Running Shoes Clearance: When ASICS, Brooks, Nike, and New Balance Discount Deepest

Updated May 20, 2026

Running shoe clearance is one of the most predictable cycles in athletic retail. Every major running brand operates on a roughly 18-month product refresh schedule — when the new model drops, the previous version gets discounted hard. Buy the previous version a few weeks after the new one launches and you save 40–60% on shoes that are functionally identical for 95% of runners.

The release calendar

Most running brands stagger their refreshes through the year so they always have something new in stores. The key release months by brand:

ASICS: Gel-Nimbus, Gel-Kayano, GT-2000 line: typically refreshed every January and July. So Nimbus 27 launches January, Kayano 32 launches July, etc. The previous model goes on clearance starting roughly 30 days after the new release.
Brooks: Ghost, Glycerin, Adrenaline GTS: rough 12–18 month refresh cycle, typically dropping in February, June, and October. Previous version clearance window opens 4–6 weeks after the new release.
Nike: Pegasus, Vomero, Structure, Invincible: less rigid schedule, but Pegasus refreshes typically land in March (Pegasus 41 → 42 → 43). Air Zoom Alphafly and Vaporfly racing models refresh near major marathon seasons.
New Balance: 880, 860, Fresh Foam X 1080: typically every 12–18 months, refreshes spread across the calendar. Outgoing models hit deep clearance especially in October and February.
Saucony: Endorphin Speed, Triumph, Ride: refreshes roughly every 14 months. Outgoing models discount aggressively at the brand site and at running specialty stores.

The "minus one" strategy

The optimal play for almost every runner: buy the version that's one model behind the current release. So when the Brooks Ghost 17 is current at $140, buy the Ghost 16 for $70–$90. The differences are usually cosmetic (upper colorway, lacing detail, tongue padding) — the midsole foam, outsole rubber, and last/fit are typically unchanged or close enough that most runners can't tell them apart in a blind test.

Exceptions where the new model is genuinely different:

Whole-foam refreshes — when a brand switches midsole technology (Nike React → ZoomX, Adidas Boost → Lightstrike Pro, Saucony Everun → PWRRUN PB). Read the launch notes; if the foam changed, the shoes feel different.
Stack-height changes — Hoka models in particular sometimes add or remove cushioning between versions.
Plate additions — racing shoes that add or change carbon plate geometry feel meaningfully different.

For everyday training, the minus-one play is almost free money.

Where to actually buy

Brand direct sites (asics.com, brooksrunning.com, newbalance.com, nike.com) — best selection of previous models, but rarely the cheapest. Use brand sites to identify the previous-model SKU, then shop the discount channels below.
Running Warehouse / Road Runner Sports — independent running specialty retailers with the deepest "previous model" inventory and free return windows.
REI Outlet — surprisingly strong running shoe clearance, especially trail-running models. Combine with REI member 20% off coupons when they run.
Zappos / 6pm — same parent company; 6pm gets the closeout SKUs at 50–70% off. Check sizes ruthlessly because returns are easier on Zappos than 6pm.
Joe's New Balance Outlet — New Balance specifically. Closeouts run 40–60% off model-current pricing.

The deep-clearance months

Two windows per year see the biggest broad clearance:

January–February — post-holiday inventory clearing + new spring model releases. Best for outgoing fall/winter colorways.
August–September — summer race season ends + fall releases incoming. Best for outgoing spring/summer colorways.

Width and fit matter more than discount

Caveat that beats every clearance strategy: if you have a specific width (2E, 4E, narrow/B) or arch profile, do not chase the clearance shoe at the expense of fit. A poorly-fitting clearance shoe causes blisters and injuries that cost more than any savings. Get fit-tested at a specialty store, find your model, then chase the previous version of *that specific model* on clearance.

ASICS clearance · Brooks clearance · Nike clearance · New Balance clearance