I’ve Tested Running Shoes for 7 Years. Here’s What’s Actually Worth Buying on Cyber Monday.

Pro tip: Older models aren’t obsolete—and they’re up to 47 percent off

A gear editor shares the best Cyber Monday running shoe deals on shoes she’s tested and loved (Photo: 101 Degrees West)

Published December 1, 2025 03:09AM

When it comes to running shoes, I’m no amateur. With six marathons and ten years of running under my belt, plus seven years as a gear and fitness editor, I know ball, as the kids say (I think they say that, anyway).

All those miles have taught me something important—timing matters when shopping for running shoes. If you’re eyeing a new pair (or three), Cyber Monday is prime time to shop. Many of the best running shoe sales are on last season’s models, shoes that brands have since updated with new colorways, slight tweaks, or buzzier marketing. But here’s the thing: older doesn’t equal obsolete. Just ask the runners on Reddit still debating whether the Hoka Bondi 8 or 9 reigns supreme.

To help you shop Cyber Monday running shoe deals, I dug into my gear closet and pulled out everything I’ve tested and genuinely loved over the past year or two. Then, I cross-checked my shoe pile with what’s on sale. The result? An exhaustive list of every single on-sale running shoe I’d personally vouch for and would buy again (including a ton of my favorite racing shoes). Thank me later.

New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v 14 (25% Off)

(Photo: Fleet Feet)

If I were made of money, I’d buy multiples of this everyday trainer. The New Balance 1080 is one of my all-time favorite running shoes—cushy without being overbuilt, a mainstay in my rotation. I wear them for easy runs up to six miles, though they’re more than capable of longer distances.

Nike Vaporfly 4 (Up to 35% Off, Plus Extra 15% Off in Cart)

(Photo: 101 Degrees West)

This is actually such a good running shoe deal for the women, I thought it was a website glitch. A carbon-plated supershoe for under $150? I’ll buy twenty. I wore these for my last half-marathon and was really impressed with the lightness and stretchy, form-fitting upper.

Brooks Ghost 16 (29% Off, Plus An Extra 15% Off In Cart)

(Photo: Running Warehouse)

Mile for mile, these may be the most popular daily trainers among the runners I know. The Ghost 16 marked a change in midsole foam, resulting in a lighter, more responsive shoe with a slightly bouncy feel. Heads up: Sizes and colorways are pretty limited, especially on the men’s side.

Altra Experience Flow 2 (25% Off)

(Photo: 101 Degrees West)

Truth be told, my calves a little too tight wearing zero-drop running shoes on the regular, but I know the many benefits of wearing minimalist running shoes. With a 4mm heel-to-toe drop, these moderately cushioned, neutral running shoes are ideal for my slow (slow) descent into zero-drop. I wear these as my daily walking shoes to help strengthen my foot muscles.

PUMA Velocity Nitro 3 (33% Off, Plus An Extra 15% Off In Cart)

(Photo: Running Warehouse)

For a snappier, more responsive alternative to the highly cushioned shoes shared so far, I love the Puma Velocity Nitro 3. They’re incredibly versatile, and I tend to wear mine for speed workouts. Plus, there are plenty of sizes left.

Saucony Triumph 22 (38% Off, Plus An Extra 15% Off In Cart)

(Photo: Running Warehouse)

Wearing the Saucony Triumph 22 running shoes feels like stepping into a cloud. The heel collar is extra plush, with a padded tongue that feels luxe on tired feet. They’re also highly cushioned, thanks to a PWRRUN PB super foam in the midsole that manages to be both lightweight and responsive.

Nike Pegasus 41 (Up to 34% Off, Extra 25% Off With Code “BFRIDAY”)

(Photo: Courtesy Nike)

The Nike Pegasus running shoes just may be the longest relationship I’ve ever had. I ran my first marathon in them, and today, I still find myself reaching for them for most of my casual runs. Version 41 features dual Air Zoom units and a ReactX foam midsole for a light, yet cushioned run.

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 (29% Off, Plus An Extra 15% Off In Cart)

(Photo: Courtesy New Balance)

I ran the 2024 New York City Marathon in the FuelCell Rebel v4—and loved every chaotic, hilly mile. The upper is almost seamless and impressively thin, while the midsole foam stays soft and forgiving through long training runs. The shoe has a noticeably wider platform and more room throughout, which I appreciated during high-mileage days when my feet swelled. Narrow-footed runners may want a different shoe with a snugger fit.

Altra Lone Peak 9 (22% Off)

(Photo: 101 Degrees West)

Living in Chicago, I’m honestly not much of a trail runner. The one trail running shoe I keep in my gear closet is the Altra Lone Peak 9, one of the most widely beloved trail running shoes among our testers and the general running community. The reason I love Altras is for the wide, foot-shaped design that lets my toes spread out and helps alleviate my plantar fasciitis. They also double as my hiking shoes on the chiller, less technical Midwest trails.

adidas adizero Prime X 2 Strung (33% Off, Plus An Extra 15% In Cart)

(Photo: Running Warehouse)

To be totally honest, these shoes are absolutely ridiculous. The Prime X 2 Strung is notoriously known as one of Adidas’s “illegally fast” racing shoes, thanks to its 50mm stack height and dual carbon plates that make it illegal for elite runners to wear in competition. Luckily, I’m not an elite runner, and I’m guessing you aren’t either. But if you’ve ever wanted to know what it feels like to run in the most souped-up supershoe you can image, this is a great running shoe deal to take advantage of. Warning: These shoes are pretty heavy, at around 10.8 ounces compared to the more typical seven to eight ounces for supershoes.