I’m walking a lot at the moment to try and improve fitness. I have a pedometer and aim to make 10,000 steps every day. Walking to work and back achieves about 6000 steps, so I normally do an evening walk to make up the difference.
My cheap runners from Rivers literally wore out within a few weeks. The soles had little padding and there are holes near the base of the heel.
I shopped around online and found that good walking shoes are very expensive in Australia. I finally settled on the New Balance MX624 cross-trainer because it’s suitable for running as well, has shock absorption and the vendor offered free delivery. The cost was a pricey $120.
However, I also liked the fact these shoes come in different widths and colors. I had trouble with Reebok runners earlier this year that were two tight in the width.
The New Balance shoes arrived yesterday and fitted perfectly. I’m very happy with them for walking.
Australian shoppers ripped off
I was disappointed though to discover that overseas prices are much cheaper.
Amazon US is selling the shoes for $56 (AU$54) and New Balance UK is selling them for £40 (AU$62).
I can’t see any justification for the shoes to cost twice as much in Australia. I could have shipped them from overseas myself for about $20, but was concerned about returning them if they didn’t fit.
It’s likely that Australian retailers have higher overheads for labor and rent, so it seems they are trying to offset this by marking up their goods considerably.
The relatively stronger Australian economy may also be a factor.
Labor MP Ed Husic has campaigned strongly on the issue of price distortion by technology companies like Apple and Adobe, who charge considerably more for products in Australia than they do elsewhere.
Higher retail prices here are pushing people to look offshore. If that trend continues, local retailers will come under even more pressure and the Commonwealth will lose GST revenue.
There should be an inquiry into retail pricing in Australia generally.
In case price details change with the above links, here are screenshots for the record:
The New Balance MX624 on sale in Australia.
The same shoe (different color) at half the price in the United States.
×0
