You might associate Memorial Day sales with big-ticket purchases like mattresses and bedding — but in my opinion, there’s an underrated category you should be shopping right now: athletic shoes. Popular brands tend to release brand-new sneakers in spring or early summer, meaning you can typically shop discounts on last year’s models at this time of year. Case in point: I found six rare running shoe deals from Brooks, HOKA, and New Balance for up to $60 off.
As a running-obsessed editor, I’ve tried close to a hundred different running shoes over the years — so to save you time and money, I curated this list of the best running shoe deals happening over Memorial Day weekend. Plus, I consulted testing insights from the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, where our experts assess factors like construction and support, and consumer testers and staffers provide real-world feedback on comfort, fit, appearance and more.
Running shoes on sale:
Brooks Ghost 16
- The best-selling Brooks Ghost 16 was named the best for plantar fasciitis in our recent roundup for shoes for flat feet. Its lightweight, 8.5-ounce construction and ample arch support provide a crowd-pleasing balance between cushioning and bounce, without feeling clunky. Our consumer testers gave them top marks for comfort and fit, stating they felt great while walking, standing and exercising.
HOKA Arahi 7
- For runners who tend to over-pronate, go for the HOKA Arahi 7: these chunky shoes have additional support to help prevent excessive inward rolling as you step — which is why we named them the best stability shoe from HOKA. According to Grace Wu, product reviews analyst, "these helped correct my gait without feeling too stiff."
New Balance FuelCell Rebel
- I've logged thousands of miles in the New Balance FuelCell Rebel over the years — in fact, I'm on my fifth pair right now. While they haven't been tested in the Lab yet, these lightweight and surprisingly springy kicks are my personal favorite for short jogs and long training runs alike because of their responsive feel and low heel drop.
Brooks Glycerin 21
- In our testing, the Brooks Glycerin 21 received almost perfect scores for cushioning, fit and traction. One tester reported that the shoe felt "very bouncy and [with] a good forward motion," while another found that "It feels easier to run in these shoes, like they're helping to propel me forward and aren't dragging me down."
Asics Gel Cumulus 26
- The Asics Gel Cumulus 26 is also a top performer in the Lab. With ample cushioning, the foam is gel-infused for improved shock absorption. We love the addition of a padded back tab by the heel for extra comfort and ankle stability.
Nike Pegasus 41
- Our pros named the Nike Pegasus 41 the best Nike shoe for running, because many of our testers found them to be comfortable and lightweight. "As someone with a bad back who frequently finds exercise painful, these running shoes never flare any hip pain," one tester shared.
How to find the best running shoe for you:
According to Priya Parthasarathy, D.P.M., a podiatrist and partner at Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, not only can the right shoes decrease your risk of injury, they can also enhance your performance — while the wrong shoes may cause blisters, increased foot strain and knee, hip or back pain.
First, Emma Seymour, associate director of the Textiles Lab suggests opting for running shoes with generous return policies — so you can try the shoes on at home or on a treadmill to determine if they're comfortable for you. She also recommends keeping comfort top-of-mind; you should be able to wiggle your toes to ensure there’s enough room in the toe box — about half an inch. Keep in mind that feet tend to swell a bit as you walk or run, so don't be afraid to size up if needed.
Check out more of our favorite Memorial Day deals
- 6 Best Walking Shoe Sales in May, Backed by Our Experts
- The Best Memorial Day Sales of 2025, According to Our Shopping Editors
- Memorial Day Is the Perfect Time to Upgrade Your Mattress
- Nordstrom's Sale Section Just Got Restocked in May
Samantha is a lifestyle commerce editor at Hearst magazines, where she covers fashion, fitness gear, tech, and viral products. She has over six years of editorial experience, including writing, editing, and hands-on product testing for commerce stories—whether it be an in-depth running shoe review or a curation of the latest Prime Day deals. As an avid runner and former Division I athlete, Samantha has particular expertise in fitness gear, apparel, shoes, and tech. (In fact, when she’s not at her desk, she’s probably out for a run.)
You can find Samantha’s work in Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, House Beautiful, Country Living, Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, PEOPLE, and more.
