Speaking as a varsity track and cross country runner (and 2022 appointee) a GOOD pair of running shoes is going to cost you $100+. These should get you through plebe summer no problem even if you break them in. Most running shoes are designed to take 250-400 miles and we will not be running that...
If you haven’t submitted an application to NASS do it. I submitted my application last year to Summer Seminar 2 days before it was due and still got in. Give it a shot!
Less than a year later I’ve accepted my appointment with the class of 2022!