Running shoe costs, is it worth it?

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.

I replace my Brooks about every year...I wear them until they're pretty much falling apart on my feet (not recommended, I know). My Salomon trail runners every two years or so...I do less trail running now, so they get less use.

Proper running shoes are always worth the money. If you're on a tight budget, tell that to the salesperson when you go to the running store. Maybe there will be a more affordable option that works well for you, maybe not. But regardless, it's better to pay for shoes than to pay for medical treatment and rehab for an injury. Besides, shoes and good supportive undergarments are the primary equipment needed for running, unlike many other sports that require lots of expensive gear.

And enjoy the days of a pair of running shoes lasting a year or more, because you'll need to replace them more often if you start increasing your mileage...mine are $120/pair and I go through about three pairs a year.

There are so many places to get good deals, I can't ever see me paying more than $100 for a pair of shoes. I generally try to keep it under $80.

Yes, it is worth the cost! Your feet will thank you.

The Hoka One’s I wear Run about $130 and I replace them every 4 months. I keep two pairs in rotation for daily runs. Once they get taken out of circulation , they become my walking shoes, and eventually, grass mowing shoes.

Spending the cash is so worth it! I’ve been in fitness industry for about 9 years now and have worn a ton of shoes. I discovered Hokas just couple months ago my knees, ankles hips never felt better! They cost $140 but it’s an investment your long term health if you cheap shoes or they are falling apart, replace them every 6 to get more out exercise routine .
Here’s a great link to hokas I have a neutral foot so I wear the Hoka Clifton 4
https://gearup.active.com/Search.aspx?k=Hoka

clicketykeys wrote: »

AudreyJDuke wrote: »

Yes, it is worth the cost! Your feet will thank you.

So, what do you do if things get tight and you just CAN NOT justify spending $100 on a pair of shoes? Do you just ... stop running until you can afford it? Start a GoFundMe? ;D

Another option is going into a store for a fitting to learn the brand and style that fits you best then searching for deals on Amazon for the same brand shoe that may be cheaper.

If your current shoes are working for you, it's certainly not necessary to change anything. But if you are finding that you are prone to injury, having back trouble, noticing uneven wear on the soles of your shoes, etc. a proper fitting may be a good choice to explore your options.

For me, when I spent the $120 on good running shoes, I opted to ONLY wear them for exercising. I wore my cheaper tennis shoes for the day to day running around town in jeans. I can't justify the cost for me right now because I am not currently running.

clicketykeys wrote: »

AudreyJDuke wrote: »

Yes, it is worth the cost! Your feet will thank you.

So, what do you do if things get tight and you just CAN NOT justify spending $100 on a pair of shoes? Do you just ... stop running until you can afford it? Start a GoFundMe? ;D

Most of the major brands have shoe ranges at two or three different price points. Of course cheaper shoes won't give the same mile life as more expensive, but that becomes the balance of financial Vs economic cost.

That said, I've never bothered with a fitting. I've done enough research that I understand my own hair and can identify appropriate shoes for what I'm doing. I've got six pairs on the go at the moment; roads, light trail and heavy trail. Running technique is as important as anything else.

Personally I find it a bit parasitic to use a fitting service then go elsewhere to buy.

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.

Exactly this. Once you know what shoe fits you and you find a model(s) that work for you cruise the online shops for bargains. Might mean a weird color but I don't really care. I run in Hoka One One Bondi's they retail for $160, I don't think I've paid over $65 for a pair of them ever. Two pairs will last me about one year. I you find some cheap enough but a couple of pairs, you will eventually use them.

emmamcgarity wrote: »

If your current shoes are working for you, it's certainly not necessary to change anything. But if you are finding that you are prone to injury, having back trouble, noticing uneven wear on the soles of your shoes, etc. a proper fitting may be a good choice to explore your options.

Cbean08 wrote: »

clicketykeys wrote: »

AudreyJDuke wrote: »

Yes, it is worth the cost! Your feet will thank you.

So, what do you do if things get tight and you just CAN NOT justify spending $100 on a pair of shoes? Do you just ... stop running until you can afford it? Start a GoFundMe? ;D

Save up. I think that proper running shoes are necessary equipment. It's like "what if you want to start biking but can't afford a bike?" You save up and look for deals! Outlet stores will have older models for less expensive and sports stores like Dicks will also do clearance.

My current shoes ARE working - they're the first pair of painfully-expensive shoes I've gotten. And they're definitely showing signs of wear. The sales associate said about six months, and that's about what I'll get out of them. But I just don't think I can drop $120-$150 every six months. So in the next month or so I'll need to do some shopping around.