Those Risky Close-Out Running Shoes
Is the discount on last year’s model worth it?
Most of us know the basic rule of running shoes — the one that says they should be replaced after 300 to 500 miles of use. When it’s time to buy a new pair, the price may be an unpleasant surprise — especially if it’s been a while since you last shopped for running shoes. So your eyes might wander over to the discounted shoes; once a new model is introduced, previous editions of the same shoe are typically sold for a lower price. After several months, that price can drop even further to clear out old inventory.
I’ve usually tried to pick up my favorite ASICS Gel-Nimbus in the past year’s model to take advantage of those price cuts. A check of their website reveals that the current edition retails for $160-$180 while the prior version can be purchased for $130 — a savings of at least $30.
Saving money may be tempting, but is it a wise decision? It’s important to factor in how long those shoes have been sitting on the store shelf or in the manufacturer’s warehouse. Running shoes don’t just break down during use; they decay even when sitting unused in a box.
