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 five different categories. Depending on what you find the most important in your running shoes, there are options that highlight style, cushioning, durability, or a little bit of everything.
How we test running shoes
Cheap doesn’t always mean bad.
Our team of experienced shoe fanatics has reviewed over 350 cheap running shoes to help you find the best deal. Our shoe testers and an independent RunRepeat lab 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.
- Our system incorporates over 2.5 million ratings from shoe experts and regular users to keep the scores comprehensive.
As a result, every shoe gets a CoreScore, which reflects its performance across the board. It is a number from 0 to 100 which allows us to pick out the best running shoes under $100.
Best cheap running shoes overall
























What makes it the best?
Pros
- Fits like a dream
- Accommodating stretchy upper
- Efficient transitions
- Surprisingly peppy
- Laces stay tied tightly
- Low to the ground
- Durable construction
- Great deal
- Do-it-all shoe
- Impressive weight
- Breathable
Cons
- Not for long runs
- No reflective details
Today's best price








Best cheap running shoes with wide toebox






















What makes it the best?
Pros
- Lightweight stability shoe
- Responsive ride
- Comfortable
- Wide toe box
- Good lockdown
- Durable outsole
- Price
Cons
- Overly padded tongue
- Thick ankle collar
- Runs warm
- Feels a touch long
Today's best price








Best cheap running shoes for all-day wear

















What makes it the best?
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
Today's best price








Best stability cheap running shoes
















What makes it the best?
Pros
- Stable ride
- Unobtrusive for neutral runners
- Lightweight
- Comfortable all-day
- Very affordable price
- More flexible than before
- Perfect fit for narrow feet
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Poor durability
Today's best price








Cheap running shoes with best cushioning

















What makes it the best?
Pros
- Fits true to size
- Good cushioning
- Breathable upper
- Very consistent midsole
- Reliable grip
- Good heel lockdown
Cons
- Could provide longer laces
Today's best price









Best cheap running shoes for long distance

























What makes it the best?
Pros
- Comfy for recovery days
- Soft upper
- Lightweight
- Breathable for summer runs
- Perfect for beginners
- Affordable price
- Upper made with recycled plastic
Cons
- A no-no for wide feet
- Hard to put on for some
Today's best price








Most popular cheap running shoes




















What makes it the most popular?
Pros
- Fits true to size
- Peppy midsole
- Budget-friendly
- Good amount of flexibility
- Consistent performance in any condition
- Great as leisurewear
Cons
- Runs narrow
- Poor lacing
- Lacks grip
Today's best price







Comparison of the 7 best cheap running shoes
+ + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best | ||||||||
CoreScore | ||||||||
Users rating | ||||||||
Experts | ||||||||
Best price | ||||||||
Ranking | ||||||||
Popularity | ||||||||
# of colorways |
Tips for finding shoes at cheap prices
![]() |
Here are some tips to help you find a good deal.
|
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. |