7 Best Cheap Running Shoes in 2023

Running can be cheap. Especially if you’re not chasing records or racing competitively. A cheap pair of running shoes might perfectly accompany you on your occasional runs along with casual walks and running errands.
We define running shoes as cheap if they cost less than $100.
Having put over 100 budget-friendly pairs through the wringer, we came up with the top picks in different categories. Depending on what you find the most important in your running shoes, we have options that highlight style, cushioning, durability, or a little bit of everything.
Best cheap running shoes overall

















What makes it the best?
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.
Pros
- Comfy for all-day wear
- Lightweight for its kind
- Stable even during sharp turns
- Breezy on warm days
- Perfect for beginners
- Can handle gym training
- Durable for the price
- Soft upper
- Affordable
- Eco-friendly upper
Cons
- Break-in period for wide feet
- Lacks spring for fast runs
Cheap running shoes for all-day wear









































What makes it the best?
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.
Pros
- Great impact protection
- Bounce midsole foam at the heel provides a premium feeling ride
- Good for walking, gym days, as well as easy runs
- Remarkably stable underfoot
- Grippy and durable outsole
- Budget friendly
- Stylish and sustainable design
Cons
- Very heavy for a road shoe
- Breathability could be better
- Not for long distances or tempo sessions
- Lacking in upper durability
Best cheap running shoes for long distance


































What makes it the best?
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.
Pros
- Comfy for easy days
- Seamless heel-to-toe transitions
- Lighter than it seems
- Soft, form-fitting upper
- Breathable in warm weather
- Tacky on dry and wet surfaces
- Long-lasting
- Great-value purchase
Cons
- Firm for long miles and recovery days
- Squeaky noise on pavement
- Lacks bounce and energy return
Best cheap running shoes for flat feet











































What makes it the best?
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.
Pros
- Incredible value for the price
- Cushioned and soft midsole
- Offers great stability
- GEL technology in the heel
- Perfectly comfortable for cross-training or walking
- Built to endure long-distance runs
- Offers exceptional breathability
- Durable outsole with a long lifespan
Cons
- Flytefoam could offer better energy return
- Upper lacks durability
Best cheap lightweight running shoes







































What makes it the best?
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.
Pros
- Light on the foot
- Can pick up the pace
- Provides good stability
- Flexible and comfortable underfoot
- Above average breathability
- Durable outsole
- Budget friendly
- Doubles as a comfy walking shoe
Cons
- Not for long runs
- Lacks traction on certain surfaces
Best Nike cheap running shoes


























What makes it the best?
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.
Pros
- Unbeatable price
- Premium softness underfoot
- Comfy interior padding
- Above average durability
- Versatile sneaker/running shoe
- Simple, yet pleasant design
- Plenty of colors available
- Recycled materials
Cons
- Not responsive
- On the heavier side
- Tapered toebox
- Lacing is not always secure
Best cheap trail running shoes








































What makes it the best?
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.
Pros
- Fantastic value
- Summer-ready mesh upper
- Enough stack height
- Stable ride
- Good for heel strikers
- Ready for hiking
- GEL technology for amazing impact protection
Cons
- Durability could be better
- Lacks energy return
- Heavy
Comparison of the 7 best cheap running shoes
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Tips for finding shoes at cheap prices
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Here are some tips to help you find a good deal.
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Saucony Axon is a $100 version of the premium Endorphin line. It delivers a sense of the more expensive shoes for budget-friendly price.
What’s a good price for a running shoe?
$110-130 will probably get you the most value for money. The premium price of $150-350 simply isn’t always worth it. When looking for a cheap running shoe, people tend to stay in the $60-80 range.
Keep in mind that shoe prices are defined by:
- Shoe features - e.g. rock plate, GTX membrane, maximum cushioning, innovative technologies (might work wonders for specific conditions, but also might not be needed for your every day running);
- Marketing - the bigger the campaigns - the more expensive shoes get;
- Timing - do you want the new shoe as soon as it’s available? Or even pre-order? The more you wait, the greater the chances to find that certain model discounted.
Cheap vs. expensive running shoes
The line that separates inexpensive from expensive running shoes is the price: $100. It’s nothing official, but a wide-spread notion.
What might support your decision to buy a cheaper pair of running shoes is our study on shoe prices. According to RunRepeat’s research on expensive and affordable running shoes people are 8% less satisfied with expensive running shoes.
Brooks’ elite racer, the Hyperion Elite, was a big letdown for the fans. They booed this $250 pair for being too frail and heavy for its price.
Are expensive shoes better?
They are not.
According to our study, the trendline on this graph surely backs this up. It shows that expensive running shoes get lower ratings:
Brands with the biggest % of cheap running shoes
To help your shoe hunt, this is the overview of the top 10 brands with the biggest % of cheap running shoes and their average MSRPs.
Here’s how those brands compare to each other when it comes to their average MSRPs.
To assist you with this search, we’ve created collections of cheap Reebok, PUMA, and Skechers running shoes separately. Keep in mind that the overview was based on the initial retail price. This in no way means you won’t be able to get a more expensive shoe at a great price. Keep looking for discounts!
When you’ve nailed a great deal, make sure you keep in mind these few tips:
TIP #1. Shoes should be comfortable! (try them on before buying). TIP #2. Shoes should satisfy your intentions (check the performance details or use our guide to buying running shoes). TIP #3. Shoes should fit. If you’re having doubts about the size you need, use RunRepeat’s ultimate shoe size guide. |
How we test running shoes
Cheap doesn’t always mean bad.
We, a team of experienced shoe fanatics, have reviewed over 100 cheap running shoes to help you find the best deal. In our independent RunRepeat lab, we scrutinize every new release, seeking out the underdogs among budget-friendly models. Here is our process:
- We do multiple test runs in each pair, averaging 30-50 miles per shoe.
- Measure 30+ different parameters in our lab, including flexibility, softness, breathability, etc. We even cut shoes into pieces to evaluate each component.
- All shoes are purchased with our own funds to avoid bias.