Their best bargains are on the previous year's models. From year to year, manufacturers often change only the cosmetics of a shoe, and that means you can get the same shoe for less.
"This is the Saucony Ride. It is one of the best-selling, neutral cushion shoes. One of Saucony's best characteristics is they have a nice arch," said Bert Gulledge, Luke's Locker manager and buyer.
At just $79 they're a nice deal too. The newer Saucony Ride is $95.
Luke's also has the Adidas Sequence for $100 and its predecessor for only $79. The store also sells the most popular running shoe in America: the Asics 2140 for $100.
We found the Asics 2140 at Academy Sports and Outdoors and The Sports Authority for just $90. Large sporting goods stores often benefit from buying in bulk. At Sports Authority, we saw a ton of great sales on shoes that have newer models coming out.
Sometimes the only thing a manufacturer will change about a shoe is its color. Take these two Nikes for example. The purple one will cost you $85, the blue one only $60.
Sports Authority carries a huge selection of running shoes. These New Balance 993s are popular, but at $140, they're pricey.
Academy's price was even better at just $120. Academy has a lot of brand name running shoes in the $40 range.
One of the best values for runners is the replacement plan at The Sports Authority. For just a few dollars, the store will guarantee your shoe's condition for a year against wear and tear.
For example, $10 insures a $95 shoe. You get a full refund plus tax, even if the shoe color simply fades within a year. That's hundreds of dollars in savings for runners who go through several pairs a year.
The Sports Authority has a great price matching policy too. If you buy them there or see them at another store for less, they will refund the difference. And if you show them a price at another local store, they'll beat it by ten percent.
No matter where you shop, be sure to ask. Just like runners, stores are competitive.
If you saw or read about a shoe that you liked, we have a list of where you can find those shoes here.
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