Spring is the perfect time to stock up on gear at a discount. Winter gear like mittens and gloves are on sale. Fleece running tights, vests, and jackets are discounted. And last year’s shoes are on clearance too. There’s nothing wrong with buying last year’s anything, particularly if it works for you. Shoes are sometimes updated for the better, but if you like the “old” version, that’s an easy way to save 30-50% on shoes!
I’ve never paid full price for a pair of running shoes because I always wait for the version I like to go on sale. Now that I work at a running store, I’m also much more in tune with gear and apparel sales. I’ve put together a list of my favorite items on sale this spring so you don’t have to scour the internet yourself!
When you can, shop local. I’ve linked to REI*, Backcountry*, Amazon* or the brand itself here. Take a screenshot of anything you’re interested in and bring it to your local running store to see if they’ll price match. Most often, they will! And you don’t have to deal with the hassle of buying something without trying it on.
Saucony Peregrine 12 – 40-55% off depending on color. This is one of my favorite trail running shoes. The traction is incredible, the upper fabric fits like a glove, and Saucony makes super durable shoes with great design. If Backcountry doesn’t have your size, try Amazon, Saucony (men’s only), or REI.
Patagonia Houdini Jacket: 40% off last year’s colors. If you live somewhere windy, this is a perfect spring-fall-winter layer. It’s almost always windy in Colorado (except in the summer when I need a cool breeze), and I wear this super light windproof layer on almost every run. Sizes are super limited in this unfortunately since it first went on sale at the beginning of February.
Saucony Solstice Tight: 25% off. These are my go-to winter tights. They’re incredibly warm and have lots of pockets. They are true to size, but I will warn you it can be a lot of wiggling to get into them. Once they’re on, they’re on and don’t budge (or make you feel like a sausage in a casing).
Rabbit Zip n’ Zoom Vest: 30% off. Rabbit is notoriously expensive, but make excellent quality clothes. This vest is an awesome windblocker that let’s your armpits breath (important for me as a heavy sweater). This is maybe less versatile than the Houdini jacket, but if you get hot easily, could be a better fit. It’s 50% off at Runners Roost Golden, so check your local running store for the best deals!
Brooks Run Bras: 35-50% off various styles in select colors. Brooks has a huge selection of great running bras on sale (last year’s colors). My favorites are the Drive Interlace bra (this REALLY straps you in, so great when you’ve got sore boobs from PMS or for longer runs). I also love the Drive 3 Pocket bra because the high neck gives me great protection from the sun.
All of these come with the huge caveat that that running industry is not good at inclusive sizing. Rabbit in particular only goes up to XL. Brooks is the one company doing a decent job. This is a hard problem to solve, but also leaves out a huge portion of runners that should be able to find high-quality running apparel. Despite how running brands may make you feel, ALL bodies are running bodies. There is no one way to look like a runner.
Please let me know what other brands you recommend in the comments!
*REI, Amazon, and Backcountry links are affiliate links. This costs you no extra money and I don’t get any of your personal information. I do get a small commission (that again costs you nothing extra) if you use one of these links to buy something.
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