Budget-friendly workout wear

[thebeesknees]

So with the warmer weather approaching, I've been thinking about running lately, but didn't know where to look to get decent running shoes. I know they can get pretty pricey, but then I've seen shoes at Target in the $25 range, too. I don't want to ruin my feet, but I can't afford to spend $$$, either. Can I get a basic athletic shoe? Do I need to get something specifically for running, or would a trainer-type shoe work?

Also, where can I get a decent running bra without breaking the bank? I normally wear a 36 DD. I have not found anything in Target or Walmart that is marked for high-impact sports. Everything is low to medium impact, and I suspect that I will need more support than that. Do they sell them at sporting goods stores? Can you recommend a good one?

Thanks!

 

[cepmom]

you do not want to skimp on shoes...I learned that the hard way. I suggest going to a specialty store and get fitted for running shoes. Once you know what shoe will work for you, see if you can find the right shoe online cheaper.

I just bought a pair of Adidas running shoes at a running store that were $99...a little high for me but I have already spent tons of money on shoes that wrecked my kness and feet. Now I know which one work for me and I will buy online next time. It's worth it to get good shoes that are the right fit for you.

 

[DVCBELLE]

I used to be like you and buy the cheapest running shoes I could find. Then I decided to get fit for them and the difference was amazing. You do need to invest in good shoes.

You could go to the store and ask them to fit you on shoes and then not buy what they reccomend. Make note of which shoes they are and then look for them online.

 

[Irin997]

Personally I love Under Armor running shoes and luckily they have a factory store around here. I managed to get a $75-100 pair of shoes for $45. Well, I actually got them for free for Christmas. But I love them!

Is there a favorite brand you like that might have an outlet store? I know the outlets around here have Adidas and Nike stores. Just a thought!

 

[Leleluvsdis]

I got a pair of new balence shows from rack room for $35. They are the old colors so they were trying to get rid of them. I LOVE my NB!!! You could always try on a pair in a store, then find the same style in old colors that are clearanced out.

 

[kirstenb1]

Sometimes you can find Champion, or Nike running bras at TJ Maxx or Marshall's. I've never seen really good running shoes there (yes they have name brands like Nike, but the construction can be lacking). I second the advice to go to a running store.

 

[MDTerrapin]

The two items I invest money for exercise are shoes and a sports bra. I love my Aasics and they have been well worth the extra money. I also love my sports bra. I bought at the Champion outlet store for about 30.00. For workout clothes Kohls has good sales on the Tek Gear and Fila lines.

Karen

 

[englishteacha]

Another New Balance fan here. Here in Maine we have NB factory outlet stores.
As for bras...I have not had any luck in that area either! I have a friend who wears 2 "medium impact" ones at a time and says that works for her. I had a Curvation sports bra from Walmart that was really good but I wore it till it fell apart!

 

[TnTWalter]

rocks!

But Walmart is also good.

And Goodwill if you really want budget but you have to be patient there!

Also check ebay!

Good luck!

 

[jacksmom]

Khols for running shoes! Target for clothes!

 

[wtrmlnlabs]

Also, where can I get a decent running bra without breaking the bank? I normally wear a 36 DD. I have not found anything in Target or Walmart that is marked for high-impact sports. Everything is low to medium impact, and I suspect that I will need more support than that. Do they sell them at sporting goods stores? Can you recommend a good one?

Thanks!

Can't help ya with shoes, but I always make out great at TJ Maxx or Ross's for bras and work out clothes... you can find Nike, Reebok and even under armour there at times. You can also check ebay, I was also a 36 DD before I lost my weight and my favorite bra was under armour, got it less than half price on ebay, which is where I'm headed to sell mine since it no longer fits!!

 

[MarilIncredible]

I think I got my Champion running bras at Sears for less than $20 each on sale last year.

You can get a decent pair of running shoes for about $50 on sale. I lucked out and got a very good pair at a pre-Xmas sale for about $40.

I got some moisture wicking tops at Kohl's for 4.50 during their Grand Opening sale.

I like leggings for running, and bought a bunch of Nordic Track brand ones at Sears at the end of last year for about $10 each.

 

[gabriellyn]

I use multiple sports bras for more support. I just can't stomach the idea of paying sooooo much for a sports bra that I only wear for an hour at a time, a few days a week! At least not when I have 3 kids and Disney trips to take!

However, having had foot issues all of my life, I really recommend not going cheap on the shoes if you can help it. I am still suffering from my latest bout of plantar fasciitis because of bad shoes - had to stop running and it put my workout routine in a tailspin. Soooo not worth it!

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

I think I got my Champion running bras at Sears for less than $20 each on sale last year.

Champion has some great sports bra deals online as well. I registered my e-mail with them and I get regular coupon codes.

Marshalls has really good deals on sneakers (running, x-trainers). I go there regularly and haven't paid more than $45 for the likes of Nike, Avia, New Balance and Reebok. You can also find good deals on workout wear here as well.

Under Armour is another brand whose outlet section of the website I surf regularly. If you register your e-dress with them, you also get discount codes--lots of times for Free Shipping!

 

[MonkeyDishwasher]

The C9 by Champion bras at Target work just fine for me, normally I don't run to work out, but the few times I do they work just fine for me. They're normally around $16.99 in Target stores, if they're not on sale. Also, the Tank Top bras work out well too.

 

[thebeesknees]

Thanks for all the advice! I'm totally new at this and don't want to ruin my feet for the sake of saving a few bucks. I'll go check out our Marshall's and Kohl's to see what I can find for shoes. I've been using the C9 bra from Target but I inherited my grandma's big bust and it just doesn't seem to have enough support. I'll go see if a dedicated sports store has something that will strap me down a bit more tightly.

 

[WendyMS]

Great advice. I'm about your size and learned the hard way not to skimp on the shoes. Find a running shoe store and get fitted and find out what's best for YOUR feet. Then you can shop around for best prices.

If you're looking for more support. Sign up for emails/catalogs from Champion. Then, when they have sports bras marked down and free shipping (usually a minimum $$ required) order a few styles that seem to match your support needs---try 'em all on and find the one that works for you and return the rest. Then make sure they don't discontinue your favorite---'cause then you have to redo the whole search process when your favorite wears out!