Minute 1: Break records without breaking the bank

In running, timing is everything. That’s what Brian Metzler said in a recent piece on our site, but he wasn’t talking about pacing or finishing time. No, it was actually one of many tips he included in his guide to “Budget Running Gear: How to Find Shoes for $125 or Less.”

His advice couldn’t have come at a better time, given the state of import tariffs which could affect the shoe market substantially. His first tip to finding a deal is understanding the cyclical nature of product rollouts. Brands spend a lot of effort (and money) to raise awareness for their latest models in the spring and fall. But that signals to savvy buyers that it’s time to hunt for deals on last year’s models, which usually end up 20-40% off. Bear in mind, Brian warns against buying a shoe simply because it’s a good deal - ideally, you should try it on in stores to make sure it fits. Depending on the roll it fills in your quiver, some shoe purchases warrant making compromises in exchange for savings - a race shoe or everyday workhorse needs to be rock solid, but a recovery shoe doesn’t need to break the bank in pursuit of perfection.

That actually leads into Brian’s next point, which is that expanding your shoe quiver over time can extend the life of all your footwear by 3-4X. By buying shoes that add to your collection, rather than replacing your old model every time, you can alternate your choice depending on the run and preserve the snappy, cushioned feeling of a fresh sneaker for longer. That’s just two of many great tips Brian shares, so be sure to read the full piece on our site before you buy.