Sneakers - running, walking and other athletic shoe prices

[Michread]

What give with these outrageous prices!  I just looked at a bunch of stores, shoes and prices and couldn't justify $90+ for sneakers.  I went to Kohl's and got a men's pair of NB 411 sneakers for $40 (hated the women's colors - I don't want to wear pink/purple/neon sneakers).

BTW, I have paid much more for sneakers and found them to be no better than the less expensive ones for my purpose.

[iamlindoro]

BTW, I have paid much more for sneakers and found them to be no better than the less expensive ones for my purpose.

I guess you'd need to tell us more about what that purpose is.  I run, a lot.  Cheap shoes shred my knees, cause me to develop blisters and hot spots, and result in me being injured quickly.  That's no fun and can often be way more expensive than simply buying shoes which are designed to put up with high volume, long distance running.

I don't buy shoes which are expensive for the sake of being trendy (*cough* Vibrams *cough*), but I do buy at least six months worth of shoes at the start of the year from Running Warehouse, usually one model year removed from the current, on overstock.  I pay ~110 a pair for what are ~$200 shoes at retail.  Well worth it to me.

If your needs are walking and light running, and a couple miles per workout, you can absolutely get away with less expensive shoes.  If you're running 30-50 miles per week you are asking for injury if you are running in Kohl's shoes.

[Michread]

Walking for exercise (~8+mi/wk) - New Balance 411(Kohl's) are running shoes.  I have bad knees/feet and in the past I've had better luck with NB running shoes than other brands.  I'm better off getting cheaper new sneakers after awhile than getting expensive ones.

WOW, you run a LOT!

[kpd905]

+1 to not running a lot in cheap shoes.  Walking will probably be fine though.

I try to only put about 400 miles on a pair of running shoes.  After that point I seem to feel more soreness in my knees due to the worn out cushioning.

In college I got a 30% discount on Brooks shoes through our team, so I'd get a pair for $65, run 400 miles in them, and sell them on Ebay for $25.  Pretty good deal.  I'm not sure why people bought them, I did say exactly how much I ran in them in the description. 

[4alpacas]

+1 to not running a lot in cheap shoes.  Walking will probably be fine though.

+2

I try to only put about 400 miles on a pair of running shoes.  After that point I seem to feel more soreness in my knees due to the worn out cushioning.

+1  I run 400 miles in a pair of shoes before they're demoted to dog walking shoes then to yard work shoes.

I wear Asics.  I try to time my running shoe purchases when there is a 20% off code or last season's model is available in my size. Sometimes I buy 2 pairs in order save a bit more because I know I'll use them.  I've been wearing the same style for about 15 years.  I just bought a pair for $80, and I thought I was doing really well.  However, they're purple/pink/neon...

[geekette]

If anyone has any hints how to get Brooks Beast (Men's 10.5 EE) for less than $140, I'd love to hear it...

[4alpacas]

If anyone has any hints how to get Brooks Beast (Men's 10.5 EE) for less than $140, I'd love to hear it...

Road Runner Sports listserve.  Wait until there is a 20% off code. 

I also click through FatWallet.com to get a little bit of cashback.  Right now you can sign up for VIP for $1.99, get 20% off (CX15B068), and an additional 10% for being VIP.

[geekette]

Thanks for the info, but it looks like I'll have to wait for a different code - the 20% off doesn't apply to Brooks.  I'll keep Road Runner Sports in mind, though, since the local store totally pissed me off when I got a bad shoe last time.  Thankfully, Brooks came through and replaced it.

[soapdish]

I'll also second not cheaping out on your running shoes.  I'll even go a step farther and say that it isn't a bad thing to go to your local running store (the one that local runners recommend and where actual runners work) and pay the relatively small premium to have experienced people help pick out your shoes.

[dkaid]

I run a good amount also and don't pinch pennies for my shoes, not worth it. 
I have had luck getting Brooks from 6pm.com, but not sure about uncommon size availability. 

Dawn

[rugorak]

(*cough* Vibrams *cough*)

I happen to love my 5 fingers. I cant imagine hiking in anything else. I've beat the hell out of them and after a run through the washer they are good to go. I've had them for about 6 years now. I actually ended up getting another pair. The second pair has a little more padding and is good for pavement, the first is the standard old KSO's that I like for hiking.

But to your point never have I paid retail prices. My first pair I got for about $40. The second pair I got off Woot for about $28. So don't immediately knock them just because a few people decided they should be trendy. But definitely do not pay the high prices that come with the trendiness.

[CashFlowDiaries]

I typically wear $40 shoes and they last me a long time however I do go running multiple times per week to stay healthy and for those its not easy finding good cheap ones.  Unfortunately I need to spend $80 - $100 on a good pair of running shoes which I dont like to do but I havent found a way around it.  The good news is that the running shoes typically last me a 2 years.

[banjarian]

I won't cheap out on shoes, but I don't go top-of-the-line, either, I suppose. Average Nike running shoes (~$100) for me. I'll buy a couple pairs at once if they're on sale, and rotate them until both pairs are worn out. (I've heard that rotating between two pairs can help extend the life beyond what they'd be if you just wore out one and then the other? Time for them to fully spring back & dry out between runs, maybe?)

I do still look at it as the smart financial thing to do, though. I consider running (& biking) to be my way of saving money over having a gym membership. And with the way my joints respond to stress, getting the right shoes and avoiding injury, rather than seeing the doctor a couple times a year for injuries, is the way to go. :)

[GuitarStv]

I used to get a lot of pain jogging, even with very expensive shoes.  After some time fixing my gait and strengthening the ankles (skipping is very good for this) the pain went away regardless of the shoe being worn.

To offer a contrary opinion to everyone else in this thread . . . I jog and run in cheaper shoes now with no issue.  Just put a decent athletic insole in the cheap shoes (40$ outlet store specials) and they'll work great (maybe slightly heavier than expensive shoes).  This was for 5-10km jogs 3/4 times a week and hill sprints, not hard core marathon training which may have different requirements.

[Philociraptor]

Anybody have a favorite, reasonably-priced shoe for Crossfit? I like my Nano's but they're about a year old now. The heels are no longer grippy enough for lifting and the padding under the balls of the feet is worn out as well. They're 2.0's, got em last year for $80 at an outlet store, can't find em cheaper than $100 anywhere around me though. Alternatives?

[celticmyst08]

I have the world's worst ankles, plus my feet tilt funny, so I splurged and got some $130 Asics. The difference is undeniable. I run a lot, and I feel like this is an investment in my health/comfort, so to me it's worth it.

The local running shop I went to has an unlimited return policy and their customer service was amazing.

[Blonde Lawyer]

I'll also second not cheaping out on your running shoes.  I'll even go a step farther and say that it isn't a bad thing to go to your local running store (the one that local runners recommend and where actual runners work) and pay the relatively small premium to have experienced people help pick out your shoes.

+1.  Having your gait analyzed by the pros is worth the small premium on the shoes.  I overpronate and need to wear a specific type of running shoe to counter it.

[Guses]

Pain in the knee while running in cheap shoes is an indication of poor gait, not poor shoes.

Fixing it by buying expensive shoes is akin to putting more duct tape on a gaping wound. At one point, it will burst open.

I adjusted my gait to be comfortable running in pretty much all type of shoes from minimalist type shoes to 10$ walmart velcro shoes (I save those for biking though).

I am tired of paying for running shoes that start falling apart after 6-12 months. Are those made to self-destruct after the one year mark?

[Pylortes]

If you are a regular long distance runner (or participate in other hardcore fitness activities) then yes, you may very well be better off making an investment in a very nice pair of running/athletic shoes to accomodate your hobby/passion.   However, I didn't get that the OP was in that category (and I'm guessing the majority of other forum members aren't either).  If you're using your pair of shoes for walking, bumming around, everyday excercise activities then a $40 pair of athletic shoes should be more than adequate.

For anyone that is not in the long distance runner/hardcore athlete category you need a facepunch if you're dropping $100-$200 for a pair of sneakers. Today's $30-$40 pair of atheletic shoes would probably be an unbelievable gift of amazing proportions during the first 99.9% of human history and will be just nice and fantastic on your feet (assuming you get the right size and try on a few pairs to make sure you get a good fit).   I use a $40 pair of shoes for 2-3 years and regularly walk, lift weights, ride a bike, coach soccer, play softball and basketball etc in them with no performance issues.  I take my old shoes and do yardwork in them.  I have worn $100+ athletic shoes, and no I don't become a 50% better athlete in them. 

[dudde_devaru]

I just got a New Balance 680 Men's Running Shoe $32.99 + $1 S/H from Joes New Balance Outlet today! Its worth it for 2yr weekend usage :D

[Jon_Snow]

I recently shelled out big $ for a pair of runners. I had been having knee problems and thought that perhaps my running career might be coming to a quick end.

As a frugal creature this made me squirm. But I tell you, I am running pain free, very fast times these days...it's the shoes man...it HAS TO be the shoes.

[limeandpepper]

I don't buy shoes which are expensive for the sake of being trendy (*cough* Vibrams *cough*), but I do buy at least six months worth of shoes at the start of the year from Running Warehouse, usually one model year removed from the current, on overstock.  I pay ~110 a pair for what are ~$200 shoes at retail.  Well worth it to me.

Let me direct you to this thread: http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/off-topic/i%27ve-become-a-judgemental-sob-and-i-want-to-change/

I have bunions and Vibrams are pretty much the only shoes I've found that fit my irregular feet properly and allow me to walk pain-free for hours. Also, I pay less for them than you do for your $110 shoes. So no, it's not all about trendiness, perhaps you could try to be a bit less judgmental. ;)

[iamlindoro]

Let me direct you to this thread: http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/off-topic/i%27ve-become-a-judgemental-sob-and-i-want-to-change/

No thanks, I neither feel that I'm particularly judgmental, nor do I have any desire to change in that regard.

I have bunions and Vibrams are pretty much the only shoes I've found that fit my irregular feet properly and allow me to walk pain-free for hours. Also, I pay less for them than you do for your $110 shoes. So no, it's not all about trendiness, perhaps you could try to be a bit less judgmental. ;)

I am genuinely pleased for you.  I never said that Vibrams couldn't be more comfortable for some.  Since you're talking about walking, you're not the market I was speaking about at all, which is the distance running community.  Shortly after Born to Run became a bestseller, Vibrams exploded in popularity as many runners with persistent injuries sought them out, hoping (and often imagining) that they would have a miraculous effect.  It also coincided with Vibram making some unsupportable claims about the efficacy of the product that they were later sued for, and ultimately reached a class action settlement about.  The specific claims were regarding the strengthening of the muscles in the feet and lower legs, improved range of motion, "stimulation of neural function," eliminating heel lift, and "allowing the foot and body to move more naturally." 

Vibram has since stopped making most of their unsupportable claims, and most (I won't say all, but I will say I almost never see them at serious competitive events any more) distance runners have stopped wearing them.  This all took place over a year or so.  You'll occasionally see an oddball running barefoot, or someone on the trail with Vibrams on, but the "flash" of popularity and perceived "magical" effect amongst serious distance runners has passed.

So, yeah, I stand by my characterization of Vibrams as an expensive trend that has largely ended.  The same money could be spent on shoes which are (for my purpose) effective.  I'm happy they're effective for yours.  My entire point was that spending more to get something which genuinely works to avoid injury is a good choice versus being penny wise and pound foolish.  If Vibrams are what help you avoid injury and discomfort, then five-finger to your heart's content.

[DoubleDown]

I used to get knee injuries from running, went to doctors/etc. who said my running career is probably over. Then I read about barefoot running. I decided to give it a try, and my knee injuries went away. 7 years later, I'll likely never go back to running in shoes -- it's such a great experience. You might be able to accomplish the change in running style without going barefoot, but running without shoes really reveals how much you may be pounding the ground with your feet and running poorly.

Now I run with my head high, chin up, back erect, knees slightly bent, forefoot or mid-foot landing, small and quick steps, and gentle landing with the feet on the ground. I never realized how plodding I was before, and I recognize it now in other runners I come across.

A nice side benefit is barefoot = free.

[Giro]

Let me direct you to this thread: http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/off-topic/i%27ve-become-a-judgemental-sob-and-i-want-to-change/

No thanks, I neither feel that I'm particularly judgmental, nor do I have any desire to change in that regard.

I have bunions and Vibrams are pretty much the only shoes I've found that fit my irregular feet properly and allow me to walk pain-free for hours. Also, I pay less for them than you do for your $110 shoes. So no, it's not all about trendiness, perhaps you could try to be a bit less judgmental. ;)

I am genuinely pleased for you.  I never said that Vibrams couldn't be more comfortable for some.  Since you're talking about walking, you're not the market I was speaking about at all, which is the distance running community.  Shortly after Born to Run became a bestseller, Vibrams exploded in popularity as many runners with persistent injuries sought them out, hoping (and often imagining) that they would have a miraculous effect.  It also coincided with Vibram making some unsupportable claims about the efficacy of the product that they were later sued for, and ultimately reached a class action settlement about.  The specific claims were regarding the strengthening of the muscles in the feet and lower legs, improved range of motion, "stimulation of neural function," eliminating heel lift, and "allowing the foot and body to move more naturally." 

Vibram has since stopped making most of their unsupportable claims, and most (I won't say all, but I will say I almost never see them at serious competitive events any more) distance runners have stopped wearing them.  This all took place over a year or so.  You'll occasionally see an oddball running barefoot, or someone on the trail with Vibrams on, but the "flash" of popularity and perceived "magical" effect amongst serious distance runners has passed.

So, yeah, I stand by my characterization of Vibrams as an expensive trend that has largely ended.  The same money could be spent on shoes which are (for my purpose) effective.  I'm happy they're effective for yours.  My entire point was that spending more to get something which genuinely works to avoid injury is a good choice versus being penny wise and pound foolish.  If Vibrams are what help you avoid injury and discomfort, then five-finger to your heart's content.

I must also jump on and defend my Vibrams.  I started wearing minimalist shoes long before they got popular and people made fun and laughed at my shoes for years.  Then, they got really popular with the barefoot movement and people started asking where I bought them.  Now, not really all that popular anymore and people are starting to make fun of them again.  I even have fat a&&es telling me that they are really bad for my body.  I've been running "barefoot" for over 10 years.  I've never gotten an injury.  I don't tell people what is good for their body.  I think you find what works for you and you do that. 

All that side, I wouldn't squat in any other shoe EVER!  I don't like having 315 pounds on my back and standing on foam. 

[Patrick A]

Running shoes have definitely gone up in recent years, but then I guess so has everything.  I guess that's how inflation works.  It would be interesting to see the results of a study that compared the price increase in running shoes to the CPI or inflation in general.  Most normal good quality running shoes retail between $100-$130 nowadays, with specialty and trendy shoes going upwards of $200.

I run 40-50 miles a week and have been for years, and I try to always buy shoes on sale.  As it is, I am usually buying 3-4 pairs at a time of last years shoes whenever I do find a good deal -- although in recent years it seems that running companies have made it a bit harder to come by these deals.  About 6-7 years ago I feel like I was paying $60 per pair, and now even with the discounts and last years model I struggle to find them for cheaper than $80.     

I find that with good shoes I can usually get about 800-1000 miles out of them (5-6 months of running) before I feel the need to switch -- and in my opinion shoes should be made well enough to NOT be falling apart at this point.  I know it is different for everyone but if you follow the recommendation of 300 miles per pair of shoes, you're going to be replacing shoes all the frikin time.

[Patrick A]

I used to get knee injuries from running, went to doctors/etc. who said my running career is probably over. Then I read about barefoot running. I decided to give it a try, and my knee injuries went away. 7 years later, I'll likely never go back to running in shoes -- it's such a great experience. You might be able to accomplish the change in running style without going barefoot, but running without shoes really reveals how much you may be pounding the ground with your feet and running poorly.

Now I run with my head high, chin up, back erect, knees slightly bent, forefoot or mid-foot landing, small and quick steps, and gentle landing with the feet on the ground. I never realized how plodding I was before, and I recognize it now in other runners I come across.

A nice side benefit is barefoot = free.

Good form is extremely important regardless of whether you are wearing shoes or not.  New bandwagons come along in running every 3-5 years.  There's nothing wrong with the barefoot running trend, just like there is nothing wrong with running in neutral shoes or shoes with a ton of padding (Hokas).  Just find what works best for you and do that.  Also, strengthening and making sure you run with proper form will prevent many many injuries and frustration.

[Patrick A]

Also:  watch this video to get a good understanding of why some cheap shoes are . . . cheap. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=249&v=MZWXPrfjkWg

[Michread]

I just got a New Balance 680 Men's Running Shoe $32.99 + $1 S/H from Joes New Balance Outlet today! Its worth it for 2yr weekend usage :D

THANKS!  Now, you're talking my talk!!

[Michread]

Pardon me but I don't think I'm talking about CHEAP sneakers!!  I don't think New Balance sneakers are cheap.  In my OP, I stated I bought New Balance 411 - that's what the tag said but they are actually New Balance 450v3 list price $60 purchased at Kohl's for $40. 

I think there is a huge different about what most of you are talking about "cheap" and what I am referring to.  To me cheap sneakers are the no name brand you buy at Walmart and other stores.

AM I on the right board??

[Patrick A]

Pardon me but I don't think I'm talking about CHEAP sneakers!!  I don't think New Balance sneakers are cheap.  In my OP, I stated I bought New Balance 411 - that's what the tag said but they are actually New Balance 450v3 list price $60 purchased at Kohl's for $40. 

I think there is a huge different about what most of you are talking about "cheap" and what I am referring to.  To me cheap sneakers are the no name brand you buy at Walmart and other stores.

AM I are the right board??

Yeah I agree with that, and the video I posted does too or so I thought.  ( :

[sstants]

Something interesting I learned when working at a small boutique sporting goods store is that often good brand names will use the same mold for the different layers of the sole to produce different 'lines' of a shoe. They will use different foams and rubbers in the same mold, thus a shoe that you buy at a discount from a lower end retailer will look like the same shoe from a running store but will actually be a lower quality model. If you have knee problems like me, or other sports injuries, this is something that matters a lot! A better shoe is keeping me out of the OR for my torn meniscus for a little while longer. The cheapo shoes won't last as long and offer much less support and impact protection. Again, buy what you need for the level of running or walking you do!

That's not to say that you can't get a good deal on one of the more 'expensive' shoes. The thing is that asics/adidas/nike etc all produce new fancy designs once or twice a year. They update each 'model' with new colors and decorations and then last year's models will go on sale. That's the best way to get a discount on the best running shoes (in my opinion). Good materials+good price. Ask sales clerks for an 'old model', look at Nordstrom Rack/Amazon.

Just my 2 cents, but I find my Asics for about $50-$70, that were originally priced around $140.

[Blonde Lawyer]

Pardon me but I don't think I'm talking about CHEAP sneakers!!  I don't think New Balance sneakers are cheap.  In my OP, I stated I bought New Balance 411 - that's what the tag said but they are actually New Balance 450v3 list price $60 purchased at Kohl's for $40. 

I think there is a huge different about what most of you are talking about "cheap" and what I am referring to.  To me cheap sneakers are the no name brand you buy at Walmart and other stores.

AM I on the right board??

I think the issue is you are talking about "running" shoes.  That is bring out the real distance runners and these people, mustachian or not, are fanatical about their shoes.  If you don't fall into the distance runner category then you can disregard all the people saying they are worth it.

I can't give you input on NB for distance running because the NB"s always had a plate in the heel that didn't work with my foot shape.  I've never run in them.

[theconcierge]

Go to the library and get a book called "born to run" and you will never but expensive shoes again. It's all marketing, the cheaper the shoes the better.

There has NEVER ever been one study that has proven that high priced sports shoes prevent any injury (knees, ankles, feet etc ) not one. It's all marketing to sell shoes.

The more "cushioning" in shoes the worse they are for you,

Go read the book.

[Patrick A]

Go to the library and get a book called "born to run" and you will never but expensive shoes again. It's all marketing, the cheaper the shoes the better.

There has NEVER ever been one study that has proven that high priced sports shoes prevent any injury (knees, ankles, feet etc ) not one. It's all marketing to sell shoes.

The more "cushioning" in shoes the worse they are for you,

Go read the book.

Careful about what you say.  Can you find any studies that support the barefoot running theory?  How about studies that prove that high priced shoes or those with cushioning are worse for you?

I'm not hawking any theory in particular -- but you can't just make a statement like that just to turn around to anecdotally support your chosen theory and just leave us all to assume you have the scientific evidence to back it up. 

[GuitarStv]

There isn't any evidence I've seen that running shoes prevent injury.

I'm not saying that barefoot running is better.  But you have two options . . . one is to buy an expensive shoe, and one is to not buy the expensive shoe.  The evidence that I've been able to find says there's not much difference between the two, so my money's not on the expensive shoe.

Running with little padding for a while forced me to fix problems with the way I was running.  I use regular running shoes now without problem.

"The biomechanics of running — the way you run and how your feet hits the ground  — will affect injuries more so than the type of shoe or padding," -  Dr. Mark P. Kelly  http://www.medicaldaily.com/does-cushioning-running-shoes-prevent-injuries-study-says-extra-padded-sneakers-make-no-difference

"Midsole hardness of modern cushioned running shoes does not seem to influence RRI risk. " - http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2013/09/16/bjsports-2013-092613.abstract?sid=bcffd977-24cd-4a01-8c3b-24b16d0c9baa

"Competitive cross-country runners on a college team incur high injury rates, but runners who habitually rearfoot strike have significantly higher rates of repetitive stress injury than those who mostly forefoot strike. This study does not test the causal bases for this general difference. One hypothesis, which requires further research, is that the absence of a marked impact peak in the ground reaction force during a forefoot strike compared with a rearfoot strike may contribute to lower rates of injuries in habitual forefoot strikers." - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22217561

[2lazy2retire]

Go to the library and get a book called "born to run" and you will never but expensive shoes again. It's all marketing, the cheaper the shoes the better.

There has NEVER ever been one study that has proven that high priced sports shoes prevent any injury (knees, ankles, feet etc ) not one. It's all marketing to sell shoes.

The more "cushioning" in shoes the worse they are for you,

Go read the book.

I'm inclined to agree with you on this - there is a huge amount of marketing BS around running shoes - this for me became very apparent when the likes of RW magazine which completely ignored the barefoot running argument until such time that the shoe companies ( which paid for adverts space )came out with their own minimalist shoes - which of course you could buy for $100 plus. No longer able to justify the pricing in the cushioning they made up some other bollix about how the shoe allows natural movement etc.

[Mr_Chin_Stubble]

I got like air max for over $100+ but I asked them for Christmas and got it from my parents.

I sometimes run on a treadmill at the gym in chuck taylors but if I'm running in the street fugghetabout it. air max is coming out of the closet.

[Easy Does It FI]

For running, you're way better off getting the right shoe than the cheap shoe.

If you want to save money and have joint strength issues, focus on things other than shoes. Stretch, get a foam roller, swim (lot's of city pools open in the summer and are free), do yoga (put a youtube video up in the living room and do it for free), bike, run on softer surfaces (trail). These tactics will also extend the calendar life of your expensive shoes as your road runs space out.

Granted, this is a better strategy for general health than if you're trying to specialize and go for that BQ marathon PR.

[stlbrah]

I just got some $55 Asics trail running shoes for free with a discover cash back card and 20% off sale from khols.

I am hoping they are as good of quality as the reviews. They seem really supportive and the grip seems great, but they are ugly - which I don't care, not wearing them anywhere where it matters

[Returnoftheyeti]

Just dropping in to say I spent $130 on my hiking boots, after being frugal abot it for years.  For someone that hikes 20+ miles per hike, worth every penny.

Better stability, they are still in good shape after  a year, my feet never hurt or feel fatigued in them, and they are lightweight. 

Cheaper shoes/boots never held up for more than 8 months, or your feet get realy fatigued, or blisters.

[Boganvillia]

I do walking and light running. My current pair are ASICs bought for AUD140 on sale in Sydney. I love them: the key for me was taking my time trying lots (10+) of pairs on.

I knew when I had found 'the one'.

[Trifle]

Barefoot/minimalist runner here -- Just chiming in for what it's worth.  Once your feet and lower legs are in condition, you need little to nothing on your feet.  And the shoes you do buy last nearly forever.  Since you aren't concerned with "cushioning", the only issue is when the upper finally comes apart, or the sole wears out. My regular running shoes are a pair of 6 year old New Balance Minimus with many thousands of miles on them.  The $100 I spent on the shoes is well, well worth it.   

OP -- For walking, consider trying a pair of comfortable minimal shoes.  I bought some for my kids, who don't really run at all.  They LOVE them, and it's all they want to wear.  The first time they put them on they grinned from ear to ear and said "They feel like socks!"   They're great for walking and they last nearly forever.  Take it slowly at first if you find yourself getting sore. If you've not walked barefoot much lately, the muscles in your feet and lower legs may have to 'rediscover' what to do.  :) 

FYI Here's a user ranking of the minimal shoes out there: https://runrepeat.com/ranking/rankings-of-minimalist-running-shoes.   

 

[golden1]

I read "Born to Run", tried the whole minimalist running shoes trend, and now I am back to expensive running shoes.  They just work for me and allow me to run without pain and soreness.  Just because something worked for the Tarahumara, who had conditioned their feet for distance running from childhood, and ran on non-sidewalk and highway surfaces, doesn't mean it is going to work for the average European descended distance runner who runs on streets and started running in their mid 30s.  I still like to run in the vibrams occasionally, because I find that they help refine my form, but using them full time was a problem for me personally. 

[kimmarg]

I just got a New Balance 680 Men's Running Shoe $32.99 + $1 S/H from Joes New Balance Outlet today! Its worth it for 2yr weekend usage :D

I agree with everyone on not cheaping out on running shoes. I usually pay pretty much full price at my local running store in part because I take part in a lot of their free activities and resources and want to support the store.

New Balance are the only running shoes made in American and they are made right here in Maine! If you are in Maine there is an outlet store in Oxford and I think also Skowhegan.