Last year I nearly bought a pair of trainers because the badge was red and the countdown clock was ticking.
They would have rubbed my heel raw. That was a close one.
So here is the opinion I would hand to anyone before the sales start: the best black friday trainer deals are pairs you will wear comfortably, at a price you checked rather than guessed. Pick your category first, set a realistic target, then compare the same model across retailers. A good everyday shoe or a running pair that suits your feet beats a bargain you will regret by January.
Black Friday lands on 27 November in 2026, and Cyber Monday follows on 30 November. There is plenty of time to compare.
One thing to be clear about: this is a buying shortlist, not a claim that any price below is live today. The figures are target prices to look for, based on typical UK list prices, and retailers can change prices, models and colourways before November. I care more about fit, return terms and what the shoe is meant for than about a dramatic discount. A cheap pair that rubs after ten minutes is not a bargain. It is a blister with excellent marketing. Try your usual size in person if you can, then compare the exact model online, because last year’s colourway might be discounted while the new version holds its price.
Everyday pairs under £60
For school runs, train platforms and a full day on your feet, a simple comfortable trainer usually beats a specialist shoe. Target prices here are estimates, not confirmed discounts, so check price history where a retailer shows one.
1. Adidas Grand Court 2.0 — target price: £35. The clean tennis-inspired shape works with jeans, wide-leg trousers and casual dresses, and the cushioned footbed suits errands. The catch is that I would not pick it for long runs or muddy paths.
2. Puma Carina 2.0 — target price: £40. A slightly chunkier sole gives it more presence than a flat court shoe. Good if you want a retro feel without going full statement trainer. The platform adds weight, so try them on if you like something feather-light.
3. New Balance 574 — target price: £55. The profile is inspired by old running shoes, and it tends to feel more supportive than flat canvas. It is a handy all-rounder for city walking, especially in a colour you will actually wear. Some shoppers find the fit snug, so read the sizing guidance first.
4. Reebok Classic Leather — target price: £45. Understated and easy to pair with basics. Hold out for a neutral colour if you want a wardrobe staple rather than a trend buy. The leather needs a little care, and it will not feel airy like mesh.
Are Nike discounts worth the wait?
Maybe. The biggest percentage off is not automatically the best buy, so focus on the exact model and what you will use it for. These are popular styles with target prices that would make them more tempting, though the final reduction can vary by colour and size.
5. Nike Air Force 1 ’07 — target price: £75. A leather basketball-inspired silhouette that dresses up or down, and a strong everyday choice if you like a firm, structured feel underfoot. A neutral colourway will get more wear than a novelty one. They feel heavy next to knit trainers, and the white finish needs regular cleaning (I have given up on mine looking box-fresh).
6. Nike P-6000 — target price: £70. Layered retro-running looks give it a more technical air than a plain court shoe, and the mesh panels feel breezier. Nice for casual days when you want more detail in the outfit. The busy overlays are not for everyone, and it is still a lifestyle shoe rather than a proper running model.
7. Nike Pegasus 41 — target price: £90. If you run regularly, a discounted Pegasus is a more useful buy than another pair chosen for colour. It is a road-running daily trainer, so it suits steady training miles and shorter sessions alike. Do not buy on reputation alone. Running shoes are personal, and the fit has to feel right before you commit.
Running shoes need different shopping
Check the intended support, how the shoe feels on your foot and whether it suits your usual routes. A tempting price will not fix the wrong fit. If you are between sizes or replacing a worn pair, leave time for returns and a short test run before retiring the old ones.
8. ASICS Gel-Cumulus 27 — target price: £100. A neutral road shoe for runners who want cushioning for regular training rather than a racing-flat feel, and comfortable across easy miles. It is still a premium spend. I would want a proper reduction plus a returns policy that lets me check the fit indoors.
9. Brooks Ghost 17 — target price: £105. Aimed at neutral road runners who want a dependable everyday shoe, not an unstable-feeling ride. It may suit you if comfort and routine matter more than a super-light race design. Check width as well as length. A shoe can be the right size on paper and still pinch across the forefoot.
10. Saucony Ride 18 — target price: £95. A neutral daily trainer that can handle easy runs and regular road miles if the shape suits your stride. Worth watching if you have tried the model before and know it feels good. New runners should not choose by specs alone, because comfort during a short gentle test matters more than a chart of foam names.
11. Adidas Supernova Rise 2 — target price: £85. A training-focused road shoe with a cushioned feel for everyday runs and a familiar mainstream fit. The target price makes more sense than paying full whack for an unfamiliar model. One caveat: runners chasing something very fast and light will want a more specialised option.
Skip the too-good-to-be-true listings
A low price is not a red flag by itself. But a listing that promises a technical running shoe for a tiny fraction of the usual price, gives no clear model name and hides returns details deserves a second look. I would rather pay a little more to know what is arriving at my door.
Be careful with unfamiliar labels making sweeping claims about injury prevention, medical support or a one-size-fits-all gait. Those claims need evidence, not dramatic graphics. Check the materials, sizing chart, seller details and independent reviews. If you cannot tell whether the shoe is made for road running, gym training or everyday wear, skip it.
Watch for inflated was prices too. Compare the same model number across a few retailers, and see whether the discount only covers an unpopular colour or one hard-to-find size. A 50% saving on a pair you would never have considered at full price is still money spent.
Black Friday or Cyber Monday?
Some retailers start early and keep offers running through the weekend, while others add or change deals on the Monday. No reliable rule says Cyber Monday is always cheaper. Watch your shortlisted models instead of waiting on principle.
Write down the model name, colour and size before the sale begins. If a pair hits your target and the return policy is clear, buying then is perfectly reasonable. If it is still over budget, walk away. Trainers are not concert tickets, and another colourway or retailer will turn up.
Compare the final basket price after delivery, any sign-up discount rules and the returns window. Some offers look generous until postage is added, or the discounted items turn out to have stricter return terms. And if you are buying running shoes, do not leave your first run until the last day of the returns period.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is Black Friday in 2026?
Black Friday falls on 27 November 2026, with Cyber Monday on 30 November. Some retailers begin offers earlier and run them through the weekend.
Are the prices in this guide live deals?
No. They are target prices based on typical UK list prices. Retailers can change prices, models and colourways before November, so check the exact model.
Is Cyber Monday cheaper than Black Friday for trainers?
There is no reliable rule. Some shops add or change offers on the Monday, so watch your shortlisted models and buy when one hits your target price.
How can I spot a fake trainer discount?
Compare the same model number across a few retailers, check whether the reduction only applies to an unpopular colour or size, and be wary of inflated was prices.
How long should I leave for returns on running shoes?
Do your first run well before the returns window closes. That gives you time to notice a rub or pressure point and send them back.
