How to Buy Last Season's Running Shoes and Save $60

The best running shoe deal available at any given time is last season's version of a current model — same midsole compound, same fit, $40–80 cheaper — and Running Warehouse clears previous versions within 4–6 weeks of a new model launch.

Why last season's running shoes are the best value in the category

Running brands update their flagship models on 12-month cycles. The update between version N and version N+1 is almost always cosmetic and marketing-driven: new colorways, minor upper mesh revision, and a new model number. The midsole compound — the part that determines cushioning, energy return, and ride feel — rarely changes between adjacent versions. Hoka Clifton 9 and Clifton 8 use the same PROFLY+ midsole compound. Brooks Ghost 16 and Ghost 15 use the same DNA LOFT v3 foam. The runner who buys Ghost 15 at $80 instead of Ghost 16 at $130 is wearing the same shoe with last year's colorway. For current full-price recommendations, see our [GPS running watch editors pick](/gps-running-watch-editors-pick).

Step 1: Identify the current model number

Go to the brand's website and note the current model number (Clifton 9, Ghost 16, Gel-Nimbus 26). The previous version (Clifton 8, Ghost 15, Gel-Nimbus 25) is the target. Search Running Warehouse, Road Runner Sports, and Fleet Feet for the previous version number specifically.

Step 2: Time your purchase to the new model launch

Previous-version clearance deepens over 8–12 weeks after a new model launches. Week 1–2 post-launch: 20–30% discount. Week 4–6: 30–40% discount. Week 8–12: 40–50% discount, but popular sizes (men's 10–11, women's 8–9) sell out. Buy at week 4–6 for the best combination of discount and size availability.

Step 3: Verify the midsole compound hasn't changed

Check the brand's tech page or a running specialty review comparing both versions. Specific flags that signal a meaningful update worth paying for: new foam compound name (Nike switching from React to ZoomX), new plate geometry (carbon plate added), or significant stack height change (more than 3mm). Colorway update, new upper mesh pattern, and minor overlay changes — not worth the premium.

Which running shoe models update most predictably?

Hoka Clifton (annual, January–February launch), Brooks Ghost (annual, spring), ASICS Gel-Kayano (annual, fall), Nike Pegasus (annual, spring), Saucony Ride (annual, spring). All of these follow predictable 12-month cycles, making previous-version timing straightforward. Less predictable: New Balance Fresh Foam series and On Running models, which update on 18–24 month cycles with more meaningful changes between versions.

Are outlet running shoes the same as previous season models?

Not always. Brand outlet stores (Nike Clearance, Brooks Outlet, ASICS Outlet) sell a mix of previous-season regular models, outlet-exclusive models made with lower-grade materials, and true factory seconds. Outlet-exclusive models use the same branding as mainline models but different, cheaper materials — they're not the same product. Check the model number against the mainline catalog before buying from an outlet.

How do you know if a running shoe is truly discontinued?

A shoe is discontinued (not just previous-season) when the brand removes it from their website entirely and no new version is released. Discontinued models sell at 50–70% discount at closeout retailers (Running Warehouse Closeouts, Zappos clearance). The risk: fit and support systems may be genuinely outdated. Avoid discontinued shoes more than 2 model generations old — foam technology advances enough over 3+ years to make them meaningfully worse than current options.