How To Find Good Deals on Running Shoes: The Ultimate Guide

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Running is a fantastic way to stay fit, boost your mental health, and challenge yourself. But let's face it – getting into this sport can be costly. Buying two or three pairs of decent running shoes to ensure you have enough choice across different terrains and workouts can leave a real dent in your wallet. Even the cost of a single pair of cutting-edge running shoes from one of the leading brands is enough to make most people wince.

But the good news is that you don't always have to break the bank to get the support and comfort your feet deserve. With some savvy shopping and insider knowledge, you can snag top-notch running shoes without feeling as though you've just emptied your savings account.

This guide will walk you through practical strategies to find stellar deals on running shoes. From timing your purchases to exploring unexpected discount sources, we'll cover all the bases to help you save money without compromising quality.

So, let's dive straight in and show you how to find good deals on your next pair(s) of running shoes.

Take Advantage of Military, Medical Professional, and Teacher Discounts

One of the ways to earn the steepest discounts off brand-new running shoes is via a special discount related to your profession. Various groups, including military personnel, first responders, teachers, and other occupational groups, can secure up to 50% discounts on running shoes.

So, if you're looking to secure a great deal on your running shoe purchases, start by checking to see if you qualify for any discounts. You'll need to be verified for eligibility, but once you are, you can shop to your heart's content with the percentage discount advertised.

Most leading brands offer this special dispensation, too. Here are some of the best discounts available right now for top-name manufacturers:

Adidas Running Shoe Discounts

Medical professionals, first responders, nurses, military members, and teachers can enjoy a 30% discount both in-store and online. Additionally, they receive a 15% discount at factory outlets.

The complete list and eligibility requirements can be found here:

Asics Running Shoe Discounts

Asics is another industry-leading brand offering discounts for military, first responders, and medical professionals. You can secure up to 25% off full-price Asics shoes if you work in any of these professions. There's also 15% off available for teachers and students.

Full terms for the discounts and verification procedures can be found here.

Reebok Running Shoe Discounts

By far the most generous discount for running shoes for service members and other select personnel comes from Reebok, with the company currently offering up to 50% off for active and retired members of the military, nurses, physicians, hospital employees, teachers, students, government employees, and first responders.

Again, there are terms and conditions along with required verification checks, but you can view the full discount program policy here.

Running Shoe Discounts Available from Other Brands and Retailers

The above discount programs are just a selection. Over a dozen running shoe brands offer similar discounts, including Brooks, New Balance, and Nike. We've already researched and compiled a list of all the running shoe discount programs here.

Once you've read through that list, it's also worth checking in with your local running retailers and independent running shoe stores that may also participate in such discount programs.

Consider Buying Previous Models of Your Favorite Shoe

When new models hit the shelves, previous versions often receive significant discounts.

Before you turn your nose up, don't underestimate last season's models. They frequently share many features with the latest releases but come at a fraction of the price. They will often share similar upper materials and the same foam cushioning technology. Many model updates are merely tweaks and improvements to the overall design, not fundamental shifts.

The upshot is that you can enjoy high-quality running shoes without the premium price tag. Take the Saucony Ride, for example. When Saucony launched the Ride 16, the Ride 15 saw discounts of up to 40%. Given that most new models only feature modest updates, previous versions suddenly deliver exceptional value and allow you to get top-quality running shoes while staying within budget.

Buy Your Running Shoes in Bulk

Another strategy for securing serious savings on your running shoes is buying them in bulk. While spending more money in one go might seem counterintuitive, the result is often saving money in the long run.

This is especially true when you find a great deal on a pair of shoes that you already know suit you down to the ground. When you have a favorite pair that delivers everything you need in terms of cushioning and performance, and you see them for an unbeatable price, it always makes sense to stock up.

This tactic becomes even more effective when a specific model is about to be discontinued. The benefits are twofold: first, you'll likely save heaps off the recommended retail price (RRP) as retailers and brands look to shift aging stock off their books. Second, you'll have fresh pairs to turn to long after the model has stopped being produced, when they'll be much harder to source.

Use Price Comparison Websites

Scouring the web to find the best deals on your preferred set of running shoes can take up a lot of your time, and you can't be sure you're getting the best deal without manually cross-referencing each retailer.

That's where a price comparison website can be your best friend. These platforms allow you to compare prices across multiple retailers, ensuring you're getting the best bang for your buck. Sites like RunningShoeDeals.com let you compare prices on running shoes across dozens of retailers and allow you to search through thousands of running shoes that are on sale.

So rather than spending hours hunched over your computer, you can spend a few minutes checking for the best deals and make an informed purchasing decision.

Join Newsletters and Loyalty Programs

This next money-saving tip is not restricted to running shoes per se but is just as effective. Signing up for a newsletter and joining loyalty programs from leading brands and retailers is one of the easiest ways to secure a great deal on your next pair of running shoes.

In fact, some retailers will give you as much as 20% off your next purchase simply for signing up for their mailing list. In other words, you can secure a significant amount off your next pair of running shoes for just a few seconds of work.

By contrast, loyalty programs often deliver perks through promotions such as members-only sales and free shipping/returns. Some may require a nominal monthly fee, but the annual savings could rack up if you regularly buy shoes from the same retailer or manufacturer.

Check Out Outlet Stores and Clearance Sections

Outlet stores and clearance sections are treasure troves for budget-conscious runners. Here, you can find last season's styles or overstock items at steep discounts. Whether you're browsing through outlet malls or scouring online clearance sections, the savings are worth the hunt. Websites like joesnewbalanceoutlet.com offer fantastic deals on reputable brands like New Balance.

However, the very best deals are often reserved for people who visit stores. Bigger brands tend to have specialist factory outlet stores that offer incredible discounts on running shoes that are factory “seconds” featuring minor imperfections that prevent them from being sold to the public as normal.

These specialist stores are usually only available for bigger brands that also sell apparel and other sporting equipment – think Nike, Adidas, or Under Armor – and you'll most often find these types of stores in outlet malls or outdoor outlet centers.

It is not unusual to receive more than 50% off the standard retail price for a pair of shoes here. So, even if your nearest outlet store or mall is a decent drive away, the savings (especially if buying in bulk) are so significant that it's worth the additional journey.

Consider Brands That Have Generous Return Policies

While this tip might not save you any money upfront on your running shoe purchases, it will prevent you from wasting money on pairs that just don't work for you. No matter your running experience, predicting how a running shoe will feel over time is tricky, as issues such as Achilles or knee pain may only appear after some use.

That's why being able to return used running shoes is such a valuable lifeline – it spares you from persevering with incompatible shoes or consigning practically new running shoes (and, therefore, your money) to the trash.

Various brands offer generous return policies on running shoes, even when used, including Nike, New Balance, Adidas, and Hoka, among others. As with the discount schemes, we've gone ahead and done the research for you, so click here to learn which brands allow you to return used running shoes.

Check Out r/RunningShoeGeeks on Reddit

While there are many running forums, perhaps the best for snagging deals is the subreddit r/RunningShoeGeeks. The sub is very active, and deals are posted daily, meaning you'll have dozens to review each week.

Aside from saving money, it's also an excellent place to discuss running shoes more generally. By reading and participating in the subreddit, you can find some fantastic deals sourced by others and potentially avoid some of the more costly pitfalls those newer to running make when they first get into the sport.

It's a place where people with real expertise cut through the marketing and hype of brands and share knowledge and actionable insights into running shoes, helping you make better purchasing decisions.

Time Purchases with Major Shopping Sales Events Like Black Friday

Another tip many of you would consider obvious is timing your running shoe purchases with major sales events across the year. The obvious one is Black Friday. While it's traditionally associated with steep discounts on consumer electronics, most sports brands and retailers participate in order not to miss out on the first big day of the holiday shopping season.

On that note, the holiday season around Christmas and New Year is another good time to pick up some bargains. Shoe manufacturers and retailers start looking toward their releases for the next year and discount their existing stock to get it out the door. Other days you might find a tremendous limited-time deal on a pair of running shoes include Amazon Day or Cyber Monday.

Lastly, January is typically a slow month for retailers, meaning there are usually plenty of sales events. So that's another time to keep an eye out for slashed prices on the previous year's models.

Attend Local Running Events

While you might primarily attend a local or regional running event to compete or spectate, it can also be an excellent place to pick up a pair of bargain running shoes. Some of the bigger local events have an attached expo with local stores setting up small stalls, and larger marathons might even attract larger mobile stores from leading brands.

Many of these temporary “shops” offer steep discounts on unwanted stock, similar to outlet stores. Pricing may even be more advantageous to you as a shopper if they're approaching the end of the event and still have plenty of shoes left to shift.

So, while you might not be attending an event with the sole intention of buying a new pair of running shoes, it's still wise to keep your eyes peeled for a deal.

Try Platforms Such as eBay

While eBay is notorious for being hit and miss with running shoes, there are still plenty of excellent opportunities on there to grab top-tier running shoes at unbelievable prices.

Some sellers act on the platform like an unofficial outlet store, selling factory “seconds” and other undesirable models. By contrast, it's not uncommon to see private individuals selling their expensive shoes because they've been hardly worn and can't face throwing them away after spending so much on them in the first place.

Some shoes have only been worn a handful of times and can be acquired for significantly less than half of their original purchase price. So, yes, the risks are higher, but so are the rewards – especially if you know what you're looking for.

Look for Deals on Unpopular Colorways

Upon the release of a popular shoe, it's common for brands to release multiple colorways to appeal to as broad an audience as possible and increase sales.

After a shoe launch, it doesn't take long for a manufacturer to accrue sales data and discover that a particular colorway is performing poorly against the others. In these scenarios, it's typical for brands themselves – or sometimes via retailer promotions – to discount unpopular colorways to get them off the shelves.

While the discounts post-launch might not be mind-blowing, the closer the model is to a renewal, the bigger the discount tends to be. So, if you're not bothered about wearing garish running shoes, you can pick up some serious savings off RRP.

Make Your Running Shoes More Affordable with Smart Shopping Strategies

Finding great deals on running shoes doesn't have to involve a huge effort on your part. Simply knowing where to look and what time of year to schedule your purchases can make a huge difference in the amount you spend each year maintaining your running shoe rotation. Remember, saving money doesn't mean sacrificing quality – it's about being a more savvy shopper and knowing where to find great deals.

Whether you're snagging last season's model, taking advantage of occupational discounts, or timing your purchases with major sales events, there's always a way to get more bang for your buck.

Of course, that includes using our running shoe price comparison platform to compare prices across multiple retailers. If you want to save on your next pair of running shoes, be sure to check out our search tool right here on RunningShoeDeals.com. Simply type in the model you're after, and we'll show you the best prices available. It doesn't get any simpler than that!