Why Last Season's Running Shoes Are the Best Budget Buy

If we could give only one piece of advice about saving money on athletic shoes, it would be this: buy the previous version of a good shoe, not the newest version or a cheap no-name alternative. It is the single most reliable way to get a well-made shoe at a meaningfully lower price.

How running shoe cycles work

Most major running shoe brands update their core models on a regular cycle, often roughly once a year, and add a new version number to the name (think "Version 25" followed by "Version 26"). When a new version launches, retailers need to clear stock of the old one, and that is when markdowns happen.

The key point is that year-to-year changes are often modest. A new version might have a redesigned upper, a slightly different foam blend, a new heel shape or simply new colors. Sometimes the update is significant, but often the previous version is very close to the new one in how it feels and performs. Paying full price for a small update is optional.

Why this beats buying a cheap alternative

It is tempting to skip the brand names and buy the cheapest shoe that looks similar. For casual wear, that can be fine. But for regular running or all-day walking, the established models usually have:

• More durable midsole foams that hold their cushioning longer
• Better-engineered outsoles with harder-wearing rubber in high-wear zones
• Consistent sizing from version to version
• Wide-width options in many core models
• Years of public feedback, so you know what you are getting

A discounted previous-generation daily trainer often costs similar to, or only a little more than, a budget alternative, and it may last considerably longer. That is exactly what our cost-per-wear guide is about.

How to find last season's model

1. Identify the model line, not the version. Decide which shoe line suits you, for example a neutral daily trainer or a stability shoe. If you are unsure of the difference, start with our guide to midsole foams.
2. Check the current version number. Look at the brand's own site to see which version is current.
3. Search for the previous number. Search retailers for the model name with the previous version number.
4. Compare a few sellers. Prices on older models vary a lot between retailers, and they fall unevenly as stock runs low.
5. Be flexible on color. The least popular colorways usually get the deepest markdowns. Your feet do not care what color the shoe is.

When the timing is best

Markdowns on the outgoing version typically start around the time the new version launches and deepen as stock thins out. If you need a common size, waiting a few weeks after launch can pay off. If you need an uncommon size or a wide fit, do not wait too long: those sizes can sell out early. Our guide to the best time of year to buy shoes covers seasonal patterns in more detail.

When not to buy last season's model

• When the update fixed a known problem. Sometimes a new version addresses a common complaint about durability or fit. Read about what changed before deciding.
• When the old version is very old. Shoes sitting in a warehouse for several years are not ideal. Foam and adhesives age even when shoes are unworn. A one- or two-generation-old model is a sweet spot; a five-generation-old model from a marketplace seller is a gamble.
• When the price is not actually lower. Occasionally an outgoing version is priced the same as the new one. There is no reason to buy older stock at full price.

Buying safely

Older models of popular shoes are a target for counterfeiters, especially on marketplaces. Stick to the brand's own site, established retailers, or marketplace listings sold or shipped by the retailer itself. Our guide on how to spot fake sneakers online covers the warning signs.

Also check the return policy. Even if you know your size in the new version, a previous version may fit slightly differently if the upper changed.

A quick example of the thinking

Suppose a popular neutral trainer launches its new version at full price. The previous version has the same intended use and a similar midsole, with a different upper. A few weeks later, the old version is widely available at a clear discount in less popular colors. If you liked the shoe before, or reviews of the previous version suit your needs, that is your buy. You get a proven shoe for substantially less, and you can buy the new version next year at a discount too.

The bottom line

Pick a good model line, then buy the version that just became "last year's." Be flexible on color, buy from reputable sellers, and avoid stock that is many years old. It is the closest thing to a free lunch in footwear.