On the search for a new pair of trainers as I’ve had mine for a time (and you should change them regularly if you wear them a lot), and prepared to spend the time to hunt down a bargain for the specific pair I wanted I was amazed at the price differential you can find for top premium brand trainers such as Nike, Asics, New Balance and the rest if you’re prepared to do some browsing.
Three websites stand out a mile, where the choice is excellent, from the latest Nike Air Pegasus, Flyknit and Free 5 to Asics Kayano, Nimbus and more.
If you’re prepared to accept last year’s model the discounts are even better and you can buy them up to 50% off. Get nearer to the latest style and you’ll get nearer to the RRP but you can still find most trainers at at least 10 - 20% off where other stores are selling them at full price.
The three places to browse are Wiggle, Sports Direct and Start Fitness and all have a huge selection of styles and colours as well as a wide range of other sports accessories.
One thing to mention is that trainers are of course your No 1 accessory when it comes to running or general fitness, if they don’t fit correctly they can damage your feet and hold you back so it’s worth investing in a style and brand that you already know works for you, rather than trying something new, after all you can’t take your shiny new pair out running and then return them, can you?
Worst case go into a large running or fitness store and try some out there with an expert, then come back and buy them for less. You should never have to pay full price for trainers again, whatever the brand and style.
My favourite of these three is Wiggle, Sports Direct also offers free delivery and returns via Collect+ (how did we manage without them?) and at Start Fitness, where you can find some of the best bargains, you can get free delivery however you have to pay for returns. It’s a difficult choice and will totally depend on what style and brand of trainers you want and who has the best discount right now.
And yes I found my favourite style and a great colour at 50% off yesterday. Score!
