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Running seems like a cheap sport—you just need shoes!—until you actually go shoe shopping. The right footwear can make or break your experience. They can also break your budget; even the most basic models are well over $100 new. (That being said, keep in mind that the most expensive shoe isn’t necessarily the best for you.)
Of course, you can search for deals at any time—there’s usually something being discounted no matter when you look. But if you want a specific shoe on sale, it’s worth watching the schedule of new releases. And the ultimate hack: New shoe models tend to be introduced in the spring, making right now an excellent time to snag discontinued models.
Spring is the best time to buy running shoes
Just like cars, running shoes come in a make (Asics), model (Gel Nimbus) and, well, there is usually a number at the end of the name instead of a model year: Asics Gel Nimbus 27. Shoes are updated every year or two, depending on the model; the long-running Nike Pegasus is up to version 41.
And just as with cars, you can often snag a deal at the end of the model year when sellers get rid of their old stock to make room for the newcomers. You can follow websites like Runner’s World or Sole Review to check out which models are being updated and when they are scheduled to launch. But an even simpler way to keep up on shoe seasons is just to check the “new arrivals” section on your local running store’s website, or sign up for their newsletter.
For example, since that Asics Gel Nimbus 27 was released this year at $165, you can bet that the Asics Gel Nimbus 26 is available much more cheaply. At the time of this writing, most of the color/size combinations are going for around $110—that’s more than a 30% discount.
That’s a pretty typical bargain, but you can do even better if you shop around—and if you don’t mind choosing your shoes based on the cheapest price rather than the prettiest colors.
That issue of selection is a good reason to shop now rather than waiting. As the summer wears on, you may find deeper discounts on last year’s model, but you’ll also have fewer options. Sizes sell out, too. Here’s a perfect example: the Asics Gel Nimbus 25 (that’s two models back) is going for just $99.95. The catch is that you have to wear the “cream/fawn” design, since that’s the only color option I could find available.
What do you think so far?
Save money by buying these models
There are too many running shoes to list all the deals, but I’d like to highlight some prime examples where a shoe was recently released, causing the previous version to go for a much cheaper price. (Release dates below are based on what companies or publications announced earlier this spring, and may or may not be the actual release date. You get the idea, though.)
But beware shoes that are too old
If you’re going to shop discontinued models, there are a few pitfalls you should know about. One is that the foam in a pair of shoes will degrade while it sits on the shelf. This isn’t a problem if you’re buying a model that was just discontinued—those should be fine. But if you find shoes that are two or three model numbers back, they probably won’t last as long as new ones. (The price might still make them worthwhile even with the shortened lifespan, but consider yourself warned.)
The same concern applies if you’re buying last year’s model as a backup and planning to stash it in your closet until your current shoes break down. Consider how long it will be until you actually use the shoes, and decide accordingly. While you’re at it, apply the same logic to any gently-used shoes you might find on eBay or Poshmark.
