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The best running deals for summer’s end 2023

Check out these late-summer deals from MEC and REI

brooks adrenaline Photo by: Brooks

As summer comes to an end, we searched MEC and REI (North America’s two largest outdoor retailers) for their best end-of-summer deals. Here are some of the amazing savings we found for runners looking to update their kit for the fall racing season.

Best for neutral runners seeking a light shoe for faster runs.

Best for neutral runners seeking a light shoe for faster runs.
Runners seeking a lightweight cushioned shoe for fast workouts will appreciate the Kinvara 13. Saucony starts with a PWRRUN midsole for low weight and excellent cushioning. To this, it adds a lightweight, highly-breathable single-layer mesh upper that does a great job of locking in your foot. For the outsole, Saucony specs two strategically placed pieces of rubber in high-wear areas for durability without extra weight.

Best for runners seeking performance and protection in a variety of trail conditions.
Brooks Cascadia 16 Trail Running Shoes

Brooks Cascadia 16

A classic trail running shoe with lightweight cushioning and push-through protection.

This classic trail running shoe from Brooks provides the cushioning and protection required for challenging runs. Brooks has speced and aggressive TrailTack rubber outsole that delivers exceptional traction in loose and muddy conditions. For cushioning, Brooks has employed its DNA LOFT v2 midsole, which is lighter and softer than previous versions for increased comfort during longer runs. Additional root and rock protection is derived from a Ballistic Rock Shield sandwiched between the outsole and midsole. A lightweight upper glued overlays provides a foot-hugging fit, and the addition of a gaiter tab allows the secure attachment of gaiters for extra trail protection from debris.

Best for high-mileage runners that need some stability without sacrificing cushioning.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Road Running Shoes

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22

A moderate stability shoe with the necessary cushioning for longer runs.

Best for high-mileage runners that need some stability without sacrificing cushioning.
High-milage runners seeking cushioning and a moderate level of stability need to look at the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22. Brooks builds the Adrenaline GTS 22 with a 100% DNA LOFT midsole that delivers excellent cushioning without sacrificing durability. For stability, Brooks employs a pair of GuideRails that prevent excessive movement and a natural stride. The microfibre uppers are highly breathable and provide a foot-confirming fit for maximum comfort. Finally, Brooks specs its HPR Plus outsoles, which ensure the long-wearing durability desired by runners logging big miles.

Best for runners seeking a shirt with wicking and breathability, without compromising sun protection.
MEC Rapidi-T Short Sleeve Shirt

MEC Rapidi-T Short Sleeve Men's Shirt

A technical and versatile running shirt with excellent UPF protection.

Constructed from an active stretch jersey fabric that consists of a blend of polyester and spandex, the Rapidi-T is an excellent running shirt for warm conditions. The material offers a perfect combination of breathability, wicking, and sun protection (50+ UPF rating), making it ideal for long summer runs. MEC specs an antimicrobial fabric treatment ensuring the shirt avoids the odour build-up often associated with synthetic blends. Finally, the use of flatlock stitching reduces the chance of chafing when training in hot and humid conditions.

Best for runners seeking a comfortable running top for warm weather.
MEC Core Train Short Sleeve T-Shirt

MEC Core Train Short Sleeve T-Shirt

A lightweight, breathable running top that resists odours.

Can runners have too many running tops? Some would say no. If you fall into this category, then you need to check out the MEC Core Train Short Sleeve T-Shirt. Built with a lightweight and highly breathable fabric, the Core Train Short Sleeve T-Shirt wicks moisture, dries quickly, and, thanks to its Polygiene antimicrobial treatment, won’t smell like bio-hazard waste after a run. The result is a running top that ensures you remain relatively odour free during your running sessions.

Best for runners seeking maximum mobility in a quick-drying short.
The North Face Sunriser Shorts

The North Face Sunriser Men's Shorts

A running short constructed with a stretchy recycled fabric.

Built with a stretchy recycled fabric that features The North Face’s unique FlashDry moisture-wicking construction, the Sunriser Shorts are perfect for spirited training in warm conditions. The shorts also feature a FlashDry liner for additional comfort during long runs. Finally, The North Face adds a zippered pocket for securely storing small essentials.

Best for runners seeking exceptional comfort and moisture-wicking.
Adidas Designed 4 Running T-Shirt

Adidas Designed 4 Running Men's T-Shirt

A soft, technical fabric running T-shirt.

The Designed 4 Running T-Shirt is made with a 100% recycled polyester single jersey that delivers an incredibly soft feel against the skin. Adidas employs its AEROREADY technology for increased moisture absorption and comfort. A roomy traditional fit ensures that it will not restrict movement during training.

Best for runners seeking maximum performance during races or hot weather training.
Brooks Atmosphere T-Shirt

Brooks Atmosphere Men's T-Shirt

A lightweight and highly breathable running shirt.

The Atmosphere T-Shirt features a highly breathable, lightweight, wicking fabric that delivers exceptional comfort during warm running conditions. Brooks has added 11% spandex to the fabric blend, ensuring the Atmosphere T-Shirt won’t hold you back when sprinting to the finish line.

Best for runners seeking maximum comfort, breathability and freedom of movement.

Brooks Sprint Free Women's T-Shirt

A lightweight, stretchy, and highly breathable running shirt.

With its stylish design and technical blended fabric (86% recycled polyester/14% spandex mesh), the Sprint Free T-Shirt is ideal for training in warm conditions. The shirt features an antimicrobial treatment that prevents the build-up of odours and allows multiple wearings between washing.

Best for runners training in cooler conditions.
The North Face Wander 1/4 Zip Top

The North Face Wander Men's 1/4 Zip Top

A long-sleeve running shirt with a quarter-zip for ventilation.

Built with a breathable, FlashDry knit jersey, the Wander 1/4 Zip Top is ideal for cool weather running. The fabric does an excellent job of wicking moisture as well as providing additional warmth in cooler weather. The addition of a quarter-zip ensures additional ventilation during longer runs. Finally, The North Face adds thumb-loop wrists that provide extra warmth and reduce drafts in chilly weather.

Products reviewed in this article:

Best for neutral runners seeking a light shoe for faster runs.

Saucony Kinvara 13

Saucony Kinvara 13 Men's

Buy Now CAN - Men's $74.93 (50% Off)

Buy Now CAN - Women's $74.93 (50% Off)

Buy Now US - Women's $90.93 (24% Off)

Best for runners seeking performance and protection in a variety of trail conditions.

Brooks Cascadia 16

Brooks Cascadia 16 Trail Running Shoes

Buy Now US - Men's From $100.93 (22% Off)

Buy Now US - Women's From $100.93 (22% Off)

Best for high-mileage runners that need some stability without sacrificing cushioning.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Road Running Shoes

Buy Now US - Men's $110.83 (20% Off)

Buy Now US - Women's $110.83 (20% Off)

Best for runners seeking a shirt with wicking and breathability, without compromising sun protection.

MEC Rapidi-T Short Sleeve Men's Shirt

MEC Rapidi-T Short Sleeve Shirt

Buy Now CAN - $35.94 (20% Off)

Best for runners seeking a comfortable running top for warm weather.

MEC Core Train Short Sleeve T-Shirt

MEC Core Train Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Buy Now Men's CAN - $31.94 (20% Off)

Buy Now Women's CAN - $21.93 (51% Off)

Best for runners seeking maximum mobility in a quick-drying short.

The North Face Sunriser Men's Shorts

The North Face Sunriser Shorts

Buy Now US - $41.73 (24% Off)

Best for runners seeking exceptional comfort and moisture-wicking.

Adidas Designed 4 Running Men's T-Shirt

Adidas Designed 4 Running T-Shirt

Buy Now CAN - Amazon

Buy Now US - $27.93 (30% Off)

Best for runners seeking maximum performance during races or hot weather training.

Brooks Atmosphere Men's T-Shirt

Brooks Atmosphere T-Shirt

Buy Now US - $32.73 (30% Off)

Best for runners seeking maximum comfort, breathability and freedom of movement.

Brooks Sprint Free Women's T-Shirt

Buy Now US - $26.73 (33% Off)

Best for runners training in cooler conditions.

The North Face Wander Men's 1/4 Zip Top

The North Face Wander 1/4 Zip Top

Buy Now CAN - Amazon

Buy Now CAN - $51.94 (31% Off)

Check out the latest buyer's guide:

Best trail running gear for spring 2024

Explore our favourite trail running gear for short trips and longer treks, from watches to gaiters