Korean Job Discussion Forums

hepcat · Joined: 07 Mar 2005 Location: Daegu

I do a lot of running on the local mountains, and I need to find some new shoes.

Although I lucked out before and found a few pairs large enough (US 12), recently the local shops have stopped carrying anything bigger than 10 or 11. Oddly, but not surprisingly, the shops aren't interested in special ordering a pair in a larger size.

Does anyone know of a shop in Seoul or Daegu that usually has the big sizes in stock, especially Nike. Or is there an website online that carries lots of sizes? I searched today but came up dry. I'd really love to find a pair of Nike Terra Ridge trail shoes--they are bomb-proof and yet cushy. Cool

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tiger fancini · Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Location: Testicles for Eyes

There's at least one place in Itaewon on the high street that sells big size shoes/boots, although I don't recall if they had the kind of runners you're after. Its almost opposite the North Face shop, can't remember the name of the place but it looks like a shoe shop and has a sign saying 'big size' outside.

They had Gore Tex walking boots up to a US 14 size, although the guy wanted 140,000W for a pair of size 12's. I didn't buy them as I thought that was pretty steep, but I'm unable to find anywhere else thus far so may have to return. Is 140,000W too much? I know I can get them cheaper than that at home....

lawyertood · Posted: Tue Aug 08, 2006 8:18 pm Post subject:

Keep your eyes open for posters in your neighborhood advertising Nike or Adidas Outlet sales. I've gotten size 13-14 shoes for around 30,000 won.

Newbie · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

I love when I go to a random shop in Seoul and ask for size 305-310 and they laugh and say "Itaewon!" HAve you seen the shoes in Itaewon. Goddam ugly, unless you're down with PDiddy and 50 cent.

lastat06513 · Posted: Tue Aug 08, 2006 9:41 pm Post subject:

I would have to agree, those Nike-Adidas sales they have around Seoul are your best bet to get decent running shoes. I remember buying a pair for me for only 7,000 won, I got that price because the guy couldn't pawn them off on anyone.

I do know of a stand near the electronics market near YongSan station that sold size 12s'

Another place to check them out are the 'villes outside most U.S. military installations. The best ones I can think of are the ones outside Osan, which is now a subway ride away from YongSan Train Station.

Guri Guy · Joined: 07 Sep 2003 Location: Bamboo Island

There is a good store in COEX mall that sells Asics (sic) shoes. They have up to size 12 I believe. The shoes I have bought there have been good and at a decent price. Around 110,000 won. Similar to what I paid in Canada.

daz1979 · Joined: 29 Apr 2006 Location: Gangwon-Do

There's always E Bay

PaperTiger · Joined: 31 May 2005 Location: Ulaanbataar

Reebok store in Itaewon has up to size 13 in limited styles. I bought some good sandals and decent runners there not too long ago.

The Nike store in Itaewon has up to size 15, which fit suprisingly well considering they were too big.

Most people only have sizes up to 12, so you're in luck if that's what you're looking for. Can't be too picky if you're bigger. My shoes are damn ugly, and in most cases I was lucky to get those.

ella · Joined: 17 Apr 2006

Nike's web site doesn't ship internationally? I know you weren't looking for New Balance, but you can order shoes online from them and have them shipped internationally. Surely you can do the name at Nike's web site.

ForceOne · Joined: 25 Aug 2005

The Nike Store in Itaewon (opposite side of the street from Outback) always gets up to size 12.

Woland · Joined: 10 May 2006 Location: Seoul

Ten years ago, just after I first got here, I needed to get some new running shoes. I hit the Nike shop in Itaewon, and while they did have the 13's I needed, the price was outrageous. I checked around and no place else seemed to have any. I was going to suck it up and pay the price when I made one last try at a Korean shop across the street from the Nike shop. I asked the owner if he had men's size 13 running shoes and he replied, "I have up to size 17." Got two pairs of Asics for about $30 each. Lasted through my whole time here. Ask around at different places in Itaewon still and you may be able to find a bargain.

hepcat · Joined: 07 Mar 2005 Location: Daegu

Thanks for all the swell advice.

RobinH · Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 12:47 pm Post subject:

Hmm, size 12 feet, eh? *evil wink*

I second the eBay suggestion. If you don't need to try them on, that is. You'' probably be able to get a good price even including the ~20$ shipping.

quadra87 · Joined: 28 Jun 2004

ABC Shoe Mart...near Gangnam Stn. Just found out they will order the size 12 if they don't have it in stock. Made my day.

animalbirdfish · Joined: 04 Feb 2004