RW has it's annual spring shoe guide hitting the stands and while nothing really caught my eye in this issue it signals the start of my spring search. I need a new pair of trail runners. I'm not exactly impressed with the performance of my NB 840 trail runners. I have extremely flat feet, almost no arch, and I've torn these up during the winter months.

Unfortunately, the nearest shoe stores are some distance away.

(I'm also struggling with making the leap out of Smartwools and into Injinji socks full time. The problem is that I've never had a pair of Injinji wools take the abuse of Smartwools. And they cost a ton!)

What is your favorite online vendor for shoe sales?

(While I'm at it? I'll take any TR brand advice. I'm pretty much done with NB.)

I've, also, been using RW (Running Warehouse http://www.runningwarehouse.com/fpm.html)for the last two years. I've been very happy with the Inov8's and there are several models available for low arches.

Looking for NB's? Try JoesNewBalanceOutlet.com

I've used Running Warehouse, Road Runner Sports, and Eastbay. Try Backcountry / BackcountryOutlet as well.

Being cheap, I shop a lot at Sierra Trading Post. Because of the shipping costs it is best to order several different models and sizes at once. Then try them out indoors and keep whichever one fits best. Send the rest back and possibly order spares of the one you like. (I paid a total of $130 for three pair of Montrail Continental Divides last summer including shipping. I tried four different models and sizes before settling on them, then ordered two spare pair)

>(I'm also struggling with making the leap out of Smartwools and into Injinji socks full time. The problem is that I've never had a pair of Injinji wools take the abuse of Smartwools. And they cost a ton!)

Last summer I took my longest trip ever (220 miles), first with trail runners instead of boots, and first in several years. I bought a pair of wool Injinjis "just in case". Starting day two I wore them for the rest of the trip and I'm sold- both on toe socks and on wool base layers. I used Smartwool socks over the toe socks and basically wore out two pair.

I'm thinking that a good combination would be the wool Injinjis inner socks, with a tough, dense weave synthetic outer sock. This should help protect the delicate wool, keep all but the smallest dust particles away from the foot, and help to reduce friction.

Edited by jimqpublic on 02/05/2009 09:39:32 MST.

John: Can you point me to those models, with my thanks?

hands down
Free shipping, thousands of models, great deals AND if they don't fit send them back for free for a full refund.

Zappos, especially if you live near their warehouse.

I second Zappos, got my Roclites there. First time it didn't fit so I sent them back and got a pair that fit. They have free shipping both ways.

A fourth vote for Zappos--a great company to deal with.

Another for Zappos. I even wore a pair of Inov-8s for a 4 day trip, which helped me discover they were too tight and Zappos still let me exchange them. Supposedly they were making an exception, but I think they are just really focused on good customer service so I'll continue to give them my business.

Brian... According to the listings the 295 and 305 have the low arch.

http://www.runningwarehouse.com/catpage-MRSINOV8.html

I found some durability issues with the wool Injinji socks. I'm sold on the comfort of the toe socks, especially in the Coolmax version. The wool-blended ones wore through on me in less than 12 uses, but the other materials are going strong.

Long Live the Toe Sock!

Runningwarehouse is it...if they have your shoes...it's hands down the place to go...My shoes are still $16 less there than Zappos.com "SALE" price. RW also offers free shipping both ways.

Let them eat cake!

Thanks, John!

Agree with Jonathon.

If RunningWarehouse stocks the product you are looking for, then it will probably be cheaper there than Zappos -- yet you will receive comparable service.

If RW doesn't have your product, then you still can not go wrong with Zappos.

I wish more e-tailers were like these two gems.