I used a freight forwarder to get the Aime Leon Dore New Balance 1000 in Taiwan for retail price

The hype behind the Aime Leon Dore x New Balance 1000 April drop

It’s April 2026, and the sneaker world is currently obsessed with the latest Aime Leon Dore x New Balance 1000 collection. If you have been following Teddy Santis and his work, you know these aren't just shoes; they are a whole aesthetic. This specific drop brings back the chunky, late-90s silhouette of the NB 1000 with that signature ALD sophisticated color palette.

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I noticed that the demand in Taiwan is already through the roof. However, as usual, the initial release is heavily focused on the US market. Local sneaker shops in Taipei might get them later, but the stock will be tiny and the prices will be inflated. I decided to take matters into my own hands and buy directly from the US source to make sure I didn't miss out on my size.

Why I buy from the US instead of waiting for Taiwan boutiques

The price difference is the main reason I do this. In the US, these retail for around $160 to $170 USD. By the time they hit luxury sneaker boutiques in Taiwan, you are looking at prices north of 9,000 or 10,000 TWD. If you turn to the resale market after they sell out, the price gap becomes even more painful.

I found that I can shop US store sites directly and use a tax-free us address to avoid US sales tax. Even with the cost of international shipping, I still save thousands of TWD compared to buying from a local reseller. It’s a strategy I’ve used for almost every major NB drop this year.

My step-by-step for using a freight forwarder for sneakers

Since the ALD website often doesn't ship directly to Taiwan, or if they do, the rates are astronomical, I always use a freight forwarder. My process is pretty simple. I signed up for a package forwarding account with comGateway, which gave me a shipping address in Oregon. Oregon is great because there is no sales tax, so the price I see on the checkout page is exactly what I pay.

Once my shoes arrive at the warehouse, I get a notification. From there, I can choose my preferred carrier. I usually go with DHL international shipping because they are incredibly fast for Taiwan deliveries, though FedEx international shipping is another solid choice if I want to save a few dollars. If you are curious about the total cost, I recommend checking the shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost before you commit to the purchase.

Shipping Estimates and Specs

To help you plan your budget, here is what I usually see for a standard pair of New Balance 1000s in their original box. Keep in mind that ALD boxes are sometimes slightly heavier than standard NB boxes due to the premium packaging.

Using a parcel forwarding service makes the process feel like I'm just shopping at a local store, except the selection is way better. If you’re worried about the shoes getting crushed, you can always request extra padding or a double-box service through your freight forwarder.

Managing import tax and EZ WAY in Taiwan

One thing I learned the hard way is that you have to stay on top of your import tax obligations. In Taiwan, anything valued over 2,000 TWD is technically subject to import duties. Since these sneakers are well above that limit, you should expect to pay some tax when they arrive.

I always make sure my EZ WAY app is updated and my real-name authentication is verified. When the shoes enter Taiwan, I get a notification on my phone to confirm the shipment. It’s a very smooth process once you’ve done it a few times. For more details on how the math works, you might like to check out this guide on customs tax rules for international shoppers. It helps to know exactly why you're being charged so there are no surprises at your doorstep.

Ultimately, being able to buy from US ship to Taiwan has changed how I collect sneakers. I no longer have to settle for what's available locally or pay 2x the price to a middleman. I get the exact pair I want, delivered right to my home in Taiwan, usually within a week of the US release.