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Don’t Trust Nordstrom Online Ordering

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I knew it. I just knew it. My faith in Nordstrom’s online ordering system has once again been betrayed, and I’m extremely disappointed with this continued trend. For a company renowned for customer service, their online ordering failures is a stark comparison.

A little history. My first Nordstrom cancellation was for a shadow-like colorway of the Air Jordan 1 Mid. A successful online purchase, a confirmation email followed by a cancellation email a few days later. But then, Nordstrom did have a redeeming moment offering a similar AJ1 model in blue, but even then, I was expecting another cancellation.

That brings us to this week with Nike’s release of its latest colorways of the React Element 87. Again, Nordstrom does surprise me with its shoe offerings, and I was lucky enough to order the Element 87 from Nordstrom online. I did have my reservations since the online system was acting strangely. Although showing all three colorways (Solar Red, Neptune Green, and Total Orange), clicking on any always brought me to the product page for the Total Orange. Assuming the red and green colorways were both sold out, I proceeded to order the Total Orange. A few sizes were displayed including a 10.5 Men’s (I wanted to size up on these since I heard the upper material does not stretch).

The order went through easily without a glitch. On 10/11/2018, I received a confirmation email listing the multiple items I ordered, including a single pair of Element 87. Later that same day, I received another email stating that some of my items had already shipped. But the Element 87 had not shipped but was listed as “In Process.” Hmmm, I was concerned but still hopeful.

On 10/12/2018, I checked status once again and once again, lost more hope. The Element 87 status changed to reflect a ship date of November 2, 2018. That would be two weeks after placing the order, and I knew that wasn’t a good sign.

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Then on 10/13/2018, the false promise of Nordstrom was realized with the inevitable cancellation email that starts like this:

We’re sorry that we couldn’t fulfill your order

And sure enough status of the Reacts now looked like this:

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Disappointing? Yes. Very disappointing? Yes again. It took Nordstrom 2-3 days to finally let my hopes dwindle and live up to my former shopping experiences. That’s two out of three online orders cancelled by Nordstrom.

I called customer service who answered the phone promptly on a Saturday night in Hawaii. But after providing my order number, the rep confirmed that the order is cancelled due to product unavailability. I asked why it took so long to figure out availability, and she explained how the order of processing the purchases was a factor. Already at this point, I knew getting the shoes was impossible. I don’t know the precedence of how Nordstrom processes orders, but I do know it’s flawed. And the company seemingly knows it as well, admitting that they are working to make improvements.

After my phone call to customer service, I reached out complained to Nordstrom’s Twitter account (see the captured Twitter Moment below).

Again, the premise is that the Nordstrom inventory and their online ordering system aren’t completely in sync, needing approximatley three days to fully understand a product’s availability.

So here I am mistrustful of Nordstrom’s online ordering system of false promises and their ability to actually fulfill their orders. I expected more from Nordstrom.

nike-haul

My Nike Wishlist Haul

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Well, my chance at getting my Nike Wishlist came true. But first, I gotta say thanks to the No Ka Oi connection for a dream come true. I thought visiting the Nike Company Store in Beaverton, Oregon was a long shot, but the Nike gods were with me.

Let’s rewind to a Thursday morning in July when I was in line at the Company Store before its opening at 10am. It was game time, and I knew my first target was the “back wall” of shoe odds and ends. You just never know what you’ll find (and find I did).

But what was I looking for? Read up on my Wishlist series with version 4 looking like this:

  1. Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
  2. Air Max 270 ($170)
  3. Odyssey React ($120)
  4. React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
  5. Kobe 1 Protro ($175)
  6. React Element 87 ($160)

What I ended up with, looked like this.

nike-haul

If you recall my original list, I had the LeBron 15 but then changed to the LeBron 15 Low in Update 1. But as fate would have it, the colorway I randomly used in my original Wishlist is the exact colorway I found on the back wall in my size! Yeah, I did say the LeBrons didn’t fit my feet well so I did try them on again in the Company Store and even wandered the aisles finding other shoes to try on while wearing the BattleKnit LeBrons. And that’s when I changed my mind. The overall feet of the LeBron 15 was top-notch. The support, the feel of the materials, the colors. I couldn’t put these back to the back wall.

LeBron15

Then there’s those crazy Perry the Platypus colored Air Max 98. Truth be told I coveted these shoes when they released on Nike’s SNKRS app. Truth be told I passed on them and regretted it. Truth be told I have a watch on GOAT for these shoes going for around $180. Truth be told I was amazed to see a few of these on the back wall. Truth be told they’re a little big at size 10.5, but truth be told, I wasn’t putting these back. So that’s two from the back wall.

AM98

So what about my Wishlist? I did try on the VaporMax 97, and they were okay. Plenty were in stock in different colorways, and I even tried on a variety of VaporMax models. The Utility model wasn’t bad but overall, none of them were keepers.

VaporMaxPlus

VaporMax Utility

The same goes for the Air Max 270. So many colorways. Some nice ones on the back wall as well, but none stood out. I tested out the Air Force 270 line for a change on the 270 bubble, but none of them resonated with me.

The Odyssey and Epic Reacts were really the most disappointing for me. I was fully commited to buying one of these React models to run in. But they just didn’t feel right. Super snug, going up half a size made the fit better. But the arches on both models felt problematic, and I really didn’t want to buy running shoes that would either be non-supportive or chafe too much.

Kobe 1 Protros had lots in stock. I even found a few Lakers gold and purple colorways on the back wall, but these shoes are super stiff. I didn’t like them as soon as I put them on.

Kobe-protro

The React Element 87 that released that week was a long shot to find, and I was correct in that assumption. But the React Vapor Street Flyknit was there, and they felt great. Surprisingly great. I was super close to buying a pair.

React Vapor Street Flyknit

But right next to these were the brand new EXP-X14 that released the week prior. The colorways were neutral with either white/wolf grey or mountain blue, but of course, I had to try the on since they were right there. I’m glad I did. Super comfortable and an overall different feel and vibe to this shoe. I put back the Vapor Street in favor of a white pair of EXP-X14 which was also my substitute for missing out on the Element 87. While looking for my size, another shopper asks if I wanted the X14 in the Just Do It colorway. I don’t know where he found this special colorway since I didn’t see any others. And can you believe they were in my size too?!? Was meant to be…

EXP-X14JDI

While I tried on many more models and also helped family members pick out kicks (Epic React and Pegasus were popular), in the end, my Nike Wishlist was this:

  1. LeBron 15 Black/Sail/Bright Crimson
  2. EXP-X14 JDI
  3. Air Max 98 QS Cone/Tour Yellow-Hyper Grape
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Nike Wishlist Update 4

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From my (hopefully discounted) Nike Wishlist, I have to sadly remove the LeBrons. Although now a Laker, the King has his same feet that aren’t like mine. Therefore, the LeBron signature shoes just don’t fit me well. Getting into the hightop version was tough, but my eye was on the low top version.

To get some early recon, I tried on a pair of LeBron 15 Lows. My usual size was too tight so I sized up. While this helped the overall fit of the Battleknit upper, the arch of any LeBrons has been and continues to be a problem for me. Just not enough support for my flat feet, and I can feel my arches collapsing when taking a step. This won’t be good if using these for performance purposes.

So the list of seven needs some changes:

  1. Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
  2. Air Max 270 ($170)
  3. Odyssey React ($120)
  4. React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
  5. LeBron 15 Low “Flight Pack” ($150)
  6. React Element 87 ($160)
  7. Air Force I “JDI” ($130)

I’m also striking the AF1 JDI – just don’t need it. Although I didn’t try on the Air Max 97 VaporMax version, they do have a hardened foot bridge-like structure at the midfoot. That typically feels good for my feet. But I’m also worrying about the support of the React models. The simplicity of the minimal Element 87 concerns me. From the images, the shoe base looks wide, offering midfoot support.

nike-react-element-87-anthracite-black-release-date

Oh look… Protros (terrible name but loving the older look infused with new tech).

nike-kobe-1-proto-mpls-release-date

If these are miraculously available then of course, I’d need to consider them. So revision 4 of my Nike Wishlist looks like:

  1. Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
  2. Air Max 270 ($170)
  3. Odyssey React ($120)
  4. React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
  5. Kobe 1 Protro ($175)
  6. React Element 87 ($160)

 

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Nike Wishlist Update 3

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This wishlist update is a fast turnaround. Since I removed shoes from the list in Update 2,  of course, I need to fill those positions with other desires. Currently, the wishlist stands at:

  1. Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
  2. Air Max 270 ($170)
  3. Odyssey React ($120)
  4. React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
  5. LeBron 15 Low “Flight Pack” ($150)

The first addition is the upcoming Nike React Element 87. Funky name, funky look – distinctive. But being new, I doubt these will yet be available at a discounted price.

nike-react-element-87-anthracite-black-release-date

My next addition is a whim. Taking it back to the old school, I think I’ve owned one pair of classic Air Force I, and this JDI “Just Do It” pack looks intriguing. Not sure if I can handle all that orange though.

nike-air-force-1-premium-just-do-it-collection-total-orange-release-date

So just to keep the wishlist at seven (just a random number), here’s how it now looks:

  1. Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
  2. Air Max 270 ($170)
  3. Odyssey React ($120)
  4. React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
  5. LeBron 15 Low “Flight Pack” ($150)
  6. React Element 87 ($160)
  7. Air Force I “JDI” ($130)

When it comes to decision time (aka time to pay), I’d say I’d go with the LeBron (for badminton and to honor his past season) and the Odyssey React (since I want to try Nike’s new running foam). A third pair would have to be something deliciously good.

 

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Nike Wishlist Update 2

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It’s time for another Nike Wishlist update. Update 1 ended looking like this:

  1. Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
  2. Air Max 270 ($170)
  3. Odyssey React ($120)
  4. React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
  5. LeBron 15 Low ($150)
  6. Air Jordan 1 ($145)
  7. ACG Dog Mountain ($110)

Thanks to Nordstrom’s redemption, I can strike out #6, the Air Jordan I. But however, I always reserve the right to reverse my choice if a super fresh or rare colorway is lucked upon.

Looking at #7, the ACG Dog Mountain, I think I’ll also strike this outdoors-theme shoe from the list. Why? Because I found the Nike Air Zoom Albis 16 at Ross. While I would have loved that Concord purple colorway, the black and wolf grey makeup is just fine with me.

At #5, a refinement if available. This Flight Pack colorway of the LeBron 15 Low is too good featuring the Teal Tint and Sunset Pulse, but it’s not yet released.

nike-lebron-15-low-flight-pack-ao1755-005

So I’ll end Update 2 of my wishlist like this:

  1. Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
  2. Air Max 270 ($170)
  3. Odyssey React ($120)
  4. React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
  5. LeBron 15 Low “Flight Pack” ($150)
  6. Air Jordan 1 ($145)
  7. ACG Dog Mountain ($110)

 

eBay Tip: Too New Isn’t Good

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By now you know you can find completely random items at Ross. Most items are from last season or even older. But once in awhile, you find some newer items. In fact, some items are still being sold by retailers.

Take these Air Jordan Trainer 2 Flyknits for example. While this model is still available at Nike, Footlocker, and other shoe stores, this specific black, cool grey, and jade colorway is one of the originals. So seemingly a steal finding a pair at Ross, reseling them is too tough. You can still easily find inventory of the same shoe at a discount with free shipping included, and that price is very hard to compete with.

jordan-trainers2-jade - 1

If you find a pair for yourself then great. Otherwise, it’s almost better if you found these shoes a few months later, or you have the patience and hold on to them until the online clearance inventory is cleared out with shoppers still looking.

I’m not sure what I’m going to do with this pair…

eBay Tip: Pass on the Nike Theas

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Personally, I think the Nike Thea line for women look great, especially the Ultra Flyknit versions. I love the silhouette and the interwoven colors of the Flyknit add another dimension. But this doesn’t translate to sales on eBay. And at around $55 at Ross, the Air Max Thea Ultra Flyknit costs more than average.

nike-thea-flyknit-purple - 5

Not sure why these just don’t sell when the going cost is $150 (or $127 on sale). I don’t see them out and about either. Maybe they don’t fit well? I do know that the weave of the Flyknit is very porous. You can definitely see your sock color coming through since the spacing in the knit is very giving.

So if you ever find a cool pair of Theas at Ross, just know that you may have a challenge moving them.

Nike Wishlist Update 1

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This is the first update of probably several of my Nike Wishlist. Remember, this list is the Nikes I would get if I can find them deeply discounted. My original wishlist includes:

  1. Air VaporMax Utility
  2. Air Max 270
  3. Odyssey React
  4. React Vapor Street Flyknit
  5. LeBron 15
  6. Air Jordan 1

The first change I’m making is taking the VaporMax Utility out of the rotation. I still love its look but after watching a review of this sneaker by Hes Kicks, I’m hesitant due to the squeaking and chaffing. If I find a pair, I’ll try them out of course, but instead I’ll probably opt for one of those “Past Meets the Present” hybrids like the Air Max 97 VaporMax or Air VaporMax Plus. I gotta like the colorway though.

I’ll leave the 270 on the list for now but again, I’d have to find a great looking pair. With so many variations coming out, this shoe is ultimately bound for discounters in a about a year.

The original Epic React runner still has the nicer colorways than the the Odyssey React, but for fit purposes, the Odysseys are a better match. These stay on the list. So do the React Vapor Street Flyknit if the price, color, and fit are just right.

Win or lose in the NBA Conference Finals this year, LeBron James continues to impress. Getting up in age, he’s still producing and playing at an unreal level. To pay tribute, I’d go for the LeBron 15 (which reminds me, did LeBron even switch to his Solider line this post season like he’s done in the past?). The LeBron 15 high top version is cool but the LeBron 15 Low sounds better for me according to the Weartester’s reviews by Duke4005 and Nightwing2303.

The Air Jordan 1 would have been crossed off this list if Nordstrom had come through. But instead, I took a loss with the AJ1 Shadow. Again, so disappointed with Nordstrom and its wonky inventory system, but I digress…

Another Nike that caught my attention recently is the new ACG Dog Mountain. Yeah, weird name, but kinda useful to have an outdoorsy shoe that can take a beating. This shoe may eventually replace the React Vapor Street Flyknit in my Wishlist.

So here’s my Nike Wishlist updated for May 28, 2018.

  1. Air VaporMax Utility Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
  2. Air Max 270 ($170)
  3. Odyssey React ($120)
  4. React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
  5. LeBron 15 LeBron 15 Low ($150)
  6. Air Jordan 1 ($145)
  7. ACG Dog Mountain ($110)

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My Odd #rossfinds – Nike Gyakusou Socks

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You never know what you’ll find at Ross, and although not a big find, I did have to look twice when I saw these socks cast to the side. The Nike label didn’t look typical, and it isn’t.

These socks are from the NikeLab, and the style code of SX7234-524 say these are Nike Gyakusou NikeGrip Unisex Quarter Socks. Originally priced at $28, these socks were $6 from Ross. Personally, I wouldn’t pay $28 for a pair of quarter socks, but I’d do $6 even in a Purple Dynasty/Olive Khaki colorway. They do look cool…

 

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Nike Wishlist

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If you were able to get (current) Nike shoes at a significant discount from their normal retail price, which pairs would you pick up? Here’s what I’m eyeing.

Air Vapormax

Yeah, I wouldn’t pay $190 for Nike’s latest Vapormax 2, but at half price, I’d do it. Actually, I’d strongly consider the funky Utility variant. The Utility appears to have more structural support and is just not your typical sneaker.

Air Max 270

While I like the overall look of the 270, with so many color ways coming out, these are bound to hit the discount stores eventually. So by being patient, that $150 price tag may drop to $50, better than $75 at 50% off. So pass unless there’s a dope colorway available.

Odyssey React

For pure utilitarian purposes, I’d get the Odyssey React. The Epic React looks better, but the Odyssey model seems to have improved upon the Epic and is cheaper. I also want to see what Nike’s answer to the Adidas Boost is like.

React Vapor Street Flyknit

Now this React-equiped model is not made for running but is a everyday lifestyle shoe. It’s odd, it’s long-ish, and it’s different. Again, a consideration if under $100 and super comfortable.

LeBron 15

This is definitely a long shot. Historically, LeBron James’ signature shoe hasn’t fit me well, and I really don’t need more basketball shoes. But if there’s an awesome colorway to be had for around $90 then I’ll be rocking’ a LeBron 15.

Air Jordan 1

Maybe it’s all those Retros that have released recently, but I find myself wanting a pair of the OG Air Jordan 1. While I’d love certain color ways, I’d settle for any that look good. I have a hard time paying modern prices for retro shoes, but the AJ1 is a classic that forever changed the kicks game.

So that’s my Nike kicks wishlist for now although I’ll probably update it in a few months. If you could pickup a few pairs of Nikes at half off, what would be on your feet?

Kicks Analysis 2018 #8: The Champ

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Can you tell I’ve bee preoccupied this March Madness? Instead of watching all the upsets and craziness that is the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, I’ve been curating the Pulpconnection store on eBay. So instead of doing the full series of Kicks Analysis for 2018, I begin and end with the championship that belongs to Villanova.

But really with Michigan and Villanova facing off in the Finals, Nike had already claimed the 2017-2018 season. The best shoes of the champion game has to be the iconic Air Jordan 11 worn by Michigan’s Moritz Wagner.

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Sure there was heat on the floor, but #13 busting out the 11 was straight up fire, even in a losing effort. So that’s 17 in 20 – raising Nike’s championship winning percentage to 85% over the past 20 seasons.

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