Best Time to Buy Running Shoes (2026 Guide)
Save 30-50% on Running Shoes by timing your purchase right. Here's exactly when to buy.
Running shoe prices can fluctuate by 30-50% throughout the year depending on model releases, seasonal demand, and major sale events. If you buy at the wrong time, you could pay full price for a shoe that will be 40% off in a few months. This guide reveals the exact months and sales to target, helping you save serious money. Whether you're a casual jogger or a marathon runner, you'll learn when to buy, when to wait, and which deals are actually worth it.
Executive Summary
The best time to buy running shoes is during Black Friday week (late November) or in January when last year's models are heavily discounted. You can save 30-50% compared to buying at full retail during spring or early fall. If you can't wait, look for Prime Day (July or October) deals or end-of-season clearance on older models.
Why Timing Matters
Running shoe prices are highly cyclical. Manufacturers release new models in spring (February-March) and fall (August-September), causing previous versions to drop 30-60% as retailers clear inventory. Additionally, major shopping events like Black Friday, Prime Day, and end-of-year clearance sales offer steep discounts. For example, a $150 shoe might drop to $90 during Black Friday, then fall to $75 in January clearance. Waiting just a few months can save you $50-$80 per pair. However, popular sizes and colorways can sell out, so acting during sales is key.
Best Time to Buy: Black Friday Week (November) & January Clearance
Expected Savings: 30-60% off MSRP
Black Friday is the single biggest sale event for running shoes. Major retailers like Amazon, Zappos, and Dick's Sporting Goods offer discounts on current and prior models, often 30-50% off. In January, the focus shifts to clearing out last year's inventory to make way for spring releases, leading to additional markdowns of 40-60%. These two periods overlap, with many deals running from Cyber Monday through mid-January. The selection is broad, including top brands like Nike, Adidas, Brooks, Asics, and New Balance.
What to Expect:
- Up to 50% off current model running shoes
- 60%+ off previous generation models
- Doorbuster deals on popular brands (e.g., Nike Pegasus, Adidas Ultraboost)
- Bundle deals (buy one get one half off) at some stores
- Free shipping and extended returns
- Competitive price matching between retailers
- Limited stock on popular sizes (order early)
- Gift card incentives with purchase
Alternative: Prime Day (July & October)
Amazon's Prime Day events (typically July and October) feature significant discounts on running shoes, especially from brands like New Balance, Asics, and Saucony. While not as deep as Black Friday, the deals can reach 30-40% off. The advantage is you get the shoes mid-season (spring/summer models are still current). Also, Amazon often adds coupon codes or 'Lightning Deals' that stack.
Worst Time to Buy
The worst time to buy running shoes is during spring (March-April) and early fall (September-October) when new models are freshly released. Retailers charge full price because demand is high and inventory is abundant. You'll pay $120-$200 for the latest shoes that will be 40% off in a few months. Also, avoid late December if you're not buying clearance: holiday shoppers snap up popular sizes, and prices are often higher due to low stock.,Specifically, avoid buying the latest model in its first month of release. For example, if Nike launches the Pegasus 41 in March, it will be full price until Black Friday. Similarly, back-to-school season (August) sees minimal discounts because parents are buying without comparing prices.,If you buy during these peak times, you could pay $40-$80 more per pair than if you waited 2-3 months. The only exception is if you need a specific shoe that sells out quickly; but even then, consider an older model that's still excellent.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
Recommended Products
1. Nike Pegasus 41
The Nike Pegasus 41 is a top-rated daily trainer known for its responsive ZoomX foam and waffle outsole traction. It's ideal for neutral runners seeking a balance of comfort and performance. With a breathable mesh upper and supportive fit, it handles easy runs, tempo workouts, and long distances. The Pegasus line is consistently praised for reliability, making it a smart investment for runners of all levels.
Best Time to Buy: Best buy in November Black Friday for ~$84 (40% off). Also good during Prime Day at ~$105.
2. Brooks Ghost 16
The Brooks Ghost 16 is a best-seller for good reason: it offers plush DNA Loft v3 cushioning and a seamless mesh upper for a comfortable fit. Ideal for neutral runners with medium to high arches, it provides a smooth heel-to-toe transition. The Ghost series has won numerous awards for comfort and reliability, making it a go-to choice for runners logging high mileage.
Best Time to Buy: Black Friday deals at ~$90. Also see Amazon Prime Day discounts to ~$105.
3. Asics Gel-Nimbus 25
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 is the brand's flagship cushioned trainer, featuring FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam and PureGEL technology for exceptional shock absorption. It's designed for runners who want a luxurious feel underfoot, especially on easy runs and recovery days. The knit upper provides a sock-like fit, and the wide base offers stability.
Best Time to Buy: Best time: January clearance for ~$80-$100. Black Friday also good at ~$100.
4. Saucony Triumph 21
The Saucony Triumph 21 uses PWRRUN+ foam for a bouncy yet stable ride. It offers generous cushioning without feeling mushy, making it versatile for both easy runs and faster efforts. The engineered mesh upper is breathable and supportive. It's a favorite among runners who want a premium feel without the price of carbon-plated shoes.
Best Time to Buy: Black Friday sees ~$100. Also check Amazon Warehouse for open-box deals.
5. Hoka Clifton 9
The Hoka Clifton 9 is a beloved lightweight cruiser with Hoka's signature Meta-Rocker technology for a smooth ride. It features EVA foam and a streamlined mesh upper. Perfect for runners who want a soft landing but don't want to feel weighed down. The Clifton series is known for its versatility, from daily miles to race day.
Best Time to Buy: Prime Day offers ~$105. Black Friday can drop to $90.
6. New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13
The New Balance 1080v13 uses Fresh Foam X for a pillow-soft ride that still feels responsive. The HyperKnit upper adapts to foot shape, providing a sock-like fit. It's among the most comfortable daily trainers on the market, ideal for high-mileage runners who prioritize softness. The outsole covers key areas for durability.
Best Time to Buy: January clearance for ~$90. Black Friday ~$100.
7. Adidas Ultraboost Light
The Adidas Ultraboost Light is the lightest Ultraboost yet, featuring Light BOOST midsoles for energy return. The Primeknit+ upper offers a stretchy yet supportive fit. It's popular not just for running but also for casual wear. The Continental rubber outsole provides excellent traction. It's a premium shoe that often sees steep discounts during sales.
Best Time to Buy: Black Friday can drop to $110-$120. Also check Adidas outlet or Amazon Warehouse.
8. Mizuno Wave Rider 27
The Mizuno Wave Rider 27 features MIZUNO ENERZY foam and a Wave plate for a responsive yet smooth ride. The engineered mesh upper offers breathability and stability. It's a durable trainer that appeals to neutral runners who want a bit of snap in their step without sacrificing comfort. The outsole is highly durable.
Best Time to Buy: Best time: January clearance for ~$80. Prime Day ~$100.
9. Under Armour Charged Assert 9
The Under Armour Charged Assert 9 is an affordable running shoe with Charged Cushioning midsole for a balanced feel. The mesh upper with synthetic overlays provides breathability and support. It's ideal for casual runners or beginners on a budget who still want a reputable brand. The rubber outsole covers high-wear areas for durability.
Best Time to Buy: Often on sale at Amazon for $45-$50. Wait for a drop below $50.
10. Puma Deviate Nitro 2
The Puma Deviate Nitro 2 features a carbon plate combined with NITRO foam for a propulsive yet comfortable ride. It's designed for tempo runs, races, and everyday training for runners wanting speed. The PUMAGRIP outsole provides excellent traction in wet conditions. It's a great alternative to more expensive carbon-plated shoes.
Best Time to Buy: Black Friday discounts to ~$100-$110. Also check Amazon Warehouse.
11. Altra Escalante 4
The Altra Escalante 4 is a zero-drop, foot-shaped shoe that allows toes to splay naturally. It uses Altra EGO foam for a responsive yet cushioned ride. The knitted upper is stretchy and comfortable. Ideal for runners transitioning to minimal drop or those with wide feet seeking a natural feel.
Best Time to Buy: Sales in January or Black Friday can drop to $90-$100.
12. On Running Cloudstratus 3
The On Running Cloudstratus 3 features two layers of CloudTec pods for superior cushioning and impact protection. The Helion superfoam provides energy return, and the engineered mesh upper is lightweight and breathable. It's designed for long-distance training, offering a unique 'on-the-clouds' feel. The sturdy construction ensures durability.
Best Time to Buy: Black Friday or end-of-year clearance for ~$120. Rarely discounted elsewhere.
Pricing Strategies
Wait for Black Friday
Identify desired models and note full prices in October.,Set price alerts on CamelCamelCamel for price drops.,On Black Friday week, check Amazon, Zappos, and brand websites.,Buy early to secure popular sizes.,Use credit card cashback portals for extra savings.
Buy During January Clearance
Search for 'previous model' running shoes on Amazon.,Filter by size and check clearance sections.,Compare prices across retailers using price tracking tools.,Check Amazon Warehouse for open-box deals.,Purchase immediately if a deep discount appears; stock disappears quickly.
Prime Day Shopping
Make a list of desired shoes and add to Amazon wishlist.,Check deal pages an hour before Prime Day starts.,Use the 'Lightning Deals' section for limited-time offers.,Combine with Amazon credit card for extra cashback.,Buy immediately for popular sizes; lightning deals sell out fast.
Buy Previous Generation Models
Follow brand launch dates for new models (e.g., Nike in March, Asics in August).,Search for the outgoing model on Amazon immediately.,Check clearance sections at running specialty stores.,Compare with Amazon Warehouse for near-mint condition shoes.,Act quickly as stock of popular sizes fades.
Stack Discounts & Cashback
Use cashback portals like Rakuten or TopCashback (often 5-10% during sales).,Pay with a credit card offering elevated rewards for Amazon or sporting goods.,Check for coupon codes on RetailMeNot or Honey.,If buying from Amazon, consider using Amazon Smile charity or Prime Store Card.,Combine with Amazon's 'Subscribe & Save' if buying multiple pairs (not applicable usually).
Warehouse & Open-Box Deals
Browse Amazon Warehouse Deals for 'Used - Like New' running shoes.,Check condition descriptions carefully (damaged box, slight wear).,Look for open-box returns from other retailers on eBay or REI Outlet.,Try to buy from Amazon for easy returns if condition isn't acceptable.,Consider refurbished models if available (rare for shoes).
If You Need It Now
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Bottom Line
To save the most money on running shoes, plan your purchase around Black Friday (November) or January clearance sales – you can easily save 40-60% off MSRP. If you need shoes mid-year, Prime Day in July or October offers 20-40% off with a wide selection. Avoid buying new models immediately after launch (spring and fall). For those who can't wait, target previous generation models or Amazon Warehouse deals. The key is to track prices and be ready to buy when the price is right.
FAQ
When is the absolute best time to buy running shoes?
The best time is Black Friday week (late November) and January clearance sales, where you can save 30-60% off MSRP.
What's the worst time to buy running shoes?
The worst time is spring (March-April) and early fall (September-October) when new models are released and prices are at full retail.
How much can I save by waiting for Black Friday?
You can save 30-50% off MSRP on current models, and up to 60% on previous years' models. For a $150 shoe, that's $45-$90 savings.
Are Black Friday deals on running shoes really that good?
Yes, Black Friday is historically the deepest discount period for running shoes, with many models dropping to 40-50% off. It's the best time to buy.
Should I wait for Prime Day or Black Friday?
Black Friday generally has better discounts (30-50% vs. Prime Day's 20-40%). If you can wait until November, Black Friday is superior.
What if I need running shoes right now?
Check Amazon Warehouse Deals for open-box shoes, or buy last year's model on clearance. You can still find 30-50% off if you look for older versions.
How do I track prices for running shoes?
Use CamelCamelCamel (Amazon) or Keepa browser extension. Set a price alert for your target shoe and get notified when it drops.
Are refurbished running shoes worth it?
Refurbished running shoes are rare, but used or open-box shoes can be great value if you inspect them carefully. Amazon Warehouse offers returns if not satisfied.
When do new running shoes models come out?
Most brands release new models in spring (February-March) and fall (August-September). Discounts on previous models happen shortly after.
How much do running shoes prices vary throughout the year?
Prices can fluctuate 40-60% between launch and clearance. A $150 shoe may cost $150 in March, $100 in July Prime Day, $90 in Black Friday, and $75 in January. Timing matters a lot.
Can I get a deal on running shoes at other times of the year?
Yes, but less consistently. Memorial Day in May, Labor Day in September, and occasional clearance sales offer 15-30% off. Use price tracking to catch these.
Are outlet stores a good option for running shoes?
Outlet stores (Nike Factory, Adidas Outlet) often have previous models at 30-50% off year-round. However, compare with online prices as they may not always be the best deal.
How do I spot a fake deal?
Check the price history on CamelCamelCamel. If a 'sale' price is only slightly lower than the average price, it's not a true deal. Also, beware of third-party sellers inflating MSRP.
What's the best way to buy running shoes for a beginner?
For beginners, wait for a sale (Black Friday or Prime Day) and buy a reliable daily trainer like Brooks Ghost or Nike Pegasus. Start with a moderate price ($100-$140) and prioritize comfort.
Do I need to buy the latest model?
No, previous models often have minimal changes and are just as good. You can save 30-60% by buying the version from 1-2 years ago.
Quick Summary
- 📦Category:
Running Shoes