7 Best Cheap Nike Running Shoes in 2024

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best Cheap Nike Running Shoes in 2024
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You don’t need to break the bank to add a new pair of Nike running shoes to your rotation. Nike offers economical versions of the premium models without compromising too much on function and cutting-edge technologies. Older top-tier versions are also put on sale when newer ones are released.

If you’re on a tight budget and considering what your choices are out there, we’ve acquired Nike cheap running shoes. We’ve tested each one of them and selected our top picks in different classifications for your easy reference.

From the Nike Free Run series to the Nike Quest and Run Swift models, check out below our fantastic selections of the best wallet-friendly Nike running shoes that we field- and lab-tested.

How we test running shoes

To make the selections, we put each model in the database for a thorough testing process. That means we run on each pair on flat roads, rugged terrains, and muddy trails. We examine all the shoes inside the RunRepeat testing lab. We strictly follow these protocols:

  • We purchase all the affordable running shoes from Nike with our own money. We do this because of our 100% commitment to transparency.
  • We do a series of mechanical tests inside the lab by cutting the shoes open and analyzing over 30 parameters such as the cushioning system, traction, upper breathability, flexibility, durability, and many more.
  • As a team of wear-testers, we clock up at least 30-50 miles of running on the road or trails and report with our own impressions.

Best Nike cheap running shoes overall

Nike Winflo 11
87
Good!

What makes it the best?

At $105, Winflo 11 is a steal vs. the $113 average Nike daily trainer. For a budget-friendly shoe, it surprisingly delivers comfort with its plush cushioning, further enhanced by the full-length Air unit. Plus, its breathability and durability make it a reliable trainer for prolonged use—making it our top cheap Nike running shoe.

Winflo 11 doesn’t hold back and houses a velvet foam that’s 35.0% softer than average, as per our durometer. Not only is it soft, but rises to a generous 37.6 mm in the heel for softer landings in this area. To counter the mushiness, the Air unit provides subtle energy return for efficient turnover.

Winflo 11’s upper feels premium, providing both padding and breathability. Despite its thick nature, it still earned a high 4/5 breathability score in our smoke test, ensuring humid weather and blisters can’t stop us from running.

Value for money is another advantage since its outsole is tough and long-lasting. Measuring 15.5% harder and 0.4 mm thicker than average, it ensures solid resistance against wear and tear, further proven by its pristine condition even after numerous outdoor test runs.

Unfortunately, Winflo 11 has a significantly narrow heel at 84.6 mm vs. the 90.4 mm average. Rear strikers who need more stability should look elsewhere for better support.

Pros

  • Comfortable engineered mesh
  • Exceptional durability
  • Excellent value for price
  • Spacious toebox
  • Gusseted tongue
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • Plush foam cushioning
  • Perfect for beginners
  • Full-length Air unit

Cons

  • Small price increase from v10
  • Notable weight gain
  • Lacks stability
Full review of Nike Winflo 11

Best cheap minimalist Nike running shoes

What makes it the best?

The Flex Experience Run 12 perfectly encapsulates minimalism among Nike’s more affordable line. Our lab numbers confirm what our feet experienced—this versatile trainer highlights a natural feel with its light, low, and loose build.

Only weighing 8.5 oz (241g), this shoe is definitely on the lighter spectrum of road-running shoes since the average is 9.4 oz (266g). Its lack of rubber outsole and humble stack keeps the weight down.

The shoe delivers high ground sensitivity with its firm and low 25.9/19.9 mm stack. We found the platform has that minimalist feel even though it’s not a zero-drop shoe, thanks to its very flexible build. Honoring its name, our 90-degree bend test reveals a low 6.8N—one of our lowest lab measurements and stands a mind-blowing 76.8% below average. It adapts to our natural strides, giving our feet plenty of freedom—perfect for gym workouts or walking.

Another minimalist feature of this shoe is its price. At only $70, it’s almost half the $137 average of road-running shoes in our database. 

Since this Flex opted out of a rubber outsole, it showed signs of wear after our runs. Our Dremel tore through it brutally, confirming it’s not suitable for off-road adventures.

Pros

  • Flexible, natural-feeling ride
  • Enhanced ground feel
  • Roomy, comfortable upper
  • Super affordable price
  • Still lightweight
  • Ideal for gym workouts
  • Beginner-friendly

Cons

  • Minimal, firm cushioning
  • Unsuitable for long runs
  • Limited outsole durability
Full review of Nike Flex Experience Run 12

Best cheap Nike running shoes for trail

What makes it the best?

While most Nike trail shoes in our lab average $132, Juniper Trail 2 stands at an attractive $85. The balanced cushion feels comfortable, stable, and protective for road-to-trail runs. It offers flexibility that keeps us nimble on uneven terrains and is grippy enough for most surfaces. It’s our best trail pick among Nike’s budget-friendly lineup.

For such an affordable price tag, JT2 offers generous cushioning rising to above-average heights of 34.7/25.3 mm. The platform feels moderately firm and our durometer confirms its 27.1 HA foam is around the average. The balanced cushion enhances stability since we don’t sink into it and shields our feet from sharp rocks.

Further enhancing a steady ride is the wide platform that measures 113.7 mm in the forefoot and 95.0 mm in the heel. This gives us more than enough room to find our balance and to land safely with every stride.

What keeps us agile on various terrains is the unresisting midsole. Our bend test confirms it’s 26.0% more adaptive than average. 

Underfoot, the 3.1 mm lugs keep us steady on gentle terrains. Unfortunately, we found that the hard rubber outsole and the subpar lugs lack grip for more technical terrains.

Pros

  • Great value at just $85
  • Durable upper
  • Can handle road runs if needed
  • Exceptional stability
  • Perfectly suited for heel strikers
  • More cushioning than v1
  • Roomy and comfortable

Cons

  • Grip could be better
  • Might feel too firm and stiff
  • Not ideal for long-distance running
Full review of Nike Juniper Trail 2

Best cheap lightweight Nike running shoes

Nike Free RN NN
81
Decent!

What makes it the best?

The Nike Free RN NN is more than just "barely there" – it redefines minimalist comfort, making it our best lightweight pick from the brand’s budget-friendly lineup. Testing it in our lab and on the streets, we were consistently amazed by its feathery design and flexible build, which made us question whether we were wearing shoes at all.

Weighing in at just 6.9 oz (197g), it’s 25.7% lighter than average, offering an almost weightless sensation that enhances the natural feel of running. Its unparalleled flexibility, with a mere 6.1N of force to bend to 90 degrees, proved 79.0% less rigid than the average, ensuring a remarkably smooth and unrestrained run that leaves our legs feeling fresh.

We measured the stack at a ground-connected 25.6/18.7 mm, far below the 33.6/24.9 mm average. Despite this, it provides adequate cushioning and rebound, ensuring we remain comfortable and protected underfoot.

The sock-like Flyknit upper snugly embraces our foot, slipping on effortlessly and securing with ease, further enhancing the sensation of running barefoot. However, the shoe falls short in breathability, scoring a below-average 2/5 in our tests. Runners prioritizing ventilation and ensuring a blister-free experience should look elsewhere.

Pros

  • Feather-light on the foot
  • Extremely flexible and comfortable
  • Good impact dampening
  • Very accommodating toebox
  • Secure sock-like fit
  • Works well in the winter
  • Keeps the feet warm
  • High-quality and durable upper
  • Can handle gym day and some other activities
  • Sleek design
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Too toasty for warm weather
  • Not ideal for speedwork or long distances
  • Too broad for those with narrow feet
Full review of Nike Free RN NN

Cheap Nike running shoes with the best comfort

What makes it the best?

Our feet and wallet were happy with the Nike Downshifter 13. Its high level of versatility and breathability makes it suitable for all-day wear, offering the best comfort among Nike's cheap running shoes. At just $75, it delivers exceptional value with the durability it showed in our lab—a notable bargain compared to the $127 average for other Nike trainers we tested.

Despite its lower price, it weighs 9.4 oz (265g), matching the industry average in our roster. Moreover, its soothing aura can also be attributed to its perforated upper, creating a sense of calm and coolness within the shoe. Our lab backs this up with a strong 4/5 breathability rating.

Its malleable midsole creates an effortless ride, which emerged 39.7% more flexible than average in our bend test. This adaptability boosts comfort since we can move without much resistance from the shoe—perfect for activities beyond running.

With a 90.1 HC durometer reading in the outsole, it demonstrates greater toughness than the 80.1 HC average. Plus, it only sustained an insignificant 0.8 mm dent in our Dremel test, proving it can withstand wear and tear for a long time. However, this translates to subpar traction that is only reliable on dry surfaces. Those who need better grip should check alternatives.

Pros

  • Improved breathability
  • Good durability
  • Easy on the wallet
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • Doubles as a walking shoe
  • Weight reduction from v1
  • Sustainable design
  • Improved materials

Cons

  • Limited energy return
  • Forefoot stack is a bit low
  • Grip could be better
Full review of Nike Downshifter 13

Cheap Nike running shoes with the best style

Nike Quest 5
79
Bad!

What makes it the best?

The Quest 5 is a cheap running shoe that is best used as a sweet sneaker thanks to its attractive design. And it's also an awesomely comfortable shoe with ample cushioning, making it our best stylish sneaker among cheap Nike running shoes.

At just $80, the Quest 5 is well below Nike's average running shoe price of $132. But despite being in the budget category, it is quite a good-looking shoe, one that we have no hesitation wearing out to work, school, or any other casual setting. 

We also have no qualms with the shoe's overall comfort, which is outstanding. There is a ton of padding around the heel and the tongue, with the latter measuring 10.2 mm thick. That is 43% thicker than the average road running shoe.

The Quest 5 also needs no break-in time and is plenty flexible right out of the box. It is 39.3% more flexible than average running shoes based on our 90 degree bend test, giving it a nicely natural feel while wearing them casually.

However, wide-footed individuals might need to size up since the Quest 5 runs narrow in the toebox. It has a very aggressive taper that makes its width at the big toe 6.6 mm narrower than average.

Pros

  • Versatile for different activities
  • Excellent comfort
  • Responsive ride
  • Strong and snug lockdown
  • Decent airflow
  • Grippy outsole
  • Very competitive price
  • Good-looking shoe
  • Many colorways available

Cons

  • A little bit firm underfoot
  • Not for wide feet
Full review of Nike Quest 5
Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.