How to buy running shoes at a discount

I learned a few tricks when I bought all my different running shoes in the last few weeks.

First, www.footlocker.com, www.eastbay.com, www.champssports.com, www.espnshop.com (and I'm sure some others) all have the same shoes at the same prices. It seems they all use one warehouse (I don't know whose it is).

The only difference is that one or more of the sites will have a different special going on at any time.

So, last week, Eastbay had Free Shipping for orders over $99, while Footlocker gave you a 10% discount if you used a gift card. This week, Footlocker has the free shipping deal, while Eastbay gives $10 off a $50 order (too bad my shoes were $49.99).

Second, it never hurts to CALL and ask for a better deal!

I called Footlocker and said, "Since you're giving 10% off if I use a gift card, can't I just buy a gift card for 10% less than the cost of the shoes I want and then use my own gift card to get the discount?"

"You can," they replied.

"Well, that's a bit of a hassle," I said. "Can't you just give me 10% off?"

"Let me check," the customer service person said. After a few minutes she came back, "I can give you a coupon code to use that gives you fifteen percent off. Would that be okay?"

"Uh, yeah!"

Third, speaking of coupon codes... SEARCH for them.

My Asics shoes list at $109.95. I Googled the exact shoe name and found one store -- www.sportsbasement.com -- selling them for $85. As I was checking out I saw a place to enter a discount coupon. So, before I checked out, I Googled "sportsbasement.com discount code"... and I FOUND a code for 10% off. I entered it in the shopping cart and got an extra 10% discount!

Next, be aware of (or sometimes, beware of ) return/exchange policies. Some stores will pay for the return shipping if you do an exchange, but not a return. Some stores will let you order online and return you shoes at no cost to a physical store (if the store typically carries that shoe). Others make you pay for everything. So look careful. The shipping/return costs can turn a good deal into a bad one

Ebay is an interesting place to shop. It's amazing how often someone will bid MORE than retail simply because they haven't searched online for a good deal. So, before you bid on eBay, do your online shopping (google.com and froogle.com) first.

Oh, and in a non-price-related note, sizing can be REALLY weird. My Asics training shoes are a comfy 10. My Nike waffles are a 9.5 and are TIGHT (in a good way). My Nike spikes are an 8.5 and are just right.