Top 10 Accessories to Buy with Your New Running Shoes (Cheap Inserts, Socks & Care Tips)

Stop hunting expired codes — make your new Brooks or Altra feel perfect today

You just snapped up a discounted pair of Brooks or Altra shoes — great. But if your feet still ache on mile two, the sale felt pointless. This guide shows the Top 10 affordable running accessories that pair with those shoes and deliver instant comfort gains: cheap insoles, running socks on discount, practical shoe-care items and pairing tips that actually work. Read fast, act faster: time-limited promos on Brooks and Altra continue into 2026 and the right cheap add-ons make the difference between a great run and blisters.

Why these accessories matter in 2026

By late 2025 and early 2026 the market split into two clear trends: premium custom tech (3D-scanned, bespoke insoles) that costs a lot and often delivers marginal gains, and highly effective mass-market upgrades — cheap insoles, technical socks and simple shoe care — that move the comfort needle immediately. Retailers like Brooks and Altra are running strong promotions (new-customer discounts and seasonal sales), so now is the moment to buy a shoe and add a few low-cost accessories to lock in comfort and durability.

"High-priced custom insoles are popular — but recent reporting highlights placebo effects and overhype in some 3D-scanned offerings."

Translation: you don't need a bespoke £200 insole to feel better. Carefully chosen off-the-shelf pieces under £20–£30 will likely help just as much on day one.

Quick buying checklist (Before you add anything to cart)

• Measure both feet — use mm or UK shoe size; buy accessories sized to your larger foot.
• Note the shoe platform — Altra's wide toe-box and zero-drop fit differently from Brooks' cushioned platforms. Pick thinner or thicker insoles accordingly.
• Check return windows — Brooks’ current 90-day wear test and Altra sale return policies make trying inexpensive upgrades low-risk.
• Verify coupons — use retailer promo codes at checkout and double-check expiry (we include verification tips below).

Top 10 Accessories to Buy Right Now

1. Cheap supportive insoles (price range £8–£30)

Why: The single fastest comfort upgrade. Swap the thin stock insole for a supportive insert and reduce arch fatigue, heel pain and overall squeeze.

• What to buy: look for brands like Dr. Scholl's, Superfeet (entry-level models), Spenco and budget memory-foam options sold on Amazon UK or Sports Direct.
• Pairing tip: For Altra’s wide toe-box, choose low-profile, thin dress-style insoles; for Brooks’ cushioned shoes, medium-volume insoles add support without losing foam feel.
• Actionable install tip: Remove stock liner, place the insole in, test by standing and walking 10‑15 minutes; trim to size using the shoe’s old sole as template.

2. Blister-preventing running socks (running socks discount available) — £5–£20

Why: Poor socks cause 90% of first-run blisters. Spend a little and avoid miles of pain.

• What to buy: synthetic wicking socks (e.g., Balega, Decathlon Kiprun, Thorlo alternatives) or lightweight merino blends for cold-weather runs.
• Discount tip: watch for multi-packs and seasonal coupons — many retailers bundle socks with shoes during sales.
• Fit tip: socks should be snug — no bunching at toes. For Altra’s wide fit, choose size-stable socks (merino blends resist stretch-out).

3. Thin heel liners / heel grips — £3–£10

Why: If your brand-new Brooks or Altra slips at the heel, a simple gel liner stops rubbing and prevents blisters instantly.

• How to use: peel-and-stick, place on the heel cup, press 24 hours. Replace every few months if they compress.
• Budget pairing: ideal for lightweight trainers where adding a thick insole would lift your foot out of the intended fit.

4. Lace locks and elastic laces — £4–£12

Why: Prevents laces loosening mid-run and fine-tunes tension across the midfoot for comfort and stability.

• Buy: elastic laces for quick on/off or a simple spring lock if you prefer traditional laces.
• Action tip: set tension while sitting and mark knot position with a dab of super glue to avoid slipping on long runs.

5. Odour-fighting shoe deodorisers & dryer balls — £5–£18

Why: Fresh-feeling shoes last longer and are healthier for your feet. Cheap products work as well as expensive sprays.

• What works: charcoal sachets, baking-soda inserts, or simple cedar shoe trees to wick moisture overnight.
• Maintenance tip: air shoes after each run and rotate pairs if you run more than 3x per week.

6. Waterproof spray and stain cleaner — £6–£15

Why: A light waterproof coating prolongs the life of mesh and suede uppers and protects breathable membranes on trail shoes.

• How to: apply outdoors to clean, dry shoes; two thin coats is better than one thick coat. Reapply every 4–8 weeks during wet months.
• Pairing tip: essential for Brooks winter trainers and Altra trail models used in the UK winter.

7. Arch pads & metatarsal cushions — £5–£15

Why: Targeted pads relieve hotspots, metatarsal pain and can mimic orthotics without professional fitting.

• Use-case: insert under the liner at the ball of foot or mid-arch; combine with thin insoles if shoe volume allows.
• Immediate test: walk 500 metres — pain should drop noticeably if placed correctly.

8. Extra laces and reflective clips — £3–£10

Why: Having spare laces avoids being stuck; reflective clips increase safety for early-morning or evening runs.

• Tip: buy a bright, reflective pair and spare regular length to match shoe style — cheap insurance for safety and convenience.

9. Portable foot roller & mini massage ball — £6–£25

Why: Self-massage after runs reduces soreness and improves recovery. A cheap mini roller fits in a gym bag and delivers quick relief.

• How to use: 1–2 minutes under the arch and calves post-run to speed recovery; use daily for tight calves or plantar soreness.

10. Replacement insoles for rotation (multi-pair strategy) — £8–£25 each

Why: Rotating insoles or having spares keeps support consistent while wash-drying or swapping between pairs.

• Strategy: pair one supportive insole with a lightweight spare for speedwork so your long-run cushioning isn’t overbuilt.

How to pair these accessories with Brooks vs Altra

Brooks shoes typically have a more cushioned midsole and narrower last compared with Altra’s wide toe-box and zero-drop platform. That affects how accessories behave:

• Brooks: medium-to-thick insoles can improve arch support without making the shoe feel tight. Heel liners and metatarsal pads work well to stabilize foot positioning.
• Altra: prefer low-profile, thinner insoles and thin metatarsal pads so the shoe’s roomy forefoot remains the dominant comfort feature. Elastic laces help fine-tune heel lockdown without compressing toes.

Verification & deal tactics — save on gear without wasting time

Shopping smart in 2026 means verifying codes and using retailer-specific perks. Here’s a practical checklist:

1. New-customer promos: Brooks often runs a 20% off first-order code for email sign-ups; Altra has regular sitewide discounts and free shipping tiers. Use those at checkout for immediate savings.
2. Price-match & return windows: note Brooks’ 90-day wear test and seasonal sales at Altra — you can try inexpensive insoles risk-free alongside a shoe trial.
3. Confirm code validity: if a code fails at checkout, check expiry and whether it excludes sale items. Keep screenshots of the promo page and final cart when contacting support.
4. Bundle where possible: many UK retailers place socks, insoles and care products in the same promos as shoes — combine to clear minimum spend thresholds for free delivery.

2026 trends to watch (and how they affect your buys)

Three developments are shaping buying decisions this year:

• Sustainability at scale: recycled foam and natural fibres are now common in mass-market insoles and socks. Choose recycled options if you want lower environmental impact without paying a premium.
• Rise of subscription & refresh models: some stores now offer quarterly sock or insole refresh subscriptions — useful if you run heavily and prefer predictable costs.
• Scrutiny of custom-tech: high-end 3D-scanned insoles are popular but scrutiny increased in late 2025; many runners get better value from testing inexpensive insoles first.

Real-world examples — quick case studies

Case 1: New Brooks Ghost with midfoot slip

Problem: midfoot movement and small hot spot after 3 miles. Fix: trimmed Superfeet slim insole + elastic laces = immediate stability. Cost: £18. Result: pain-free 10K the next run.

Case 2: Altra Lone Peak with forefoot fatigue

Problem: numbness across the metatarsal heads on technical trails. Fix: thin metatarsal pad under a low-profile generic insole + thicker socks for cushioning. Cost: £12. Result: longer trail sessions without numb toes.

Shoe care and longevity tips

• Air dry — never tumble: remove insoles and allow shoes to dry naturally after wet runs. Use newspaper if you must speed-dry overnight.
• Clean gently: brush off mud, use mild cleaner, avoid harsh detergents that break down foam and adhesives.
• Rotate pairs: give shoes 24–48 hours between runs to compress/rebound foam properly; this doubles effective lifespan for many runners.
• Track mileage: mark the day you bought them and log runs. Replace cushioning shoes at 300–500 miles depending on weight and terrain.

How to test accessories in one week (practical plan)

1. Day 1: Fit new insoles and socks. Walk 10 minutes, then jog 20 minutes. Note hot spots.
2. Day 3: Add heel liner if slipping persists and re-test on tempo run.
3. Day 5: Return or swap any accessory that still bothers you. Use Brooks 90-day or Altra return window as needed.

Final checklist before checkout

• Have you measured both feet? (Yes/No)
• Did you select insoles compatible with your shoe volume? (Yes/No)
• Do you have a sock and lacing solution chosen? (Yes/No)
• Are you using valid promo codes and checking return policies? (Yes/No)

Wrap-up — small spend, big comfort

Buying a discounted pair of Brooks or Altra is the smart play in 2026 — but the real value comes from pairing that shoe with the right, inexpensive accessories. A cheap insole, proper socks and a few care items can transform your running experience immediately, and they’re easy to test thanks to generous retailer return windows. Skip the hype-heavy custom tech for now unless you’ve tried off-the-shelf fixes first.

Call to action

Ready to save and feel the difference? Start by checking the current Brooks and Altra promos, add one supportive insole and a pair of blister-proof socks to your cart, and use our quick checklist above. Want hand-picked budget picks tailored to your shoe model? Click through our latest discount hub for verified codes, UK price comparisons and annotated picks that match Brooks and Altra launches this season.

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