Best Running Shoe Deals: 11 Discounted Picks Worth Grabbing Right Now

Introduction

When a new generation of running shoes launches, the previous models usually drop in price fast. That makes this one of the best windows of the year to buy, because several of these discounted shoes are still better than plenty of brand-new releases at full price. This roundup covers eleven shoes currently on sale, split between casual walking cruisers, do-it-all daily trainers, and plated speed options.

On Cloud Eclipse: Discounted Max Cushion Cruiser

The On Cloud Eclipse is a rare case of a current model being heavily discounted, dropping from $180 to around $140. It is On’s max cushion shoe designed for relaxed miles, with cloud tech pods in the midsole that compress underfoot to create a soft, comfortable landing even though the foam itself is not especially soft. Add a nice rocker and a lightweight summer-friendly upper, and it is an easy shoe to like.

This is one of the better walking shoes available right now, and it works well for relaxed mileage and city strolls. It is serviceable for running, but the cloud tech pods are not the most durable foundation, so it tends to max out around 90 minutes of running. As a casual-use shoe with genuine swag, it is a strong pick at this price.

Brooks Ghost Max: A Walking Favorite Facing a Redesign

The Brooks Ghost Max sits in a curious spot: the Ghost Max 2 has just launched with a reworked midsole foam tuned more for running, which makes the original version even more appealing if you loved what made it special. The original was tuned superbly for walking, with a gentle roll and a comfortable, structured ride.

If you can still find the first version discounted, it is worth considering, especially if your priority is walking and casual use rather than running performance. The concern with the new version is that tuning the foam toward running could dilute the walking-first character that made the original great.

Brooks Glycerin Max: The Ultimate Walking Shoe Deal

At $120, the Brooks Glycerin Max is possibly the most comfortable shoe in this entire roundup. It edges out even the most cushioned Hokas and the New Balance 1080 for walking, thanks to deep cushioning and a nice, gentle roll that tips you forward with every step.

The outsole rubber also brings solid durability, and it handles casual running and recovery mileage without complaint. If you spend long hours on your feet, it is the kind of shoe worth buying a second pair of. For nurses, doctors, or anyone else who stands and walks all day, this is the standout deal here.

Puma Deviate Nitro 2: The Do-It-All Running Banger

With the Deviate Nitro 3 now out at $160, the Deviate Nitro 2 has become one of the better value propositions in running. It delivers a soft, bouncy ride with a plate for stability and a slightly firmer foam in the heel, keeping that touch of playful, slightly unstable fun that made the early versions of this shoe so beloved.

The outsole grip is excellent, to the point where this shoe has been taken hiking and performed well. It is a true do-it-all option: walking, hiking, gym, trail, track. It feels a touch lighter and softer than the new version, which favors more forefoot cushion. If you want an everyday trainer or speed training shoe that can handle everything else too, this is a great pick at a discount.

Saucony Triumph 21: A Long Run Bargain

At $120, the Saucony Triumph 21 is still one of the best non-plated long run shoes available. The midsole is identical to the Triumph 20, with only a slight upper update, and the ride is bouncy and easy, softening up nicely as miles accumulate. It even holds its own against some of the more hyped max-stack options for long runs.

Two things to watch: the 10mm drop can feel high at first, though it tends to fade in noticeability as the run goes on, and the heel is a bit narrow, which makes it a poor choice for walkers or anyone with stability concerns. For fast miles, marathon training, or high-mileage base building, it is hard to beat at this price.

Nike Pegasus 40: Simple, Dependable, and Cheap

There is never a reason to buy a Pegasus at full price when previous models are always on sale, and the Pegasus 40 can currently be found for around $70 to $80. It uses the same React midsole as the Pegasus 39, and it is a shoe that many actually prefer to the current model’s feel.

This is the simple shoe in this list: no rocker, no gimmicks, a ride that stays connected to the ground. It handles casual use and easy running well, works as a solid travel shoe, and comes in plenty of colorways on sale. It will not blow you away, but that is exactly the point of the Pegasus.

Adidas Supernova Rise: Comfort-First Daily Trainer

The Adidas Supernova Rise targets the same everyday-trainer purpose as the Pegasus but adds more comfort. It is a soft, nice-rolling shoe that shines for recovery runs and for runners building mileage, say stepping up from 60-minute runs to 90-minute efforts, without anything feeling weird or aggressive underfoot.

The classic 10mm drop suits heel strikers, and support rods in the forefoot give it decent pep when you pick up the pace, though it is not a speed training shoe. On sale for under $100, it is a super comfortable daily trainer that can double as a walking shoe.

Hoka Mach 5: The Summer Cruiser

Under $100 right now, the Hoka Mach 5 is a go-to summer shoe. The firmer bottom layer of foam reinforces the rocker profile and helps the shoe stand up to mileage better than softer alternatives, with a softer foam on top for comfort. One pair logged a full 300 miles and held up well, front and back, despite doubters claiming it would not last.

The ride is soft with decent cushioning, and it handled long runs of up to two hours. Compared to the Deviate Nitro 2, it is more comfortable, more planted, and noticeably more stable, with a wider base and none of the side-to-side wobble. If you need a fun, fast summer cruiser, this is it.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3: Still the Best of the Line

The Endorphin Speed 3 is here out of respect for what the Speed line did for Saucony. The newer Speed 4 feels disconnected, with a sloppy upper, while the Speed 3 is smooth, bouncy, lightweight, and simply fun to run in. It is arguably the best version of the Speed franchise to date, with added stability and versatility over the Speed 2.

The typical Saucony narrow fit is the main caveat, though wide versions are also discounted. At $120, it can still go head-to-head with any of the newer plated speed trainers, and it works as a marathon race shoe for lighter runners. A discounted prior-gen shoe beats a mediocre new one at $180 every time.

New Balance Propel V5: Plated Performance at MSRP Value

The New Balance Propel V5 is the exception to the discount rule: at $120 MSRP, it is simply a deal on its own terms. The original launch price was $170, and newer plated trainers now sit at $180, which makes this a lot of shoe for the money. The FuelCell-based supercritical EVA midsole is very soft and forgiving, paired with a plastic plate for pop and stability, plus a generous amount of rubber that has seen previous versions reach 500 to 600 miles for some runners.

It is a smooth, good-looking do-it-all shoe that even handled a 16-mile double day comfortably. It was not the absolute fastest option in testing, but it could genuinely run fast. The main downside is stability: the soft foam is not the most supportive, so it is not the right choice for anyone managing plantar issues or stability concerns. For healthy, fresh legs and moderate mileage, it is excellent value.

Craft Pacer: An Undiscovered Gem at $80

The Craft Pacer, on sale for $80, is the shoe the Saucony Triumph 22 arguably should have been. Compared to the Triumph, it offers a similar stack but a wider base, a slightly taller ride, and a roomier upper, while keeping a nice bouncy feel and a pleasant rocker up front.

The foam runs slightly firmer, which is a good thing here: firmer shoes hold up better over time, under pace, and under heavier runners than soft shoes that bottom out. If you found the Mach 5 or Mach 6 too soft, this is a strong speed training or daily option. It is lightweight, has decent rubber coverage, and the fit has a bit of extra length. Craft does not get much attention among the big marketing machines, which makes this undiscovered gem an easy recommendation for anyone wanting to try a different brand.

Conclusion

The thread running through this list is simple: a $120 shoe from a previous generation is often a better buy than a brand-new $180 release. Whether you want a plush walking shoe like the Glycerin Max, a do-it-all trainer like the Deviate Nitro 2, or a plated bargain like the Endorphin Speed 3 or Propel V5, there is real value available right now. Match the shoe to your actual use case, and you can save a lot without compromising performance.