About how much are "good" running shoes?

I'm planning to go to a local running store to be properly fitted for running shoes. They don't sell online, so their website doesn't list prices. I'm curious how much can I expect a "good" pair of shoes to be?

I understand they'll have a variety of options and prices. I am hoping to come in under $100, but I have no idea how realistic that is.

If it helps, I have next to no running experience. I want to start C25K but my cheap sneakers aren't cutting it. I walked a 5K a few weeks ago and I want to be able to run one before summer is over.

Thanks in advance for any help.
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Replies

  • ManjeetBhatia
    ManjeetBhatia Posts: 16 Member
    Expect to pay around $100-$130.
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    About $100-$150 depending on your needs.
  • Mine were last seasons colours in the sales. Nike structure 13. Think I paid around 50-60 UKP. I love them. They're like a pair of slippers from the first wear. Definitely worth going to a running shop and being fitted correctly. If I remember correctly they looked at my arches, my ankle stability, and my gait. They're also half a size bigger than I normally wear to allow for hot swollen feet :)
  • gobonas99
    gobonas99 Posts: 1,049 Member
    $100-150, depending on the brand....although you can probably find the same pair a bit cheaper online. Just be sure you buy your FIRST pair at the running shop that does your fitting and gait analysis. :smile:
  • RedHotRunner
    RedHotRunner Posts: 850 Member
    My last pair were about $100 on sale with a coupon. But they were the outdated model (Kayano 19) and on sale because the newer model had just hit the shelves (Kayano 20).

    The 20's were $170.
  • ayalowich
    ayalowich Posts: 242 Member
    I am rotating 3 pairs of shoes right now. Asics GT2000, Saucony Ride 6 and Pegasus 30. I paid about $85 on average for each, plus tax. They will all last between 300-350 miles, which is par for the course for me. Other than getting ripped off buying a pair of Newtons, I have not spent over $100 on any pair of shoes and have been running for 25 years+. I generally buy exclusively from running stores and expos. I have not bought online for a long time.

    Of course, if it turns out you need something like a Kayano or similar shoe with lots of bells and whistles you may end up well over $100. It really depends on what you need in terms of support.

    Most stores give discounts to local running clubs so have some information handy before you go in and don't be afraid to ask. They expect it.
    I'm planning to go to a local running store to be properly fitted for running shoes. They don't sell online, so their website doesn't list prices. I'm curious how much can I expect a "good" pair of shoes to be?

    I understand they'll have a variety of options and prices. I am hoping to come in under $100, but I have no idea how realistic that is.

    If it helps, I have next to no running experience. I want to start C25K but my cheap sneakers aren't cutting it. I walked a 5K a few weeks ago and I want to be able to run one before summer is over.

    Thanks in advance for any help.
  • GillianMcK
    GillianMcK Posts: 401 Member
    Pay more for your first pair from the shop and then next pair get them from online retailer cheaper:)
  • aldousmom
    aldousmom Posts: 382 Member
    yeah, about $100. but once you find your "kind" of shoe, maybe they'll have some that will work for you in a couple different prices. the good news is that once you get YOUR shoe, you can order online for a lower price. I get a ton of shoes from Runningwarehouse.com
  • Becoming_A_Butterfly
    Becoming_A_Butterfly Posts: 2,534 Member
    I've never been to a running store to get my running shoes, but I know the ones around cost more than other shoe stores. The fitting could be a good idea to get a feel for what to look for, even if you decide not to buy the shoes there.

    I just bought new running shoes, and I went to a few different stores when I had plenty of time to try them on, jog in place, jog up and down the aisle, and get a decent feel for how they will feel when I am actually running. For example, one pair felt awesome when I walked in them, but when I jogged up the aisle, I realized a seam near my toes was rubbing. A few miles in, that slight rubbing was going to be torture, so I put those back.

    I got mine for under $100 and love them. (New Balance for $65, on sale from $80), just as one reference point.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    I wear Brooks Ghost and as I recall they were around $130. I think you'd be hard pressed to come across anything of quality under $100. Proper shoes are worth every penny though IMO. Having proper shoes for your step is important...a lot of people don't know that they pronate for example...or in my case, supinate...or are neutral...all require different support and that support makes all the difference when you're putting miles on your feet.
  • MelisRunning
    MelisRunning Posts: 819 Member
    I wear Hoka's and they start at $180.00.
  • thavoice
    thavoice Posts: 1,326 Member
    I'm planning to go to a local running store to be properly fitted for running shoes. They don't sell online, so their website doesn't list prices. I'm curious how much can I expect a "good" pair of shoes to be?

    I understand they'll have a variety of options and prices. I am hoping to come in under $100, but I have no idea how realistic that is.

    If it helps, I have next to no running experience. I want to start C25K but my cheap sneakers aren't cutting it. I walked a 5K a few weeks ago and I want to be able to run one before summer is over.

    Thanks in advance for any help.
    About the lowest normal price would be $80.
    DONT DONT DONT fall into the trap that the best shoes are the most expensive. I have heard alot of people say that over the years doing the C25k program.

    Go to that store and see whats fits you the best. Try as many on as you can,s ee what feel the best. Many stores will let you jog on a treadmill or even outside for a brief time to really feel them out.

    After you purchase and use them, if you really like them go online and search. Running shoes change often. Many times an updated version will change enough that you wont like anymore.

    I really like the Nike Lunarfly shoes. Last I found were the 4's, and now went online and found some 2 and 3's for less than retail from places just trying to get rid of them.
  • rm33064
    rm33064 Posts: 270 Member
    100.00 can be done, good call going in to be properly fitted. It's going to cost a bit more at a store like that but worth it for sure. Good shoes will run from $80-$170 they will show you ones in your size/width in different price ranges. If your confident that you will be doing a lot of running then don't worry too much about the cost. If you might stick with it for two weeks and stop running, go with the cheaper ones, they don't last very long anyways if you run a lot so you can upgrade in 6 months or so.
  • SonicDeathMonkey80
    SonicDeathMonkey80 Posts: 4,489 Member
    I'd say around $120 for the first fitted pair. And after that, you can snatch 'em up real for cheap during annual model closeouts for probably $70-80.
  • Platform_Heels
    Platform_Heels Posts: 388 Member
    I think you'd be hard pressed to come across anything of quality under $100

    Disagree.

    If it is a model that is being replaced by a newer version then they will be significantly cheaper. The shoes that I bought are the Brooks Adrenaline 13 and they were $70. When I bought them last year they were $120.
  • apgabriel915
    apgabriel915 Posts: 53 Member
    I wear Brooks Dyad and they were around $110. I started with Saucony's which were about $120 and they didn't work then went to New Balance which were about $115 and finally found my Brooks. I totally agree about not thinking that the most expensive shoe is the best for you. Brooks brought out a new shoe that I was honestly worried I would like because it was $160 (!!!) but the $110 ones fit perfectly for me. Definitely try on a lot and see what's best for your feet
  • eganita
    eganita Posts: 501 Member
    My first pair was $110 in the running store. I have been able to find the same shoes for a lot cheaper online... once as low as $60 but typically $75 or so. I felt I owed it to the running store to purchase the first set in the store, since they spent the time helping me.
  • JDubIsShrinking
    JDubIsShrinking Posts: 207 Member
    Yep. I just spent $140. Worth every penny too.
  • SoosannahK
    SoosannahK Posts: 238 Member
    yeah, about $100. but once you find your "kind" of shoe, maybe they'll have some that will work for you in a couple different prices. the good news is that once you get YOUR shoe, you can order online for a lower price. I get a ton of shoes from Runningwarehouse.com

    ^^^ this ^^^ I got fitted at my local running speciality store. Paid around $100 for my first pair. Now I order from runningwarehouse. Much cheaper. Got mine and the hubs last pairs for under $60/pair with free shipping and free shopping bag.
  • Online is always a great place to shop for deals. Ebday and amazon, I'm sure you can find a great price and a lot less then sticker price.
  • mamahannick
    mamahannick Posts: 322 Member
    I got Asics GT2000's for $60-something from Amazon when they are $120ish in the store. I didn't actually get fitted at a running store though. If I had I probably would have gotten my first pair there as a courtesy.
  • rsoice
    rsoice Posts: 212 Member
    Get the reommendation from the store based on your fit. When they show you the $130 shoes tell them you want to think about it and then shop for the same shoe on Amazon.
  • thavoice
    thavoice Posts: 1,326 Member
    Get the reommendation from the store based on your fit. When they show you the $130 shoes tell them you want to think about it and then shop for the same shoe on Amazon.
    And that is BS.

    You go there for their expertise, so purchase from them. ONce you know the kind you need then yeah, look online for the shoe you need.

    Those places often SAVE people money by getting them into the right shoe. I know when I started to run I had a list of 4 shoes that I THOUGHT I wanted and got great reviews. I tried them all, and hated them. I found a pair at the place that i never thought i would like so of course I am going to buy that from them.
  • Platform_Heels
    Platform_Heels Posts: 388 Member
    Get the reommendation from the store based on your fit. When they show you the $130 shoes tell them you want to think about it and then shop for the same shoe on Amazon.


    Yeaaah, that's rude.

    The people are taking the time to video tape the way you run, tell you what sort of shoe you should be in, then they are finding those shoes -- more than one style/brand. I know I've tried 3 or 4 different pairs and brands of shoes when he got fitted -- and then you're saying "No, sorry to waste your time but that's too expensive. I'll go some place else for them."

    Besides that most places, like Fleet Feet for example, if you buy the shoe and it's not working for you they will take it back no questions asked and get you another shoe until you find the one that you like. And it doesn't have to be in a certain window AND they could have been worn outside a few times too. Can't say you can do that when you buy shoes through Amazon or any other place. (except Brooks. I think they will take shoes back no matter what).
  • ChaplainHeavin
    ChaplainHeavin Posts: 426 Member
    I'm planning to go to a local running store to be properly fitted for running shoes. They don't sell online, so their website doesn't list prices. I'm curious how much can I expect a "good" pair of shoes to be?

    I understand they'll have a variety of options and prices. I am hoping to come in under $100, but I have no idea how realistic that is.

    If it helps, I have next to no running experience. I want to start C25K but my cheap sneakers aren't cutting it. I walked a 5K a few weeks ago and I want to be able to run one before summer is over.

    Thanks in advance for any help.

    Just bought these online yesterday. Brooks, cost $120
    http://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/adrenaline-gts-14/1101581D900.090.html
  • DavidMartinez2
    DavidMartinez2 Posts: 840 Member
    Get the reommendation from the store based on your fit. When they show you the $130 shoes tell them you want to think about it and then shop for the same shoe on Amazon.
    And that is BS.

    You go there for their expertise, so purchase from them. ONce you know the kind you need then yeah, look online for the shoe you need.

    Those places often SAVE people money by getting them into the right shoe. I know when I started to run I had a list of 4 shoes that I THOUGHT I wanted and got great reviews. I tried them all, and hated them. I found a pair at the place that i never thought i would like so of course I am going to buy that from them.

    I was going to use much harsher language and probably get in trouble but I agree with everything thavoice just said. Don't use your local running store as a showroom; get them to help you find the best show for you, get PROPERLY fitted, and then buy the shoe there at the store. When it comes time to replace your shoes (~500 miles) go ahead and by the clearance models online but if you are going to take advantage of the expertise present at the running store buy the shoes there afterward.

    OP: When at the running store don't let them up-sell you into inserts. You don't need them, just find a shoe that fits you right. If the salesperson is insistent on selling you inserts leave and go somewhere else.
  • UmmSqueaky
    UmmSqueaky Posts: 715 Member
    My current pair is last year's model and was $90 (I think). I bought it from the running store, as well as some apparel from their clearance room because I appreciate the fact that they're there. Now though, I'm currently stalking online stores to find the lowest price and I'll stock up once the price is right.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    Get the reommendation from the store based on your fit. When they show you the $130 shoes tell them you want to think about it and then shop for the same shoe on Amazon.
    And that is BS.

    You go there for their expertise, so purchase from them. ONce you know the kind you need then yeah, look online for the shoe you need.

    Those places often SAVE people money by getting them into the right shoe. I know when I started to run I had a list of 4 shoes that I THOUGHT I wanted and got great reviews. I tried them all, and hated them. I found a pair at the place that i never thought i would like so of course I am going to buy that from them.

    I was going to use much harsher language and probably get in trouble but I agree with everything thavoice just said. Don't use your local running store as a showroom; get them to help you find the best show for you, get PROPERLY fitted, and then buy the shoe there at the store. When it comes time to replace your shoes (~500 miles) go ahead and by the clearance models online but if you are going to take advantage of the expertise present at the running store buy the shoes there afterward.

    OP: When at the running store don't let them up-sell you into inserts. You don't need them, just find a shoe that fits you right. If the salesperson is insistent on selling you inserts leave and go somewhere else.

    Another benefit here is that your local running store will likely replace your shoe if something goes wrong in the near future. My first pair a couple years ago started wearing badly very quickly...within a couple of months I looked like I put on 600 miles and was nowhere near that kind of a runner...they took one look at the shoe and said yeah...here ya go...new pair, these are defective. Good luck with that if you're getting your shoes at Amazon or whatever.

    My local store has a 30 day return policy as well...nothing to do with wear and tear...if you just don't like the way the shoe is working they will take your shoes back and do a re-fit...needless to say they are highly motivated to get you into the proper shoe the first time around.
  • rsoice
    rsoice Posts: 212 Member
    Definitely. I'd be happy to pay a store that suggested I needed X type of running shoe $30 more for their shoes than I can find online. Unless there is a return policy, I'm sticking with buying online.
    Do you feel obligated when you go into a car dealership because the salesperson took the time to help you understand all of the features of the vehicle? Rude my *kitten*.
  • rsoice
    rsoice Posts: 212 Member
    Get the reommendation from the store based on your fit. When they show you the $130 shoes tell them you want to think about it and then shop for the same shoe on Amazon.
    And that is BS.

    You go there for their expertise, so purchase from them. ONce you know the kind you need then yeah, look online for the shoe you need.

    Those places often SAVE people money by getting them into the right shoe. I know when I started to run I had a list of 4 shoes that I THOUGHT I wanted and got great reviews. I tried them all, and hated them. I found a pair at the place that i never thought i would like so of course I am going to buy that from them.

    I was going to use much harsher language and probably get in trouble but I agree with everything thavoice just said. Don't use your local running store as a showroom; get them to help you find the best show for you, get PROPERLY fitted, and then buy the shoe there at the store. When it comes time to replace your shoes (~500 miles) go ahead and by the clearance models online but if you are going to take advantage of the expertise present at the running store buy the shoes there afterward.

    OP: When at the running store don't let them up-sell you into inserts. You don't need them, just find a shoe that fits you right. If the salesperson is insistent on selling you inserts leave and go somewhere else.

    Another benefit here is that your local running store will likely replace your shoe if something goes wrong in the near future. My first pair a couple years ago started wearing badly very quickly...within a couple of months I looked like I put on 600 miles and was nowhere near that kind of a runner...they took one look at the shoe and said yeah...here ya go...new pair, these are defective. Good luck with that if you're getting your shoes at Amazon or whatever.

    My local store has a 30 day return policy as well...nothing to do with wear and tear...if you just don't like the way the shoe is working they will take your shoes back and do a re-fit...needless to say they are highly motivated to get you into the proper shoe the first time around.

    ^^^ The only way I'm buying shoes from a running store