Korean Job Discussion Forums

[hanguker]

Hi. I've recently taken up running 5km, 3 times/week. Everything is going well, but I need new shoes. I've been searching the running websites a lot and have gotten some ideas. However, some of the best brands don't seem to be available in my local shop and/or are really overpriced.

What are some brands (Korean or otherwise) in Korea that are of good quality and are reasonably priced? I'm looking for shoes under 100K. I'm a heavier male runner with a normal pronation, but need some good cushioning.

Thanks for any advice.

[strange_brew]

I've always found New Balance have the best running shoe, at least for me. For something like this, don't necessarily go cheap. Yes, here in Korea, for a good running shoe, you will probably pay 10 or 15% more than you would back home, but it's important to have good shoes.

[chrisinkorea2011]

Actually almost any good or well known brand shoes are marked up ridiculously. And yet people still buy them because of the name. Infact the only shoe that really isnt marked up higher is converse, they are about the same price in the states. But You really have to shop around, actually there are plenty of good deals but the only issue is that you have to be 260 - 280 size which is 8 - 10 1/2 or so.

[strange_brew]

The shoes I got were around $90 American, $99 Canadian, and 109,000 here. Those were New Balance. So you take the exchange rate, and it's not that bad. But yes, many things are marked up here, you just have to look around. I'm 285-290, so I have a hard time finding things that fit me anyways.

[Patrick Bateman]

What's your shoe size? Like someone mentioned before, if you're 280+, that automatically narrows the field.

Brands to look for? Love 'em or hate 'em, Nike makes a great running shoe. Also consider Brooks and Saucony. Consider bumping your pricing window up a bit, to say 120k, and also be on the lookout for sales. The Nike shop in COEX had a sale of 20% off shoes last time I went there 2 weeks ago.

I'd say checkout the websites Runningwarehouse and endless. The first gives you some valuable information about shoes and does ship some shoes to Korea (though at a premium.) The latter offers free shipping for orders over $100, $10 for shipping otherwise. That might be worth it.

[Canadian Saja]

I just recently went through a huge fiasco finding running shoes and now have more shoes than I do feet. I'm a size 300 so finding that to begin with was hard enough. If you're 280 or below you can pretty much walk into any shop and should be able to find something.

First, you've got to realize that the best shoe for one person is not necessarily the best shoe for you. I know from my experience that Nike is the best for me. I was fitted at a running store in Canada and since then any problems I had associated with running have disappeared.

I did get a pair of Adidas while here in Korea though and they do pretty well too. I paid the same price as they are listed for on the Adidas website in Canada, so I don't know why people are saying all the shoes are overpriced. Actually shoes are the things I have found to be most reasonably priced.

Try on some brands, try to ask the employees for a "cushioned" shoe and then buy what feels good. If it doesn't feel good in the store it's not going to get any better once you leave.

[hanguker]

Thanks for the advice. I wear a 270, so size is not an issue.

I've heard that the Nike Air Pegasus is a gold standard for a neutral running shoe. They seem to be going for about 115K here. Anyone try them?

[chrisinkorea2011]

[UknowsI]

I would recommend Asics Kayano as a good basic everyday running shoe, but the listed price is 170,000 so a little out of your price range unless you find a good sale or an older model (GEL-Kayano 17 seems to be the most recent model). I noticed that pretty much every major shoe brand has been named so far in the thread, so adding another one might not help your decision, but you can at least try it out.

[strange_brew]

[NYC_Gal 2.0]

endless.com is associated with amazon.com and ships for $10 with courier service. Prices are the same as home, because it's from home. You can get larger men's sizes as well. Just make sure they aren't over the customs limit (about $130, but I could be wrong,) or you'll have to pay a customs fee.

[Swampfox10mm]

I have always found some good deals at ABC stores when the end-of-year styles go out. If I time it right, I can find Nike running shoes in my size for as low as 40,000 won (size 11 US).

There is a stand-alone department store called Bauhaus about 10 mins walk North from Janghanpyeong station. They have good deals on shoes sometimes -- Reebok and Nike, in particular, if you catch the right time of year.

[hogwonguy1979]

there are a couple of decent running stores south of the river but i cant find the names right now. One is located near jamshil station and the other is in front of the Olympic Stadium . according to some friends of mine who run, both are pretty good with people who know their stuff. i'm sure somebody here has the names of them

a size 270, you'll have no problem finding decent shoes. there is now a foot locker store in itaewon that has a decent selection and prices

[travelnguy]

As far as which shoe is best, it depends on the individual. Since you are just starting out, it is a bit more difficult. I've never gone into a shoe store here in Korea that had knowledgeable staff regarding what shoe best fits my foot (well, wife's foot).

For me, I know that I don't run on my heel. I have a short, fast stride. I also don't over/underpronate. So, I needed a shoe that allows for more of a forefoot landing, thus a thinner, softer heel.

I run in the Nike Lunar Glide3. If you look around Gmarket, they range from 99,000 to 149,000. It just depends on the seller I guess.

There are a couple of tests you could do to determine your style. Do a google search for running shoe fit and get more information. I know one is to wet the bottom of your foot and then place it on a piece of paper. This will tell you what kind of arch you have. Another is to stand in front of a mirror. Legs slightly separated. Squat down. Your ankles will either move in, out, or stay relatively still. This will tell you about your pronation.

There are also numerous youtube videos discussing this as well as your gate.

I ran for years, but just recently (last two years) picked it up again. I wish I would have never stopped. It's so enjoyable. Good luck.

Sorry this was so long.