Find Inexpensive Running Clothes

Gear Up for a Run on the Cheap!

Morgan Vermeil
Every serious runner knows that moisture-wicking, high-tech clothes are important if you want a comfortable workout. These specialty clothing items help keep athletes dry and light as they sweat through their run. However, the cost can be extremely expensive! It's not unusual for a pair of running tights to cost $100, or for a simple running tee-shirt to cost $50!

Running shoes are the one place where runners should never skimp on price. A properly fitted shoe can mean the difference between a great performance or a debilitating injury. However, you can cut corners on things like running tee-shirts, pants and shorts. Here are some options:

Clearance racks:
Check the clearance racks of your favorite sporting goods or running specialty store. It's likely the items on the racks will be "out of season" - which means you'll probably find shorts in the middle of winter. However, you can stock up on these basics now, while they're inexpensive, and then store them until the weather is more appropriate.

Online stores:
Many online stores offer specials, deals, bargains and discounts on their athletic gear. In particular, look for stores that specialize in active wear, camping goods or outdoor activities. They typically carry running or athletic clothing. However, their market tends to be outdoors folks who aren't looking for such specific garments. Because of this, you may be able to find regular sales on running clothes.

Discount stores:
Surprisingly, many big name discount stores - like Wal-Mart and Target - are now stocking moisture-wicking and athletic performance clothing. In some cases, you can find running tee-shirts for as little as $7! Check the athletic wear of your local discount department store and you may find some surprising gems on the racks.

Discount retailers:
Discount retailers like Marshall's and T.J. Maxx often stock athletic wear. These stores are kind of hit-and-miss when it comes to shopping. Some weeks they may have nothing but fleece pants - not the right gear for a serious runner. The next week, however, they may have racks and racks of brand name athletic wear that's been deeply discounted. If you regularly shop these stores, it doesn't hurt to check the "active" section of the store occasionally.

Online auctions:
Not every runner sticks with it. Some have to stop because of injury. Others find it's just not the best activity for their needs. Fortunately, many of these folks resell their expensive running clothes at online auctions like eBay! Search for words like "running," "moisture wicking," and "athletic" to find the clothes you need.

Published by Morgan Vermeil

A professional freelance writer and editor, Morgan's areas of expertise include health, business, finance, family, pets and relationships. She's written for numerous publications, websites and magazines.  View profile

  • Always check clearance racks.
  • Browse discount clothing stores for deals.
  • Online auctions can mean great bargains on running clothes, too.

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