Running Shoes on Amazon - Buyer Be Aware

[@uvolniavka]

Amazon is becoming a store one needs to constantly stay on alert while shopping at, and not just for shoes. Is this the actual item you searched for; who is the seller; where do they ship from; are the sponsored items pushed to the top overpriced, etc. With that being said, almost all of my running shoes are purchased there, and was very glad they had a good deal on Skechers Razor 3+, so I was able to stock up . Discovered these late, but they became my favorite everyday training shoes. Liked them so much that run the LA 2022 marathon with them. This year I'd like to try a real race day shoe- Endorphin Pro 3, and would still buy from Amazon if their Saucony Store has my size.

[@Prinniev]

This is a great video! I planned on buying Saucony shoes (triumph 20 and speed 3) off amazon; but thankfully, a local shoe store put them in pre-order (got both, best purchase!). It was confusing since they don't say who sells the shoes, until you add them in the cart. Sometimes if you change between diff shoe size, the item would come from a different seller, It's very confusing.

[@0eieiei]

The seller/shipper info is available right below the Add to Cart button, before you get to the cart.

[@Ben-qb4lj]

To my amazement, shoe companies have better sales for what you search (free accounts, shipping, coupon codes etc)

[@garyrichardson475]

Your video begins by focusing on somewhat blind buys of very low-end shoes. Yes, avoid those. They are the same shoes you see in the weekly mailers for Big 5. One may assume they couldn't be that bad if they were made by Nike, Asics, or Saucony. But I’ve noticed those manufacturers seem to create a low-end line to sell only through discount outlets. I never see those same shoes on the manufacturer's websites which may explain why you don't see them under their names on Amazon either.

[@eriktred]

Interesting video @kofuzi . I only buy from the 3 places you listed at the beginning. Very interesting how amazon ratings influence non-shoe nerds purchasing choices.

[@datharo5]

I think with the epic react 2's the shoes weren't properly stored and started to degrade as you suggested. I bought some Adidas Energy Boost from 2017, they were fine for a bit, but they weren't as flexible, kind of bottomed out, and started to fall apart after a few months of wear. I think the shoes weren't properly stored in especially because the plastic cage had some discoloration. I probably should have said I bought these early last year in late February

[@palillo2006]

I think you are right. The plastics on those shoes had a haze to them which suggests they were not stored properly.

[@fauxtek]

Plastics and glue will degrade anyway, just less quickly in certain temperature and humidity ranges.

[@DJrunner]

I would always recommend shopping at a local running store, if possible, to help keep money in your community and a local small business owner! But I do buy lots of other things off Amazon.

[@user-up1op3kz9q]

Gel Contends are honestly really good for low-impact cardio. The support is decent enough, and they make me feel glad that I’m not “wasting” a more high quality option doing stuff indoors

[@Punkyrooster6]

“It felt like a $35 shoe” haha shots fired. I like the honesty.

[@assordante2205]

Shots fired at a huge company who doesn't care about the opinion of a guy with negative dick?

[@DoNotLetThemStealYourJoy]

There's a "try before you buy" system on amazon maybe that generates used shoes when certain dishonest consumers take their purchases for a run or two and decide to return them? Previously Amazon would accept used returns for a full refund but it would restock the item and it would go back to being sold through the same channel again. People have found disgusting gunk in their new purchases and stuff like that. I would only buy from trusted sellers on Amazon.

[@maxmandudi2902]

Another thing they’re bad at is when you search for a shoe say the ASICS Novablast 2, you can click on a certain color way, and the price is very high like $250. Like it’s crazy.

[@iambrent]

Asics Gel Contend are my go to shoes for wearing to work in a medical clinic, not running. :)

[@PeterChee]

Thanks for the heads up. Amusing that you would try out shoes suggested by Amazon, but, when I think about my own buying habits for things that I'm not very informed about I some times do buy something suggested by Amazon.

[@desmondnorris8926]

I agree that it’s a risk, especially with the fake results that sneak themselves in with the actual results, but I have found some great deals and have not had any issues with the shoes I’ve gotten. For the most part, I have also had a great experience with their customer service when I’ve had other items that were not as they appeared.

[@garyrichardson475]

My guess is because of the effort involved, it's the pricier shoes that will be counterfeited. If any of those are running shoes, they might be something like Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% 2.

[@Jaragreene]

My grandma onetime bought me a pair of converse from Amazon and i had the same issue. I’ve owned converse before but these didn’t feel quite right. When I asked her if Converse was selling the shoe, it wasn’t. It was a 3rd party. I’m pretty sure we were able to return them, but still it kind of sucked that they weren’t genuine converse

[@Greg-me8le]

Much of this commentary carries over to buying most things on Amazon. It seems when you really want something brand specific and quality is a must, it is safer to go elsewhere than Amazon. Good video though because you saved us the frustration of giving Amazon a try for ourselves.

[@elflakeador09]

Yea you are spot on there, some awful sh1te on amazon

[@bonniem3538]

I was shopping on the Brooks Amazon store and after I ordered, both shoes say a different seller name. I feel like I got scammed and might receive fakes

[@kofuzi]

🤷🏻‍♂️

[@lookinforanick]

Feel like pointing out a mistake in your video. Contrary to what you say at ~ 08:40 the actual seller is displayed on the product page. You can literally see it at 8:40 under the "buy now" button. I agree with your general point tho, it isn't super obvious and there is also no way (to my knowledge) to filter the search to only "sold by Amazon". Even when Amazon does sell a product, sometimes it's not the default one (especially if 3rd party seller have a lower price) and you need to click the "New(#) from" section to get it.

[@stryder99]

Shopping on Amazon isn't too terrible once you know how things work. First thing to note is that you can do your shopping on Zappos, which Amazon owns. It's much more organized with less noise, and it's a lot easier to shop for specific brands and sizes. On the subject of brands, you'll notice on Zappos that there isn't a listing for Nike, and that's because, as a brand, Nike doesn't sell running shoes on Amazon. So, any Nike running shoes on Amazon are practically guaranteed to come from a 3rd party seller. It's also low risk because it's easy to inspect and return shoes if they're suspect or don't fit well. That said, I'd only buy daily trainers from Zappos. For a more expensive super shoe, I need to be more certain of the product, so I prefer to buy direct from the shoe company or reputable shoe store, as long as they have a good return policy.

[@eulogyforadream]

I got a pair of Endorphin Pro 3 's from Amazon on sale. They were only $135. I was worried they were "fake". However, I checked the seller was affiliated with Zappos. I'm assuming it was an inventory close out. The shoes feel great and I'm using them for my next marathon.

[@iamsillycaitlin]

6pm? I’ve had good experiences with them.

[@eulogyforadream]

@@iamsillycaitlin Yeah. 6PM. I could t say no at the price I got the Endorphin Pro 3 for.

[@pisderata]

Amazon is so bad in the last years💀

[@JS-xn3dq]

Good PSA video, K! Thanks! I for one would not buy a shoe from Amazon, with one exception - I wouldn’t rule out purchasing one of those cheap shoes for the gym. I have purchased a pair or two of running shoes from Amazon in the past but wouldn’t do it again, mostly from fear of buying fakes. If I don’t buy from the place where I work it’s RW for me all the way!

[@doernerrr]

Man, I have to go to the local running store and try on shoes before I buy them. I would never buy serious running shoes online unless I was looking for a duplicate pair of a shoe I’ve already run in. My local store has a treadmill and a little area in the store where you can try out different shoes if you’re in the browse mode, plus they give members of the local running club a significant discount off list price. Did I mention that the sales people act as pacers for local races. I say support the running community, not Amazon.

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

I just added my own comment about the same thing!

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

It used to be that Amazon had cheaper prices on almost anything but those days have been over for a long time based on our experience. We live in a small mountain town so have to rely on Amazon for certain things we simply cannot find here, though we willingly pay more at times to support local business if we can find what we need. However, we’re now seeing many more cases where Amazon is extremely overpriced, and the whole business of ratings has been documented to be very corrupt. I love Running Warehouse and used to get all my shoes from there, but have also found that the independent running store I particularly love in San Diego is not more expensive as some commenter claim theirs to be. Sometimes it’s as simple as nominally joining the store’s run club, whether or not you show up for group runs. No fee, and I get a substantial discount on every single thing I buy there. Please at least ask your brick and mortar stores. And they should also be willing to order any model from any brand they carry in any color you want.

[@Lonsoleil]

You are 100% correct. Amazon's competitive abilities have been waning due to their prices becoming just as expensive, or more expensive than everyone else. I don't even buy electronics from Amazon anymore. Best Buy is much cheaper, offers free delivery, and it's much easier to return defective items there.

[@suhaidisavio]

N.E.R.FK 2 was my fav easy day/recovery shoes.... That green shoes.. the midsole looks super firm! 😂

[@MrShanebizzle]

It’s amazing how many people have no idea how Amazon works. It’s like a online fleamarket. Buying food items or stuff you put on your body? Good luck!! Could be literally anything!

[@kofuzi]

my opinion is that if amazon wanted people to know it, they would. they are excellent communicators when they choose to be

[@Ben-qb4lj]

Most important video you've made! MILLIONS of us have only Walmart, Amazon, and Internet to shop!

[@wk633]

I've gotten many shoes on Amazon (and Woot) but all real running shoes like Endorphin line 1/2, Xodus ultra, Asics Novablast 2... I prefer running stores or Running Warehouse or the brand's online store, but won't pass up a deal.

[@mjmdiver1137]

Great video... In my opinion, the key is to only buy a show THAT YOU ALREADY KNOW rather than buying some unknown model or entire line... For example, Saucony has the main shoes that are sold in running stores (and also Amazon) but Amazon and other retailers (WalMart, Target, etc.) will carry a bunch of shoe models that are really poor versions of the main product lines from the companies... still made by Nike or Saucony or whoever, but really just their junk lines. Those LOOK LIKE running shoes, but mostly aren't really. Besides, the fit is so crucial that I would suggest that you have to get properly fitted for the shoes before you commit (which is why I am amazed you are able to do these reviews so well since that clearly doesn't happen based on what you've said). That is, even within a line of shoes, some seem to run a little small, others may be a little larger, etc. and it isn't necessarily tied the shoe length, but toe room or width, etc. It's pretty complex. I found that, at least for Saucony, they sometimes have sales on their factory website that makes them as good as what you can get at Amazon... I always go there first before looking at Amazon.

[@eyevincast5440]

More of these vids! I actually enjoyed this vid…..different perspective and concept than the usual review on expensive shoes.

[@Ben-qb4lj]

Literally the same thoughts! It's the best video kofuzi has done.

[@geert574]

It's always a hazard I bought some UB21 from Zalando and one had a bum sole with a nick in it and pieces fell out over next 2 years it was also made in Thailand not in Vietnam, I never have problem with official Adidas store but the price 😭

[@elflakeador09]

Amazon is great and has its uses mainly for every day items. But i would not be spending big money on anything amazon sells especially not running shoes. Most big stores online have good sales from time to time and with better return policies

[@dr4aces]

Good PSA

[@DanPereda]

kofuzi, amazon clearly states right under the add to cart / buy now buttons who is the seller and shipper, Other than that great video

[@kofuzi]

thank you for the correction. several others have mentioned that to me. I didn't see it there.

[@F7Nf7nF7nf7N]

GREAT VIDEO 🔥 Can I suggest you to review cheap shoe from every running shoe brand?

[@kofuzi]

this video made me review three more price point shoes than I care to review. I ran over 3,000 miles last year and had so much fun doing it. running in some of these price point shoes made running unenjoyable and not fun. that's pretty much the most expensive cost applied to running that I can imagine.

[@F7Nf7nF7nf7N]

@@kofuzi I respect that. I do agree no shoe are worth to run that come with the price tag under $40 retail. But I see this NB and adidas, NB arishi v4, NB kaiha road (more v4 look alike), adidas questar, adidas response 3.0, price range $60-$80 (maybe lower if it's on sale), to the touch their midsole to me is well cushioned. I can't find a proper review in youtube so that's why I can do nothing but to comment here on your channel. But hey, never mind this. I'll just keep digging on your channel to watch your older shoe review.. ✌️

[@latinreuben]

1 correction. On each page, below buy now tab, it states ships from and sold by and u can click on 3rd party to see their reviews.

[@Amtcboy]

Bought only one pair on Amazon and learned my lesson right away. Bought a $260 pair and got $30 pair. When I tried to return it, seller won’t accept and even branded me a fraud.

[@tjieming]

Watching this video made me worry about my USD$90 (SGD$120) Endorphin Pro 2 I bought from Amazon last week. I live in a country where super shoes are not readily available or discounted so was looking forward to trying this pair I got for a "good deal" off Amazon. Thinking if I should cancel before it is shipped.

[@kofuzi]

I'm not sure what the amazon return policy is, but I would hope that they would take it back if you find it either unacceptable or not what is supposed to be

[@ceddiec1111]

People new to running want to save money and I get it. However what price will you pay if you get the wrong running shoe or a fake knockoff and get injured or have to run in constant pain. You will hate running and worse, may end up with medical bills. I tell anyone new to running to bite the bullet and go to a local running store with a treadmill so they can shoot video of you running. Sure you might walk out with $150 pair of shoes but your ankles, knees, and hips will thank you for it later.

[@RunForPeace-hk1cu]

Never buy from Amazon. Don’t know where the shoes are made, manufactured , counterfeit, etc … Just get it from regular places …

[@Feanaro5503]

I did get my first pair of proper running shoes on Amazon in 2017 - the New Balance Sonic V1 with the BOA closure system. I could never find any reviews of them, but I did a lot of 5K races in those shoes as well as a half marathon, and they felt fast.

[@bruno_rojas]

I really enjoyed this. Still looking for my perfect shoe. Also I have a marathon this Sunday so looking forward to that.

[@kofuzi]

good luck Sunday!

[@dazdarren9926]

Great video. I avoid buying shoes on Amazon for all the reasons you listed

[@Elmo6855]

Great video to call out that Amazon's success has turned it into a crap shoot with many products. So many off-name products that are just a race to the bottom for price. I prefer Running Warehouse's clearance deals. One has to check often for some shoes, but I know they are legit. Nike's success has bred many fakes. I would only trust the best of sellers there. A $90 deal is one thing but if it's fake for that price, it's no deal at all.

[@Stefan-od3us]

Unrelated to video but new to running and if you could recommend a user friendly reliable running watch that would be amazing. I don’t mind paying the money for something that I can get some life and utility out of. I’m on the smaller end of wrists! Love your videos!

[@svenja5596]

Garmin 235 or 245 👍 (no need for the high end models if you're just starting out but easy to use and plenty of functions)

[@hwatts1095]

Great idea for a video Kofuzi! Keep these alternatives coming please

[@garyrichardson475]

My strategy is to never buy the current year’s model (unless you are a shoe blogger that needs too). Although a specific model may be better or worse year to year, in general there is no downside to wearing last year’s model. I read reviews of the previous year’s model to find something I like then hunt for the best price through Amazon, Running Warehouse, and Bing and Google shopping searches. You can get them at least 30% cheaper that way. Runner’s World magazine warns not to do this because shoes breakdown in the box even if they have never been worn. I find that not to be the case and I have not had problems going back even a couple years. (Runner’s World is mostly shoe ads so of course they would say that.)

[@latinreuben]

U can also find deals at Joe's New Balance Outlet and Super Runners Shop.

[@mkmcdowell4648]

I love my Asics Gel Contend 7s! I find them more comfortable than my Saucony Triumph 19s.

[@kofuzi]

that's great!

[@anthonyantoine669]

Never had a problem maybe I just know what to look for and you usually see whom you're buying from before putting in cart and also can check reviews on that seller, I've also seen people have some of the same issues buying shoes from the original brand store that some mentioned like soling falling out holes developing etc while you do have to take caution I don't think it primarily an Amazon thing and most of the time I've had an issue I've been able to get some recourse

[@wk633]

I once got a great deal on a pair of Endorphin Pro at Nordstrom Rack online. Last pair in my size. Showed up, women's. Nowhere in my order did it state the sex of the size.

[@Kurto2021]

that blue shoe reminds me of the Mizuno Wave Creation. I got that when I first started running. It was not good as it would collect rocks and snow constantly.

[@user-hp6ls8qy6d]

I wish we could all boycott Amazon because of the way they treat their staff.

[@JonPhillipssea206]

I would never buy running shoes from Amazon for all the reasons you cite.

[@gonzalezmag657]

I remember I went to my local running store and they told me to beware Amazon because the shoes weren't as durable. It would be interesting if you did a video where you bought the same shoe from the official store and Amazon and compare any differences.

[@garyrichardson475]

A brick & mortar store discouraging its customers from buying online instead? Hmmm... I wonder why? 😉

[@Miguel-th3wx]

You realize they will tell you everything just to be able to sell you stuff lol

[@FooFloyDon]

That makes no sense. If it’s the same shoe, it’s the same shoe. An Adidas Adios 7 is the same, whether you buy it at Walmart, TJ Maxx, Amazon, Running Warehouse or your indie local running store. I bought a pair of Saucony Trail shoes on Amazon and ran 700 miles in them.

[@krombopulosmichael6162]

@@FooFloyDon did you watch the video? It is only 9 minutes and the issue is discussed at the 4 minute mark. Literally over half the video explains the problems.

[@FooFloyDon]

@@krombopulosmichael6162 I did and Kofuzi was concerned that it was a fake. Of course a fake is gonna run weirder and not be as good as the real thing. But if the shoe is “real”, it makes no sense that one bought from Amazon would be less durable than one at any other store.

[@Lemlem7682]

I just bought fake Brooks shoes for $150 from Amazon. And I don't recommend shoes from Amazon.

[@kofuzi]

Fake brooks?!? Sorry to hear that

[@Lemlem7682]

@kofuzi That's okay. I watched your KZbin videos a while ago, but then I forgot about it. Thank you for making people aware of fake shoes on amazon.

[@TOXIN543]

I got my Novablast 2 from Amazon and enjoyed them. You just have to know what shoe model and size you are looking for. You Kofuzi and other "shoe-tubers" did help me with the choice a lot.

[@kofuzi]

glad it worked out for you!

[@marcoc2706]

Shoes on Amazon Canada are almost always more expansive...

[@paddywiggle]

I saw some endo speed 2s on amazon for $67 in my size

[@xrealx369]

Just need to buy from a seller who has a lot of good reviews.

[@McFearless80]

Gel Contend 7 was my first "running" shoe. Gateway drug.

[@kofuzi]

nice

[@stevenpaen3481]

Doesn't it shipped and sold by under the BUY NOW button at 8:44 ?

[@kofuzi]

yes, you are correct. others have mentioned similar. I didn't see it. I was focused on looking for that information near the brand/store identifier that is under the product listing title. my mistake

[@pcgeek_1862]

Is it just me or does his voice sound a little different?

[@haon2205]

I buy running shoes on Amazon all the times. Cheap Reebok floatrides, Asics Gels, Fresh Foam Mores v1 and 2 etc. that usually costed 40-60 instead of 150 and up premium shoes. Didn't felt like they were used or fake.

[@JeanLucConnery]

I usually find the name of the store that is selling the shoe on the right hand frame after I scroll down a bit. They are often fulfilled by Amazon but not sold by them. The 3rd party name is usually a little lower.

[@tnan123]

Amazon definitely needs better transparency. It seems shady how easily some sellers can manipulate the system. There are definitely good deals there though for certain decent models.

[@kofuzi]

I end up buying a lot of gopro accessories on the site. and if I ever need to go back and repurchase something, there are times where the previously used link will lead to a completely different product (that seems to retain all the positive reviews and ratings)

[@Bai_lu0923]

Nike Pegasus is always great for any runner, I believe, even second hand Pegasus 37.

[@RunTommy123]

You know how many $40 Skechers Razors (3, Elite, Excess) I've bought on Amazon? I can't count

[@kofuzi]

a lot of shoes get sold there

[@apocreg11]

Surely people don’t run in these!

[@cchungy]

Didn’t realize Nike still sold the epic reacts

[@kofuzi]

I also had no idea

[@Formerly-known-as-Steve]

I tried to buy TIAMOU Men Running Walking Shoes Sport Athletic Wihte Jogging Sneakers (not my typo). but out of stock lucky they still have Lightweight Athlice Sneakers 🐛

[@HalfwayHikes]

The problem with Amazon is that we have to even ask if what we’re ordering is fake or not. It’s everything from electronics to clothes. It’s hard to trust the comments (good or bad). I don’t order anything expensive from Amazon if it’s something that I need to rely on for performance, durability, etc.

[@peterrosenblad8266]

How 'bout them Whitins?

[@apocreg11]

That’s not a proper Nike

[@lookinforanick]

Ampli Foam is the #1 favourite foam of the International Association of Auditory Impaired People ba-dum-tssss

[@tednruth453]

I don't go to amazon to buy anything 🤓

[@mrpoutine6588]

ditto

[@chmwolf]

My pair of UA Charged has proven to be a good value. They are great for strength training, but I would not consider running any significant distance in them.

[@lfmars98]

I bought my first pair of running shoes on Amazon! Reeboks for $50. They got the job done. It’s not bad for a beginner to buy cheaper shoes because you don’t know if your going to be into running! You can always upgrade to better shoes later!

[@felixyu755]

Would be curious if Amazon sells more expensive running shoes compared to those three websites you mentioned at the beginning. Probably

[@harvard004]

Third party sellers are trying to take advantage of an established listing that already has high number of positive reviews and a high page rank for certain keywords.

[@carlosangalang]

Bought a pair of Puma Velocity Nitro 2 from Amazon UK and I returned it with some difficulty. The pair that I got had a blockier feeling midsole compared to my v1. It didn't have any of the responsiveness that I get from the v1. Despite all the positive reviews of the v2, back it went to Amazon

[@gassiusdave]

Great video! Not naming brands but moving forward, ill only buy from brands that don't treat you poorly

[@nonyabusiness1126]

I have multiple $200+ shoes...and the UA Assert 8 may be the most comfortable shoe I've ever worn. I have a wide foot though.

[@GotDamBoi]

just don't buy the cheap shit they recommend when you search for running shoes on amazon lol. 90% of the good shoes still exist on the site and a lot of times you can find them for cheaper

[@seanrodriguez2620]

Amazon owns Zappos. You just have to know what you want to buy vs. being marketed for the shoes.

[@joyaclub]

Thanks for this public service announcement and spending your hard earned money to explain it.

[@aayusharora2459]

I always contact brand customer care before buying from amazon to cross check whether particular seller is authorised seller or not

[@Mojavehixon]

Fuzi pulling back that curtain 😂

[@runeveryday1069]

I like buying from running shoe brand web sites over my local stores for some of the reasons listed in the video. Go to a store to try them on and they hand me a torn box or shoes in a box with shredded wrapping paper and loose shoe strings. On another note the review of the Under Armour shoe in this video was how I felt about the NewBalance V4More I just received - so disappointed In that clown shoe - I though it was a New Balance defect.

[@S.Matt240]

I got a pair of pegasus off Amazon and the sole fell off in 2 days. It was fake af. I didn't think anyone would fake a pegasus

[@jamesroberts2147]

A few years ago, i brought a second pair of saucony endorphin speeds v1, it just felt dead, so different from the first pair I brought from a local running shop. I think it was a fake 😔

[@ianwarner1429]

I think the rubber dies after a few years waiting to be sold. Amazon is a clearing house for old shoes

[@gullepomp]

Amazon seems to sell outlet articles, some articles have a production fault and go to outlets or they are specific for outlets.

[@em0haircutx]

A+ content lol

[@christian_a_uk]

Thanks Mike, this is basically a public service video right here 😉 buyer beware!!

[@undeadly1103]

look at the price and description of most Hokas on Amazon. it's crazy

[@davidrosenthal5795]

Amazon Prices aren’t good like the old days.

[@didoma73]

The target demo for Amazon shoes does not intersect with the viewers on this channel. This video was fun, but I don't think anyone found these conclusions surprising.

[@kofuzi]

you can tell when I'm intentionally trying to reach a broader audience when I introduce myself. usually, I just say something like, yo, kofuzi here and today... but for videos like this, I say, my name is kofuzi and I review running shoes on KZbin... but I'm overall glad to know that the core audience knows what's up

[@chriscross6005]

I feel the same way about the ZoomFly v1 as you do about the epic react 2. I remember the shoe being and feeling so much nice, but when I bought a pair recently, they just didn’t feel as nice as I remember. I feel like it’s because we’ve been spoiled with all this new technology in shoes that the older stuff just isn’t how we remember.

[@rubarb1275]

Great video, really essential viewing for anyone buying shoes online.

[@bigredactionsportsstuff1245]

You’re gonna go viral for this one I think Kofuzi

[@jw_asia]

Well said and spot on with Amazon! Tks for sharing.

[@TheTiagofo]

As a runner, it would be great if you share some of your meals.