Finding a great deal on running shoes can really pay off. As an avid runner myself, I’m always looking to save money on quality gear without sacrificing performance and comfort. Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years for scoring the best running shoe sales and deals:
Check online for big clearance sales on popular running shoe brands
Major online retailers like Amazon and Zappos regularly run big clearance events to offload last season’s models. You can find major brands like Nike, Adidas, Brooks, Saucony, and more for up to 50% off or more. Sign up for alerts and check back often for new markdowns.
Brand websites like Nike.com also offer discounts on older styles. Browsing their sale sections can turn up hidden gems. Pro tip: search for specific models recommended by runners to find the real steals.
Look for coupons and promo codes to save extra on already discounted shoes
Before checking out, always look for any valid coupons or promo codes you can apply to your order. RetailMeNot and Honey browser extension are great for finding extra savings at most major retailers.
Some brands like New Balance also offer newsletters with special discounts for subscribers. Sign up to get alerted before a new sale starts.
Buy last season’s styles for big savings over current models
For the best deals, look for remaining stock of shoes from 1 or 2 seasons ago. The models may not be the latest and greatest, but the tech is usually just as good. You can find discounts up to 70% off in some cases.
The previous year’s colorways are also often on clearance sale since brands release new ones each season. Nothing wrong with a great deal on a neutral tone!
I’ve found my last 3 pairs of running shoes for 50-60% off just by going with the prior season’s releases. Well worth it!
So don’t be afraid to shop “out of season” – those older models will serve you well for hundreds of happy miles.
Search for best running shoe deals near you at local stores
Don’t forget to check for in-store only deals at your local sports and running specialty shops. They’ll often have great clearance sections you won’t find online.
Some may also price match items you find for less at major retailers. Doesn’t hurt to ask!
Brick and mortar stores need to periodically clear older stock from their shelves. With some digging, you can uncover some diamonds in the rough at steep discounts.
Sign up for email lists to get alerts on upcoming sales events
Your inbox is a great asset when hunting for deals. Sign up for newsletters from your favorite brands and retailers to stay in the loop on upcoming sales.
Zappos and Nike both often have 20% off or more sales for email subscribers only. Early access means you can grab the best deals before stock runs out.
Pro tip: create a separate folder in your email just for retail newsletters to keep things organized.
Check outlet malls and discount stores for budget-friendly options
Hit up your local outlet malls and discount stores like Ross, Marshall’s and TJ Maxx to browse their shoe aisles. You can often find gems like last season’s Nike Pegasus or Brooks Ghost marked way down.
The selection is hit or miss, so some digging is required. But that’s part of the thrill of the hunt!
Find special discounts for first-time online shoppers
Many shoe brands offer discounts for new email subscribers and customers. Search “[brand name] coupons” to find any first-timer promos you can use.
Sign up with alternate emails to take advantage of these from all the major brands. Just switch to your main after checkout.
Buy a high-quality previous year model at a steep discount
Last year’s flagship shoe can often be found for almost half off if you dig deep enough. For example, I found the Brooks Ghost 12 for 50% off just a few months after the Ghost 13 launched.
A workhorse trainer like the Ghost, Pegasus, or Glycerin barely changes year to year anyway. Save your dollars for what really counts – more miles!
With some savvy shopping, you can land those coveted shoes for way less than retail. Patience and persistence pay off.
Scoring an amazing deal on running shoes feels even better when you can stack on extra savings. Before checking out from any online retailer, it pays to spend a little extra time searching for coupons and promo codes to maximize your discount.
Look for coupons and promo codes to save extra on already discounted shoes
Honey and RetailMeNot are my go-to browser extensions for automatically applying relevant coupon codes at checkout. They search for and test available promos to find the best one for your order.
Cashback sites like Rakuten are another great option. Simply click through their portal before making your purchase, and receive a percentage of your money back after confirming the order. I’ve earned back over $100 this year through Rakuten!
Signing up for brand and retailer newsletters and alerts provides early access to discounts. I recently got 25% off at Nike just for being a subscriber.
Pro tip: create a separate folder just for retail promos so you never miss an opportunity to save.
Check brand websites for special subscriber discounts
Going directly to brand sites like Nike.com, Adidas.com, and Saucony.com allows you to sign up for their exclusive subscriber discounts. This gives you advance notice of upcoming sales and promo codes.
Bonus: Create accounts with alternate emails to redeem first-time shopper promos from each brand multiple times.
Follow your favorite brands and retailers on social media
Brands will often post short-lived deals and coupon codes on their social accounts. Following them on Facebook and Twitter provides early access before the general public.
Make sure to enable notifications so you never miss a post about an upcoming sale or promo code.
Use apps like Shopkick to earn points and gift cards
Shopkick allows you to earn “kicks” points just for walking into stores and scanning certain products. Accumulate enough points and you can redeem them for gift cards to major retailers.
I’m always on the hunt for Shopkick deals at stores like Finish Line and Foot Locker to save even more on my running shoe purchases.
Google “[brand] coupons” to uncover additional savings
A quick Google search for a brand name plus the word “coupons” can reveal even more potential savings. Special discounts often hide in unexpected places.
I occasionally find active promo codes on random coupon sites that even the major engines miss. You just never know where that extra 10-15% off might be hiding!
With a little time invested upfront, you can unleash savings from multiple sources. Feels great rocking those new kicks knowing you maximized every dollar.
One of the best ways to save big on running shoes is to buy last season’s models. While the current year’s styles will be full price, you can find huge discounts on shoes from 1 or 2 seasons back.
Buy last season’s styles for big savings over current models
When shoe brands release their new lines each year, retailers deeply discount the previous seasons’ stock to clear it out. For example, when the Ghost 14 launched, I bought the Ghost 13 at 50% off.
The older models lose resale value quickly despite retaining nearly the same performance and features. This creates the perfect opportunity for savvy shoppers to score quality shoes at a fraction of the original price.
Search clearance sections online and filter by previous models
All the major online retailers like Amazon and Road Runner Sports have clearance sections to browse. I like to filter by brand, then sort by previous model years to isolate the real deals.
For example, last season’s Asics Cumulus or Kayano can often be found for 40-60% off retail. Definitely worth it for such legendary staples that require few updates.
Check brand websites for discounted older colorways
Along with prior models, brands also heavily discount older colorways that didn’t sell out the previous season.
For example, you can find last year’s darker or more bold Pegasus or Ghost colorways marked way down right now on Nike.com and BrooksRunning.com.
The white and black versions usually go quick, but there are deals galore on the forgotten flashy ones. Don’t be afraid to embrace your inner cheetah print!
Buy seasonal models during transitional periods
The best deals on summer running shoes come during winter, and vice versa. Retailers are desperately trying to clear out seasonal stock when demand is low.
Check for discounted trail shoes in winter, and road shoes in summer. With the model year changes, you can find some steals – maybe even enough to stock up for the coming season!
Set price drop alerts and pounce when notified
Online price tracking tools like Camelcamelcamel allow you to set alerts when items hit your target price. As soon as that notification comes in, it’s time to pounce before that bargain disappears!
With some patience and perseverance, you can land coveted models like the Ghost or Rincon for half off or more. Just takes a bit of strategic shopping!
While online retailers offer convenience, don’t overlook local stores when looking for great deals on running shoes. From brick and mortar chains to specialty shops, checking physical inventory can uncover discounts you won’t find on the web.
Search for best running shoe deals near you at local stores
Outlet malls are a prime place to browse for deals. Major brands like Nike and Adidas will often have dedicated factory store locations offering previous seasons’ stock at a discount.
The selection will take some sifting through, but patient shoppers can find gems – I once scored Nike Pegasus 36’s for 60% at my local Nike outlet!
Check clearance racks at sporting goods stores
Stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Finish Line, and Famous Footwear regularly mark down last year’s models to clear shelf space for new arrivals.
Browse their clearance section in-store for potential hidden deals they wouldn’t advertise online. I found Saucony Ride ISO 2’s for 70% off just by happening to stop in and look.
Ask about current promos and upcoming sales
Don’t be shy about asking store employees if they have any current promos or know about upcoming sales. They often have insider info and can point you to the best bargains.
Around major holidays I’ll ask about upcoming sales – scored an extra 20% off clearance items around July 4th just by chatting with an employee at my local running store.
Negotiate price matches if you find a better deal
Most national chains will price match items you find cheaper at competitors. Pull up the better deal on your phone and politely ask if they’ll match the price.
This saved me an extra 20% when I found a lower price on some Asics Gel-Kayanos. Never hurts to just ask!
Buy multiples when you find a steal
If you uncover an especially great discount on a solid shoe, grab a couple pairs! Having a backup option extends the life of both and saves future dollars.
I try to stock up on my favorites like the Ghost or Pegasus when I come across crazy low prices I know I won’t see again soon.
With persistence and some old-fashioned footwork, local stores can offer deals to rival even the best online discounts.
