Why Now Is the Best Time to Find Discount Sneakers
Running seems like a cheap sport (only shoes are needed!) until you go to the shoe store. Base models typically cost upwards of $100 and their cushioning fails after a few hundred miles . It’s not uncommon to change a few pairs a year if you run a lot and it all adds up. So how do you save a few dollars on running shoes?
This question was the subject of a recent Reddit thread at r/RunningShoeGeeks that mentioned several deal finding sites such as RunRepeat . But more importantly, it contained an important timing tip: new shoe designs tend to be introduced in the spring, so now is the time to stock up on discontinued shoes.
Save money by buying last year’s model
Like cars, sneakers come in brands (Nike), models (Invincible) and, well, usually at the end of the name instead of the year of release is a number: Nike Invincible 3 . Shoes are updated once a year or two, depending on the model; longtime Pegasus before version 39 .
And just like with cars, you can often get a deal at the end of the model year when sellers are clearing out their old stock to make room for newcomers. You can follow websites like Runner’s World or Sole Review to see which models are being updated and when they are scheduled to launch. But an even easier way to keep up with shoe seasons is to simply check the New Arrivals section of your local running store’s website or subscribe to their newsletter.
For example, if the Mizuno Wave Inspire 19 has just been released, you can bet that the Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 is available at a deep discount. At the time of this writing, the difference between the two models is up to $50 – that’s a 35% discount.
It’s a pretty typical deal, but you can do even better if you shop around – and if you don’t mind choosing the lowest priced shoes, not the prettiest colors. I’m just a regular salesman, so I always run in the ugliest shoes. My least favorite were mint green Nikes with a black paint splatter pattern that made it look like I just ran through mud and didn’t clean my shoes. Good on the track, awkward in the gym.
But beware of too old shoes
If you’re looking to buy discontinued models, there are a few pitfalls you should be aware of. First, the foam in a pair of shoes decomposes while they are on the shelf . It’s not a problem if you’re buying a model that’s just out of production – most will do. But if you find shoes with two or three model numbers back, they probably won’t last as long as new. (The price may still make them worthwhile, but consider yourself warned.)
The same problem occurs if you buy last year’s model as a backup and plan to keep it in your closet until your current shoe breaks. Think about how long it will take before you actually start using shoes and make a decision accordingly. While you’re at it, apply the same logic to any unworn shoe you can find on eBay or Poshmark .