Buzz
Running, often seen as an affordable activity, can surprisingly burn a hole in your pocket. While a decent pair of shoes is the basic requirement, many runners end up splurging on a wide array of gear. (Even running shoes seem to climb in price with each new release.) A Reddit user recently posed the question: 'What’s the most wasteful running-related purchase you’ve made?' Here’s what the community had to say.
Ill-fitting or unsuitable running shoes
One runner admitted, 'Every pair of Hokas I’ve ever bought.' While Hoka shoes were frequently mentioned, complaints about other brands like Nike and New Balance also surfaced. However, steering clear of buyer’s remorse isn’t as straightforward as avoiding certain brands. Some Redditors praised their Hokas, proving preferences vary widely.
The key takeaway here is to trust your instincts when it comes to choosing the right shoes. The most valuable advice I received during marathon training was from our coach, who urged us to replace worn-out shoes with the exact same model. Once you find a pair that suits you, stick with it. If you decide to experiment with something new, ensure the retailer allows returns even after a few runs.
Signing up for races you won’t participate in (or don’t genuinely want to run)
Many runners cited 'every race I registered for in 2020' as a waste, largely due to pandemic-related cancellations. Others mentioned races they skipped or didn’t finish due to personal reasons or injuries. One runner overcommitted by signing up for a marathon and too many practice races, while others regretted the high costs of traveling to destination events. Another shared their regret after completing a grueling 30-mile ultramarathon, feeling completely drained afterward.
While we can’t foresee pandemics or injuries, we can be more mindful about the races we enter. It’s worth evaluating how much we truly want to participate and whether the associated travel expenses and experiences align with our goals and budget.
Purchasing gear to address non-existent problems
Is a foot pod truly necessary to confirm treadmill data or enhance your running metrics? Many Reddit users discovered the answer was no. Similar regrets were shared about phone armbands, hydration belts, and other gear—like shorts purchased by someone who prefers running in leggings. As one runner aptly put it: 'I own more running gear than I actually use or need.'
The highly praised item everyone raves about
Super shoes have generated significant hype, with claims of returning energy to your feet and improving race times. However, they come with a hefty price tag (up to $300 per pair), wear out fast, and, according to some Redditors, feel uncomfortable. Additionally, they might not offer much benefit to the average runner.
Other trendy products also fell short of expectations: one user bought a Theragun and disliked it. Another invested in a magnetic bib attachment system for race day but reverted to traditional safety pins. Others splurged on apparel from brands like Lululemon, only to find it didn’t meet the hype.
Ineffective efforts to shield yourself from weather conditions
One runner shared, 'I spent £55 on a waterproof jacket that felt more like a portable sauna,' a sentiment I completely understand. I once purchased a rain jacket during a team order, only to find it offered little protection from the rain. When a second, supposedly more waterproof jacket became available, I bought it too. This one was precisely a mobile sauna—I ended up just as soaked, but this time from my own sweat. (Gross.)
In a similar vein, a runner from Vancouver invested in 'breathable, waterproof' socks that failed to deliver. They concluded, 'Running in the rain costs nothing, and sometimes that’s the better option.'
