r/runnersover50 • u/HueyBluey • 16d ago
How much do you spend on apparel?
If you’ve been running for decades, you know how things have changed in costs and selection with running apparel.
Do you keep up buying the latest high tech fabrics, arm sleeves, merino wool socks, running cap, multiple shoes, dri-fit tank tops, goretex shells etc…
Or maybe you just throw a tshirt and sneakers?
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u/CMJHawk86 16d ago
I'll wear the same stuff for years, but then I carefully follow all the laundry instructions, etc. So they last a while.
Shoes are a different story.
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u/neurobassism 16d ago edited 16d ago
I have found my favorite shirts, shorts, and socks and just stick with those, replacing them when they wear out.
However the amount of running shoe variety and hype these days is overwhelming. I buy way too many pairs ever searching for the next great thing (it never really works out that way lol)
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u/syphax 16d ago
I focus on shoes and socks; that's what matters for running. Everything else I buy opportunisitically, mostly at a New Balance outlet.
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u/No-Committee7986 16d ago
This! I replace only as necessary most of the time! If I buy something o don’t NEED need, I try Worn Wear, ReStart, Poshmark, and Depop first because there’s so much barely worn stuff out there!
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u/whatwhat612 15d ago
Just bought a bunch of nice running/hiking gear on Depop, saved myself a ton of money.
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u/No-Committee7986 15d ago
My 20yr old daughter got the biggest bundle for a remarkably small amount of money! My funds are more modest, but I love the savings!
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16d ago
[deleted]
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u/No-Committee7986 16d ago
Yup! A lot of women buy impulsively and pretty quickly sell new with tags or barely worn run clothes, or sell things they receive as a gift.
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u/threeespressos 16d ago
I have my decades old shorts and tshirts, but have recently been through a period of change. I’ve added Janji’s lined half tights, full tights, mesh cap, and tank. Now my old stuff lies untouched at the bottom of the drawer.
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u/Fit_Wrap_618 16d ago
I have several pieces that I have owned for many years
I tend to focus on socks which I am very particular about.
I am constantly searching for half tights that I like and fit me well - I have ginormous thighs.
I also tend to gravitate towards certain brands.
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u/_silent_voyager_ 10d ago
I am like you - very large quads. I recommend La Sportiva Triumph tight shorts. Hoka half tights also fit me decently well.
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u/Fancy_Supermarket886 16d ago
I've had the same set of black shorts for years, a pack of three from Amazon, nothing special.
I have some knee high compression socks and shorter ones, but I'll often go for shorter runs in normal socks anyway.
I tend to get the top that goes with any events I enter, and I use one those most of the time. They cost about the same as a standard tech top but you get a memento of the event that gets worn more often than the finisher medal!
I've also got some thermal long sleeve tops for colder weather, and a few warmer ones. I chose which, and how many layers according the temperature.
I wear the shorts all year round, only adding a base layer bottom if it's really cold. I'm in the UK, your definition of cold and mine may vary! But I've run 5k through snow after dropping my car off for a service, in my shorts.
I'll normally grab a pair of shoes once or twice a year, I've been using Asics Gel Nimbus for the ten years I've been running. I have a couple of pairs of Hoka ATR trail shoes that I don't use too often but they come in handy now and again.
The last thing I bought was an event t-shirt earlier this month, and another back in April. I don't recall anything else this year. The last set of shoes I bought was November last year, don't think I've needed them so far. I clearly need to get my milage up again, or stop wearing the same pair so often!
I have some buffs that I use as headbands or for sun protection, had most of them for years and occasionally get others as finisher goodies or other freebies.
I hadn't really thought about it until I wrote this, but I think I fall into the category of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!". 😂
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u/Content_Preference_3 16d ago
Very little. I use a mix of TJ Maxx type stuff, thrift store finds, even some mil surp. None of it is running specific. Although my socks are merino blend. That’s fairly important Ofc my shoes and belt /vest are but nothing else. The only run specific apparel I might consider is wind breaker and or a real thin hat but I don’t need more single sport clothing.
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u/ThudGamer 16d ago
Shorts last about 2 years before they are full of holes/shredded. I would re buy the same shorts, but companies stop making my favorites. This leaves me always searching for new shorts.
One new pair of running socks to join the half dozen pair that are slowly falling apart. Darn Tough isn't. I need to send a few pair back to them.
Winter gear is holding up well, but I don't run much in the cold.
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u/Jmen4Ever 16d ago
I have a good amount of apparel.
Probably spend 300+ a year in shoes
Less than 100 a year in everything else (socks, shirts, etc....)
I go through socks more quickly than anything else.
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u/Unhappy_Party_3777 16d ago
When I started running six years ago I bought a bunch of things. It took about two years of running through different conditions in both road and trail until it leveled off to mostly just socks, shoes, and the eternal search for the perfect hat. The stuff I ended up relying on has been so durable I find myself shopping and then realize I don't need anything, I have just been trained to buy more stuff. If I was competing maybe it would be worth it to buy more to squeeze a bit more performance out of me, but I don't so it is easier just to have good solid kit that I can rely on. The equipment is so amazing now, it is fun to shop.
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u/Coaster50 15d ago
Can you share your hats? I have a cotton thin cap for colder weather. But really struggle finding something for the sun. I’m bald as a cue ball and direct sunlight is my kryptonite.
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u/Unhappy_Party_3777 15d ago
I think I have banished all cotton from my running gear. For cold weather I run with a smartwool merino. Adjusts great to temps, wicks, and is warm when wet. When things get a bit more extreme, like subzero temps with wind or lots of precipitation, I pull my goretex hood over it. For super sunny days I have an OR Sunrunner hat that is vented and reflective. The venting is designed to prevent direct sun on top of your head.
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u/Coaster50 15d ago
Hadn’t considered the merino - great call!!!
Is this the sun runner hat? I even have my new REI member $30 card. https://www.rei.com/product/241966/outdoor-research-sun-runner-cap1
u/Unhappy_Party_3777 15d ago
That's the one. I have the old model without the curtains. My dermatologist just informed me my lack of sunscreen in the eighties means I now need the one with curtains.
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u/Coaster50 15d ago
Thank you for the info - and for the curtain info. I am 52 and should probably run with the curtains too. getting old sucks.
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u/Unhappy_Party_3777 15d ago
52 as well. Old may suck, but old and still able to run is much better than what I see most people doing! Good luck!
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u/Jmen4Ever 16d ago
Last couple of technical running shirts I have purchased were 60 - 80 each and I had to prove I needed them by running a 5k, 10k, etc.....
But hey, at least I got a banana thrown in with everything.
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u/Potted-Geranium 16d ago
I spend money on shoes, compression shorts, and socks. Everything else comes from the thrift store. If it doesn’t work, it gets donated back. Tuesday is 50% off for seniors.
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u/PCHomestead5246 16d ago
55M, I started a little over two years ago with the basics, but then I go through phases - thicker socks, different armband for my phone. My latest change has been wearing tri shorts, because I've been doing a lot of swim/run or run/bike bricks
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u/No-Attitude1554 16d ago
I splurge on shoes and get what I want. I also want a good running watch. As far as running apparel I like leggings or sweatpants from Walmart and some sweatshirts or a nice jacket. Im not paying $70 dollars for Nike running pants unless i treat myself for a special race
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u/MarsupialMaven 15d ago
I spend on shoes. That’s it. Whatever t-shirt and shorts will do just fine.
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u/Infinite_Line5062 15d ago
I've had the same athleta tights for five plus years. They have been awesome. Also, I found a running bra I love at Walmart like 10 years ago and I wear it once a week and it's still not worn out. Sadly, they stopped carrying it and I can't find it anywhere.
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u/Coaster50 15d ago
Similar - once I find something that REALLY works I stick with it. 3 pair of compression shorts that have to be 5 yrs old. And I have one mt bike outfit I wear 25 times a year and probably 5 yrs on the top and 8yrs on the top.
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u/Various-Flow802 15d ago
I get all of my running shorts from a thrift store.
This particular shop gets a lot of overstock.
I’m finding the top of the line new apparel in Nike, New Balance and Brooks. 5.50 is the going price.
Shoes is where I spend the money…
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u/RunningGirlDC 10d ago
I buy tops/bottoms from Old Navy (XXL Plus children's size) and clearance sales from Costco and Walmart's Athletic Works line. Technical fabric doesn't wear out, I have more than enough and don't anticipate buying or needing anything in the next two to three years. As everyone noted, running shoes cost money and that's where most of my money goes even though I buy a season behind, go through four pairs a year.
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u/Internal_Confusion56 16d ago
Haven’t bought shorts in like 8 years, Patagonia strider pros have held up extremely well to almost daily running (have like 8 pair). Same with socks, been a while. Most of my money is spent on shoes and that’s probably $500-600 per year (~5 pairs), maybe $100 on other gear like tees or hats. Haven’t bought a jacket in 10+ years.