clearance running shoes

How To Find Best Clearance Running Shoes

For a runner like yourself, you know how it can be a pain at times to have to go out and pick a new pair of running shoes to wear. Especially if you tend to run a lot every day each week, then it is natural to have your favorite running shoes wear out sooner than later. Generally speaking, running shoes need to be replaced after 300 to 500 miles, or roughly after six months.

In the past, you have probably went out and purchased brand-new running shoes to wear, thinking that they are the best option to have. However, we are here to tell you that there is more to it than just new running shoes—in fact, you might also want to consider getting clearance running shoes. Might sound taboo to purist runners, but they can actually be good for you.

Whether new or used, clearance running shoes are a great option to choose without having to break the bank for quality and comfort. In this article, we will teach you just how to shop savvy for the best pair, and you will be breaking out a sweat from running in no time!

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Picking out different types of clearance running shoes

You might be surprised to discover that there are different types of clearance running shoes to choose from in the market. Granted, they are all considered running shoes in the end, but when it comes to the style, quality, and use, they can widely differ in that respect.

That said, we list here just two of the main differences to keep an eye out for the next time you walk into the store:

1. Brand-new clearance running shoes.

Considered on-par with new running shoes which have not been marked down, these particular clearance running shoes are done so after a long period of not being purchased, as well as the need to make room for a new batch of running shoes to hit the shelves later on.

Related Post : How To Choose The Best Nike Running Shoes

2. Used clearance running shoes.

On the other hand, you would usually find these type of running shoes at a thrift shop. This is not to say that they have been worn down by its former users, but rather used once or twice before being donated to charity, thereby rendering them still in good condition. They tend to be on the inexpensive side, but when it comes to choice and quality, they are much more limited than their brand-new counterparts.

What to look for in clearance running shoes

Now that you have an idea of what to expect in types of clearance running shoes, it is time to go ahead and look into getting the best one for you. While it is no secret that you will need to consider the general features, e.g. size, shape, fit, there are also little details you will need to check out before diving in and getting what you want.

Here, we list some specific tips and tricks to find the best clearance running shoes for you:

1. Check the store itself.

As you walk into the store, take a look at how it organizes the clearance shoe section—is it messy or relatively kept up? Psychologically-speaking, a messy store is sure to leave a not-so-good impression on the buyer, which can lead to more of a headache when digging through the piles of marked-off running shoes.

Therefore, it helps to make a few trips to two or three different stores which offer clearance running shoes. After all, you do not have to limit yourself to just one, and it gives you more options to choose from in the end.

2. Brand-new versus used shoes.

Referring to the discussion in the previous section, choosing between brand-new and used running shoes can be an interesting process. While it might be natural to go for the former, the latter can sometimes yield surprisingly positive results. Ultimately, this depends on personal taste, so whatever you choose to get, make sure it makes you comfortable.

Especially for beginners, this video is helpful to start off when picking a running shoe: 

3. Look at the markdown price.

Of course, what is a clearance without looking at the markdown price of the running shoe? While it is expected that prices will be lowered, just how much will depend on the store and the shoe itself.

Generally-speaking, a good markdown price hovers around 40 to 60 percent of the original price, if not even more. It also comes down to your budget, so if the shoe is still too pricey for you even after the markdown, then it is best to look somewhere else.

4. Check the brand name.

While some people could care less about brand-name running shoes, you will surprise yourself by leaning towards familiar brand names like Nike or Adidas when searching through the pile of shoes.

We are naturally drawn to things we know, and while such brands might yield good quality shoes (as well as great clearance prices), it is also not a bad idea to look at smaller-brand running shoes which not only can be less expensive, but also just as good quality as the big brand names. It will be up to you to decide whether you care about the shoe’s reputation or about how it feels on your feet, all within the scope of pricing and purchasing.

5. Test out the running shoes.

Just like with any of your local specialty running stores, you should have no problem in testing out clearance running shoes right then and there. Just slip them on and walk around in them for a few steps.

While walking, pay close attention to the shoe’s traction, along with its suppleness and support on the arches and heels. These few details will make all the difference when it comes to finding the most-comfortable and best-priced running shoes from the clearance aisle, soon-to-be used for hitting the road on your next run.

This other video can help you get an idea of what to expect before looking into clearance running shoes: 

Related Post How To Clean Running Shoes? We Have 5 Easy Steps To Help You.

Top 5 (plus one!) best clearance running shoes

Skechers Sport Men's Energy Afterburn Lace-Up Sneaker

Marked down significantly from its original price, Skechers’ Sport Men’s Energy Afterburn Lace-Up sneaker is sure to please you (and your wallet) in purchasing it for your next run. Besides that, it has your usual leather and synthetic material combination, thereby keeping it flexible and tough at the same time, so that you do not need to worry about it wearing down on you too soon. It is all supportive, with a sole unit that will keep it nicely-snugged and contained to prevent slippage should you run a lot.

Pros

  • Made from leather and synthetic material for flexibility and durability.
  • Is all-supportive with a sole unit for snugness and anti-slippage features.
  • Has a padded tongue and collar for security and breathability.

Cons

  • Width size is rather on the narrow side.
  • Toe box room is slightly limited.

Opinion

When it comes to finding the best clearance running shoe out there, I am especially picky in my searching process. However, Skechers’ Sport Men’s Energy Afterburn Lace-up sneaker did a decent job in keeping my feet snug and supported inside of its pair, and its clearance price was very reasonable. The sole unit, along with the padded tongue and collar, offered excellent security, even during the hardest runs out there. I was not impressed, however, with the toe box room, which cramped my toes in the limited space.

PUMA Men's Super Elevate Running Shoe

Up to 79 percent off, PUMA Men’s Super Elevate running shoe is a surefire pair that gives you a lot to work with at an incredible markdown price. Feature-wise, it consists of a synthetic, rubber sole which generates flexibility and comfort, able to keep you well on your feet all day. It also consists of textured, Formstrip overlays alongside the shoe for balance and support, which comes in handy especially during rocky terrain or sandy runs along the beach. The heel drop is a mere 2.25 inches, which makes for a low-to-the ground experience that imitates the natural foot’s gait, thereby preventing self-induced injuries from happening often.

Pros

  • Consists of a synthetic, rubber sole that generates flexibility and comfort.
  • Has textured, Formstrip overlays along the shoe for balance and support through rough terrain running.
  • Has a heel drop of only 2.25 inches, thereby imitating the natural foot’s gait to reduce chances of getting injured from an unnatural running gait.

Cons

  • Too tight around the laces, even when loosened up.
  • Not made from breathable material, which can be stifling at times.

Opinion

PUMA Men’s Super Elevate running shoe was at a remarkable markdown price when I first purchased it, and after trying them on and putting them to use, I have to say that it excels in flexibility and comfort, thanks to the synthetic and rubber sole combination. I also enjoyed its texture, Formstrip overlays for stability, especially when I am weaving through dirt trails. The low heel drop is much appreciated, too, as I am able to correct my running gait into a more natural form. My few gripes with this running pair is that it is rather tight near the laces, even when I have loosened them up, as well as the fact that it is made from mostly plastic, thereby limiting air flow and circulation throughout the shoe itself.

Saucony Originals Men's Jazz Low Pro Vegan Sneaker

With a retro feel to it, Saucony Originals Men’s Jazz low-pro vegan sneaker is definitely a stylish pair to have, but what it has going for aesthetics, it also does the same in practicality. In other words, it offers unique materials such as canvas and hemp to create a vegan sneaker for vegan activists (since most pairs of shoes are made from leather, which is not animal-friendly). It is for a good cause, and besides that, its padded surface and durable rubber outsole make for a comfortable pair to run in anytime.

Pros

  • Offers a retro, stylish feel to the overall shoe-wearing experience.
  • Made from vegan-friendly materials like canvas and hemp for environment purposes.
  • Provides the basic comforts to help you run smoothly and safely.

Cons

  • Does not come with much arch support on its own.
  • Threading tends to come apart quite easily.

Opinion

Saucony Originals Men’s Jazz low-pro vegan sneaker was a pleasant surprise to discover when digging through the heaps of clearance running shoes. I am glad that I found it, though, because they are not only rather retro stylish, but also great on comfort and a great message concerning the vegan community. While I am not vegan myself, I have found the idea of putting it in shoe form quite ingenious, and I have to say it has been quite a pleasant wear. Granted, I do wish that it came with better arch support, and the canvas material is a bit flimsy at times.

Saucony Originals Women's Jazz Low Pro Vegan Retro Sneaker

Just like its men’s version, this Saucony Originals for women is also designed as a retro, vegan sneaker, which helps to create an all-inclusive, animal-friendly environment in which people can still wear shoes that are comfortable and durable, all without being made from leather. As it goes with its male counterpart, this running shoe is made from canvas and hemp as well, along with a 3-inch heel drop that offers support for moderately pronated arches. It also comes with a mesh interior, thereby ensuring a well-circulated environment inside of the shoe.

Pros

  • Is made from vegan material for an animal and environmentally-friendly cause.
  • Consists of a 3-inch heel drop to support moderately pronated arches.
  • Comes with a mesh interior for better breathability.

Cons

  • Is quite stiff in terms of flexibility and range.
  • Does not absorb sweat well, leaving an odor in the process.

Opinion

This women’s version of the Saucony Originals low-pro vegan retro sneaker was distinctive for me in comparison with the men’s version, for I felt the heel drop (at around 3 inches) to be good on my arches and joints, which tend to have a history of injuries. I also really appreciated the mesh interior to keep things flowing, but it could have done a better job as it did not absorb sweat very well in the process.

Easy Spirit Women's Romy Sneaker

With a heel drop as low as 0.5 inches, Easy Spirit’s women’s Romy sneaker offers another low-to-the-ground feature to mimic the natural gait of the foot, so that you can go about staying healthy sans impacted injuries. It is versatile for both running and walking, and it comes with a cushioned foam sockliner to keep the arches supported and comfortable when performing your very best, whether on the field or at home.

Pros

  • Has a heel drop of 0.5 inches for correcting natural running gait.
  • Versatile for both running and walking.
  • Comes with a cushioned foam sockliner for supporting arches.

Cons

  • Not ideal for serious walkers or runners.
  • Might be hard on people with weak joints.

Opinion

Easy Spirit Women’s Romy sneaker is great for casual runs and walks, as I soon got to find out once I slipped them on for a short, two-mile jog around the block. The low heel drop helped correct my running gait and have since been relatively injured-free. The cushioned foam sockliner is a plus, too, but I would advise those with weak joints or more dedicated runners to add an insole for better support, as the shoe itself does not accommodate for that.

Adidas Performance s-Flex K Running Shoe

Marked down significantly, Adidas Performance s-Flex K running shoe offers a textile upper for a lightweight and breathable experience. Aside from that, it has supportive, 3-stripe midsole panels for stability, even when running along uneven surfaces. Finally, it comes in an assorted array of bright colors, which not only show style, but also help with visibility when running on the road.

Pros

  • Has a textile upper for lightweight and breathability.
  • Consists of 3-strip midsole panels for stability along uneven terrain.
  • Comes with different, brightly-colored options for style and visibility.

Cons

  • Hole for the laces are a bit fragile, subjected to break easily.
  • Color prints can be irregular for some models.

Opinion

Adidas Performance s-Flex K running shoe were wonderfully lightweight, as well as breathable. I especially appreciated the 3-strip midsole panels, for they stabilized me as I ran through trails and beach sand during my workouts. I also liked the various colorful options to choose from, even if some were rather inconsistent. Durability for the lace holes could be improved as well.

Conclusion

Altogether, clearance running shoes are surprisingly underrated in the world of shoes, for they can offer so much potential in quality and utility. Not only that, but also they are a great deal for your wallet, all the while serving up a good running experience in the long term.

If you have found our article useful, we encourage you to leave your thoughts in the Comments. You are also welcomed to share it with friends and family members who might find it useful. Enjoy!

References

http://www.runnersworld.com/running-shoes/new-website-finds-cheapest-running-shoes-on-the-web-irking-some-running-stores

https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/life/wellness/finding-cheap-running-shoes/

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