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Is there a noticeable difference in performance between expensive running shoes and cheaper alternatives like Asics and Nike's "free" series? Are expensive running shoes worth the cost?

Last Updated: 21.06.2025 12:17

Is there a noticeable difference in performance between expensive running shoes and cheaper alternatives like Asics and Nike's "free" series? Are expensive running shoes worth the cost?

It depends. For me, Nike Alphaflys have lowered my PR about 8 minutes from running in shoes that didn’t have the carbon plate. I also PR’d in the half marathon by using them. They cost about twice as much as other running shoes. If I were a 4 hour marathoner and not looking to BQ, I wouldn’t have bought them.