7 Best Cheap Running Shoes – 2024 Buying Guide
Standout Picks
Before moving on and making your purchase, make sure you know what to look for in cheap shoes, as well as the experiences of runners, running in shoes under $100.
When selecting a budget-friendly model, the biggest concern you should have is the durability of the shoe. You're not likely to get the same lasting comfort you will if you went with a top-of-the-line running shoe.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Value
For our top budget running shoe picks, we choose to go for value over price.
Price factors in, but we don't want to sacrifice performance, comfort, or durability. We've balanced all of these criteria to ensure our top picks will perform for you.
That being said, it's good to know many brands are conscious of price ranges so that running remains accessible to all.
Durability
Affordable does not have to mean cheap or fragile. Our top picks performed admirably throughout our testing process and lasted nearly as long as our top running shoe picks.
If a running shoe falls apart on you after three months of wear, it will actually cost you more money to replace them with a new pair, so while we're obviously super concerned with value here, we don't want to be penny smart and dollar stupid.
When determining the durability of each product on our list, we started by taking a look at the outsole material and how well it holds up to the elements and long-term wear.
Midsoles need to maintain a solid level of comfort while not giving out as more miles are added, so we looked hard at that design feature as well. The uppers should be comprised of strongly constructed materials with solid seams that are bound together will high-quality stitching.
Finally, we reached out to trusted feedback partners to learn more about how the shoes on our list stood up to the test of time and consistent running. Since the most durable of running shoes are constructed from the ground up, it’s important to look at all the components of the footwear.
Weight
Runners do not want to carry around any more weight than they have to so many running shoes are lightweight. The lower-priced shoes may be a little heavier than the most expensive shoes but they are still great for active runners!
We made sure to select options that give you the lightest possible ride thanks to lightweight materials. Certain companies have developed advanced manufacturing techniques to keep their price low while still providing runners with airy and lightweight fabrics and padding.
Terrain
It is important to consider the types of surfaces you will be coming across on your run.
Runners that start their regimen with a light outdoor run tend to stick to their workouts more than those who just treadmill run.
If you are going for outdoor trails, select a more aggressive tread pattern that can help with the occasional puddle and loose dust and sand.
Check for stability information as well if you are planning on mixing gym workouts with outdoor workouts to give you a better well-rounded option.
7 Best Cheap Running Shoes
1. New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v3
Great Neutral Daily Trainer
While the New Balance Arishi v3 isn't an overly feature flush running shoe, it is one of our favorite no-frills daily trainers.
Read moreThe shoe, which incorporates NB's Fresh Foam midsole, is incredibly lightweight. Perhaps not as light as some more expensive shoes, but still pretty darn lightweight. The upper fit is spot on, without major flaws or hot spots. The material is even more forgiving than it looks at first glance.
There is a decent amount of impact absorption without taking too much away from the shoe's energy return. And as far as the traction goes, the Fresh Foam Arishi does pretty well on most encountered surfaces, both wet or dry. We don't recommend it as a trail shoe since this is intended for roads, but they'll do fine on groomed paths at a local park.
We recommend this one if you're just getting started and want a solid shoe, or even if you're just running on a tight budget. This is a good shoe, with plenty of value for the money spent.
2. Brooks Revel 5
The best for cushioning
The Brooks Revel 5 is our Top Pick. It hits all the high notes while still being budget-friendly.
Read moreIt has a lightweight and easy design that won’t weigh you down, but it also boasts a lot of cushioning and padding for extra support.
If you need a good stability shoe to support you in all phases of your gait, this is a great choice. Brooks is typically a high-end brand, but this option is a lot more affordable than other options in their line.
Our favorite feature of the Revel 4 lies in the construction of the midsole. It uses Brooks’ classic BioMoGo DNA cushioning to put a little spring in your step.
If you have a heavy gait or you overpronate, this is made to accommodate and adapt to your stride. Users love that it puts an extra spring in their step to put a lot of miles behind them, even on hard concrete.
Users also love that it boasts a flat-knit upper that is incredibly breathable and feels great against your foot. Limited seamlines and reduced cushioning prohibit the possibility of hot spots on your foot. The design of this upper also helps to reduce rubbing and chafing that can really slow you down.
It’s hard to go wrong with a pair of Brooks trainers. The Revel 5 is ideal for runners on a budget because you benefit from BioMoGo DNA cushioning for excellent stability, as well as the lightweight upper design to keep you quick and light on your feet.
3. ASICS Gel-Venture 8
The most comfortable option
![]ASICS Men's Gel-Venture 8](https://runnerclick.com/wp-content/webpc-passthru.php?src=https://media.runnerclick.com/wp-content/uploads/bfi_thumb/Screen-Shot-2021-06-29-at-10.36.41-PM-734rhpb9do69af00os3kk7shik3lr9rnm2audpmajs9.png&nocache=1)
Our Budget Pick is the Asics Gel-Venture 8. Everything we want in a running shoe and all for under $70.
Read morePrevious versions of the Gel-Venture had boxy frames but the latest version moved away from that structure altogether. This model gives runners a sleek and lightweight design but still perfect for bumpy roads.
The biggest change made in this option lies in the upper. It is composed of a lightweight mesh that won’t weigh you down. We found it incredibly breathable and the minimal seam lines reduce instances for hot spots.
The rubber outsole is what makes this ideal for taking out on the trails. Deep treads grip the ground and reduce the risk of stumbling over rocks and raised tree roots. The great thing about the tread is that they aren’t so deep that you can't use them on the road, track or treadmill.
If you are in the market for something that is comfortable and versatile, this design from Asics is a great choice. While it doesn’t come in a wide variety of color options and styles, it really shines in terms of performance.
4. ASICS Gel Pulse 12
The best stability option
Good stability trainers often clock in at a steep price point, but that’s not the case with the Gel Pulse 12. Retail price varies between $60 and $120.
Read moreWhat runners love most about this stability trainer (other than the super affordable price point) is that it is packed with supportive materials from the tips of your toes to your ankles for a soft, squishy, and comfortable ride.
The upper of this design is made from a blend of mesh materials to keep your foot cool as well as synthetic overlays in key areas to help lock your feet in place. Runners also love that this design boasts a padded collar and tongue to comfort your feet as well as cut down on blisters as you train.
The midsole is composed of a thick layer of ASICS proprietary AmpliFoam materials that work to absorb impact when running on hard surfaces. For overpronators, it also boasts Guidance Line Midsole Technology that helps to guide your foot to an even gait without the use of heavy and bulky materials.
For those in the market for a great stability trainer that clocks in at a super reasonable price point, this design from ASICS is worth checking out.
While it may not have the same durability as higher-end stability trainers, the supportive features make it a great option for casual runners.
5. New Balance FuelCell Echo
If you love fun colors and impactful designs, the FuelCell Echo is worth checking out. Not only does it come in a ton of bright and unique colors, but it also has a super comfy midsole that puts an extra spring in your step to help protect your knees and joints.
Read moreThis design is perfect for runners that want to put miles behind them without weighing them down. The most important feature of this design from New Balance is that it boasts a super cushioned FuelCell midsole foam.
Previous users feel that the design of this midsole and toe box actually helps to propel them forward, which is great for high speeds. The TPU outer heel design also helps add more stability and durability as well.
We also love the lightweight and easy upper of this design. It comes in a lot of unique and impactful designs that are sure to get noticed when working out at the gym.
It is composed of a breathable material with minimal padding that reduces the chance of rubbing and chafing. The sock-like cuff helps keep the sneaker securely in place for an easy and flexible fit.
If you are on the market for a great stability shoe that boasts a lightweight design that helps to reach high speeds without weighing your down, this is a great option.
We love that it really supports your foot and comes in a wide variety of unique colors and designs that are sure to turn heads without draining your bank account!
6. Merrell Mtl Skyfire
This trail runner from Merrell is a great option for those who like to take their training sessions off of the sidewalks and onto the trails.
Read moreWe love that it has an outsole to help you keep your grip on uneven surfaces, and a lightweight and easy upper not found in many trail running options.
The very first thing we noticed about this design was the treads. It boasts very deep rubber treads that are designed to really grip the ground under your feet.
Large rocks and tree roots will feel like smooth concrete with this design. It’s also great for running on slick surfaces so that your workouts don’t need to end just because the weather turned bad.
Another important feature of this design is that the upper is made from a super lightweight mesh that is incredibly breathable and flexible. Mesh panels along the side and on the toe box keep feet nice and cool on long runs. It also boasts extra padding on the heel for a little extra stability.
If you are in the market for something that is great for uneven trails and slick conditions, this is a great option. The treads are placed in such a way to provide traction without unnecessary bulk as you find in hiking boots. For an offroad design, these are surprisingly lightweight and easy.
7. New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo V1
If you are really working on a tight budget, you can’t go wrong with any design from New Balance. The reason that we selected the Fresh Foam Tempo V1 is that it clocks in well below 100 bucks.
Read moreIt also offers more supportive stability features than some of the other minimalistic designs that we have seen on our list.
The most notable feature of this design lies in the midsole. It offers runners a thick layer of New Balance’s Fresh Foam materials that helps to cut down on shock absorption and contours to the shape of your foot to protect it when running on hard and unforgiving surfaces.
The upper of this design is composed of 50 percent breathable mesh materials and 50 percent synthetic overlays. The mesh materials work to lift hot air up and away from your foot, while the overlays help to lock your foot in place when picking up speed.
This design weighs in at just shy of 10 ounces, which makes it the perfect hybrid between a minimalist trainer and a stability trainer.
What makes the Fresh Foam Temp V1 special is that it’s incredibly versatile and great for distance as well as speed.
