I’ll almost always TRY to find something local, and if I like it, I buy it, and I am not going to dicker over price all that much compared fo amazon.

But the reality is that local shops basically never have shoes (or shorts, or helmets) that I want.

I find Amazon a bit of a PITA for stuff like higher end (over $75) shoes and the like. Prices and return policy can often vary by size and color, and on occasion I don’t get what i think I am ordering.

I am more and more going with Backcountry. They usually have good size selection, the people there are knowledgeable, and while you do pay for return shipping, it is reasonable and easy.