order similar/same gear that has worked for me in the past.
Yes, I also have a basement full of stuff that did not work for me, but at least nobody talked me into/pressed me to buy it on the spot.

10

I agree. Time to find a new store. My local running and cycling stores offer good information to both the expert and the novice, and they have great inventory.

11

Not wanting to be disrespected this time I thought I would come prepared and wore my IM finishers jacket
LOL. This whole post must be a parody or something. Funny.

12

Not wanting to be disrespected this time I thought I would come prepared and wore my IM finishers jacket
LOL. This whole post must be a parody or something. Funny.

Yeah, yeah. You’ve all done it. Just admit it. You all have egos. Everyone here walks into a running shoe store and wants to be recognized for their accomplishments.

Admit-ably lame on my part, though.

13

Not wanting to be disrespected this time I thought I would come prepared and wore my IM finishers jacket
LOL. This whole post must be a parody or something. Funny.

Yeah, yeah. You’ve all done it. Just admit it. You all have egos. Everyone here walks into a running shoe store and wants to be recognized for their accomplishments.

Admit-ably lame on my part, though.

Not all. Never finished an Ironman.

But more generally, I don’t think I’ve ever gone to a store wearing sports clothing or mementos to show my “accomplishments.”

I don’t go to stores for affirmation. Never have.

14

I guess I read this differently. I don’t think the OP wanted affirmation, I think he just wanted it to be clear to the staff that he isn’t a brand new runner training for his first 5K and doesn’t want to be talked down to. As a female who encounters condescending, or has even been completely ignored, when walking into unfamiliar bike shops, especially if I’m dressed in business attire, I can understand what he’s trying to accomplish.

15

I think there has been such a boom in running that they have gotten used to working with relative beginners. I use two local running stores both of whom know me and both of whom have educated their staff appropriately even when said staff is a young cross-country runner. I usually get good information regarding model year changes for my favorite shoes if they are anything more significant than color.

That said, in anything these days if a store tells me they can order it I think “so can I”.

16

I guess I read this differently. I don’t think the OP wanted affirmation,** I think he just wanted it to be clear to the staff that he isn’t a brand new runner **training for his first 5K and doesn’t want to be talked down to. As a female who encounters condescending, or has even been completely ignored, when walking into unfamiliar bike shops, especially if I’m dressed in business attire, I can understand what he’s trying to accomplish.

Not sure wearing an IM jacket achieves that. In todays IM bucket list mentality it might actually scream out that you know nothing about nothing.

17

I guess I read this differently. I don’t think the OP wanted affirmation, I think he just wanted it to be clear to the staff that he isn’t a brand new runner training for his first 5K and doesn’t want to be talked down to. As a female who encounters condescending, or has even been completely ignored, when walking into unfamiliar bike shops, especially if I’m dressed in business attire, I can understand what he’s trying to accomplish.
On the affirmation thing, his “You all have egos.” reeks of it.

I do dress to shop sometimes, particularly when I was younger, as some shopkeepers seemed to think I was a shoplifting threat due to skincolor and age - that is, I dressed a little formally to drive to minimize that.

But anyway, here’s the best way to get what you want: clear language.

“I’ve been running seriously for years and have completed several marathons. I’m looking for a shoe with similar support to XYZ but a little lighter. Can you recommend anything?”

Say what you want. It’s not that complicated. If they ignore you or condescend, look for a manager and/or leave and take your business elsewhere.

I got treated like sh1t in some local bike shops over the years. So they don’t get my business and if people ask me about them I pass on my experience (in one case, extensively online). Done.

18

Okay, I agree that you do have a valid point there.

19

I guess I read this differently. I don’t think the OP wanted affirmation, I think he just wanted it to be clear to the staff that he isn’t a brand new runner training for his first 5K and doesn’t want to be talked down to. As a female who encounters condescending, or has even been completely ignored, when walking into unfamiliar bike shops, especially if I’m dressed in business attire, I can understand what he’s trying to accomplish.
On the affirmation thing, his “You all have egos.” reeks of it.

I do dress to shop sometimes, particularly when I was younger, as some shopkeepers seemed to think I was a shoplifting threat due to skincolor and age - that is, I dressed a little formally to drive to minimize that.

But anyway, here’s the best way to get what you want: clear language.

“I’ve been running seriously for years and have completed several marathons. I’m looking for a shoe with similar support to XYZ but a little lighter. Can you recommend anything?”

Say what you want. It’s not that complicated. If they ignore you or condescend, look for a manager and/or leave and take your business elsewhere.

I got treated like sh1t in some local bike shops over the years. So they don’t get my business and if people ask me about them I pass on my experience (in one case, extensively online). Done.****

I agree. One local bike shop I was completely ignored by the staff for 10 minutes as I looked around the shop. The staff were all hanging out in the mechanics area laughing at facebook posts. I assumed it was because I was wearing high heels and business suit - but maybe they were just clueless regardless I did finally ask for the manager and let him know why I would not be returning and I have shared by experience with anyone who asks about the shop. But back to the original poster, I still don’t think he was looking for affirmation with his IM jacket, just maybe recognition that he isn’t a complete newbie.

20

I guess I read this differently. I don’t think the OP wanted affirmation, I think he just wanted it to be clear to the staff that he isn’t a brand new runner training for his first 5K and doesn’t want to be talked down to. As a female who encounters condescending, or has even been completely ignored, when walking into unfamiliar bike shops, especially if I’m dressed in business attire, I can understand what he’s trying to accomplish.
On the affirmation thing, his “You all have egos.” reeks of it.

I do dress to shop sometimes, particularly when I was younger, as some shopkeepers seemed to think I was a shoplifting threat due to skincolor and age - that is, I dressed a little formally to drive to minimize that.

But anyway, here’s the best way to get what you want: clear language.

“I’ve been running seriously for years and have completed several marathons. I’m looking for a shoe with similar support to XYZ but a little lighter. Can you recommend anything?”

Say what you want. It’s not that complicated. If they ignore you or condescend, look for a manager and/or leave and take your business elsewhere.

I got treated like sh1t in some local bike shops over the years. So they don’t get my business and if people ask me about them I pass on my experience (in one case, extensively online). Done.****

I agree. One local bike shop I was completely ignored by the staff for 10 minutes as I looked around the shop. The staff were all hanging out in the mechanics area laughing at facebook posts. I assumed it was because I was wearing high heels and business suit - but maybe they were just clueless regardless I did finally ask for the manager and let him know why I would not be returning and I have shared by experience with anyone who asks about the shop. But back to the original poster, I still don’t think he was looking for affirmation with his IM jacket, just maybe recognition that he isn’t a complete newbie.

Wow, Thanks. Someone understands me.

Well here is an attempt to get this thread back on the main point that I have somehow outgrown the running shoe store. The same thing happens when I pick up a Run/Bike/Tri magazine. When the information was new and fresh I would read through it in one sitting. Now, because it seems that they are targeted to newbies, the mags are full of rehashed and recycled information. I still want to learn. Where do I go to continue to learn?