Best of 2003: Best Used Running Shoes

Road Runner Sports
5553 Copley Drive, Kearny Mesa
858-974-4455

All the used shoes on the shelves, and there are hundreds of pairs, are returns from catalog sales. The fit wasn't right or the arch didn't suit the mail-order buyers, so they exercised their right to return. From Nike and Adidas to Saucony, Asics, and New Balance -- all look and smell new. Most of the staff members are runners. You can try your prospective purchase on their in-store treadmill, or to take a test run around the block. The discount on used shoes is usually about 20 to 30 percent. On a recent visit the New Balance 804 trail shoes were available for $79 new and $60 used. New Balance 904s were $99 new and $79 used. Popular Saucony and Asics road shoes, their best around $100, could be found used for as low $69 to $75.