By Brian Metzler
‘Tis the season to start thinking about next year’s running goals. But before 2024 rolls around, it’s time to collect some Black Friday deals.
If you’re a runner looking for shoes and gear, I would highly recommend visiting your local specialty running store. Your neighborhood shop probably has its own Black Friday deals as it tries to clear out a lot of 2023 shoes at a discount, not to mention special deals set up for Small Business Saturday.
The best thing about visiting your local running store is that you’ll gain so much more than a transactional moment of buying shoes at a discount. You’ll not only get expert shoe-fitting service, but you’ll also be inspired by seeing other local runners buying shoes and overhear them talking about their running goals. You’ll likely engage with people in your local running community, get motivated to begin a training program, learn about the store’s weekly fun runs, and so much more. Local running shops are still the lifeblood of running, both as a sport and as a community-oriented activity.
When it comes to Black Friday deals, if you plan on shopping from your keyboard, your first online stop should be at RunningWarehouse. This well-stocked running shop has been offering great deals on shoes during its Black Friday Week sale that began last weekend. A quick search turned up a $150 discount on a Garmin Forerunner 245 GPS watch, 25 percent off all Saucony shoes and apparel, $50 off select colors of the Nike Streakfly and several high-quality shoes available for less than $100.
Fleet Feet tends to downplay online discounts to support its brick-and-mortar stores around the U.S., but if you go to the Clearance tab on its website you’ll find $25 to $40 discounts on a lot of great shoes – including the Brooks Glycerin 20, ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25, Hoka Rincon 3, New Balance FreshFoam 1080v12 and more. If you’re looking for gifts for the runners on your list, consider buying a Fleet Feet Gift Card, which can be used at any of the 250+ Fleet Feet stores across the country.
Every runner knows the best running headphones are made by Shokz and if you sign up for the brand’s email newsletters on Friday, you can get 30% off a new pair of wireless Open Run ($90) or Open Run Pro ($125) models.
Nike has a lot of great running gear at a discount, both in its closeouts section and via its Black Friday promotion. (Use code: BlackFriday to get an extra 25% off already reduced items!) Tracksmith is having a sitewide sale with up to 40% off, but if you use HARVEST20 at checkout you can get an additional 20% off.
Adidas launched its Black Friday Sale earlier this week with discounts up to 70% off. That includes 40% off Yoga Studio Luxe 7 Leggings, 60% off Ultraboost Light Running Shoes and Adidas Terrex Speed Trail Running Shoes for just $72. Craft is having a flash sale and some of its most popular baselayer and midlayer tops are up to 60% off.
On Running is one of the fastest-growing shoe brands in the world, but did you know they make great running apparel with the same clean designs and technical precision? As part of its Buy One, Get One, Give One promotion, it’s offering a two-for-one sale that includes a donation to one of its Right to Run partners aimed at providing better access to runners who don’t have easy access to the sport.
The Black Friday Sale at BrooksRunning has loads of deals on shoes and apparel, including 25% off the comfy Luxe Hoodie pullover and 47% off Hyperion Tempo shoes. For its Black Friday sale, Lululemon is blowing out everything: running shorts, running tights, running T-shirts and sports bras.
There are several other running and outdoor brands having big sales this weekend, including Arc’Teryx, New Balance and Puma.Visit the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series website to get great discounts on Lululemon race apparel. You can get a really cool Eliud Kipchoge T-shirt or artist print for 20% off at the Team NN site. Also, The Harrier, a running-inspired casual brand of clothing that launched in 2020, is closing its doors for good on Dec. 10, so it’s blowing out its final inventory this weekend.
Finally, check out Amazon for crazy deals on running shoes and gear. A pair of Saucony Peregrine 13 for less than $90? Yup! How about a pair of Saucony Triumph 20 for less than $70? Even better is the Brooks Launch 9 for less than $60!
Just remember that Black Friday is also a great day to lace up your current running shoes to head out for a post-Thanksgiving run!