Ah, running.
You either adore it or loathe it — or you have a complicated relationship where you do both. (Or you outright refuse to run and take pleasure in disliking it, if you clicked here for that.)
But whether you’re the endorphin-fueled marathoner, the “ugh, fine, I’ll do the family 5K at Thanksgiving” grump, or the “collapse on someone’s lawn half a mile in” type, there’s a reason people lace up.
The great thing is, running is among the most budget-friendly workouts — no expensive gym membership required!
Just you, the open air and — those really pricey running shoes.
*Insert sad trombone*
Yes, the act of running itself costs nothing. But the equipment that goes with it can add up fast — especially if you take your running seriously (and care about your long-term safety and comfort, which we’ll cover in a moment).
If you’re a beginning or casual runner, it’s tempting to skip the $500 GPS watch and the $89 performance tights for a free tracking app and an $8 clearance pair of shorts.
But one thing every runner — no matter age or level — should spend money on is a solid pair of running shoes.
To mark Global Running Day, I chatted with one of our editors (a six-time marathoner and triathlete), Nora Hayes (you’ll see her rocking the shoes in the photos here), to get her best tips for finding running shoes at reasonable prices.
But First…
Before she shared her money-saving wisdom, Hayes wanted me to pass along a warning for anyone shopping for running shoes:
“If you’re buying running shoes for the first time, I strongly recommend visiting a specialty running retailer and working with staff to find shoes that suit your needs, then purchasing your shoes there,” Hayes said. “Think of the cost as payment for their expertise when selecting shoes that will actually work for you.
“After you’ve used their knowledge to determine the kind of shoe you need — whether that’s a stability model, a neutral one, or something with more or less cushioning — you’ll be better positioned to find appropriate running shoes elsewhere without paying full price.”
Understand?
Good.
Now for the tips, tricks and hacks we gathered!
(Alright, one more note: don’t skip Hayes’s recommendation. I got fitted once, and it changed running from something I dreaded to something I genuinely liked. I still deal with lingering effects from wearing the wrong shoes in my younger, trend-chasing days — painful lesson learned.)
7 Tips for Finding Great, Inexpensive Running Shoes
I’d say “without further ado,” but we’ve had a fair amount of ado already — so let’s jump in.
1. Time Your Purchase
The best times during the year to find bargains on running shoes (and most athletic gear) are January and April.
In January, retailers capitalize on everyone’s new-year ambitions by putting out solid sales to entice shoppers.
In April, people are itching to get outside after winter and want new gear, prompting retailers to offer attractive discounts to compete for attention.
2. Check the Right Retailers
Two places I always peek first when hunting for running shoes are department stores and outlet centers.
Department stores aim to move inventory quickly, so they commonly mark down slower-selling items like shoes during monthly promotions and semi-annual clearances.
Outlet centers sometimes get a bad rap about pricing and quality for luxury brands. But for most athletic labels and shoe-makers, the savings are genuine — they’re simply clearing out last season’s stock.
Sporting-goods and outdoor retailers also frequently run sales on running shoes, so swing by occasionally to see what’s available. (Just focus on shoes — try not to get distracted by shiny new workout apparel while you’re there.)
3. Take Your Hunt Online
This approach only works if you’ve already had the proper fitting Hayes mentioned — you need to know which brands and models suit you and which features to prioritize. (Quick quiz: do you know whether you need a neutral or stability shoe? If not, get fitted.)
Sites that specialize in athletic and outdoor gear such as Active GearUp and The Clymb often carry steep discounts on running shoes. Make sure to subscribe to their newsletters so you hear about big sales and new drops first — you’ll also snag useful coupons this way.
4. Subscribe to Brand Emails
Along the same lines, sign up for email lists from the shoe brands you like. You’ll get alerts about sales and new releases (which usually means older models will soon be reduced).
5. Hunt for Last Season’s Styles
Wherever you shop, keep an eye out for last year’s models. They’re typically in clearance sections both in-store and online. Hayes has scored solid running shoes for as little as $60 to $70 this way.
Sure, last season’s shoes may not feature the newest tech — but for most new runners, the latest gizmos won’t make or break your performance.
6. Visit Race Expos
If your city hosts a big race (marathon, well-known triathlon, etc.), attend the expo. Running retailers often have booths there, and you can sometimes find shoes at special expo-only prices.
7. Use Your Local Running Store
You should already have identified your local running shop (for that essential fitting), but remember to return for sales and to support a small business!
Many local shops run their own email lists, too, so sign up to be first-in-line for coupons and promotions.
Ready, Set, Run
Once you’ve been properly fitted and invested in a first pair of shoes that provide the right support for your particular feet connected to your particular legs attached to your particular body, you’ll be in a good position to shop deals and find the best bargains.
It may take a bit of patience, but soon you’ll be telling your running pals on a 10-mile run how much you saved on your new shoes.
Emily Hart is a junior writer at Savinly.
Looking for recommendations? Check out our guide to best running shoes to help narrow your search.
