Rundefeated

Why Are Sneakers Cheaper in Indonesia? (And How I Scored a Real New Balance 327 for $30)

As someone who’s been mildly obsessed with sneakers for years — whether for running, casual hangouts, or just flexing on Instagram — I’ve always wondered about one thing: why are the shoes made in Indonesia often way cheaper here than they are overseas? It seems obvious, right? If the factories are literally around the corner, shouldn’t we get the hometown discount?

Most big sportswear companies like Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and Puma outsource their manufacturing to countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, and China. It makes sense for them business-wise: lower production costs, experienced factories, and faster distribution. But as a local sneaker lover, it sometimes feels a bit weird knowing a pair of sneakers made 50 kilometers from my house is selling for three times the price overseas.

Recently, I had one of those victory dance moments while sneaker shopping. I was wandering through a local shop when I spotted a pair of New Balance 327s — one of my favorite lifestyle sneakers, known for its retro-inspired look and chunky sole. I checked the price tag, expecting the usual heartbreak. But instead, it said Rp 499,000 (around USD 30). I had to do a double take. Was it a prank? Was the tag upside down?

Naturally, my next instinct was to check if it was original. We all know Southeast Asia has its fair share of “very inspired” products. But after a thorough inspection, the legit tags were there, the build quality was flawless, the stitching tight, and it even came with the official New Balance box, label stickers, and serial numbers intact. This was 100% original — no fakes, no funny business.

I quickly whipped out my phone, checked New Balance’s official website, and saw the same model listed for USD 80 — and that was the cheapest price available. In some places, it even went up to USD 120 depending on the colorway. At that moment, I felt like I’d just unlocked a secret level in a video game.

Of course, there are a few reasons for this price gap. For one, sneakers sold locally often avoid the high import taxes and shipping costs that get slapped onto products in other countries. Plus, manufacturers sometimes sell slightly different SKUs or leftover stock to local retailers at much lower prices. It’s like a sneaker jackpot for those of us who know where to look.

Another factor is that international pricing often includes the cost of branding, marketing, and fancy retail experiences. When you buy sneakers in flagship stores overseas, you’re not just paying for the shoes — you’re paying for the Instagrammable lighting, the display walls, and probably a part of the brand’s next ad campaign. Meanwhile, here in Indonesia, you might find the same kicks at a no-frills sports shop with fluorescent lights and a cashier who’s low-key judging your sock choice.

But that’s part of the charm. There’s something undeniably satisfying about scoring a deal like this on home turf. It feels like beating the system, like getting front-row seats to a concert while everyone else is stuck watching the livestream.

Now, I’m not saying every pair of sneakers in Indonesia is cheaper — some exclusive releases and collabs still carry international price tags, especially if they’re sold through official brand stores. But if you’re patient, know where to look, and don’t mind browsing the occasional unorganized display rack, you’ll likely stumble upon some incredible deals.

Since that New Balance 327 score, I’ve made it a personal mission to check out random shoe stores whenever I’m in a mall or market. You never know what you’ll find. A discounted pair of Ultraboosts? A forgotten stock of classic Vans? It’s like a treasure hunt for grown-ups with questionable financial discipline.

So, if you’re a fellow sneakerhead or just someone who likes comfy, stylish shoes without the guilt of overspending, don’t sleep on local stores in sneaker-producing countries. Sometimes the best deals aren’t online, or in the shiny flagship stores, but right here in your own backyard — and yes, they’re original.

And yep — I’ve already worn my New Balance 327s twice this week. They look great, feel great, and every step feels like a $50 savings.