Trendy

From what I can tell, it is the current fashion for young upper middle class people to wear bulky running shoes. Even for everyday wear. Sighs At least Hokas/Asics/New Balance/that cloud one look a little better than the even bulkier and clashing colors basketball shoes. I really like some of the Hokas.

In-person Visit

I went to Road Runner, since I need new sneakers. They barely kept stock (many color options only had the display variant). They also take you through this "shoe fit" program. I feel this is a scam, went through a similar thing at a mattress store. I’d much rather just try on all the shoes. The salesperson has to bring you everything. And my salesperson tried very hard to get a sale, asking me to do an online sale within the store. Although I think that might have had more to do with my specific circumstance. I said I’d take time to decide and order online at home.

The sales people were certainly knowledgeable. They knew about the different traits of the shoes, and I overheard them talking amongst themselves about different brands and sales/releases they’d seen in years prior. I hope they’re paid sufficiently, they deserve it from what I heard.

Online Order

Finally I tried to order online, only for my order to be declined multiple times. I used fake contact info (why the hell do they need my email and phone), and they clearly noticed. I called, and could tell the agent was trying to avoid telling me the order was marked fraudulent.

I walked to Designer Shoe Warehouse and purchased the most basic sneakers (but hey, slip-ons).

Fuck Hoka