Best Running Shoe Bargains August 2024: Seven Deals Worth a Look

Introduction

Some of the best value in running shoes right now is not in this season’s headline releases but in last season’s models and overlooked daily trainers. This roundup collects seven discounted options spotted at retailers, covering everything from a budget-friendly daily shoe at 52 pounds to big-stack carbon racers at deep discounts. Each has real strengths, and a few have quirks worth knowing about before you commit.

Nike Vero 17: An Overlooked Daily Trainer

The Vero 17 might be one of Nike’s most overlooked options at the moment. It combines a ZoomX layer on top with a Cushlon 3.0 layer beneath it, plus an outsole inspired by the old waffle-iron patterns from the Tailwind era. Lockdown is excellent, the tongue is nicely padded, and the weight is reasonable for a daily shoe. It can even handle longer runs if you want extra cushioning without air units in the midsole. At 100 pounds, down from 145 at SportsShoes, with multiple colorways including a fresh Summit White, Thunder Blue and Total Orange version, it looks far from retired.

Mizuno Wave Rebellion 2: A Gamble at the Right Price

The Wave Rebellion 2 has not quite taken off with the mainstream, largely because of its very left-field design. Two different Mizuno foams sit stacked on top of each other, creating a massive platform underfoot with a reported 1.5mm drop, which is close to zero. For anyone curious about this outlandish-looking shoe, 126 pounds down from 210 is a considerably less risky entry point, especially with near-full size runs in the white and Harbor Mist version.

Puma Fast Forward Nitro Elite: A Characterful Speed Machine

This 5K and 10K blaster uses Puma’s Nitro Elite foam and an unconventional, upswept toe geometry designed to maximize turnover and speed up your cadence. Feedback from runners suggests it works better for midfoot landings than for those who run up on their toes. The Psychedelic Rush colorway only released a few months back, so at 126 pounds down from 210 with plenty of sizes, this is a characterful design that traditionalists tend to hesitate on, but one that rewards experimentation.

Puma Velocity Nitro 2: Great Value Daily Training

If you want something more traditional, the Velocity Nitro 2 is superb value. At 52 pounds from an original price of around 105, this cushioned lower-stack daily trainer offers excellent grip; Puma Grip genuinely elevates it against its contemporaries. The tongue padding is generous, though watch the fit: it tapers a little toward the toe box on the lateral side, so consider going up half a size. It has become the go-to affordable daily option of recent years, with loads of colorways and size runs available at Start Fitness. For beginners or anyone after a dedicated daily shoe, it is hard to beat.

Adidas Takumi Sen 9: A Track-Style Racer with More Cushion

At 109 pounds down from 170 at Start Fitness, the Takumi Sen 9 is a superb iteration of this Adizero racer. Think of a track shoe with far more cushion and pop from the Light Strike Pro midsole. Continental rubber delivers outstanding traction, and the glove-like upper is as refined as ever in this model. A bonus: Light Strike Pro foam improves with age, softening slightly over the miles without the degradation you get from some other foams. With around three colorways available, most runners should find their size.

Adidas Adizero Prime X: Massive Stack, Propulsive Ride

For those who like Light Strike Pro but want more stack, the original Adizero Prime X at 159 pounds delivers. Think of an Adios Pro 2 with an even larger stack, upwards of 50mm, and a very forgiving midsole that is still propulsive and exciting. The breathable, super-thin upper holds up well, and the Continental outsole is among the most durable rubber available, with forefoot ridges that help with toe-off. Just watch the turns, and note this is strictly a shoe for neutral foot strikes: anyone with pronation issues should probably avoid it. Originally around 220 to 230 pounds, this is close to the last place on the internet with a full size run.

Asics Metaspeed Edge Plus: Last Year’s Racer, This Year’s Deal

At 140 pounds down from 215, the Metaspeed Edge Plus is an excellent deal for a carbon-plated racer that works in training too. The outsole is similar to the current Metaspeed series, and the midsole is a careful tuning of Flight Foam Turbo: nylon-based, a little more responsive and bouncy, with plenty of propulsion. The carbon plate curves more in the forefoot, closer in feel to what you might find in the Vaporfly. Almost all sizes were available at the time of the deals, and if you enjoy picking up last year’s race offerings, this one is right up your street. The Sky version of this platform has delivered some seriously fast 10K and half marathon personal bests, which says a lot about how these shoes perform.

Buying Advice

If you want one shoe for everyday training, the Velocity Nitro 2 is the safest and cheapest bet. If you want a racer without spending a fortune, the Metaspeed Edge Plus and Takumi Sen 9 both offer genuine race-day performance at big discounts. The Wave Rebellion 2, Fast Forward Nitro Elite and Prime X suit runners who like trying distinctive designs, while the Vero 17 is a well-rounded pick for anyone loyal to Nike’s daily trainers. Availability and prices on older models change quickly, so if something catches your eye, it is worth acting sooner rather than later.

Conclusion

Last season’s racers and underappreciated daily trainers are where the value lives right now. Whether you need a dependable everyday shoe or a big-stack race weapon, at least one of these seven should fit the bill and your budget.