The Best Budget Running Shoes: Cheap Options for Every Runner

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If your relationship with running is more of an acquaintance than soulmate you may not need to invest in a $150 pair of shoes. Though expensive trainers are usually made with more cushioning and support than budget options, there are plenty of more affordable running shoes out there that are great for tackling a couple miles every now and then.

Cheap running shoes are generally on the lighter side which is great if you are a newer runner that’s not looking for a ton of cushion which can weigh you down. These can also be a great casual workout shoe for some cardio work at the gym, or a walk around the neighborhood.

To help you find the best running shoes out there, we gathered up nine of our favorites in 2024. Whether heading out on the road, trails or treadmill, we picked shoes that are ready for every type of run and fall well within a conservative price point.

Our Picks for the Best Budget Running Shoes in 2024:

• Best Budget Running Shoes for Men: Nike Winflo 10
• Best Budget Running Shoes for Women: Nike Experience Run 11
• Best Budget Beginner Running Shoes: New Balance Fresh Foam ROAV
• Best Budget Trail Running Shoes: adidas Terrex Trail Rider
• Best Lightweight Budget Running Shoes: adidas Duramo SL Running Shoe
• Best Budget Cushioned Running Shoes: Allbirds Tree Runners
• Best Budget Running Shoes for Wide Feet: New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4
• Best Budget Running Shoes on Amazon: Brooks Revel 5

Best Budget Running Shoes for Men: Nike Winflo 10

Key features:

• Price: $100
• Drop: 10 millimeters
• Weight: 10 ounces
• Arch support: Neutral
• Best for: Road, treadmill, track

If you like a light, springy, speedy feel, the Nike Winflo will make a great daily trainer for you. It has a full length air pocket which gives it a feel similar to that of the Pegasus, one of the brand's most popular shoes. While this one cuts down on cushioning a bit, it still has a fairly plush ride, and is great for beginner or casual runners. The waffle rubber outsole gives it great traction in slippery and wet conditions, and the tapered fit keeps these snug and secure on your feet with every step.

What we like:

• Lightweight
• Durable outsole
• Cushioned feel
• Grippy in wet conditions

What we don't lke:

• Upper is hard to clean

Best Budget Running Shoes for Women: Nike Experience Run 11

Key features:

• Price: $70
• Drop: 10 millimeters
• Weight: 8.82 ounces
• Arch support: Neutral
• Best for: Road, track, treadmill, grass

While you may feel like opting for the most cushion and support is best for new runners, going a more minimalistic route can sometimes be better. This shoe is designed to give you a natural, organic and uninfluenced feel while running. It has a super flexible midsole from the forefoot—the arch through the toe—which allows for maximum movement, and a low heel with just enough cushioning to protect your feet. This lack of support and cushioning is great for allowing your feet to strengthen themselves as you run, which can in turn make you a stronger runner and help prevent injury. If you do have any pre-existing injuries though, you will probably want to opt for a more supportive model. It is also made with at least 20 percent recycled materials, so it’s a sustainable option too.

What we like:

• Very flexible
• Super lightweight
• Good for walking and lifting

What we don't like:

• May be too minimal for some people

Best Budget Beginner Running Shoes: New Balance Fresh Foam ROAV

Key features:

• Price: $74.99
• Drop: 8 millimeters
• Weight: 10.2 ounces
• Arch support: Neutral
• Best for: Road, track, treadmill

It’s not often that running shoes are both stylish and comfortable, but these seem to fit the bill. They have a super modern design which allows them to be worn both for your workouts and more casually with an athleisure outfit. The signature New Balance Ultra Heel keeps the foot snug and in place without feeling tight on the Achilles. It has a FreshFoam midsole like the Arishi above that gives it a super plush feel, and the rubber outsole makes it both durable and slip-resistant in wet conditions.

What we like:

• Cool design
• Comfortable for running and walking
• Slip-resistant

What we don't like:

• Thick laces don’t allow for super secure tie

Best Budget Trail Running Shoes: adidas Terrex Trail Rider Running Shoes

Key features:

• Price: $110
• Drop: Not listed
• Weight: Not listed
• Arch support: Neutral
• Best for: Trail, grass, gravel, road

These shoes may come in at $110, but their modern utilitarian design makes them look pricier than they are. They come in three color options and are designed with a thick, cushioned midsole that keeps you comfortable on all terrain. The hybrid lug allows them to be used on both road and trail which is great if you run to your local trailhead, or have some portions that pass over asphalt or concrete. This pair also features raised sidewalls which help give the shoes some extra stability and prevent your ankles from turning or slipping within the shoe.

What we like:

• Stylish design
• Good cushioning
• Can be used for road running and trails

What we don't like:

• Not great for super technical trails
• Not waterproofed

Best Lightweight Budget Running Shoes: adidas Duramo SL Running Shoe

Key features:

• Price: $70
• Drop: 9.5 millimeters
• Weight: 10.5 ounces
• Arch support: Neutral
• Best for: Road, track, treadmill

The adidas Duramo SL Running Shoe is designed to be super lightweight and springy, which is great for runners who don’t want to be weighed down. It has a Lightmotion midsole, a lightly cushioned and responsive EVA blend that gives excellent energy return and will propel you forward with each step. There is a linear pattern on the durable Adiwear outsole for grip and stability. The airy mesh upper is breathable and helps to keep feet cool even in warm weather, and the neutral color options and classic style make them easy to pair with any workout outfit.

What we like:

• Light and springy feel
• Breathable mesh upper made with at least 50 percent recycled material
• Durable, non-marking rubber outsole

What we don't like:

• Not great for super technical trails
• Not waterproofed

Best Budget Cushioned Running Shoes: Allbirds Tree Runners

Key features:

• Price: $105
• Drop: 9.6 millimeter drop
• Weight: Not listed
• Arch support: Neutral
• Best for: Road, track, treadmill

The Allbirds Tree Runners have a SweetFoam midsole made from sugarcane from southern Brazil that conforms to the foot's contours for cushioned comfort. This midsole is flexible to help reduce impact on your feet and joints, and the castor bean oil-based insole helps distribute weight evenly to reduce pressure on the feet. The heel lining is ZQ Merino wool—a certified material with exceptionally soft fibers and moisture-wicking properties. The seamless knit upper keeps you cool while reducing the possibility of hot spots that can lead to blistering.

What we like:

• Breathable upper and responsive midsole
• ZQ Merino wool is sustainable and in a durable, high-friction area
• Lightweight design

What we don't like:

• No half sizes available
• Outsole material may not be as durable or grippy as other options

Best Budget Running Shoes for Wide Feet: New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4

Key features:

• Price: $69.99
• Drop: 8 millimeters
• Weight: 8.7 ounces
• Arch support: Neutral
• Best for: Road, track, treadmill

If you usually wear a wide width in street shoes or notice your feet are on the wider side, the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4 has standard, wide and extra wide width options. It is made with a solid piece of New Balance’s FreshFoam, which is incredibly soft and plush. The midsole is on the thinner side, so it is nice and light and won’t weigh you down, but the foam still gives it that springy, squishy feel that is more cushioned than most budget models. The upper is a light, breathable mesh that keeps your feet dry and cool, and it has a high-cut heel that helps to prevent your foot from slipping out or sliding around in the shoe while you run.

What we like:

• Lightweight but cushioned shoe
• Breathable mesh upper
• Wide and extra wide width options and half sizes

What we don't like:

• Tapered toe box may feel uncomfortable

Best Budget Running Shoes on Amazon: Brooks Revel 5

Key features:

• Price: $69.95
• Drop: 8 millimeters
• Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Arch support: Neutral
• Best for: Road, track, treadmill, grass

Lightweight, responsive and stylish, the Brooks Revel is a great shoe for beginner runners or those who like a lightweight option. These shoes use Brooks DNA foam in the midsole which is used in most of their higher end shoes. The 3D fit upper is designed to stretch slightly for more flexibility in the foot without allowing the foot to slip or move around too much. It has a springy, responsive ride and is great for running, walks around the neighborhood, or a full-body workout at your local gym.

What we like:

• Responsive feel
• Stylish look
• Comfortable for all-day wear

What we don't like:

• Not much support

How to Choose the Best Cheap Running Shoes for You

When looking for a new pair of running shoes, there are two things you will want to consider. First, think about where you will be running. If you will be on mainly paved trails, roads, tracks or treadmills—i.e. flat, even surfaces—then you can easily opt for a traditional running shoe. Since you are not on uneven surfaces, your tread is only going to be used to keep you from slipping in wet conditions, so you don’t need significant lugs or high-density rubber. If you run mostly on trails, grass or gravel, you may want to opt for a trail shoe. These tend to be a bit more rugged with larger lugs to help with grip, more toe protection and thicker, stronger upper materials.

You will also want to consider how much support you need. If you are someone who tends to overpronate—your arch collapses inward on each step— you will need something that can give you more support and will prevent the arch from collapsing too far. This will help keep you in alignment and prevent shin, hip, and back issues that can come from excessive overpronation while running. These shoes will usually be labeled as stability shoes, and if you are shopping from this list, we specifically note which shoes offer extra support.

How We Chose the Best Budget Running Shoes

To choose the best cheap running shoes out there, we looked at both expert reviews from trusted sources as well as reviews left by customers who purchased these models. We also chose a range of shoes for all different needs, preferences and running surfaces. Finally, we used our own knowledge of shoe design and materials that we have gained from years of logging miles to come up with the best running shoes for men and the best running shoes for women.

How Beginner Runners Should Find the Right Shoes

While it is always best to get fitted at your local running store, not everyone has access to one—and they usually carry premium shoes which may be out of price range for some runners. If you are purchasing online, there are a few tips that can help ensure that you find comfortable running shoes that will help you reach your potential.

To get the right size, you want to size up a half to a full size from what you wear in street shoes. While you don’t want to slip out of your shoes, you will want about a thumb’s width of space between the tip of your big toe and the front of the shoe. This will ensure that your feet have enough room to move and swell a bit while you are running without the risk of bumping or rubbing up against the front of the shoe as this can cause blistering and bruising, and even make you lose a toenail.

If you aren’t sure whether you need a neutral or stability shoe, look at the bottom of your current walking, running or workout shoes. If you have worn the inside edge of your tread the most, you will want to opt for a stability shoe. If you have worn the middle to outer edge out the most, then you probably aren’t overpronating and can opt for a neutral shoe. If you feel like you need more support than your shoe can offer you can also always add an insole.

Finally, consider your surface. If you are running on hard, flat surfaces, look for a road shoe that will have a decent amount of cushioning. If you are on uneven surfaces like trails or grass, you will want trail-specific shoes which will give you the grip and stability you need on technical runs. If you will be running particularly long distances, make sure that you have a shoe that provides enough cushioning.

Budget Running Shoes FAQs

How much does a good pair of running shoes cost?

You can get a decent pair of running shoes for $80-$100—or less if you can find them on sale— though if you start to up your mileage you will want to invest in a more premium pair that can run you from $140-$160. If you are starting out and just looking for a shoe that can help you jog a couple of times a week, you can definitely opt for the cheaper option to start.

Do cheap running shoes last a long time?

Cheap running shoes may not last super long for a competitive runner, but they are more than capable of hanging in there for a casual jogger. Depending on how much you run, look to replace them every few months to a year. The best way to tell is when the tread begins to wear flat and the cushion doesn’t feel as plush anymore.

What shoes should I not wear when running?

Not all sneakers are made the same. If you are going to run, you need a shoe specifically designed for running. Don’t wear casual shoes like Keds or Vans, lifting shoes or even cross trainers for anything over a mile. They don’t offer enough support or cushion and can put you on the fast road to injury.

Final Thoughts

If you are easing your way into running, there is no need to go out and buy the most expensive shoes on the wall. Starting with a budget-friendly option can help you get into the sport without sacrificing a good percentage of your paycheck. These shoes are great for the casual runner or walker, and are an affordable way to help you reach goals on your fitness journey.

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Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.