I’m looking for any stores where I can go to try out some Nike Free or Vibram FiveFinger or other Barefoot-style shoes. Preferably in Taichung or Kaoshiung (or somewhere in between), but Taipei will work to, as I can head up every few weeks.
Any leads? Also looking for somewhere that sells Chaco sandals, as I’ve read about them on another thread here and would like to try them (My Teva’s are almost at their end after 3-4 years).
Thanks.
You tried some local hiking shops?
Sorry, don’t know that part of the island, but there are at least half a dozen such shops here in Xindian.
I’ve got Teva Fi3s, I recommend them, they’ll do for anything you need-I’ve gove up some decent hikes in them, running. They give enough movement to be more natural than sneakers (I have speedcross 2), but also are strong and supportive, with great grip too…
To answer your post, there are quite a few hiking goods shops near Taipei train station, at the corner of CHungshan N. Rd., and Chungshiao E. Road. You can find vibrams there.
[quote=“Kea”]I’ve got Teva Fi3s, I recommend them, they’ll do for anything you need-I’ve gove up some decent hikes in them, running. They give enough movement to be more natural than sneakers (I have speedcross 2), but also are strong and supportive, with great grip too…
To answer your post, there are quite a few hiking goods shops near Taipei train station, at the corner of Zhongshan N. Rd., and Zhongxiao E. Road. You can find vibrams there.[/quote]
I like my Teva’s, but after a few years they are starting to show their age. Plus, they’re really stinky and no matter how many times I scrub them, I can’t seem to get rid of the smell. I’ve heard good things about Chaco’s, so I’m willing to give them a try.
Thanks for the directions! I might take the train up this week and have a look.
[quote=“TheLostSwede”]You tried some local hiking shops?
Sorry, don’t know that part of the island, but there are at least half a dozen such shops here in Xindian.[/quote]
I can travel up every few weeks or so. Can you give me a specific road or area to look in?
There are at least four or five between Dapingling and Xindian City hall MRT stations, that’s on BeiXin Rd.
There’s a bigger one close to the Carrefour which is about 5 min walk from Qizhang MRT station (it’s between the other two) - this is the place gohiking.com.tw/ seems like they have multiple outlets.
And there are a couple on ZhongZheng Rd which is about 10 min walk from Dapingling MRT station.
Have a look using street view on google maps.
Well, I’ll be heading in to those shops I mentioned on Thursday, if you need me to check for any size and style, I could. Let me know.
I was at the Qizhang Go-hiking behind Carrefour today, love that shop, but lacking in selection despite appearances…for example, the OR gaitors I was looking at-they don’t sell Crocodiles. Seems more of a yuppy style than authentic mountain wear, but nonetheless is one of the best chains.
I could point you towards other shops too, but seems you have enough.
Taipei Main Station MRT - take exit 7 (assuming they haven’t recently changed the name of the exit).
When you get to ground level, walk straight, turn left around the corner onto ZhongShan Road. Ignore the first two hiking stores - more for fashionistas - hit the third and fourth stores. Chacos, Tevas.
I LOVE my vibram five fingers… you get a lot of weird stares with them, but man you feel so sexy running in them. Good luck finding them!
I live in Taichung City and I bought and tried on the Nike Free 5.0 at the Nike store near FengCha University which is across from the Apple store. I have been looking for a place that sells the vibram 5 fingers, but no luck so far. There were a few pairs on Yahoo auctions, but they were really overpriced.
Good luck,
Maybe a bit too specific a question, but does anyone have any ideas about how much the vibrams are going for in the stores around Taipei Main?
2800 plus. Mostly 3600. I didn’t see the 5 toed one, but the sandals all cost this much.
Awesome. Thanks a lot Divea.
Frees are in virtually every sporting goods store-the 5.0 and everyday (or whatever they are called) are most common though the 3.0s are around as well. I had previously believed that VFFs are not available for retail sale in Taiwan but…
…obviously missed something. I believe that I have been in the shops mentioned and didn’t see them.
Any Nike outlet stores in the area? Taoyuan has (had?) one in the Carrefour across from Ming Shen Hospital, and they had discounted Nike Free (previous season’s model) most of the time, and usually had larger sizes (up to 12.5).
Might be another option if there is one close to you?
There’s on in the Xindian Carrefour, but not as good as the one in Taoyuan. Still have plenty of shoes though. I think there might be one in the the Carrefour near the large IKEA as well, but I’ sorry to say that I don’t know what that area is called 
Last week the Xindian store had a single pair of women’s 5.0s but no other shoes of the sort.
I ended up picking up a pair of Vibram FiveFingers KSO Treks when I was back in the states. Had to go to 2 stores - Scheels All Sports was sold out.
They are awesome. Still not sure if you can get them in Taiwan. The one time I went to the sporting stores in Taipei mentioned above, the big one was closed and the smaller ones didn’t have them.
So has anyone actually found a store in Taiwan that sells them? It seems online is all sold out and I really need to get a pair for a friend. I’d like to find a place around Taipei to pick some up.
Get someone to phone the Nike outlet store that I posted about above if you can’t find another option.