Running shoe costs, is it worth it?

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.

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

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.

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.

Distance runner here and I spend about $150 a pair and rotate 2 pairs. That's $300 every 4 to 5 months, depending on my mileage. Good shoes are the most important equipment to a runner so they are worth every dime to me.

DancingMoosie wrote: »

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.

This is what I used to do when I ran. Once you know what your gait is, it's not hard to find "older" years model shoes on clearance. Actually, sometimes they will mess up a good shoe with a newer model that's not as comfortable. If I find one I like, I'll stock up on it before they do away with it, especially if it's on clearance (right before they introduce the next year's model).

We went to a high cost running shoe store for our first pair of running shoes and spent a lot. Another idea is look at the bottom of an old pair of running shoes. The "wear" pattern will tell you if you are neutral, over or under pronate. Then you buy a shoe according to the wear pattern. It takes a while to learn this but once you know what you are, it's clear when you look at shoes.

https://www.verywellfit.com/walking-shoe-wear-patterns-4020248

saragd012 wrote: »

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.

I got fitted last year, I got 3 pairs of exactly the same shoe because they were also on sale. I just broke out pair #3. ($45 each on clearance vs $150 new... )

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

Same here! I’m currently using a nice pair of lime green brooks lol. They’re ugly but so comfy

aidydh wrote: »

All the responses (plus the injury I suffered last year when I tried to start running again) have really made me think about getting a good shoe. There is a running store in my area that several people I know use. I'll call and see if they have the ability for analysis of my foot and gait. Looks like it much more important that I thought it was.

I had no idea either...I was just running in some shoes I bought at a big box store that said "running shoes". I started having all kinds of issues with my knees and shins and feet. My wife took me with her to the running store when she was buying new shoes and they did a gait analysis on me.

I was wearing shoes that correct pronation, but I supinate and need a neutral shoe. It can be a pretty big deal.