Where to Buy Inexpensive Running Clothes and Gear

Once you get started with running, you may begin to realize that cotton T-shirts and sweatpants are not the best clothes for running. In fact, wearing the wrong clothes on a run can lead to some uncomfortable and embarrassing issues such as chafing or excessive sweating.

If you’re ready to invest in some good quality, technical fabric running clothes, you don’t have to break the bank by shopping at higher-end athletic wear stores like lululemon or Athleta.  Here are eight places you can find some inexpensive running clothes and gear:

Old Navy 

The Old Navy Active line offers a great selection of tops, short, capris, and pants for running.  (For running shoes, you’re better off getting fitted at a running specialty store.) Old Navy’s performance fleece line also has some great pieces, such as jackets and vests for outdoor running in the cold weather.

TJ Maxx 

TJ Maxx stores have racks of discounted name-brand fitness apparel, sometimes as much as 50% off the “department store” price. Check out their website for an even bigger selection. If you shop at the end of a season, you can find even bigger deals.

Sierra

Owned by the same company that owns TJ Maxx, Sierra has the same deep discounts as TJ Maxx, but has an even bigger selection of quality fitness clothes and gear. You can find similar deals on their website. Sign up for their email alerts so you can keep track of sales and deals.

Target 

Target’s C9 Champion line of technical fitness wear is very reasonably priced, but still very high in quality and performance. And the inexpensive price tag doesn’t mean that they’re not stylish – the line includes some fun, trendy colors and styles.

Amazon 

The choices for inexpensive running clothes and gear on Amazon.com can be overwhelming, and you can waste a lot of time wading through the options.  And then there’s the whole problem of not being able to try anything on. 

Amazon does have their own Amazon Essentials line, which includes highly-rated women’s active and men’s active clothes. They have lots of basic, quality pieces that are good for anyone trying to build up their running wardrobe on a budget.

I also like to use Amazon when I need to replace my running shoes.  I’ve been wearing Mizuno Wave Rider shoes for about 15 years now and I rarely buy the most “current” model.  When a new model is introduced, I’ll buy a couple pairs of the previous model, which I can always find discounted on Amazon.  The price is often 50% off the new model’s price.

Costco

My mom found a pair of running pants at Costco for $15 and she swore they were “the most comfortable running pants ever” (and she has a lot of comfy workout clothes).  She loved them so much, she went back and bought two more pairs.  Shopping for running clothes at Costco can be hit or miss, but it’s worth a look when you’re there shopping for other stuff. If there’s no Costco in your area, you may be able to find a similar deal at other warehouse stores.

Kohl’s 

Kohl’s has some name-brand running gear – such as Nike and Champion – at discounted prices, and also has their own line, Tek Gear, of quality workout apparel. And there are even bigger deals to be found:  Kohl’s is one of those stores that I would never buy anything without a coupon.  Even if you don’t have a Kohl’s card, you can usually find codes or coupons online.

HolabirdSports.com 

This website offers fitness apparel and shoes at prices way under the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.  Check out their Closeout section for amazing deals on high-quality, name-brand gear.

More tips: 8 Ways to Save Money on Running

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