Cheap running shoes: suggestions? Or a bad idea?
October 15, 2019 9:16 AM Subscribe
I am in desperate need of new running shoes. In the past, I have usually worn Merrell's, which I have liked a lot. However, I am poor right now, and am considering a cheaper "off" brand running shoe. I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions on a brand or shoe, or advice arguing why this is not a good idea? Are the well-known brands really better than the unknown brands?
Nike, Addidas, etc. are all at least twice the price of brands I've never heard of, at least on Amazon. I recently had a pair of Addidas runners that fell apart really quickly, and it left me thinking there was no reason to spring the extra money for this supposedly higher-quality shoe.
Do you have a suggestion for a cheap running shoe? I see some on Amazon in the $20-30 range, but I also don't have to buy a cheap pair only to have to upgrade or buy a second cheap pair because they don't hold up.
Thank you!!
Nike, Addidas, etc. are all at least twice the price of brands I've never heard of, at least on Amazon. I recently had a pair of Addidas runners that fell apart really quickly, and it left me thinking there was no reason to spring the extra money for this supposedly higher-quality shoe.
Do you have a suggestion for a cheap running shoe? I see some on Amazon in the $20-30 range, but I also don't have to buy a cheap pair only to have to upgrade or buy a second cheap pair because they don't hold up.
Thank you!!
I've wanted to test this myself, however with my feet, I'm primarily stuck in wide-toebox shoes, and the cheap brands don't do this. *Please* post a followup if you do try a cheapo brand with the results that you have.
If you're one of those people who can put 1000-3000 miles regularly into any pair of shoes, you can probably handle running in cheap running shoes. If you start getting pains/niggles in the 300-500 mile range, I think you're asking for problems.
For the future, a good idea is to keep a rotation of 2+ shoes at any time, so if one pair goes, you always have at least one other pair while you wait for sales.
Another option would be a clearance site, like 6pm.com or similar. I recently got 2 pair of Altras for 50% off at thelasthunt.com ... This is still a lot more than the $20-30 for the rando shoes you're askinga bout.
posted by nobeagle at 9:28 AM on October 15, 2019 [2 favorites]
If you're one of those people who can put 1000-3000 miles regularly into any pair of shoes, you can probably handle running in cheap running shoes. If you start getting pains/niggles in the 300-500 mile range, I think you're asking for problems.
For the future, a good idea is to keep a rotation of 2+ shoes at any time, so if one pair goes, you always have at least one other pair while you wait for sales.
Another option would be a clearance site, like 6pm.com or similar. I recently got 2 pair of Altras for 50% off at thelasthunt.com ... This is still a lot more than the $20-30 for the rando shoes you're askinga bout.
posted by nobeagle at 9:28 AM on October 15, 2019 [2 favorites]
Are you using your running shoes for running? Will you be standing a lot? If so, I think you'll find that your feet will pay the price if you don't pay the cost of good shoes. I always wore cheap runners until one summer when I had a job where I was on my feet for 12+ hours a day, and I thought I was going to die with the pain in my feet. Got a pair of shoes that were probably four times what I was accustomed to paying and noticed the difference right away. The arch support (and overall support) was night and day from the cheapies.
posted by kate4914 at 9:28 AM on October 15, 2019
posted by kate4914 at 9:28 AM on October 15, 2019
WalMart sell lots of running shoes for under $30. Some look more suitable for running than others, so if you really want to go to that end of the market, you could call into a WalMart and try on various styles. But I agree with kate4914 that if you're going to wear them for any length of time, your feet might suffer with cheap shoes on your feet.
posted by essexjan at 9:34 AM on October 15, 2019
posted by essexjan at 9:34 AM on October 15, 2019
Check out discounters like Nordstrom Rack, they often have name brand shoes like Nike at a big discount.
posted by sallybrown at 9:34 AM on October 15, 2019 [3 favorites]
posted by sallybrown at 9:34 AM on October 15, 2019 [3 favorites]
I have personally had excellent luck with barely-used/worn-once shoes on Ebay. Particularly if you have a brand and style you like, and won't have to worry about fit. Of course, you'll want to make sure to choose a seller with an excellent rating, and look closely at the photos.
posted by Glinn at 9:40 AM on October 15, 2019 [3 favorites]
posted by Glinn at 9:40 AM on October 15, 2019 [3 favorites]
If you ever get plantar fasciitis (pain in the bottom of your foot/heel) or are prone to getting it, don't go with cheap shoes. In my brief running career, I got it so bad I was limping every morning, and every time I got up after sitting a while. Searing, sharp pain that passed once my foot stretched out a little. I went with corrective shoes (still off-the-rack brand, but from a specialty store, pretty sure it was New Balance) and it helped a LOT. These were still only around $100-$150, so not mega-pricey, but necessary for me at the time.
My dad was prone to this, too. Eventually I stopped running for exercise because the shoes helped, which let me run more. Running more started to mean more plantar fasciitis, even with the corrective shoes. I found it wasn't worth it after all. (I really struggled to avoid "runs in the family", "YMMV," and "in the long run" when typing this reply.)
posted by SoberHighland at 9:45 AM on October 15, 2019 [5 favorites]
My dad was prone to this, too. Eventually I stopped running for exercise because the shoes helped, which let me run more. Running more started to mean more plantar fasciitis, even with the corrective shoes. I found it wasn't worth it after all. (I really struggled to avoid "runs in the family", "YMMV," and "in the long run" when typing this reply.)
posted by SoberHighland at 9:45 AM on October 15, 2019 [5 favorites]
It would be helpful to know:
1. Your specific need: walking, running, working, etc
2. Normal surface: concrete, asphalt, grass, trails, sand
3. Foot/gait type: do you need correction for over/under pronation? Heavy cushioning? Minimal cushioning?
4. How you care for shoes? Machine washing/drying destroys shoes fast. Occasional slosh in a bucket with mild soap and then air dry makes them last a long time
Most shoe giants make a range of shoes for uses from casual to working to occasional athletic to performance to ultra performance. Decide which of these you are by maybe going to a specialty athletic shoe store, trying on shoes, and asking questions.
Shoes are highly seasonal, so once you know what you like, you can save by getting last season (or earlier) on clearance from sites others have mentioned, plus eastbay and even the brand sites themselves. You can also go to closeout stores like Burlington coat factory, Marshall’s, TJ maxx, etc. it’s easy to find, say, Nike free run that retail for $100+ for $39-49, and buy 2-3 pairs to rotate for 1-2 years, if you’re a neutral minimal runner.
posted by toodleydoodley at 9:48 AM on October 15, 2019 [1 favorite]
1. Your specific need: walking, running, working, etc
2. Normal surface: concrete, asphalt, grass, trails, sand
3. Foot/gait type: do you need correction for over/under pronation? Heavy cushioning? Minimal cushioning?
4. How you care for shoes? Machine washing/drying destroys shoes fast. Occasional slosh in a bucket with mild soap and then air dry makes them last a long time
Most shoe giants make a range of shoes for uses from casual to working to occasional athletic to performance to ultra performance. Decide which of these you are by maybe going to a specialty athletic shoe store, trying on shoes, and asking questions.
Shoes are highly seasonal, so once you know what you like, you can save by getting last season (or earlier) on clearance from sites others have mentioned, plus eastbay and even the brand sites themselves. You can also go to closeout stores like Burlington coat factory, Marshall’s, TJ maxx, etc. it’s easy to find, say, Nike free run that retail for $100+ for $39-49, and buy 2-3 pairs to rotate for 1-2 years, if you’re a neutral minimal runner.
posted by toodleydoodley at 9:48 AM on October 15, 2019 [1 favorite]
Also since you mention merrell, my husband bought two different pairs of merrell ultralight, zero drop knockoff shoes from amazon (they may have been grey market — same manufacturer/materials, but after hours so no verified standards of control). They cost like $20-30 compared to $100+. One pair was irregular, which could happen anyway, but didn’t seem worth the hassle to send back. The other pair seemed ok, but getting used to zero cushion & zero drop at the same time was a lot, and he ended up going back to nike free run, which are easy to find for pretty cheap ($39-79). So ymmv
posted by toodleydoodley at 9:55 AM on October 15, 2019
posted by toodleydoodley at 9:55 AM on October 15, 2019
I run in these Sauconys. Bonus, they're a good-looking casual shoe for non-running too. If you don't care about color you can get them even cheaper on 6pm.com, Zappos' clearance site.
posted by something something at 9:57 AM on October 15, 2019
posted by something something at 9:57 AM on October 15, 2019
Response by poster: It would be helpful to know:
1. Your specific need: walking, running, working, etc
2. Normal surface: concrete, asphalt, grass, trails, sand
3. Foot/gait type: do you need correction for over/under pronation? Heavy cushioning? Minimal cushioning?
4. How you care for shoes? Machine washing/drying destroys shoes fast. Occasional slosh in a bucket with mild soap and then air dry makes them last a long time
Running, almost entirely on a treadmill. But nearly everyday. My feet are sort of flat, but I tend to prefer a minimal, less cushioned shoe. I never wash machine wash them.
Thanks for all the input so far!
posted by Lutoslawski at 10:11 AM on October 15, 2019 [1 favorite]
1. Your specific need: walking, running, working, etc
2. Normal surface: concrete, asphalt, grass, trails, sand
3. Foot/gait type: do you need correction for over/under pronation? Heavy cushioning? Minimal cushioning?
4. How you care for shoes? Machine washing/drying destroys shoes fast. Occasional slosh in a bucket with mild soap and then air dry makes them last a long time
Running, almost entirely on a treadmill. But nearly everyday. My feet are sort of flat, but I tend to prefer a minimal, less cushioned shoe. I never wash machine wash them.
Thanks for all the input so far!
posted by Lutoslawski at 10:11 AM on October 15, 2019 [1 favorite]
I love these shoes by TSLA, which are a knock off of the Merrell Vapor Glove. You should certainly consider them if you like "minimalist" shoes. You might want to look at some of their other shoes, too. Many of these are highly rated on Amazon, though I can't vouch for them personally.
posted by HoraceH at 10:25 AM on October 15, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by HoraceH at 10:25 AM on October 15, 2019 [1 favorite]
Good answers, not much I can add. Just a couple of observations on how shoes are sold.
#1 Others suggested getting last year's model, or a model closing out. Came in to say the same... it is rare to see a sea change in shoe mechanics, so most of the changes from last year to this year are incremental. On-line, my experience is that the discounts will range up to about 50%. The norm for "name brand" running shoes is about $100 to $120, so that means you could find them for $50 or $60.
#2 As soon as you said Merrell, I'm thinking zero drop (vertical difference in mm between heel and toe), a low stack height (distance between bottom of your foot and the ground), and a generous toe box. Merrells are considered minimalist (not much shoe), as opposed to a brand like Hoka (maximalist - a very high stack height). You can use those things as a filter in your internet shopping to find Merrell-like shoes.
If you are already used to running in Merrells on pavement with no injuries, then I like your chances that anything you get combined with a treadmill will give you injury free running.
posted by kovacs at 10:31 AM on October 15, 2019
#1 Others suggested getting last year's model, or a model closing out. Came in to say the same... it is rare to see a sea change in shoe mechanics, so most of the changes from last year to this year are incremental. On-line, my experience is that the discounts will range up to about 50%. The norm for "name brand" running shoes is about $100 to $120, so that means you could find them for $50 or $60.
#2 As soon as you said Merrell, I'm thinking zero drop (vertical difference in mm between heel and toe), a low stack height (distance between bottom of your foot and the ground), and a generous toe box. Merrells are considered minimalist (not much shoe), as opposed to a brand like Hoka (maximalist - a very high stack height). You can use those things as a filter in your internet shopping to find Merrell-like shoes.
If you are already used to running in Merrells on pavement with no injuries, then I like your chances that anything you get combined with a treadmill will give you injury free running.
posted by kovacs at 10:31 AM on October 15, 2019
Add a Dr School athletic insole to whatever you buy.
posted by Enid Lareg at 11:03 AM on October 15, 2019
posted by Enid Lareg at 11:03 AM on October 15, 2019
thirding Saucony, especially if you are going to be running on a treadmill.
posted by indianbadger1 at 11:10 AM on October 15, 2019
posted by indianbadger1 at 11:10 AM on October 15, 2019
I have a pair of Sauconys and they are great for what is not an extremely rigorous workout (treadmill fast walking or being outside and going for miles but not that fast). I have wibbly ankles and they provide a great amount of support and seem like well-made shoes, equivalent in everything but style to higher cost brands
posted by jessamyn at 11:14 AM on October 15, 2019
posted by jessamyn at 11:14 AM on October 15, 2019
I'm a fan of finding the shoes that fit your feet and your needs, and then buying lots of them. For instance, New Balance sneakers size 9.5D fit my feet and needs great, so I buy a bunch of them (usually ~$35) at joesnewbalance outlet when I run out. (I buy several at a time so shipping is free.) I don't care that they are "last year's model."
posted by Ms Vegetable at 11:18 AM on October 15, 2019
posted by Ms Vegetable at 11:18 AM on October 15, 2019
Can you just check out the sneakers at your local Goodwill (or equivalent)? I see scores, maybe hundreds, of pairs of what look like perfectly cromulent running shoes every time I go to any such place. Brand-name shoes, low price, and Bob's your uncle.
posted by Dr. Wu at 11:35 AM on October 15, 2019
posted by Dr. Wu at 11:35 AM on October 15, 2019
If your locale has a marathon, sometimes they have an "expo" event during packet pickup. My wife was able to score an older pair of Brooks Ghosts for $50 just recently.
posted by slogger at 11:50 AM on October 15, 2019
posted by slogger at 11:50 AM on October 15, 2019
Some of the really cheap minimalist-style shoes (and maybe others, but I haven't checked) do show up in discussions on barefoot running forums. That might be a decent place to get opinions.
posted by trig at 12:19 PM on October 15, 2019
posted by trig at 12:19 PM on October 15, 2019
Also one weird thing I've found about many of the current cheap minimalist shoes on Amazon is that when they come in multiple colors, that's often not the only difference: different color options can have different-looking soles made by different companies (at least, the soles have different logos on them) and the construction of the uppers can also vary a lot from color to color (for example, the blue version of a shoe might have a sock-like tongue, no laces, and no reinforcement on the back while the brown version has reinforcement and a traditional tongue with laces). Some of the specific configurations also seem to be sold under different brand names by different sellers. So if you go this route you might want to take note of the specific configurations being reviewed, pay close attention to the pictures when choosing a configuration, possibly order a few different kinds and return those you like less, and shop around for which brand is selling the same shoe at the best price.
posted by trig at 12:40 PM on October 15, 2019
posted by trig at 12:40 PM on October 15, 2019
I don't know if Reebok is a good brand for running shoes but you can get 50% off their website with code "PS50."
posted by cazoo at 12:51 PM on October 15, 2019
posted by cazoo at 12:51 PM on October 15, 2019
Decathlon is one of the standard European answers to this, and it looks like they're beginning to move in the USA, and have a US online store - here are their men's running shoes, which start at 15 dollars, though you probably want to spend a bit more than that if you're running every day (at the top of that page, you can filter by running frequency).
AFAIK, they're reasonable quality shoes, as long as they happen to suit you - I tried some on and they just weren't the right shape for my feet, but if they suit you, they're a bargain.
posted by penguin pie at 2:54 PM on October 15, 2019
AFAIK, they're reasonable quality shoes, as long as they happen to suit you - I tried some on and they just weren't the right shape for my feet, but if they suit you, they're a bargain.
posted by penguin pie at 2:54 PM on October 15, 2019
So when I first started to run, I wore a pair of New Balance that I had lying around, and ran in them for an embarrassingly long time. I never had any problems.
posted by Automocar at 7:48 PM on October 15, 2019
posted by Automocar at 7:48 PM on October 15, 2019
Are you near an REI? Their used gear sales have great deals on shoes. Usually just worn once or twice and returned because of fit/color/etc. I’ve gotten many shoes (and other gear) there over the years and they’ve served me well! Merrells, too!
posted by stillmoving at 9:38 PM on October 15, 2019
posted by stillmoving at 9:38 PM on October 15, 2019
Have you checked Sierra Trading Post? They're the easiest place to find lots of options at a pretty deep discount. Here are all their men's running shoes sorted by lowest price. (I think I'm remembering correctly that you're doodly? Sorry if I'm wrong!)
I see quite a few brand options in the $30-$50 range, including lots of New Balance and a pair of Merrells for $50.
posted by nosila at 7:05 AM on October 16, 2019
I see quite a few brand options in the $30-$50 range, including lots of New Balance and a pair of Merrells for $50.
posted by nosila at 7:05 AM on October 16, 2019
I have had good luck with Asics, and you can find them at various stores and online for under $40, especially if you are willing to go with an old model or funny colors. I would keep my eyes open for Merrells too. I'm seeing them in the $50 range on Zappos and other places, so you may be able to do even better than that.
posted by oryelle at 10:18 AM on October 16, 2019
posted by oryelle at 10:18 AM on October 16, 2019
Plenty of people on the running subreddit like Running Warehouse. Here's their clearance page for men's neutral shoes.
posted by brianogilvie at 2:53 AM on October 17, 2019
posted by brianogilvie at 2:53 AM on October 17, 2019
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