In these recessionary times, I wanted to share some money saving techniques for running shoes. Running shoes are probably the most expensive purchase that a runner will make excluding travel to races. I never purchase shoes when they are first released. I wait 9 to 18 months after their release to purchase them. At that time, savings will be significant.
An example is the ASICS 2100 series. The newest release is the 2150 and it retails for about $100. Last year’s release, the 2140, is now discounted at about $80. The release from two years ago, the 2130 (what I will use to run today) , can be purchased for about $60. The even older 2120 is selling in the $30 range.
Why even buy the new editions? In my experience, I don’t feel the difference between the new and old editions. Just wait a few months to save a significant percentage.
BTW, last month I bought for $49 the Nike Air Pegasus 25+ that used to retail at $85 .
Only watchout is, especially in hot areas, very old shoes would have their foam cushion significantly degrade. I wouldn’t recommend anything past 1-1.5 years. Case in point- Anne (my wife) had a very seldom used pair of Nike running shoes. After about 2 years stored in a cabinet, the foam had dried up and crumbled.
Comment by Pablo — December 6, 2009 @ 3:32 am