Hi team. Coach Alexa here.
I thought I’d do a quick post about fake stuff, fake running kit, particularly fake running shoes online these days.
The Growing Problem of Fake Running Shoes
Yeah, I think it’s becoming increasingly a problem.
More and more people that I know or that I work with are getting caught out, which is a real shame. So lots of websites that I don’t think do a particularly good job, or don’t seem to do a particularly good job of keeping an eye on the fakes that are for sale, places like Vinted, eBay, and Amazon.
Some of which have checking services, so you can pay a bit extra to get something actually properly authenticated before it gets posted to you to avoid the issue.
But to be honest with you, if a deal looks a little bit too good to be true, it probably is. And even if it might not be fake, who knows? It might be stolen.
You just don’t want to go there, do you?
Where to Buy Running Shoes and Kit
So, I don’t know. My rule of thumb is I only use either the brand’s website or brand names that are known in running. So, running specialist shops, basically, or outdoor specialist shops to buy kit from, because I know they’re getting them from reputable sources.
I know everybody likes a good deal, end of season sales and all sorts. I’m on a lot of mailing lists to keep an eye on when stuff’s being discounted.
Why Fake Running Shoes Can Cost You More
I think it saves more money in the long run because a pair of fake shoes is, A, not going to be doing your running any good in terms of grip levels, in terms of support, in terms of whatever it is you’re looking for. The shoe’s not going to be there in a fake.
They tend to disintegrate a lot more quickly, so you’re going to be buying more pairs of them anyway. Better to get the right ones to start with, and they’ll last longer.
The Benefits of Buying From a Running Shop
And also, the best possible answer, or in my opinion, to go running shoe and kit shopping is to a bricks and mortar shop.
Because you’ll get the benefit of incredibly knowledgeable staff, very enthusiastic staff that you’ll learn a lot from.
They’ll make sure that you get what’s right for you.
And also, the less we use these bricks and mortar shops, the less of them will exist, so if we want places to go where we can actually try a load on without the rigmarole and hassle of endless return cycles, and come away with a pair of shoes that we’ve tried on, we’ve tested maybe on a treadmill or inside the shop, and we know we’re going to be much likely to be much happier with longer term.
If we want that option to continue to be there, we need to use it.
And it might involve paying a little bit more money, but for me, that’s worth it for getting the expertise, getting the fit, getting the help from some really knowledgeable staff.
Keep an Eye Out for Fake Running Gear
But yeah, do keep an eye out for the fakes.
I’ve certainly noticed with prices of running shoes on the up, anything that starts becoming a more premium item is going to get faked and copied these days, no matter what sort of area you’re working in.
It’s a shame that it’s crept so much over into running and outdoors wear, but it has.
So yeah, stay out of the way with that one. If it looks like it’s a bit too good to be true, it probably is.
Anyway, happy running with some non-fake shoes, hopefully.
