Miles District Guide: Building a Running Kit on a Budget

Miles District is a US online store for running and fitness gear — road and trail running shoes, running clothing, training equipment, electronics and sports nutrition — from brands including Nike, adidas, Saucony, New Balance, Mizuno and Merrell. Because it carries many brands in one place, it's a practical place to compare shoes and put together a complete running kit. This guide covers what to buy first, how to choose shoes that fit, and where it's safe to spend less.

What Miles District sells

• Running shoes: road and trail models from several brands
• Running clothing: tops, shorts, tights, jackets and socks
• Training equipment and electronics
• Sports nutrition
• A clearance section with marked-down items

Miles District lists a business address in Round Rock, Texas, and a 30-day return window. Check the return conditions before you buy — especially whether shoes can be sent back after you've run in them.

Start with the shoes

Shoes are the one piece of running kit worth prioritizing, because fit affects every run. Choose by where you run first. Road shoes are lighter, with smoother outsoles for pavement and treadmills. Trail shoes have deeper lugs, tougher uppers and more grip for dirt, rocks and mud. If you run on both, pick for the surface you use most.

How to check the fit

• Check the brand's size chart — sizing varies between brands and even between models.
• Leave some room in front of your longest toe, since feet swell on longer runs.
• Check width as well as length; several brands make wide versions of popular models.
• If you already have a shoe you like, look at its newer version first — it's the lowest-risk buy.

Replace a pair when it starts to feel flat or the tread is visibly worn. Buying the previous version of a model you already like, once it's marked down in clearance, is one of the easiest ways to save on running shoes.

Building a running wardrobe on a budget

A running wardrobe doesn't need to be big. A few pieces that dry quickly and layer well cover most weather:

• Two or three moisture-wicking tops. Technical fabrics dry faster than cotton, which holds sweat and can rub.
• Shorts or tights with a comfortable waistband and a small pocket for a key.
• Running socks in synthetic or wool blends — cotton socks stay damp, which makes blisters more likely.
• One light wind- or water-resistant jacket for cool or wet days.
• A base layer for colder months, if you run through winter.

Where to spend and where to save

Spend on what touches your feet and what you'll wear every week: shoes, socks and the layer that suits your local weather. Save on basic tops and shorts — most breathable technical fabrics do the same job — and on last season's colors or editions that are marked down. Add accessories and gadgets once you know you'll actually use them.

Saving at Miles District

Miles District's offers have included a sitewide coupon code, a discount on your first order when you sign up for its newsletter, and free US shipping. See the Miles District coupon page for the offers that are live now, with end dates where the store lists them.

Before you apply a code, check that it covers the brands in your cart, since some brands can be excluded from promotions, and whether your order already qualifies for free shipping.