Frequently Asked Questions About Asics Canada

Asics shoes purchased from authorized Canadian retailers are completely authentic and carry the same manufacturer warranty as US purchases. Asics America Corporation honors warranties for manufacturing defects regardless of which North American country the shoes were purchased in, provided you have proof of purchase. The standard warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for 60 days from purchase date or 100 miles of use, whichever comes first. To verify a Canadian retailer is authorized, check the store locator on asics.com/ca or contact Asics customer service at their Irvine, California headquarters. Authorized retailers include major chains like Sport Chek, Running Room, Sporting Life, and The Running Room, along with independent specialty running stores. Counterfeit Asics primarily circulate through unauthorized third-party marketplace sellers, not established Canadian retail operations.

Savings depend on exchange rates, sale timing, and shipping costs, but typically range from breaking even to saving 15-25% during promotional periods. As of 2024, with the Canadian dollar at approximately 0.74 USD, a $220 CAD Gel-Kayano 30 converts to $163 USD, compared to $160 US MSRP. However, adding $25-35 for shipping and potentially $14-16 in duties (10% on the converted price) brings the total to $202-214 USD, making it more expensive than US MSRP. The real savings emerge during Canadian sales events like Boxing Day, Black Friday, or end-of-season clearances when prices drop 30-40%. A $154 CAD sale price ($114 USD) plus shipping and duties totals approximately $153-165 USD, saving $25-35 compared to typical US sale prices of $120-130. Canadian retailers also stock previous-year models at deeper discounts, sometimes 50% off, which rarely appear at US retailers. Exchange rate monitoring tools like xe.com help identify optimal purchasing windows.

Returns to Canadian retailers from US addresses involve paying return shipping costs of $18-35 and typically result in refunds in Canadian dollars, while any customs duties paid are non-refundable. Most Canadian retailers offer 30-60 day return windows requiring unworn shoes in original packaging. Specialty running stores often extend this to 90 days or accept lightly worn shoes if they cause discomfort, following the generous return policies pioneered by dedicated running retailers. Return shipping options include USPS to Canada Post handoff (cheapest but slowest at 10-15 days), or UPS/FedEx (faster at 4-7 days but $28-35). The retailer processes the refund in Canadian dollars to your original payment method, meaning exchange rate fluctuations between purchase and return can affect the USD amount you receive. Some retailers charge 15-20% restocking fees on returned sale items. Before purchasing, confirm the specific return policy, ask whether return shipping labels are provided, and calculate whether potential savings justify the return risk. Ordering from retailers with physical locations near the border allows for in-person returns if you're willing to make the trip.

Yes, Asics uses identical sizing standards across Canada and the US, with both countries using US size designations. A men's size 10 US purchased in Toronto is exactly the same as a men's size 10 US purchased in New York, measuring 28 centimeters in length. Canadian retailers typically display sizes using both US sizing and centimeter measurements, which actually helps ensure proper fit since you can measure your foot and match it to the exact centimeter length. This is particularly useful because Asics tends to run about half a size smaller than Nike and a full size smaller than Hoka models. The brand offers width options including narrow (2A women, B men), standard (B women, D men), wide (D women, 2E men), and extra-wide (4E men) in stability models like the Gel-Kayano and GT-2000. Canadian inventory sometimes includes better width availability because a higher percentage of Canadian consumers require wide widths according to podiatric association data. If you know your size in other Asics models, order the same size from Canadian retailers with confidence.

Shipping times range from 2-10 business days depending on the carrier and service level selected, with most packages arriving in 5-7 business days. Canada Post Expedited Parcel USA, the most economical option at $24-32 CAD, typically delivers in 6-10 business days to most US addresses, with faster delivery to northern states and slower to the Southeast and Southwest. Xpresspost USA service costs $35-45 CAD and delivers in 4-7 business days. Commercial carriers like UPS and FedEx offer 2-4 day express service for $55-80 CAD, which includes customs clearance handling. Packages must clear US Customs, which adds 1-3 days to total delivery time depending on the port of entry and current processing volumes. During peak periods like November-December, add 2-4 days to these estimates. Tracking is included with all services, and you can monitor customs clearance status through the carrier's website. Border proximity significantly affects delivery speed; shipments from Toronto or Montreal to New York, Michigan, or Vermont often arrive in 3-5 days even with economy shipping, while packages to California, Texas, or Florida take the full 7-10 days.

Shipments valued under $800 qualify for de minimis exemption from formal customs entry, but duties of 8.5-10.5% may still apply depending on the shoe's construction, and some states require sales tax collection. Running shoes with textile uppers covering more than 50% of the external surface fall under HTS code 6404.19.35 with 8.5% duty, while predominantly leather uppers incur 10.5% duty under code 6403.91.60. On a $150 USD purchase, expect $13-16 in duties. However, enforcement is inconsistent for single-pair personal imports under $800; many packages clear customs without duty assessment, particularly when shipped via postal services rather than commercial carriers. UPS and FedEx always assess applicable duties and add brokerage fees of $15-25 for customs clearance services. Canada Post/USPS shipments may be selected for duty assessment randomly. Sales tax collection depends on whether the Canadian retailer has registered for sales tax collection in your state following the 2018 Wayfair decision. Major retailers often collect tax; smaller shops may not. The US Customs and Border Protection website provides detailed information about duty rates and exemptions at cbp.gov.

Canadian retailers sometimes receive exclusive colorways, regional releases, and different inventory allocations, particularly for trail running models and limited editions. Asics allocates inventory based on regional preferences and climate considerations, so Canadian stores stock higher quantities of trail shoes like the Trabuco and Fuji series, winter-suitable models with water-resistant uppers, and stability shoes that perform well on varied terrain. Colorway exclusives appear occasionally, especially in collaborations with Canadian retailers or during national celebrations when red and white color schemes are featured. The Canadian market also receives certain Asian-market models that don't get wide US distribution, since Canadian consumer preferences sometimes align more closely with international markets than US trends. Previous-generation models remain available longer in Canada as retailers clear inventory at discounted prices, while US retailers typically return unsold stock to distributors. Limited edition releases tied to major marathons sometimes appear at Canadian retailers after selling out in the US. Check websites for Sport Chek, Running Room, and Sporting Life to compare current inventory against US retailers like Dick's Sporting Goods or Fleet Feet.