REI just kicked off its Labor Day Sale, one of the retailer’s biggest sales events of the year, and it’s a must-shop event for runners. Right now, REI is serving up serious discounts up to 30% off on some of the best kicks on the market, including top-rated pairs from Altra, Nike, Adidas, and more.
I dove into the sale section and pulled together the six discounted shoes below. All of them are certified Runner’s World favorites that RW editors and wear testers have tried out and loved. Whether you need a comfy shoe for day-to-day training or you want to try out the latest and greatest midsole foams, there’s a bargain here that’ll get you exactly what you’re looking for.
If you know Nike running shoes, you know the Pegasus. The brand’s stalwart training shoe is now in its 42nd (!) iteration, and it just keeps getting better. With its wider toe box and new full-length Zoom Air unit, this shoe serves up a comfortable fit and a notably smooth ride. “It feels easy to run quickly in,” said RW tester Molly Sunderlin, “but also like I can do a two-hour long run without getting sore underfoot.”
This PEBA-equipped super trainer is one of the best shoes in the Adidas lineup right now. For this iteration, Adidas widened the midfoot and added even more midsole foam, which gives the Rise 3 a soft yet highly responsive ride that’s perfect for all kinds of speed training (and race day, too).
The Experience Flow 3 is Altra’s gateway drug: It allows runners to experience a low-drop shoe before going all-in on zero drop. With its 4mm offset, this shoe offers a less jarring transition from regular trainers, and RW testers loved its just-right midsole cushioning—it’s neither too firm nor too soft. Versatile and affordable (especially at this price), it’s a great all-around trainer and one of Altra’s best shoes.
Another one of our favorite Altra shoes, the Experience Wild 3 stands out thanks to its accommodating fit. It has a wide midfoot and forefoot shape that gives your foot room to splay and provides natural stability on uneven trails, and the redesigned upper offers a snug wrap and improved breathability. Thanks to its grippy MaxTrac outsole, it can handle everything from mellow rail trails to loose, technical terrain.
In her review, RW Editor Amanda Furrer called the Sonicblast “a speedwork demon” thanks to its propulsive ride. Its dual-density midsole (made from FlyteFoam Turbo 2 and FlyteFoam Blast Max) and PEBA plate ensure you get maximum bounce with every step, and it’s an excellent choice for speed training and even racing if you prefer a firm, responsive ride. (Note: Only the women’s version is on sale at REI.)
“Super trainer” and “stability” aren’t terms you often see together, but that’s what makes the Structure Plus so special: It gives you a supremely plush, PEBA-enhanced ride plus support for overpronation. The tall 42mm midsole features ReactX and PEBA-based ZoomX foams, but the sole has a wide shape and firm arch support that keeps the shoe from feeling wobbly underfoot. Testers loved its cushioned, energetic ride and “great balance between guidance and comfort.”
Michael is a freelance writer with years of experience covering gear and the outdoors for Runner's World and other publications; when he's not writing, he's usually biking, hiking, and running in the mountains around Los Angeles, where he lives.
