Over the past year I've acquired perhaps a dozen pair of cheap shoes from a variety of sources. Joe Sims at Wards comes to mind. Their advice comes a lot cheaper than an MD's, and you'll be certain that your shoes fit properly before purchasing them. Many running stores sell shoes via mail-order. It pays to be out of fashion.
Many stores sell their end of season stock at drastically reduced prices.
But you don't have to travel to get similar deals. Yes, even Joe Sims overstocks sometimes and will let shoes go at, or near cost at the end of the season. I've gotten several pair of shoes from New Balance over the past year, including some great prototype racewalking shoes. New Balance was looking for elite athletes to test the new model, but if you're lucky enough to wear men's size 9, or women's size 7 the major shoe companies want your feet. If you foot the bill, give a call.