Running shoe costs, is it worth it?

FibroHiker

I have a pair of black Asics that I use for jogging/walking. They are worn out and I went online to purchase a replacement pair. The shoe that I bought a few years back now costs $160. What????

Yes, I have liked these shoes. They have been good shoes for the duration that I have had them, but I'm just not sure I need to spend that much money.

You runners and joggers out there, do you find that you must spend more money to get a quality shoe? If you run frequently (3x per week or more) how often do you buy new shoes?

I purchased these 6 years ago, but only used them 3x per week or more during the first 3 years. After that I slacked off and got out of my running habit and haven't used them much since. If I replaced the shoes every 3 years that would be about $50 per year. Not too bad.

Thoughts?

cwolfman13

If you run a lot then a good pair of runners is pretty invaluable. Have you been fitted for shoes and had your gait analyzed at a running store? It's possible that the Asics don't even fit your gait so it would be $160 down the drain. The runners I've bought at my local running store are typically around $120.

It really depends on how much running you plan to do. I rarely run these days..maybe a mile jog here and there or when I'm out of town and I use my old runners...if I ran more I'd definitely replace them. My wife runs quite a bit and she typically replaces hers every 6 months or so.

BusyRaeNOTBusty

Asics are some of the more affordable running shoes. You can probably find them for cheaper in store. I get mine from Big 5, I think they are around $50.

deannalfisher

i easily spend $100-$120 a pair of shoes - 2-3 times a year - each shoe nets me roughly 2-300 miles of running and i'll rotate them through to make them last longer

Cbean08

I spend about 150$, 3 times a year, on running shoes. Never skimp on buying good shoes because having bad shoes can lead to food problems, knee problems, back problems and other nagging aches and pains. Shoes start to break down on the inside first so even if you think the tread on the bottom of the shoe looks okay, it could still be over-worn.

mamasara2

Egad!!!! $120 for a pair of shoes every six months makes me puke a little in my mouth. A panic kind of puke....

I have never had my foot and gait analyzed either but do have trouble finding tennies that fit right. I've got high insoles and most shoes don't seem to be made for me.

I've been wondering the same thing about shoes @aidydh thank you for asking the question.

lisaloumn2

Before getting properly analyzed for shoes, I suffered blisters and shin splints - totally worth the money to get shoes that work for your gait.

Jw9576

I agree with getting your feet analyzed FIRST! When I had mine checked, I am found to be overpronated which Asics have specific models for me. Doesn't matter what the price is, if it doesn't fit right then you are wasting your $$$. I had paid $$$ for Nikes and they never fit correctly and my feet were always sore so spending $100.00 or $300.00 is a waste if they don't fit to YOUR specific foot.

FibroHiker

Cbean08 wrote: »

I spend about 150$, 3 times a year, on running shoes. Never skimp on buying good shoes because having bad shoes can lead to food problems, knee problems, back problems and other nagging aches and pains. Shoes start to break down on the inside first so even if you think the tread on the bottom of the shoe looks okay, it could still be over-worn.

This has made me think a lot. I have problems with my knees, hips and back. I think I should have my insoles/gait analyzed and it could help me a lot.

tri_bob

One of the mantras among runners is this: “The right shoes are cheaper than physical therapy.” As has been discussed, a good running store will help you find shoes that are a match for your feet and stride.

neversaynever_43

My last pair started at $120. (I've run in the same type of Nike for years for stability). I picked a not so favorite color - down to $100. Then found a coupon online. A steal at $80! I'm bummed I didn't think to buy 2.

Cbean08

aidydh wrote: »

Cbean08 wrote: »

I spend about 150$, 3 times a year, on running shoes. Never skimp on buying good shoes because having bad shoes can lead to food problems, knee problems, back problems and other nagging aches and pains. Shoes start to break down on the inside first so even if you think the tread on the bottom of the shoe looks okay, it could still be over-worn.

This has made me think a lot. I have problems with my knees, hips and back. I think I should have my insoles/gait analyzed and it could help me a lot.

Please do! A lot of specialty running shops will do a gait analysis and then recommend shoes based on what will be best for your feet. You don't need to buy the most expensive pair, but a good pair won't be under 100$ (unless it's on sale.) I'd go in expecting to spend 150 to 180.

But think of it this way - you wouldn't put cheap tires on a Ferrari. Nor would you drive your Ferrari on tires that are old and unsafe. You are the Ferrari. Treat your feet as such.

DancingMoosie

I have found that Mizuno Inspires work for me and I've had several pairs now. I look for deals online. They normally run $120, but I've found them at holabird, 6pm, and Amazon for $55-65. Once you're fitted properly, you can look for sales.

tirowow12385

If cheap shoes( $15-$30)wouldn't have worn out so fast ( less than 20 miles per shoe), I wouldn't have to buy shoes in the $50-$70, I haven't tried most of the brands except Asics and they are durable.

midlomel1971

I get Asics all the time at Kohls on sale. They are even more on sale with a 20 to 30% coupon. No, I'm not getting them fitted for my foot at a running boutique, but I know the brand fits my feet well. I normally rotate between 3 different pairs so they don't wear out as fast. I get my Asics for probably $40 to $70 a pair, depending on what kind of Kohl coupon I have.

jgnatca

Worth.
Every.
Penny.

You’d get your investment back preventing one physio appointment.

lulehlu

I also recommend a gait analysis. They will spend a lot of tine with you to find the right fit. Yes, the shoes will be expensive but I like to think of it as paying for the gait analysis. Once you know what you need and what type of shoe suits you, you can then find cheaper versions online. I usually look for the previous version of whatever is out now.

RadishEater

YESSS, even if you aren't doing alot of running it can help quite a bit. I switched from running to walking/elliptical/spinning and my arches were beginning to get sore and hurt. Since I had given up on running I hadn't replaced my shoes in a while and when I did it solved all my foot problems!

My old shoes were still comfortable but the support was gone.

Now as long as I don't do too many errands in flip flops my feet are good!

runnermom419

Well fitting running shoes are absolutely invaluable. I replace mine a few times a year. (300-400 miles)

The reason why you work with a local running store? Because they will help put you in what's right for your feet. I had been wearing 1 brand for years. The new version came out and when it was time to replace, I didn't think twice and ordered them online. Well, the company changed the design ever so slightly and I ended up with horrible blisters after a half marathon. Went to my local running store and was fitted into a different shoe with no problems.

I will ALWAYS work with a local store vs. doing it on my own.

Panini911

Yes, but once you have the first pair, start looking for deals, sales and discounts on "last year's model". you can get closer to $90-100 or better. I shop deals primarily. talk to the stores about when their sales come out (the one store I starting a running program with has two weeks where they clear out older models - terrific good shows at a great price)

saragd012

They are absolutely worth the money, but I agree you could get a much better deal. I use Asics for running as well, I was fitted at a running shop the first time, and since then when I need a new pair I do a little research on similar shoes and search around for sales. I have had great success with Amazon, 6pm, and Eastbay, I can usally get them for about $60. My even Dad waits for the "new model" to come out and then buys himself 2 pairs of last years "model" while they are clearanced off so he basically gets two pairs for the price of one. I can go about two years between running shoes, but he's a marathon runner so buying multiple at a time is more convenient for him, either way there are tons of ways to get high quality for much cheaper than $150.

steveko89

Having the correct-fitting shoe is more important than how much you spend on them. Like a few others have mentioned, keeping an eye out for sales/deals on previous year models is a good money-saving strategy. Coincidentally, my wife and I both run in Mizuno Waveriders, a model they've made for years. The current model MSRP has been $120 for the last few models, you can find them most places for $90 after a few months and will drop as low as $60-70 on outlet or a sale when the new model is released. The Mrs. is far more of an avid runner than I, and will have 1-2 pairs in the queue that she's picked up at a discount to keep from paying full retail for them out of necessity.

mbaker566

shoes are cheaper than drs appointment and surgeries.

gcconroy29

Just to parrot everyone else, I went to a running store and got analyzed for the right shoe. When I was there, they had a clearance on the shoes from the prior year. They hooked me up with a great pair of Brooks in a horrible color I would never choose for around $80

FibroHiker

steveko89 wrote: »

The Mrs. is far more of an avid runner than I, and will have 1-2 pairs in the queue that she's picked up at a discount to keep from paying full retail for them out of necessity.

Good strategy!

FibroHiker

gcconroy29 wrote: »

Just to parrot everyone else, I went to a running store and got analyzed for the right shoe. When I was there, they had a clearance on the shoes from the prior year. They hooked me up with a great pair of Brooks in a horrible color I would never choose for around $80

I may be buying shoes in a horrible color just to save some cash. The last time I bought my Asics my all black shoes cost more than the unicorn vomit all the other shoes were dipped in.

janejellyroll

I rotate two pairs of shoes. I usually spend $120-140 for each pair. I do keep an eye out for close-outs/discontinued models at my local running store and that can help. I replace the shoes after 450 miles (I track this on my running app).

I have been injured due to insufficient support in my shoe and I know people who have been injured due to worn shoes, so I'm pretty strict with it.

collectingblues

Good shoes are cheaper than PT.

My preferred are Nike Air Pegasus, so when I'm getting close to needing a new pair, I'll stalk Ebates, and see when they're doing a good cash back -- and then when possible, take a Nike e-gift card instead of getting cash back, and use that to pay for the shoes.

Bry_Fitness70

I would go with running specialty brands like Brooks or Saucony rather than the big athletic apparel brands. A shoe store can analyze your foot and gait and recommend a shoe that meets your individual needs (not just size/width but pronation, arch support, cushion, etc.) versus something mass produced in a particular size without any customization.

Panini911

aidydh wrote: »

gcconroy29 wrote: »

Just to parrot everyone else, I went to a running store and got analyzed for the right shoe. When I was there, they had a clearance on the shoes from the prior year. They hooked me up with a great pair of Brooks in a horrible color I would never choose for around $80

I may be buying shoes in a horrible color just to save some cash. The last time I bought my Asics my all black shoes cost more than the unicorn vomit all the other shoes were dipped in.

I don't even look at look/colour anymore, i need to many in a year. i want the best deal on a shoe that works for me. I go with Muzino or Asics usually. But my newest pair is Brooks.

SchweddyGirl

So...here's a question. Which costs more? A good pair or running shoes? Or, the cost of medical bills later from injuries caused by worn or improper shoes?