I will never forget how I learned the importance of good running shoes; my shoe was full of blood one run and I thought to myself “no more clearance shoes!” As I gear up to start running again and hopefully run in some races, I made sure I bought the shoes that have proven to be the best shoe for me for long distance training, Saucony Triumph’s.
No, this is not a sponsored post in any way- I used their Boxing Day sale to snag a pair for almost $60 off because I knew I wanted to kick off with the right shoes.
Cheaper is Not Better! No Matter What the Brand
I grew up in a family of five kids so we were always on a budget. When it came time to buy running shoes for track and cross country, we would go to the sporting goods clearance rack and pick out a pair. You can get good brands like Nike and New Balance, but typically you can’t get the running specific brands like Asics or Saucony.
When you’re a teen or in your 20’s you can get away with cheaper shoes because you have a resilient body, but the older you get, the more it messes with your body.
I ran my first half marathon in $30 clearance Nike’s that caused a ton of blisters, bleeding feet during runs, and injury. Never again!
Injury Prevention is Key!
What’s the point of running if you’re going to take time off to deal with injuries due to bad shoes? Every person needs a different type of shoe based on their foot strike, arch type, distance, and running environment, it’s not one size its all!
How to Choose the Right Running Shoe for You
Your best bet is to go to a running store and work with an expert to find the perfect running shoe. If you want to sound more informed, check out this great post from REI ‘How to Choose Running Shoes.‘
Save Money on Good Shoes!
As much as you want to be able to drop a couple hundred on a pair of perfect running shoes, it’s not always possible on a budget. Your best bet is to find out exactly what shoe you need and then shop around. Ways to save money on quality shoes include;
- Join company mailing lists for deals and discounts
- Try Amazon for an older model of the same type of shoe
- Watch for department store sales
Don’t make the mistake I made and run through blisters, blood, shin splints, and sore tendons just to save a buck. I can’t stress enough the importance of good running shoes. Shop smart and get the right shoe!
What’s your go-to running shoe brand?
