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Looking for Affordable Cleats This Season. Discover Where to Find the Best Deals

Why Are Cleats So Expensive? Understanding the Costs Behind Quality Footwear

As any athlete knows, a good pair of cleats can make all the difference when it comes to performance on the field. But top-of-the-line cleats often come with a hefty price tag, leaving many wondering. Affordable Cleats: Where to Find the Best Deals This Season

alexxlab 2 years ago 48 min read

Why are cleats so expensive. How can you find affordable cleats. Where to look for the best deals on cleats. What factors contribute to the high cost of quality footwear. How to save money on cleats without sacrificing performance.

Table of Contents

The High Cost of Quality Cleats: Breaking Down the Factors

For athletes across various sports, a reliable pair of cleats is essential for optimal performance. However, the price tags on high-quality cleats often leave many wondering about the reasons behind their significant cost. Let’s explore the key factors contributing to the expense of premium cleats.

Advanced Materials and Technology

Modern cleats incorporate cutting-edge materials designed to enhance comfort, durability, and performance. Synthetic uppers made from innovative fabrics like Flyknit or Primeknit provide a snug yet flexible fit. Cushioning systems often feature specialized foams and gels to absorb impact and provide support. The outsoles may include materials such as Pebax for lightweight stability. These high-tech components significantly increase production costs.

Research and Development Investments

Major sports brands allocate substantial resources to research and development, constantly striving to improve their cleat offerings. Teams of engineers and designers work tirelessly to create new technologies and rigorously test prototypes before finalizing a shoe design. This ongoing innovation process requires significant upfront investment, which is ultimately reflected in the retail price.

Labor Costs and Manufacturing Processes

While some brands utilize automation to reduce production costs, many high-end cleats are still assembled by hand in factories worldwide. This hands-on approach is believed to result in better quality control and consistency. Regardless of the method, labor costs play a significant role in determining the final price of cleats.

Brand Premium and Marketing

When purchasing cleats from well-known brands like Nike, Adidas, or Under Armour, a portion of the price is attributed to the brand name itself. These companies invest heavily in marketing and sponsorships, which are factored into the overall cost of their products. Lesser-known brands may offer similar quality and technology at a more affordable price point, as they don’t carry the same brand premium.

Sport-Specific Features: Tailored Performance Comes at a Cost

Today’s cleats are designed with specific sports in mind, each with unique features tailored to enhance performance in that particular discipline. This specialization contributes to the overall cost of cleats.

Soccer cleats emphasize touch and ball control
Football cleats focus on traction and ankle support
Baseball cleats prioritize quick lateral movements and stability
Lacrosse cleats balance agility with protection

These sport-specific design elements require additional research, development, and manufacturing considerations, all of which impact the final price.

Distribution and Retail Markup: The Journey from Factory to Field

The process of getting cleats from manufacturing facilities to retail stores worldwide is complex and costly. Various factors contribute to the price increase along the way:

Shipping costs from overseas factories
Import taxes and duties
Warehousing and distribution expenses
Retailer markup to cover overhead and profit margins

Each step in this distribution chain adds to the final sales price paid by consumers. Shopping online directly from manufacturers or authorized retailers can sometimes reduce these costs, resulting in more affordable options for buyers.

The Lifespan Factor: Why Frequent Replacements Drive Up Costs

For most athletes, a pair of cleats typically lasts only one season of play. This relatively short lifespan means that players need to replace their footwear frequently, driving up costs over time. How can athletes maximize the value of their cleat purchases?

Invest in durable models built to withstand heavy use
Properly care for and maintain cleats to extend their lifespan
Consider having multiple pairs to rotate, reducing wear on each
Look for cleats with replaceable studs or spikes when possible

By focusing on durability and proper care, athletes can reduce the frequency of replacements and ultimately save money in the long run.

Strategies for Finding Affordable Cleats: Smart Shopping Tips

Despite the high costs associated with quality cleats, there are several strategies savvy shoppers can employ to find more affordable options without sacrificing performance. Here are some effective tips for scoring great deals on cleats this season:

Timing is Everything: End-of-Season Sales

One of the best ways to save on cleats is to shop during end-of-season sales. When do these sales typically occur?

Football cleats: After the Super Bowl (February)
Baseball cleats: After the World Series (October/November)
Soccer cleats: After major international tournaments or league seasons end

By purchasing last season’s models ahead of new releases, you can often find significant discounts on high-quality cleats that will still perform well in the upcoming season.

Online Outlets: A Treasure Trove of Discounts

Many major sports brands operate online outlet stores that offer discounted cleats alongside their full-price models. These outlets feature past-season styles and colorways at markdown prices, often up to 50% off or more. To maximize savings, look for outlets that offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount.

Loyalty Programs: Rewards for Brand Devotion

Signing up for brand loyalty programs can unlock exclusive discounts and early access to sales throughout the year. What benefits do some popular programs offer?

NikePlus members: Up to 25% off new releases
Adidas Creators Club: 10% off regularly priced shoes
Under Armour UA Rewards: Points for purchases, redeemable for discounts

These programs often come with additional perks like free shipping, birthday discounts, and access to limited-edition products.

The Pre-Owned Market: Gently Used Cleats for Major Savings

For those willing to consider gently used cleats, the pre-owned market offers significant savings off retail pricing. Where can you find reliable pre-owned cleats?

Poshmark: A popular platform for reselling athletic gear
eBay: Offers a wide selection of new and used cleats
Mercari: Another growing marketplace for pre-owned sports equipment
SidelineSwap: Specializes in used sports gear, including cleats

When shopping for pre-owned cleats, look for items described as “like new” or “gently used” to ensure you’re getting a pair in good condition. Always check the seller’s ratings and reviews before making a purchase.

Maximizing Savings: Coupons and Cash Back

To stretch your budget even further, consider combining multiple savings strategies:

Search for coupon codes before making a purchase
Sign up for cash back through services like Rakuten or TopCashback
Use a rewards credit card for additional points or cash back
Compare prices across multiple retailers to ensure you’re getting the best deal

By stacking these savings methods, you can significantly reduce the cost of premium cleats.

Last Year’s Models: Performance Without the Premium

Is there a significant difference between the latest cleat models and those from the previous year? In most cases, the improvements are incremental, with minor updates to design or materials. Opting for last year’s model can offer substantial savings with minimal impact on performance.

When considering older models, research the specific differences between versions to ensure you’re not missing out on any crucial features. Often, the cost savings far outweigh any minor upgrades in the newer release.

Exploring Alternative Brands: Quality Without the Name Recognition

While major brands dominate the cleat market, several lesser-known companies offer high-quality options at more affordable price points. Which alternative brands should you consider?

New Balance: Known for comfortable and durable cleats
Mizuno: Offers a range of sport-specific cleats with innovative features
Puma: Combines style with performance at competitive prices
Asics: Popular for their baseball and softball cleats

These brands often provide comparable quality and performance to their more expensive counterparts, without the premium associated with big-name logos. When evaluating alternative brands, focus on fit, comfort, and durability rather than brand recognition.

The Importance of Proper Fit and Sizing

Regardless of the brand or price point, the most crucial factor in selecting cleats is ensuring a proper fit. Ill-fitting cleats can lead to discomfort, reduced performance, and even injury. How can you ensure you’re getting the right size?

Measure your feet regularly, as size can change over time
Try on cleats later in the day when feet are slightly swollen
Wear the socks you’ll use during play when fitting cleats
Allow for about a thumb’s width of space at the toe
Consider the specific needs of your sport (e.g., snug fit for soccer, more room for baseball)

Many online retailers offer free returns or exchanges, allowing you to try multiple sizes at home to find the perfect fit.

Maintaining Your Investment: Extending Cleat Lifespan

Once you’ve found the perfect pair of affordable cleats, proper care and maintenance can help extend their lifespan, saving you money in the long run. What are some essential maintenance tips for cleats?

Clean cleats after each use, removing dirt and debris
Allow cleats to air dry naturally, avoiding direct heat sources
Use a soft brush to clean the studs or spikes
Apply a water-repellent spray to protect against moisture
Store cleats in a cool, dry place when not in use
Rotate between multiple pairs if possible to reduce wear

By following these maintenance practices, you can ensure your cleats remain in top condition for as long as possible, maximizing your investment and reducing the need for frequent replacements.

The Environmental Impact of Cleat Consumption

As consumers become more environmentally conscious, it’s worth considering the ecological impact of frequent cleat purchases. How can athletes reduce their environmental footprint while still obtaining high-quality footwear?

Choose cleats made from sustainable or recycled materials
Look for brands with eco-friendly manufacturing processes
Consider purchasing pre-owned cleats to extend product lifecycles
Properly recycle or donate old cleats when they’re no longer usable

By making environmentally conscious choices, athletes can contribute to sustainability efforts while still enjoying the performance benefits of quality cleats.

Balancing Cost and Performance: Making the Right Choice

When searching for affordable cleats, it’s essential to strike a balance between cost savings and performance needs. How can you determine the right balance for your situation?

Assess your skill level and frequency of play
Consider the specific demands of your sport and position
Evaluate your budget and long-term cleat replacement needs
Read reviews from other players with similar requirements
Try on multiple options to compare comfort and fit

By carefully considering these factors, you can find a pair of cleats that meets your performance needs without breaking the bank.

The Future of Cleat Technology: What to Expect

As technology continues to advance, what innovations can we expect in the world of cleats? Some potential developments include:

3D-printed custom cleats tailored to individual foot shapes
Smart cleats with embedded sensors for performance tracking
More sustainable materials and manufacturing processes
Improved shock absorption and injury prevention features
Adaptable cleats that adjust to different playing surfaces

While these advancements may initially come with higher price tags, they could ultimately lead to longer-lasting, more effective cleats that provide better value over time.

Why Are Cleats So Expensive? Understanding the Costs Behind Quality Footwear

There are several factors that contribute to the high costs of quality cleats:

Materials

Many cleats today are constructed with advanced, engineered materials designed for maximum comfort, durability, and performance. Synthetic uppers made of materials like Flyknit or Primeknit provide a snug yet flexible fit, while innovative foams and gels cushion the foot. Outsoles may incorporate pebax or Pebax for lightweight support. These space-age materials certainly don’t come cheap!

Research and Development

Major sports brands invest heavily in research and development to create high-performance cleats. Entire teams of engineers and designers work to develop new technologies and test prototypes extensively before finalizing a shoe design. This constant innovation requires significant upfront costs.

Labor

Many high-end cleats are assembled by hand in factories around the world. While automation reduces production costs for some brands, other companies believe hand-crafting shoes leads to better quality control and consistency. Either way, human labor factors into the retail price.

Brandmarkup

Part of what you pay for with big brands like Nike, Adidas and Under Armour is the logo itself. The premium attached to these brands accounts for a portion of the price tag. Lesser known brands can offer similar technology and quality at a more affordable price point.

Specialization

Today’s cleats are designed for optimal performance in specific sports like football, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and more. Specialized features tailored for each sport also raise costs. Soccer cleats emphasize touch and control, while football and lacrosse cleats focus on traction and protection.

Distribution

Getting products from factories to retail stores worldwide is a complex process involving shipping, import taxes, and retailer markup. Each step adds to the final sales price paid by consumers. Shopping online can sometimes reduce these costs.

Short Lifespan

The average lifespan of a pair of cleats is just one season of play for most athletes. The constant need to replace worn shoes drives up costs over time. Purchasing sturdy cleats built to last maximizes value.

While the sticker price for top-of-the-line cleats gives many buyers pause, the latest materials and technologies that enhance performance on the field don’t come cheap. However, there are ways to get the quality gear you need on a budget.

Looking for Affordable Cleats This Season? Discover Where to Find the Best Deals

Finding an affordable pair of quality cleats is possible with a savvy shopping strategy. Here are some tips for getting the best deals on cleats this season:

Shop End-of-Season Sales

Look for cleats on clearance at the end of their designated season. For example, football cleats go on sale after the Super Bowl, while baseball cleats get discounted after the World Series. You can score huge savings buying last season’s model ahead of the new release cycle.

Scour Online Outlets

Most major brands like Nike and Adidas have online outlet stores offering discounted cleats alongside full-price models. You’ll find past-season styles and colorways marked down up to 50% or more. Free shipping sweetens these online deals even more.

Join Loyalty Programs

Signing up for brand loyalty programs unlocks exclusive discounts and early access to sales throughout the year. Nike offers up to 25% off new releases for NikePlus members, while Adidas Creators Club provides members 10% off regularly priced shoes.

Shop Pre-Owned

Gently used cleats offer major savings off retail pricing. Check out reputable resellers like Poshmark, eBay, and Mercari for like-new condition cleats fraction of the original cost. You can score top brands for cheap while reducing environmental impact.

Use Coupons and Cash Back

Look for coupon codes and sign up for cash back through Rakuten and other rebate programs. Stacking savings from multiple sources makes premium cleats more affordable. Be sure to compare prices online for the best deal.

Buy Last Year’s Model

The difference between last year’s cleats and the latest release is often minimal. Opting for the previous model over a marginal upgrade will barely impact performance while keeping more cash in your pocket.

Opt for Lesser Known Brands

Quality cleats don’t have to break the bank. Brands like Under Armour, New Balance and Mizuno offer performance and value without the premium price tag. Don’t pay for the logo—focus on fit, comfort and durability instead.

Finding affordable cleats takes a little strategizing, but getting the most bang for your buck is possible. With smart shopping at the right times, you can save big while still getting the performance you need this season.

When to Shop for Clearance Cleats – Take Advantage of Off-Season Sales

As an athlete, finding a top-quality pair of cleats at an affordable price is a major win. But paying full retail for new cleats every season can quickly add up and strain your budget. The secret is knowing the prime times to shop end-of-season clearance sales. Strategically timing your cleat purchases around sports calendars can help you score major discounts.

Football Cleats

Start monitoring football cleat sales right after the Super Bowl in early February. Once the NFL season wraps, retailers will discount remaining inventory to make room for newer models arriving in late summer. Shop clearance sales in February and March for markdowns up to 50% or more on last season’s cleats. Keep an eye out for doorbuster deals around the NFL Draft in late April as well.

Baseball Cleats

Baseball cleat bargains heat up as summer winds down. Check for clearance sales immediately following the Little League World Series in late August. Prices also drop after the MLB postseason ends in October and November. Look for past-season styles discounted 40-60% off or more during these cold-weather shopping months.

Soccer Cleats

Capitalize on soccer cleat deals between the summer and fall seasons. Shop clearance sales in May and June to get discounted spring styles ahead of summer tournaments. Then again in November around the MLS Cup playoffs, retailers will slash prices to offload old inventory before the new year. Savings of 50% or more are common during these transitional periods.

Lacrosse Cleats

The best lacrosse cleat deals emerge in July and August after spring competition ends. Keep an eye out for closeout sales offering last season’s cleats at up to 60% off or more. Then shop again in January through March leading up to spring games for the best selection and prices on leftover gear.

Softball Cleats

Softball cleats see major markdowns in the fall as retailers clear out old stock. Check for discounts up to 50% off or more in September and October once summer leagues and the college season wraps. Late winter is another ideal time to find reduced prices before spring games begin again.

Shop Early for the Best Selection

While end-of-season sales offer tempting discounts, waiting too long comes with a trade-off—limited sizing and styles. For the best selection, shop clearance sales at the earliest sign of discounts. This ensures you get the features you want and proper fit before choices become picked over.

Set Price Alerts for Hot Deals

Sign up for retailer email lists and set price alerts through services like Honey. This allows you to track discounts on specific cleats and snag doorbuster deals the moment they go live without constantly checking sites. Act fast once notified because popular sizes/styles sell out quick.

Stack Savings for Maximum Value

Combine clearance prices with coupons, loyalty rewards, and cash back to maximize savings. A discounted $150 pair of soccer cleats might cost only $60-70 after stacking extra savings on top. Double dipping on deals stretches your dollar further.

Focus on Performance, Not Looks

While flashy colors and styles are tempting, avoid overpaying for aesthetics alone. Less popular colorways often get discounted over bold versions with the same features. Prioritize fit, comfort and support over looks to get more value.

Consider Last Season’s Release

Small tweaks differentiate cleat models year-to-year. Unless a specific new feature is essential, last season’s cleats perform nearly as well at a fraction of the price. Downgrade to a past model over minor upgrades for big savings.

Verify Return Policies

Before purchasing discounted cleats online, confirm return policies in case sizing or comfort is an issue after testing. Many retailers offer extended return windows for clearance items, but some sales are final.

Finding fantastic cleat deals takes both timing and tenacity. Following sports calendars allows you to target predictable clearance sales while acting quickly on discounted styles. With strategic shopping, you can affordably upgrade your gear every season.

Looking for Affordable Cleats This Season? Discover Where to Find the Best Deals

Scoring a great pair of performance cleats doesn’t have to wreck your budget. With some smart shopping strategies, finding affordable cleats is totally possible. Here are some of the best places to uncover major savings on quality cleats this season:

Brand Outlet Websites

Shopping directly through brand outlet sites like Nike Factory Store and Adidas Outlet Store allows you to find discounted cleats year-round. Past seasons’ styles see prices cut 30-50%, and new markdowns are added frequently.

Online Marketplaces

eBay, Poshmark, Mercari and other resale sites offer steeply discounted, pre-owned cleats in like-new condition. Athletes often resell gear after minimal use to recoup costs. Take advantage of their savings.

Sporting Goods Liquidators

Check out liquidation sites like Sierra Trading Post and S&A Closeouts that buy excess brand inventory at heavy discounts and pass on the savings. You can find cleats for 50-70% off retail or more.

Big Box Sporting Goods

Stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Big 5 and Academy Sports offer affordable cleat options under their own budget-friendly private label brands to complement big name labels.

Local Sporting Goods Shops

Smaller, local sports shops need to keep prices low to compete with big box retailers. Take advantage of their value prices on past-season cleats to save.

Factory Seconds and Blemished

Brands like Under Armour and New Balance sell factory seconds with minor cosmetic flaws for 30-60% off. These imperfect cleats are structurally sound but can’t be sold as firsts.

With inflation squeezing wallets, getting cleats on the cheap may seem unlikely – but it’s totally achievable with the inside scoop on where to find bargains. Do your research and shop smart this season to upgrade your gear on a budget.

Top Places to Find Cheap Mens Cleats Both In-Store and Online

Finding a great pair of mens cleats at an affordable price takes a savvy shopping strategy. While major brands come with hefty price tags, there are plenty of options to score cheap mens cleats both in local stores and at online retailers if you know where to look.

Check Discount Sporting Goods Stores

Stores like Ross, Burlington Coat Factory, and TJ Maxx offer super discounted prices on big name cleats alongside their normal brand offerings. Comb their shoe aisles to uncover markdowns up to 60% off or more versus other retailers.

Shop Clearance Racks

Don’t just browse the latest models at stores like Dick’s and Academy. Hit the clearance section first to find past seasons mens cleats marked down significantly to make room for new inventory.

Buy Discount Gift Cards

Look for discounted gift cards to sporting goods stores on sites like Raise and CardCash. A $100 gift card for $80 lets you save 20% instantly off whatever cleats you buy at major retailers.

Check Local Play It Again Sports

These used sporting goods shops sell quality pre-owned cleats at up to 70% less than retail pricing. Breaking in used cleats saves you money without sacrificing performance.

Shop Amazon Warehouse

Amazon Warehouse has open-box mens cleats in like-new condition for 20-60% off regular prices. These essentially brand-new returned shoes are inspected and discounted due to packaging damage.

Search eBay

eBay is home to thousands of new and used mens cleats at huge discounts from sellers worldwide. Sort by lowest price + shipping to uncover bargains other buyers missed.

Find Factory Seconds

Brands like Under Armour and Adidas sell factory seconds with minor flaws for 30-50% off. These rejects and overstocks enable major savings off first-quality cleats.

Buy Last Year’s Model

Shop past season mens cleats for substantial savings over newly released versions with only incremental changes. Going a model year older sacrifices nothing in terms of performance.

Stack Cash Back and Coupons

Maximize deals by layering cash back through Rakuten or CouponCabin on already discounted mens cleats. Adding rebates and promo codes equals extra funds in your pocket.

Join Loyalty Programs

Signing up for free rewards programs through Nike, Adidas, Under Armour and more scores members special offers, early access to sales, and exclusive coupon codes on mens cleats year-round.

Expanding your shopping horizons beyond the normal big box retailers opens up a treasure trove of cheap mens cleats both online and in stores. Follow these money-saving strategies to upgrade your athletic footwear without blowing your budget.

Looking for Affordable Cleats This Season? Discover Where to Find the Best Deals

Finding top-quality cleats at an affordable price is possible – you just need to use savvy shopping strategies. Here are some of the best places to score deals on performance cleats this season:

Brand Outlet Sites

Shopping directly through outlet sites like Nike Factory Store or Adidas Outlets lets you score past-season cleats for up to 50% off or more the original MSRP. New markdowns mean deals all year long.

eBay and Online Marketplaces

Searching eBay, Poshmark and other marketplace sites uncovers lightly used cleats for a fraction of the original price from sellers nationwide. Athletes often resell gear quickly to recoup costs.

Discount Sporting Goods Stores

Retailers like Ross, Marshalls and TJ Maxx offer major brand cleats at 30-60% off regular prices. Comb through discount racks and aisles to find hidden deals other buyers missed.

Dick’s and Modell’s Clearance

Popular sporting goods chains mark down past-season cleats significantly both online and in clearance sections in-store. Sort by size first to find your best deal.

Amazon Warehouse Deals

Amazon Warehouse sells used and open-box cleats at discounts over 20% off the same items in new condition. Items are inspected and graded so you know the condition.

Soccer.com Sale Section

Specialty soccer sites like Soccer.com offer past season’s cleats for up to 60% off original pricing once new models release. Sign up for email alerts on price drops.

With the inside scoop on where to uncover deals, you can upgrade your athletic footwear this season without having to pay full retail. Do your research and shop smart to score quality cleats easy on the wallet.

Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck – Strategies for Finding Budget-Friendly Cleats

Finding top-quality cleats at an affordable price takes some savvy shopping skills. With strategic planning, you can score big savings and get the most performance for your dollar. Here are some expert tips for stretching your cleat budget this season.

Wait for Sales

Timing is everything when it comes to saving on cleats. Wait to shop until major sales around peak clearance periods rather than paying full price at launch. Holiday weekends, end of season, and new model releases are prime discount times.

Buy Prior Models

Opt for the previous model over the latest release to save significantly. Performance innovations typically happen gradually over several years. Downgrading one model year nets big savings with minimal performance tradeoff.

Choose Simple Styles

Cleats with fewer colors and flashier accents usually cost less than bold designs. Opt for simple, classic color combos over loud looks to get quality construction without paying a premium for graphics.

Consider Off Brands

Lesser known brands like Mizuno, New Balance and Under Armour offer comparable technology and materials to premium names for less. Don’t overpay just for the Nike swoosh or Adidas stripes.

Shop Clearance Sections First

Comb through clearance sections and filters online to find last season’s leftovers discounted up to 60% or more before paying full price. Sorting by size gives you the best odds of uncovering deals.

Buy Pre-Owned

Gently used cleats from reputable resellers offer massive discounts off new with plenty of life left. Ebay, Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist connect you with local deals.

Use Coupons and Cashback

Stack additional savings like promo codes and cashback on already discounted cleats for maximum value. Adding multiple discounts maximizes your dollar’s purchasing power.

Price Match Guarantees

Leverage price match guarantees from retailers like Dick’s and Academy to get them to beat competitor deals you find online. Just confirm policies before purchasing.

Negotiate at Local Shops

Small business owners have more flexibility to negotiate prices. Respectfully make an offer below asking price at local shops, especially for used cleats needing a little TLC.

With some savvy bargain hunting skills, you can afford top-quality cleats without absorbing full retail pricing. Shop strategically and keep these money-saving tips in mind to maximize value this season.

Looking for Affordable Cleats This Season? Discover Where to Find the Best Deals

Scoring a great pair of performance cleats for less is possible with the inside scoop on where to find deals. Here are some of the top spots to uncover wallet-friendly cleat bargains:

eBay

eBay connects you with discounted new and pre-owned cleats from sellers worldwide. Patient deal hunting can yield prices 50% off retail or more.

Amazon Warehouse

Amazon Warehouse sells inspected cleat returns at discounts over 20% off new versions. Minor cosmetic flaws lead to major savings.

Poshmark and Mercari

These mobile resale platforms make finding secondhand cleats easy. Athletes often list gently used shoes to recoup costs after a season or two.

Outlet Sites

Shopping directly through brand outlets like Adidas and Under Armour scores past-season styles discounted 30-50% or more new.

Soccer.com Sale

Specialty soccer sites like Soccer.com run regular sales offering clearance prices on last season’s most popular cleats.