Happy Wednesday! Today I want to talk about saving money on running gear. I often hear that “running is an inexpensive sport”. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. I think there’s a misconception that all you need to run is a good pair of running sneakers. In theory that’s correct, but I also want to be comfortable when I’m running. This involves making sure I run in sweat-wicking clothing, a good sports bra, compression leggings/capris/shorts, sunglasses, a hat, etc. When you move into distance running, you also need a GPS watch, some type of fuel and hydration, etc. See how quickly things can add up?
Over the years I’ve used a few tricks and tips to save money on running gear and I’m happy to share those with you today!
Swap with Friends
Do you have a piece of running clothing that you may have worn once, but didn’t like the fit? Or maybe you still have some brand new items with tags? Why not do a clothing swap with some of your other running buddies! This is a great way to “shop” for free. If you’re interested, here’s an article I found on how to host a clothing swap.
Online Consignment Shops
You can now check out consignment shops online, such as Poshmark. I’ve never used Poshmark, but I know many people that do and they have found some great workout gear on the website. They have items from tons of brands, including Under Armour, Old Navy and Nike, just to name a few. in just doing a quick search on the website, I find many brand new items listed for 50% off, or more, their original price! You can also sell items on Poshmark to get some extra cash!
Look for Coupon Codes
I am the queen of looking for coupon codes! It’s as simple as doing a google search and takes only seconds. Totally worth it to save money, or shipping, on a purchase. For example, if I’m looking to buy something from Kohls, I’ll simply write “kohls promo code” or “kohls coupon code” in Google and see what I can find. Another tip is to always use eBates when shopping online so you can get cash back for your online purchases (you can download eBates to your toolbar on your browser to make searching easier). The cash back usually ranges from 1-10% of your purchase. If you don’t have an eBates account, you can register via my referral link to get a $10 welcome bonus!
Shop Off Season
I love when the seasons change because that means I save money on clothing 🙂 For example, right now I’m seeing some really great deals on summer running gear as we move into the Fall/Winter season. This would be a great time to buy some shorts to stash in your closet for next year. The same applies to purchasing sneakers. It’s not really “off-season”, but when a brand releases a new version of a sneaker, stock up on the older version at a discount.
Black Friday Deals
Yes, I’m mentioning Black Friday in August, but hear me out! I don’t brave the crowds on Black Friday but I do a lot of online shopping. Running companies always have awesome deals around this time. Looking for a GPS watch? Wait for Garmin to mark down their watches over the holidays. Need running fuel? Totally stock up during Black Friday sales. For example, Honey Stinger always has an awesome deal around this time. Their products have a pretty long shelf life so you can stock up and still enjoy those discounted gels in the summer.
Do you have any money-saving tips for purchasing running gear?
I’m linking up with Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama and Nicole from FitFul Focus for Wild Workout Wednesday.
I’m also linking up with Rachel from Running on Happy, Lora from Crazy Running Girl, Marc from Train With Marc and Debbie from Coach Debbie Runs for Coaches’ Corner!
Finally, I’m also linking up for Friday Five 2.0 with Rachel from Running on Happy and Lacey and Meranda from Fairytales and Fitness.
Renée @runlaugheatpie says
I do off-season shopping a lot. and to be very honest with you, I have some really old workout clothes!! I try to use coupons or discount codes, especially with pricey stuff like InknBurn. I buy my PC socks ALWAYS on a deal. I’ve never done a swap though, but maybe I should look into that! My tip: always take the free tee shirt from an event!
kookyrunner says
Me too! I know that I have some workout pants that are at least 5 years old but they are still in great condition.
I always take the free race shirts, but it got to a point where I had way too many so I sent them in to be made into a blanket!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
T.J.Maxx, Marshalls and Target!
kookyrunner says
Me too! I found a really great UA cold gear shirt from Marshalls last year for super cheap!
Debbie says
Great tips! I need to check out some of those consignment sites.
I never buy anything without looking for a coupon code, including clothing, races, and even travel. It’s saved me a lot of money over the years.
kookyrunner says
The consignment sites are new to me but I definitely plan on checking them out in the future!
Jenny Albertson says
Running gear. This is the number one thing I ask for, for my birthday. And while I love running gear, sometimes getting other stuff would be nice. I mostly ask for it to save money on it because it’s something I’m going to need anyway. I love the idea of using ebates for it. I’ve never used ebates before but it would be totally beneficial for something like that!
kookyrunner says
Me too! I always ask for either some running items or a gift card, lol.
Definitely use ebates if you do a lot of online shopping!
Wendy says
Great tips! My son’s girlfriend was telling me about Poshmark–sounds like it’s right up my alley. Sometimes it’s good to be an ambassador for a clothing company if you like their stuff. Discounts and freebies are pretty sweet!
kookyrunner says
Yeah I’m going to check out Poshmark soon!
You’re so right about the perks of being an ambassador. I love Pro Compression socks and I take full advantage of my ambassador discount lol.
Chaitali says
I definitely do the shop off-season thing and have gotten some good deals that way. But I’ve never thought about online consignment shops! I didn’t even know that was a thing. I’m definitely going to check that out.
kookyrunner says
Yeah the online consignment shops are new to me too. I love that those are now an option!
Chocolaterunsjudy says
I’m sure I’ve heard of Poshmark, but had no idea that it had athletic clothes, too.
I’m not as good with coupons as I ought to be, but I’m all about a sale. 🙂 I actually got some good deals on Cyber Monday for a change this year! And I’m definitely all over end of season type sales. I’m a really patient person. Often Mr. Judy will ask if something is new, and technically it might be, but I’ve bought it like 6 months ago when it was on a great sale. 🙂
kookyrunner says
Poshmark actually has more athletic clothes than I was expecting – I was surprised, but in a good way!
I’m the same way! I can be super patient when it comes to waiting for things to go on sale. I actually like buying stuff at the end of season, packing it away, and then finding it a few months later. It’s always a great surprise lol.
Deborah @ Confessions of mother runner says
I have sold a ton of stuff on Poshmark! Some things I bought and just never wore
kookyrunner says
That’s awesome! Now I know I can come to you with any Poshmark questions!
Virjinia @ With Purpose and Kindness says
Black Friday and off season for sure! Also, my birthday is in December and there’s so many Christmas specials so I tend to ask for certain running goodies for birthday presents as well!
kookyrunner says
That’s cool that your birthday is in December – great month for you to rack up on awesome gifts!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
These are really great tips! I need to do more of all of this…lately I’ve just been trying to avoid buying running gear because I always feel like I have way too much! I have an Ebates account but haven’t used it in years…that’s an easy way to save!
kookyrunner says
I feel the same way sometimes, especially when it comes to running shirts, but I’m a suck for really cute run tops!
Farrah says
Off season shopping is my favorite, haha. + TJ Maxx and Gabe’s! I’ll have to check out Poshmark too!
kookyrunner says
I love TJ Maxx and Marshalls too! Sometimes I can find some great things there.
Kimberly Hatting says
I am a big believer in clearance racks 😉 (And Old Navy LOL)
kookyrunner says
Me too! The clearance rack is where all the magic happens, haha
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
In addition to Poshmark I’m a big fan of ThredUP. I’ve gotten quite a few pieces of running attire on there, and for a fraction of the price that I would have paid in the stores.
kookyrunner says
Oh I haven’t heard of ThreadUp, but I will check them out. Thanks!
Rachel says
DUH!!!! Why have I never thought to shop on Poshmark?!?! I even sell workout stuff on there. Oy vey… where is my brain these days??
kookyrunner says
That’s awesome that you have used Poshmark! I’m gonna check it out this weekend.
Sandy says
Amazing tips! The only tip I have to add is there are tons of sales on races on “Global Running Day”!
kookyrunner says
That’s a great tip too! I’ve purchased a few discounted race entry fees on GRD.
Annmarie says
Awesome tips! I have found a lot of great deals shopping off season!
kookyrunner says
Me too! It’s the best 🙂
Hannah says
I get so many of my clothes (“regular” as well as running) on consignment! We have a local outdoor consignment store where I’ve found running shoes with the tags still on a couple times. And if I buy something consignment that doesn’t work out for some reason, I can usually resell it on Poshmark.
kookyrunner says
That’s awesome that you have a local consignment shop! Glad to hear that you use Poshmark. I’m going to check it out this weekend.
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
I’ve never heard of the online consignment shops but will definitely check them out. I always troll the online sales and try to take advantage of end of season sales and discount codes shared by bloggers 😉
kookyrunner says
Oh yes! The discount codes from bloggers are always great.
Esther says
I love these ideas! I love finding new tips for getting better prices on workout clothes!
I love Ebates! It has made me SO much $$ Haha
kookyrunner says
Isn’t eBates great?! I love getting cash back for purchases I would make anyway.
Laurie says
Great tips! I started using Ebates a year ago, and love it – especially around Christmas time. I need to do better at looking for the promo codes, though.
kookyrunner says
It’s really awesome around Christmas because they typically double the percentage you can get for cash back!
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
I usually am so impatient when it comes to running gear. When I want something I want it now so I get it. I feel like half the time the stuff I want doesn’t end up going on sale any way. My Aunt uses Ebates and she really likes it.
kookyrunner says
ebates is a really great and easy way to get money back on purchases that you would make anyway. I love it!
Patrick @looneyforfood.com says
Great tips! I’m all about saving money any way possible
kookyrunner says
Me too! I need to save my money for my runcations lol
Lesley says
I end up splurging on really good quality running clothes, and then I don’t need anything for a while. I’ve still got some Under Armour from 10 years ago. The heavy winter gear is what adds up for me, so anything I can use year after year is a worthy investment.
I’d also add in birthday and Christmas ideas. I always have running gear on my list.
kookyrunner says
i find that under armour is the best when it comes to cold weather running gear too.
Megan @ Meg Go Run says
I shop off season for sure. Also, I hit up places like Ross, Marshall’s and TJ Maxx. I have gotten some great running coats there for like 1/3 of the price it would have cost regularly. And these are the coats I where when it’s like 15 degrees outside!
kookyrunner says
I also hit up Marshalls and TJ Maxx. Unfortunately we don’t have a Ross where I live but I wish we did!
Cari says
Poshmark is seriously my go to. Oddly this post showed up when clearing out a week worth of Poshmark emails (vacation). And I love ebates, especially on hotels where it adds up quickly
kookyrunner says
I sent some time this weekend “window shopping” on Poshmark and I was seriously so impressed with all the awesome activewear on the website!