7 Best Cheap Running Shoes For Men, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best Cheap Running Shoes For Men, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023
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A pair of quality running shoes doesn't always have to come with a steep price. For male runners who don't want to hurt their feet and their wallets, this list is made especially for you. 

We have handpicked multiple shoes from various brands and categories to give you the finest yet most affordable running shoes for men on the market. 

And with our independent shoe testing facility, we give you bias-free, data-driven reviews.

How we test running shoes

Apart from having our own shoe testing facility, we also: 

  • Run in each shoe for at least 30 to 50 miles
  • Slice them open
  • See and measure their parts
  • Calculate their Corescore

For context, a shoe's Corescore determines how good/bad it is. It's a rating that runs from 0-100 — based on thousands of expert and user reviews. 

Best men's cheap running shoes overall

Brooks Revel 5
Brooks Revel 5

Corescore

90
Superb!
4.5 / 5 from 20,498 users
91 / 100 from 5 experts

Pros

  • True to size
  • 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

What makes it the best overall?

An affordable trainer that's got the makings of advanced running shoes? Hello, Brooks Revel 5! It's a smooth and lively jack-of-all-trades that will keep your feet comfy and bouncing. It can push the pace, eat up half-marathon distances, and breeze through your daily runs!
Read our full review of Brooks Revel 5 here
Brooks Revel 5 Parts

Best trail cheap running shoes for men

ASICS Gel Venture 8
ASICS Gel Venture 8

Corescore

85
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 109,682 users
83 / 100 from 2 experts

Pros

  • True to size
  • Secure fit
  • Extremely durable
  • Grip on wet, muddy surfaces
  • Responsive
  • Very comfortable
  • Little to no break-in
  • Feels light and not bulky
  • Super affordable

Cons

  • Narrow toebox
  • Sweaty on hottest summer days

What makes it the best trail?

At an affordable price, the ASICS Gel Venture 8 does a fantastic job on the trails! It's extremely grippy even on wet and muddy sections, comfortable, and secure. And all these come in a light and durable package! The Gel Venture is a shoe we'd consider for anything short to mid-distance.
Read our full review of ASICS Gel Venture 8 here
asics gel venture 8 sideview
asics gel venture 8 laces
asics gel venture 8 toebox

Best neutral cheap running shoes for men

Adidas Duramo 10
Adidas Duramo 10

Corescore

88
Great!
4.6 / 5 from 13,557 users
90 / 100 from 1 expert

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

What makes it the best neutral?

The Adidas Duramo 10 is a budget running shoe that's great for beginners who want a cushy ride to ease their way into running. With its down-to-earth price, there's nothing down about it when it comes to being an all-rounder. Whether it's for the short or long haul, you can rely on the Duramo 10. And if you want to take it outside of running, it's an excellent pick for walks, casual wear, and gym training.
Read our full review of Adidas Duramo 10 here
Adidas Duramo 10 outdoor_001
Adidas Duramo 10_017
Adidas Duramo 10 outdoor_003

Best stability cheap running shoes for men

ASICS GT 2000 10
ASICS GT 2000 10

Corescore

89
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 6,214 users
87 / 100 from 12 experts

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

What makes it the best stability?

ASICS updates their long-running, budget stability shoe and finally moves away from the plastic post design. This shoe is an ideal daily trainer for runners looking to get into the sport who pronate or have flat feet and want a product that’s comfortable, consistent, and lighter on the wallet than competing shoes.
Read our full review of ASICS GT 2000 10 here
Asics%20GT%202000%2010%20Pieces

Best cheap wide toebox running shoes for men

ASICS GT 1000 10
ASICS GT 1000 10

Corescore

87
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 14,879 users
90 / 100 from 1 expert

Pros

  • Fits true to size
  • Great stability shoe
  • Good value
  • Good amount of cushioning
  • No time to wear in
  • Amazing grip
  • Durable

Cons

  • Could be too warm for some
  • Not enough cushioning for long runs

What makes it the best wide?

ASICS have been making excellent, budget-friendly shoes in the GT 1000 lineup for years now and the 10th iteration is no different. With improvements in the upper and heel locking, the GT 1000 10 brings all that runners love about this stability shoe to a whole new level.
Read our full review of ASICS GT 1000 10 here
Asics GT 1000 10 29
Asics GT 1000 10 26
Asics GT 1000 10 11

Best value cheap running shoes for men

Saucony Axon
Saucony Axon

Corescore

87
Great!
4.4 / 5 from 2,620 users
85 / 100 from 9 experts

Pros

  • Fits wider feet
  • Super breathable
  • Smooth transitions
  • Durable
  • Surprisingly light
  • Bargain at just $100

Cons

  • A bit stiff
  • Lacks spring
  • Odd fulcrum point under toes

What makes it the best value?

Built off of the Saucony Endorphin, the Saucony Axon really pushed us forward! It's a fast-transitioning neutral daily trainer that's rockered and will roll you through your strides effortlessly. It's also for the budget-conscious runners who think that performance shouldn't come at a steep price. Even better, you don't have to worry about paying another full price in a short span of time, because this is a REALLY durable shoe that will eat up 400-500 miles.
Read our full review of Saucony Axon here
saucony axon pieces of the shoe
saucony axon profile
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.