Runners on a really tight budget can't do better than the Adidas Duramo 10. With its versatility to do different runs coupled with exceptional comfort, the Duramo 10 is hands down our best cheap overall shoe. 

At $65, the Duramo 10 is right near the bottom end of Adidas' large lineup of running shoes, which has an average price of $142. But despite how cheap it is, we found that the Duramo 10 still delivers shoes double its price can.

We felt that it more than capably handled easy days up to long distances thanks to its Lightmotion midsole. While the 31.6 mm heel stack and 22.9 mm forefoot stack are close to the average for running shoes, the midsole is 11% softer, which provided a comfortably cushioned ride during our runs.

The comfort factor extends to the upper, which, aside from being eco-friendly (it’s made from 50% recycled materials), is quite soft on the skin. We also found it to be plenty breathable and able to keep our feet breezy even in considerable heat. 

However, we don’t recommend the Duramo 10 for cold weather. The shoe increased an incredible 85% in stiffness in our 90-degree bend test after 20 minutes in the freezer. That is far beyond the 46.6% of average running shoes.

The Adidas Alphabounce+ is a devilishly comfy (and stylish) sneaker disguised as a running shoe… or is it a running shoe disguised as a sneaker? Either way, this well-padded shoe with not one but two cushy midsole foams is our pick for the best cheap shoe for all-day wear,

It’s not often we come across a budget trainer with a dual-density midsole configuration, but the Alphabounce+ prominently features two of Adidas’ proprietary foams. The bulk of the midsole is made of Cloudfoam, which our durometer measured to be 10% softer than our current lab average at 21.8 HA. This provides a balanced cushioning that feels comfy as soon as we put on the shoe, with no breaking-in needed whatsoever. Combined with the similarly soft yet more responsive Boost foam found at the shoe’s robust heel, the Alphabounce+ is truly a pleasure to move around in all day long. 

Manufacturers often use as little material as possible as a cost-saving measure. This couldn’t be further from the case with the Alphabounce+, which is generously and comfortably padded. From the plush heel collar to the tongue, which we found to be 29.3% thicker than average at 7.5 mm, we enjoyed luxurious levels of comfort from the moment we put the shoes on until we reluctantly took them off later in the day.

Tipping our scale at a substantial 11.99 oz (340g) the Alphabounce+ could certainly use a diet. While being 2.54 oz (72g) heavier than the average shoe isn’t such a big deal when walking at a downtown pace, it certainly feels too prohibitive for anything beyond a slow and easy run. 

Runners looking for a budget shoe built for long distances can't go wrong with the Saucony Axon 2. Its cushioning, soft breathable upper, and exceptional durability made it an easy pick for our top cheap long-distance shoe.

At just $100, the Axon 2 falls significantly below the average running shoe price of $132. But despite its low price point, it has much more cushion than usual. We measured its midsole to have 2.1 mm more foam in the heel and 3.2 mm more in the forefoot than the average, which gave us a good amount of protection on longer runs.

We also found the mesh upper to be perfect for long runs since it’s so soft and breathable. We pumped smoke into the shoe to test how breathable it was, and the shoe scored an impressive 4 out of 5 as the smoke easily passed through the mesh.

The outsole, which we measured to be a good 6.6% harder than average, also proved to be more than up to the task of tackling longer runs. It hardly showed any wear, even after tens of miles during our run tests. The grip was also excellent, as the rubber didn't slip on wet and dry surfaces alike.

However, we don't recommend the Axon 2 for wide-footed runners. We measured the upper to be 1 mm narrower than average, and it tapers significantly at the big toe, where it becomes 11.2% narrower than usual.

Within the 100 bucks budget, there’s nothing like the ASICS GT 1000 12. It inspires confidence in our runs through steady arch support most comfortably and naturally. It’s built to last long and is such a steal for the price vs. the $139 average of other stability shoes. Through lab tests and actual runs, we find this performer is the most budget-friendly for flat-footed runners.

The plush Flytefoam screams comfort and our durometer agrees with a measurement that’s 46.9% softer than average. Despite the buttery cushion that catches the arch, we don’t bottom out thanks to the GEL support incorporated into the outer heel. It ensures stable landings without restrictions as we’re able to move freely. Our 90-degree bend test confirms this is one of the most flexible shoes. Unlike its traditional stiff counterparts, it exceeds the average by 60.4%.

Further promoting safety is the grippy outsole that’s softer than average at 74.8 HC. Softer rubber has better traction on the ground. To offset the more vulnerable rubber, ASICS made the outsole 1.5 mm thicker than average to extend the shoe’s life.

This shoe ticks many boxes, yet speed isn’t one of them. More advanced runners may find the midsole’s lack of energy underwhelming.

Low price, low weight and high quality perfectly sum up Revel 6. At $100, it offers the comfort, lively ride and protection we expect from a more premium shoe. It’s light on the feet and in the pocket — making it our top lightweight cheap running shoe.

Its 9.2 oz (261g) build feels easy on the feet as it’s lighter than the 9.5 oz (268g) average of road-running shoes. Its midsole offers little resistance and adapts to our every move. Our flex test validates this as it stands 36.2% more flexible than average. With a rocker structure promoting smooth toe-offs, it gives enough spring to pick up the pace.

Its 20.1 HA cushion feels soft without the sinking feeling. The platform is protective enough even if it’s 16.6% softer than average. The light shoe, flexible midsole and soft cushion combo lead to a comfortable and enjoyable ride.

Revel 6 provides extra support through its torsional rigidity and wide landing platform. It ranks above average in our torsional rigidity test, meaning it’s tougher to twist. Our feet remain well-planted despite lateral movements, which pronators will appreciate for added stability.

We don’t recommend this pair for long-haul efforts. This shoe works best for easy runs and short speed workouts.

With one of the lowest price points in the running shoe market, the Nike Downshifter 12 gives more than what its price tag entails. As proven both in our lab and our outdoor runs, this shoe is indeed the best Nike cheap running shoe for its premium comfort underfoot coupled with above-average durability.

Priced neatly at 70 USD, the Downshifter 12 is no doubt one of the best options for a cheap running shoe. Considering the average price for a running shoe is 132 USD, we’d say the Downshifter 12 is worth every penny. 

It may come with a cheap price tag—but the Downshifter 12 feels as premium as it gets. It doesn't skimp on comfort, especially in the upper. The heel area and tongue are also generously padded. In fact, the tongue measures 10.1 mm thick, which is way above the average of 5.8 mm.

The outsole of the Downshifter 12 is also durable. The outsole is 3.5 mm thick, which is even a little above the average of 3.4 mm. We’ve gone on so many runs with this shoe and it still gives a decent ride.

However, we did not experience much responsiveness with the shoe. Runners looking for snappier shoes may want to look at other options.

With its excellent cushioning and impressive breathability, the Asics Gel Venture 9 is a noteworthy beast on the trails. With a surprisingly low price tag, the Asics Gel Venture 9 is the best cheap trail running shoe.

At a jaw-dropping price of 80 USD, it is tough to find a better shoe at the same price point. It provides insane value in having a versatile shoe to handle trail running, hiking, or even road running in a pinch.

We measured the heel stack of the Gel Venture 9 to be at 33.3 mm—more than the 31.7 mm average stack height of trail running shoes. Additionally, when we pressed our durometer against the midsole foam, it found the foam to be 10.87% softer than average—all contributing to comfortable cushioning while tackling the trails.

The Asics Gel Venture 9 has a well-ventilated mesh upper. We tested the shoe’s breathability by pumping smoke inside the shoe. The smoke effortlessly passed through the material, garnering a well-deserved score of 4/5. Trail running even in hot weather is definitely not a problem with these shoes.

While it does provide great value, the upper's durability is a weakness. It scored a poor 1/5 on our Dremel test. Trail runners may want to look at other options for trail running shoes with more durable uppers.