This post is updated from a guest post I wrote this summer for Eat, Drink and be Mary.
It’s almost Labor Day – if you can believe that. If you like running in the fall as much as I do, it’s time to dust off your running gear and hit the roads/trails. What better way to start fresh than to pick up a few new pieces of running gear or new running sneakers? How about getting some great deals so you can look and feel great without breaking the bank? Here’s how.
Tips for Running on the Cheap
1. Try last year’s model. If you are just starting out and are not sure of the “right” shoes or gear, go to your local specialty running store. Once they help you to identify the best fit shoe for your needs, ask if they have “last year’s model” in your size. Just like cars and bicycles, last year’s models get marked down when new ones come in. If you like your current shoes, try marathon expos (or online stores – see #3) for great deals on close-out shoes. You don’t have to be entered in the race to shop at the expo.
2. Be a KindRunner. Another great option is innovative online retailer, KindRunner. They offer product videos and telephone or online consultations via chat. For every pair of shoes you buy, they send a shipping label for a local charity. If you send (any) pair of used shoes to the charity, they give you $10 Kindness Cash to be used on any future purchase. The cash never expires so you can save up for a pair of shoes. They also have free shipping for you, the charity and free returns. Lots of win-wins there!
3. Be a savvy shopper. If you know which shoes work for you or your clothing sizes in brands you like, online shopping can be the perfect option for savvy shoppers. Here are some tips:
- Search on Amazon to see prices across a variety of retailers.
- Check out Active Junky which offers cash back (+ coupons) for online shopping for major active retailers like REI and Moosejaw. It is like ebates for active folks! Check ebates, too, and compare. Sometimes ebates has double cash back deals, too.
- Check discount online running shops like Holabird Sports, Running Warehouse and Kelly’s Running Warehouse.
- Keep an eye on curated fitness sale sites like The Clymb and Leftlane Sports. They offer 72 hour sales on great active brands. You have to act fast – they sell-out quickly.
- Use an alert system like “TrackIF” or PoachIt – TrackIF lets you set alerts on a variety of websites to tell you when specific items, like your running shoe brand, model and size, go below a certain price that you set. PoachIt lets you click a button to see if there are any online coupons available before you buy.
- Try daily deal sites like Groupon Goods and Zozi for great gear choices.
- Get great deals on last season’s items and closeouts from sites like Sierra Trading Post. Sign up for their email list and create an account for great additional discounts. They frequently offer last season or overstock items discounted and then coupons for an additional savings. They also have great deals on clothes for fitness and travel and a very good return policy.
- No matter what, before you buy, do a google search for promotions or deals to be sure that you are getting the best deals.
4. Go local and hit the sale rack! Try local running stores and big box sporting good stores (and even department stores). Don’t be shy, hit the sale rack first. I always do! I just saw a ton of awesome Zella yoga/running clothes at Nordstrom Rack. I am so proud of myself for not buying any – but you should if you need them! There are probably a load of Labor Day sales this weekend.
Use this advice and you can be ready to look good on the run this fall – and you’ll have some extra cash for the post run celebrations! You can also check out my post on Becoming an Online Shopping Ninja for more tips and sites to check out for your other shopping wants and needs.
Where do you find your best running deals? Please leave your tips in the comments.
Please note: This post contains some affiliate/referral links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Some are just sites I like and use. Either way, you win!
PS. Don’t forget my giveaways!