4 Best Cheap Nike Running Shoes in 2025

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
4 Best Cheap Nike Running Shoes in 2025

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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 cheap Nike 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
86
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
  • 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 responsiveness
  • Low-volume toebox
Full review of Nike Winflo 11

Best cheap lightweight Nike running shoes

What makes it the best?

For only $85, we didn’t expect much responsiveness from the Nike Interact Run, but it actually surprised us with impressive rebound scores and a premium Flyknit upper in the lab. With its minimal, unassuming build, it’s our best lightweight Nike cheap running shoe.

Interact Run has an airy build that boosts our agility, confirmed by its low 8.5 oz (241g) reading on our scale. It had a good bounce that kept us going during our runs. In our energy return test, it achieved remarkable scores for its category, with 54.2% in the heel and 58.5% in the forefoot.

Comfort is highlighted in its fluid midsole that allows us to move with minimal resistance. In our bend test, Interact Run emerged 17.1% more flexible than the average.

Its plush yet breezy Flyknit upper seals the deal, offering a premium experience at an affordable price. The material is dotted with ventilation holes and achieved the maximum 5/5 breathability score in our smoke test. It also smashed our durability test with a perfect 5/5 rating, a rare combination in the lab!

Unfortunately, Interact Run lags in terms of traction, and the low 0.21 result reflects it. Those who face wet conditions often will struggle and should go for another pair.

Pros

  • Ideal for hot climates
  • Perfect for everyday life
  • Exceptional comfort
  • Fantastic value
  • Great for beginners and heel strikers
  • Flyknit upper under $100!
  • Really lightweight
  • Upper durability

Cons

  • Not very bouncy
  • Outsole lacks grip
  • Only for short and easy runs
Full review of Nike Interact Run

Cheap Nike running shoes with the best stability

What makes it the best?

The Nike Journey Run is perfect for beginners or those focused on short (slow) runs—we really believe that’s where it truly excels. In our experience, it lacks the cushioning and energy return needed for longer distances or speed sessions. That said, we were impressed by its plush, premium-feel upper, reliable stability, and, most importantly, its budget-friendly price!

Pros

  • High-quality upper
  • Exceptional value
  • Rock-solid stability
  • Perfect for new runners
  • Feels lighter than it seems
  • Doubles as an everyday shoe
  • Reliable lockdown with gusseted tongue
  • Good breathability

Cons

  • Minimal energy return
  • Not as soft as marketed
  • Not roomy at all
Full review of Nike Journey Run

Cheap Nike running shoes with the best traction

Nike Quest 6
N/A
Not enough reviews yet

What makes it the best?

The Nike Quest 6 brings a Pegasus-like look at a much lower price, and we think that makes it very appealing for a lot of runners. In our lab tests, we found the firm foam and high 12 mm drop match its budget-friendly design, yet on our runs it still felt steady and easy to use. And on top of that, it brings better grip and strong durability, making this a genuinely positive update.

Pros

  • Affordable and beginner-friendly
  • Solid cushioning for heel strikers
  • Versatile for everyday use
  • Classic, easy-to-run geometry
  • Wide forefoot base improves stability
  • Strong durability in all tests
  • Improved grip from version 5
  • Comfortable upper

Cons

  • Modest energy return and firm foam
  • Steep heel-to-toe drop
  • Slight weight increase
  • Minor price bump
Full review of Nike Quest 6
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.