Ive been all over town looking for a pair of basic canvas runners, Im a women's size 8 (US) or I guess about a size 42 here in China.

Any ideas where I could buy shoes that big? I know, its a "stretch" ;) hahaha...

In the mens section.

Yep, there are Converse shoes, and New Balance stores.
Alternatively, try mail order from Decathlon www.decathlon.com.cn/en/. They have Euro sizes, and US women's 8 1/2 is about Euro 40.

I actually found New Balance shoes at the north Metro. I need a wide shoe and can't find them in most places, but Metro had some that fit properly for a fraction of what I paid for the same shoes in Hong Kong.

There are athletic shoe stores around the two city stadiums. As suggested, still a good idea to maybe try on some men's sizing. Metro seems like a good bet too, as their clothing and shoes seem like the export kind in quality and sizing. The various fancy department store shopping malls will have some name brand shoe stores on some level, but pricing is high and not sure if sizing is any bigger.

Thanks for the replies guys! Sports shoes arent my thing, just looking for a canvas sneaker. I am going to see what I can find at the metro as AllPage48 suggested, or Ive also heard on taobao... I will update if I find anything good. :)

Thanks again