A Foot Fiesta : Buying last year’s model new is the way to get a good deal on those high-priced sneakers.
If you don’t do aerobics, aren’t a runner or haven’t played basketball since high school, chances are you are not familiar with the various athletic shoes sold today. Manufacturers of these hot sellers have constructed shoes for each specific activity for the professional or amateur athlete. There are basketball shoes, walking shoes, running shoes, shoes for aerobics and, for the confused shopper, an all-purpose cross-training shoe.
Al Gardette, manager of Foot Fiesta, an athletic shoe discounter in Santa Clarita, says the walking shoe, the latest in specialized footwear, is “very lightweight. This, in combination with the extra cushion in the heel and the very flexible forefoot, makes for an easier spring . . . and an easier sale.”
Many over 40 may have a hard time with the $50-plus price for what we once referred to as sneakers, but all this specialization seems to serve as justification for the high prices, which is why stores such as Foot Fiesta flourish. A substantial percentage of its inventory is discontinued lines, many from such widely advertised manufacturers as Nike, Reebok, Avia, Ellesse and New Balance; these are certainly the best buy at 46% to 50% off retail.
But Foot Fiesta also carries current styles and generally discounts them 20% to 25%. The Nike Air Maestro, a popular basketball shoe that retails for $110, is $87.99 here. Nike’s latest walking shoe is an even better deal, retailing for $60 but discounted to $48.99 here.
A discontinued Reebok walking shoe is $36.99; last year it was $65. Retail for last year’s hottest style, Nike’s Air Jordan basketball shoe, was $130; at Foot Fiesta, it’s $84.99.
A 1992 running shoe, Nike’s Air Max, was originally $110 but since the ’93 version came out, last year’s model is $71.99 here. Reebok’s Blacktop Boulevard, an outdoor basketball shoe that some teen-agers wear as everyday shoes, retailed for $75. Now, since it is a discontinued style, it is marked down to $37.50 at Foot Fiesta.
Women’s low-tops by Avia, designed for aerobics, were popular in ’92 and carried a $52 price. They are at Foot Fiesta for $36.99.
Avia’s all-purpose shoe, called a cross-trainer, was a good seller last year, but apparently not good enough to remain in the line. The discontinued style, originally $70, is on the racks for $35.99.
Buying athletic shoes is a lot like buying a car. Buy last year’s model new and get a good price break.
Management seems knowledgeable about the shoes and familiar with the strong points of each style.
Where to Shop What: Foot Fiesta. Location: 10206 Mason Ave., Chatsworth. 19168 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, until March 1; 26842 Seco Canyon Road, Saugus, after March 1. Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, till 6 p.m. Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Cards: MasterCard, Visa. Call: Chatsworth, (818) 886-4966; Santa Clarita, (805) 298-4291.
