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JGus
Joined: 22 Jun 2010
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 Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2010 6:07 am Post subject: Looking for a running shoe specialty-type store in Seoul |
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(my first post!)
I'm looking for a running shoe specialty store in Seoul (or wherever, really) that sells barefoot running/trail running style shoes (think: vibram fivefingers) and haven't been able to find anything thus far. I'd prefer to go to a store, get fitted there, and come home with the right pair instead of paying through the roof for international shipping, and potentially getting the wrong pair (very possible as this type of footwear requires fairly accurate measurements).
Any help would be appreciated, and if anyone else wants to go running/barefoot running/trail running with me (I live and teach in Suwon), shoot me a private message or say something here. Thanks! |
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amcnutt
Joined: 22 Mar 2010
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| Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2010 9:24 am Post subject: |
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I'm gonna keep an eye on this thread, because I had the exact same question. I'm arriving in Gwangmyeong in August, and I love to go running/hiking for good exercise. Plus I need new sneakers anyway, and don't want my suitcase to be overweight, so I'd just as well buy them in Seoul....
I'm not sure how far Suwon is away from my area, but I would love to have a running buddy. |
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m3erds
Joined: 22 Feb 2010
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| Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2010 6:24 pm Post subject: |
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| do you need large sized shoes? if you do, id buy that new pair before you go, not after. it might be a little while before you find what you're looking for. |
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amcnutt
Joined: 22 Mar 2010
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| Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2010 6:35 pm Post subject: |
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| m3erds wrote: |
| do you need large sized shoes? if you do, id buy that new pair before you go, not after. it might be a little while before you find what you're looking for. |
I'm not sure about the OP, but I'm a girl and I wear size 8, which I hear is available in Seoul...albeit probably the largest size available! I'm hoping I can find something there that would fit properly. |
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Kaypea
Joined: 09 Oct 2008
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| Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2010 7:09 pm Post subject: |
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This is NO help, but I'm following the thread too... I saw a lady wearing the Vibram 5 Fingers shoes, but I don't know where she got them  |
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uklathemock
Joined: 26 Dec 2009
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| Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 10:19 pm Post subject: Re: Looking for a running shoe specialty-type store in Seoul |
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They're pretty small and light. This would be something I would bring over and not spend weeks/months trying to hunt down. Korea is notoriously expensive for brand-name clothing and shoes, and you might be getting a fake.
Anyway, there is a Vibram distributor in Mapo-Gu. Tel: 02.711.4879 |
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Xuanzang
Joined: 10 Apr 2007
Location: Sadang
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| Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 10:58 pm Post subject: |
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| Even including the high shipping fee costs from Ebay. You usually do come out on top because Korea has VERY high import taxes on clothes and shoes. Thus, brand names cost an arm and a leg here. You might also get the size and colors you want. |
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prideofidaho
Joined: 19 Mar 2008
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| Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 11:03 pm Post subject: |
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| Kaypea wrote: |
| This is NO help, but I'm following the thread too... I saw a lady wearing the Vibram 5 Fingers shoes, but I don't know where she got them |
I posted this in another thread too, but you can get those shoes here: http://www.okoutdoor.com/ albeit at a ludicrous price. They have a store in Dongdaemun, Seoul. Easy to find if you follow the map on the site. They also sell train runners, but otherwise it's mostly hiking shoes. |
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vsiddy
Joined: 14 Apr 2010
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| Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 11:17 pm Post subject: |
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I just did some research into 'barefoot' running shoes, and they look awesome.
Maybe I can finally run without getting severe shin splints every 3 months or so...
Let us know if you find anywhere selling them. |
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JGus
Joined: 22 Jun 2010
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| Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2010 6:15 pm Post subject: |
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Update--
called the number that uklathemock gave, found out that they had a representative and shoes (Vibram) in the Galleria in Apgujeong. Went to Apgujeong yesterday and tried some on--the stand is on the 4th floor directly to the right of the stairs.
They fit amazingly, I ran around the store a bunch, walked around, etc.
I then took them off and, noting my size, went back home and ordered a pair for cheaper. The cheapest site that ships to Korea, I found, is Crossroads. The service was great--had some difficulty with the site so I called and got the owner, who helped get everything squared away. Should be getting them in 5-10 business days! |
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bigwilly999
Joined: 01 Jun 2009
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| Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 1:59 am Post subject: |
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| What size are you? I'm a 13...wondering if they will have any there. |
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NYC_Gal
Joined: 08 Dec 2009
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| Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 2:08 am Post subject: |
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| amcnutt wrote: |
| I'm not sure about the OP, but I'm a girl and I wear size 8, which I hear is available in Seoul...albeit probably the largest size available! I'm hoping I can find something there that would fit properly. |
You can buy boys' trainers. |
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Gnawbert
Joined: 23 Oct 2007
Location: The Internet
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| Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 5:47 am Post subject: |
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| vsiddy wrote: |
I just did some research into 'barefoot' running shoes, and they look awesome.
Maybe I can finally run without getting severe shin splints every 3 months or so...
Let us know if you find anywhere selling them. |
I enthusiastically recommend Vibram 5 Fingers. I picked up a pair of Sprint models in the US this May before returning and, if properly fit, they are outstanding. I find I have considerable more endurance when running, jogging, or even just hiking. I actually wear them as my standard out and about shoes now, despite looking a little silly.
FWIW, I paid $120 US for the sprint model and would pay more than that if I lost them to get a new pair. |
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laguna
Joined: 27 Jun 2010
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| Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 7:02 am Post subject: |
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These hit mainstream and are now less than $40 shipped.
http://www.dealextreme.com/search.dx/search.fivefingers
deal extreme is a life saver, albeit slow on the shipping side
You can order with your US address to pay with paypal, then just update to your Korean address before they package and ship. I do it all the time. |
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