Chockstone Forum

      Sponsored By
      ROCK
   HARDWARE

Chockstone Photography

Australian Landscape Prints

Chockstone Forum - General Discussion

General Climbing Discussion

Topic Date User

dodgy retailers 4-Sep-2009 At 8:26:28 AM Guniea Sauras Rex

Message

I have had patchy experiences with both ME and other climbing stores.

All other equipment purchases have been fine. However purchasing shoes has never been a great experience.

So many times I have been told to purchase shoes that are way too small. I really enjoy slippers - because I don't like tying shoelaces all the time. But I am not a cranking, dogging an overhanging sports route type person. My slippers only get loose towards the end of two years. But how the shop assistants love to tell you they get loose!

One guy even told me I should put them on while watching TV and wet and stretch them and suffer the pain. I summoned my best cold contemptuous look. "Why not get a pair that fits?"

Now when I go in to get new shoes I tell the shop assistant to get a variety of sizes then leave me alone. Invariably I will find the right size for me then buy online.

The only time I purchase shoes in a store is when all the assistants are pestering other people.

Why, oh why must they let the most idiot and annoying shop assistants service the shoe area? Climbing shoes are a more personaly fit than most clothes. The shop assistant doesn't know how my feet feel in a pair of shoes - yet they will pressure you into purchasing shoes that suit them - not you.

Rant over.