Last Year's Running Shoe Is the Best Deal in Running. Every Single Year
Running shoe brands update models every year, often with tiny changes. The outgoing version drops 30 to 50 percent. Here's how to time it and what to check before you buy.
Where to buy on sale
I've run four marathons and gone through more running shoes than I'd like to admit to my accountant. The single best money-saving trick I know: buy last year's version of your favorite shoe.
Why it works
Most major running shoe lines get a new version every year or so. The changes are often small: a new upper, a slightly different foam, new colors. When the new version launches, stores need to clear the old one, and prices drop hard, often 30 to 50 percent.
When to look
- **Right after a new version launches.** The old model gets marked down within weeks.
- **End of season sales.** Late summer and after the holidays.
- **Black Friday.** Running shoes are a solid Black Friday category.
Check what actually changed
Sometimes the new version is a big redesign, with a new foam, different drop or totally different fit. If you love the old one, a big redesign is a reason to stock up on the old version. Read a few reviews comparing versions.
Know your size in each model
Sizing can change between versions. If you're buying online, stick to the exact version you've tried, or buy from stores with free returns.
How many pairs to buy
If you find your favorite shoe at 40 percent off, buy two pairs. Running shoes generally last around 300 to 500 miles. Rotating two pairs can also help them last longer because the foam recovers between runs.
Don't buy shoes you haven't tried
A huge discount on a shoe that doesn't fit is a waste. Try them in a store first or buy from retailers with generous return policies for running shoes. Some let you return shoes even after running in them.
Watch the outsole
Check the rubber on the bottom. Thinner outsoles wear faster. Racing shoes often wear out quicker than daily trainers.
Where to buy
Nike and adidas both run sales on outgoing models on their own sites, often with member-only discounts. Dick's Sporting Goods has frequent running shoe sales and a solid return policy. Amazon carries many models and sizes, but check the seller for authenticity.
Verdict
Find a shoe you love, then buy the outgoing version every year at a discount. It's the easiest way to save a lot of money as a runner.
Where to buy on sale
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