Do you feel there is a difference?

FlowerBear · ‎03-24-2018

I got Asic sneakers from Kohls on the weekend. They are not at all comfortable. I had New Balance once from there too that were not comfy either . Do you feel there is a Difference in the quality, feel, and fit when you buy from a store that has these shoes for a lower cost?

I have had NB in the past that were very comfy and felt good right from the first time wearing. They were bought at a shoe store and cost much more.

Suzeecat · ‎05-05-2010

Both brands you mentioned have several levels of quality. Depending on how you plan to use them, the Kohl's brand may be good enough. You mention that the ones you tried at Kohl's were not comfortable, so you may just need to go with the more expensive models at the specialty stores. When I was running marathons I bought my Asics at the running shoe store for more than $150. Now that I mostly just walk with running intervals, I find that the lower priced option at Kohl's (can you say 30% coupon?!) is good enough.

millieshops · ‎03-09-2010

@FlowerBearAbsolutely true.

I know sometimes a brand name is enough to insure quality, but I've also found that's just not true.

Cheap shoes aren't a way I can save $$$.

millieshops · ‎03-09-2010

@SuzeecatAnd those of us with back and foot issues have to be really careful. A few years back I went to my podiatrist wearing fairly new NB's I'd found cheap at Sports Authority.

Doc took one look at me walking in those NB's and suggested I head to a decent fitter and he handed me a coupon. Only 15%, but still.

Since then, my walking sneakers average around $175 but some part of the expense disppears because I've had far fewer visits to my chiuropractor and that podiatrist. Best bwenefit, of course, almost no pain.

One interesting point - I'm a snowbird who shops locally as much as possible. Last spring I needed new walking sneakera while I was in FL. I went to my nearby orthopedic fitter, and described my foot issues as per my NY podiatrist. I did noit tell the fitter what sneakets I'd been wearing.

He brought me a pair of sneaks to try and said they were the only ones he could recommend for me. I started to laugh when I saw them. Exactly the shoe I'd just worn out!

I would have bought them in more than one color, but in spite of the high price, I had to put my name on a waiting list.

Still Raining · ‎03-30-2014

Usually a brand makes levels of shoes and often you only see the more casual styles in general purpose sites.

They are OK for an hour or so, but I now know to go the a more specific store for mine.

For me, I go to a running store or to a New Balance store. And they do cost, be ready. There is no comparison.

FlowerBear · ‎03-24-2018

I have ankle issues so I need a good shoe and not something that is mesh or knit or no support! I feel I do need something from the site of NB or other shoes and not the cheaper version. They just dont feel right to me. Living in this very small town, we dont even have any shoes stores anymore!!

Thanks everyone for your suggestions!

MarnieRez3 · ‎02-19-2015

@FlowerBear

Absolutely there's a difference!

I ordered the first incarnation of the Isaac Mizrahi New Balance sneakers from The Q, and they were definitely NOT the same quality or construction of the old-school $125.00 New Balance sneakers I own. (I was gutted, as I love both brands and was excited about a collaboration between them.)

That said, I just got a 30 percent Kohl's coupon in the mail, and I DO wear New Balance from Kohl's. They have a great selection, including some of the pricier models. You can tell the cheaper models, typically, because they are not made of leather, and they don't have removable insoles.

Good luck, my dear! Comfortable and supportive sneakers are my weakness...I covet them. 🧡

FlowerBear · ‎03-24-2018

The NB ones from Kohls were not good. We have to go the next town over to shop there, and other stores since our town is small we dont have much.

The Kohls is small and the selection is not that good!! Guess I will do better ordering from the NB site!

Thank you GoinBacktoCali.

I need the comfy and supportive due to the ankle issues. I would really love to buy knit and mesh and all those stylish ones but I cannot!

ECBG · ‎01-08-2011

@FlowerBear wrote:
I got Asic sneakers from Kohls on the weekend. They are not at all comfortable. I had New Balance once from there too that were not comfy either . Do you feel there is a Difference in the quality, feel, and fit when you buy from a store that has these shoes for a lower cost?
I have had NB in the past that were very comfy and felt good right from the first time wearing. They were bought at a shoe store and cost much more.

@FlowerBear Personally, I'd look up "comfort shoes" on Zappos and with their free S&H keep truing on brands until I found one.