Korean Job Discussion Forums

[hanguker]

I'm looking for a good training shoe at a good value.

What brand is best represented in Korea price-wise? That is, what is a good quality brand I can buy that isn't excessively over-priced/taxed in Korea.

Also, could you recommend any low-priced retail or online outlets?

Thanks a lot.

[Auslegung]

Would you like a shoe with billions of years of R&D behind it? One so sensitive it can feel a hairline crack in a sidewalk, so durable it will last you your entire life? How about one that is free? You need look no further than your own two feet. I would suggest you look into barefoot running. There are lots of websites out there, and all the data I've seen indicates that running barefoot causes less injuries than shoes. The important thing with barefooting is not strengthening your feet to withstand all the "punishment" of running, but rather improving and perfecting your stride so that there is no punishment, making it natural and free, comfortable and sustainable.

[verve]

[Chet Wautlands]

Running barefoot is a cool idea, but be very careful. This should not be done by someone who is fairly overweight. Nor should it be done on sidewalk. Running barefoot is supposed to be more natural, but there is nothing natural about being very fat or sidewalks.

Also, if you currently jog 5k no problem, don't expect to be able to do that instantly barefoot. You need to give your muscles time to adapt.

Korea is a tricky place to start barefoot running.

About shoes, first determine your foot type.

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-240-319-326-7152-0,00.html

Then go out and find the right shoe.

[Auslegung]

Running on sidewalks is fine, as long as you're careful. Rocks are very natural, and many of our ancestors lived in the mountains, or on rocky shores. Since I've gotten here, all I can run on are sidewalks, so that's what I do. Granted I don't run very far at a time, I'm still adjusting, and grass is preferable, but it's perfectly fine.

That's an interesting point about being overweight, but I'm not sure if I totally agree. I think even more caution would be required, that's all.

[arvinsign]

I'll say check the NB (New Balance) shoes.

[runlikegump]

I've been wearing faab shoes, made right here in Korea by the incomparable BJ Park, for the last few years. I log anywhere between 300 and 700 minutes running depending on the week, pounding both the Han River path and various mountain trails, and these have always held up well.

The website (http://www.ohmyshoe.com) is all in Korean, but if you can read it or have someone help you, you'll see all you need to see.

Bonus #1 - the price - 66000 won/pair
Bonus #2 - BJ - one of a kind and a real help if you want to start going longer than the marathon

pm me if you need any more info

[seoulsteve]

The last pair I bought were asics (spelling?) I haven't tried new balances but i also heard they're good. Stay away from adidas, they gave me some nasty blisters. If you're planning on running long distances, make sure they're not too tight. You'll probably want to get a pair one size bigger than you usually wear.

[seoulsteve]

[Jimskins]

That's quite interesting about barefoot running, never thought about it.

I have been doing cross-country and long distance for about 12 years now, I've never had any problems with a decent pair of Nike Airs. I agree with a previous poster about Addidas, I tried a 150,000W pair of Addidas when I did the Seoul marathon in March, they had fallen to pieces after about 2 months of regular running.

[runlikegump]

[nathanrutledge]

I've got a pair of Adidas that have worked quite well for me. They are about 6 years old now and definitely need replacement, but they have been great shoes.

Anyway, try an outlet mall. I buy my shoes at the outlet mall near my place; there is an Adidas store, a New Balance store, a Reebok store, and a few others that slip my mind at the moment. Good shoes, great prices.