How to Find Cheap Running Shoes

Wednesday, September 17, 2014


I've mentioned before how incredibly important it is to have the right running shoes, but getting ahold of the right running shoes has posed quite a problem for us broke runners: running shoes are really, really freaking expensive. Just like everything else that's good and healthy for you...am I right?! This year I think I've finally cracked the code to getting more affordable running shoes so here's my guide:

1. Get fitted for the correct shoe at least once: This is where the big bucks come in. 2 years ago I went to a running store that watches you run and lets you know what kind of shoe to get. I shelled out the $120. Dishing over that kind of money made me want to throw up but hey, it's cheaper than knee surgery or throwing away $100 for a race I can't run because of issues that come from wearing improper shoes (knees, ankles, feet, stress fractures, etc). BUT now I know what kind of shoe I need and that it works for me.

2. Switch out the shoes after 300-500 miles. Why? Runners World has a great Q&A about running shoes that explains. Now this is where the real detective work comes in:

3. Find out when your shoe model is set to release the update: Specific shoe models go on massive clearance sales in the two weeks before the update is released. Sometimes you can find this info by doing some online detective work, but you can also call the shoe stores to find out if they have information on this. They should at least have a timeframe for when the update will be released.

4. Find your shoe in last year's model. This might take a little bit of research, but forums on Amazon and Zappos are a great place to start. Since I didn't do a whole ton of running this year, my original shoe was already last year's model by the time I needed a new one.

5. Find your last year's model on sites like Amazon, Zappos, 6pm, and even Kohls. 6pm.com tends to have the lowest prices, but they also rarely carry my model AND size.

6. Shop the outlets: Enough said.

6. Pick the ugliest color: This sounds silly but is seriously legit. I bought these from Amazon and after clicking around realized that the shoe that is uglier clearly has lower demand and therefore is $30 less than the cooler looking colors. $30!!!! I'll go buy myself a FEW pairs of my favorite running shorts with that leftover money!

All in all, running shoes are still going to cost. Even at these discounted rates I still pay around $70-$85 on my running shoes (way better than $120) but like I said earlier, it's definitely worth it to avoid injuries.

How do you find your running shoes?

Linking up at WOW - come play!

24 comments :

  1. This is great advice! Running shoes are SO pricey....when you buy them cheap you can get a couple pairs which I've heard is helpful if your favorite shoe gets discontinued. #wowlinkup

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've never been fitted for running shoes and I definitely feel like I'm missing out!! Great tip on finding the one from the previous season!

    ReplyDelete
  3. never thought about it - i am so bad with replacing my running shoes, i bought some in 2012 and i'm still using them .... oops! but in all fairness, i really don't think i have run 300-500 miles because after i bought them i was hit with the lazy stick and i am only now getting back into it, and i'm still not even close, if that even makes sense.
    those asics really are kinda ugly, lol.
    so your favourite shorts, they look cute - are they long on you? i like the nike shorts because of the length, i'm not that tall but i guess my big booty eats the shorter shorts, so...

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have been wanting to go to the specialty store here for the last year to have them help me pick a shoe! I think you have inspired me to finally do it soon! My shoes are KILLING my feet during my work outs. I need some arch support and they have NONE!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great tips! Once I know what shoe I like, I also check out sites like Leftlane Sports that sometimes offer additional coupon codes for additional percentage off. #wowlinkup

    ReplyDelete
  6. I seriously learned so mucb about tennis shoe shopping! Maybe I need to invest in better shoes... and that would explain why my hips hurt after every run.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Yes, shoes are like tires-only more important. The more miles you put on your tires the more the tread gets broken down. Shoes break down too. I don't run anymore and remember spending a crap load of money getting fitted. Moving forward I bought my shoes elsewhere but I did not get them seasonally like you suggested. What a great idea!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I also buy last year's model :) You had me laughing at the ugly colors.....SO TRUE!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha it is SO true. I'll always be in the ugliest shoes!

      Delete
  9. I love New Balances but I should probably get fitted too.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I actually looking for running shoes as we speak so that I can purchase them while Im away! Loved these tips!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great advice thanks for sharing! You know I love a good deal :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Honestly my running shoe is discontinued but I go to Road Runners Sports and you can still find my version there. No where else though. I probably just need to buy 3 in advance and call it quits before they totally run out. LOL! Great tips. #wowlinkup

    ReplyDelete
  13. Ahhh this is great! I actually took my old Asics into my fav running store and just asked for the same thing. Of course, I ended up w/the most expensive and latest model Lol! Fun post, great tips :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OOoppps forgot to mention I'm stopping by from the Femme Fitale Fit Club #wowlinkup ;-)

      Delete
  14. These are some great tips so I will post this on my Facebook and business page. #wowlinkup

    ReplyDelete
  15. Great post! Very informative!

    ~Ashley @ A Cute Angle
    acutelifestyle.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. These are really great ideas for finding running shoes. I do like the ugly ones, that nobody else will be wearing. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Much like running, coffee has become central to my daily routine. Naturally, my love of both coffee and running has raised the question Reebok 15 Off

    ReplyDelete

Love to hear your thoughts and opinions, let's chat!