7 Best Nike Cheap Running Shoes in 2023

The Run Swift 2 is simply the best cheap shoe Nike has to offer. For just £80, the shoe delivers impressive comfort, cushioning, and a durable and grippy outsole, giving it a lot more versatility than the average Nike running shoe, which costs £130.

Upon initially trying the shoe on, it honestly felt like a much higher-end trainer. The ankle collar and tongue are both generously padded, with the tongue 3.2 mm thicker than the average running shoe. That padding hugged our feet nicely without causing any hot spots.

We also felt there was more than enough underfoot protection during our runs. When checking the midsole in the lab, we found the Run Swift 2's 33.7 mm is right at the average for running shoes, but it has 1.9 mm more stack height in the forefoot.

And the outsole is outstanding, both in terms of durability and grip. Not only is the outsole rubber 0.9 mm thicker, but it's also 10.9% harder, so it won't wear out easily. Moreover, it also has 2.2 mm lugs. Those lugs gave the shoe added grip when we took it on mild dirt paths, showing just what a versatile cheap shoe this is.

However, the Run Swift 2 is also far from a flexible shoe, as it took us 29.5% more force to bend it 90 degrees in the lab. So those who want a cheap shoe with more flexibility should look elsewhere.

At an attractive £90, the Nike Juniper Trail 2 is a budget-friendly gem for those seeking Pegasus Trail features without breaking the bank. Ideal for short to medium runs on gentle terrain, this road-to-trail shoe offers real stability and comfort. However, its affordability does mean some trade-offs, like a subpar traction and less energy return from its firm midsole. Yet for beginners or those not focused on speed or technical terrains, these compromises are hardly noticeable.

The Nike Flex Experience Run 11 is an extremely lightweight and supremely flexible shoe that will not break a piggy bank. A sustainably made, affordable daily trainer, the Nike Flex Experience Run 11 gets the trophy for the best minimalist shoe among Nike cheap running shoes.

Only weighing 232g (8.18 oz), the Flex Experience Run 11 is definitely on the lighter spectrum of road running shoes. For context, the average weight is 268g (9.45 oz). Its lack of rubber outsole helps keep the weight down and it definitely feels much lighter than it looks. During our runs, we had to stop and check if we were wearing shoes.

While it's not a true minimalist shoe, its firm, lean, and flexible midsole give off a hint of minimalism. We measured its stack height at 24.1 mm—which is 9.1 mm below the average. The midsole has deep cutouts making the shoe very flexible—it only needed a force of 7.5N to bend while the average of other road running shoes requires 30.5 N. This gave our feet plenty of freedom and provided us with a whole lot of ground feel.

The average price for road running shoes is 132 USD, while the Nike Flex Experience Run 11  is priced at 70 USD. It is quite a steal even at full price.

One quick caveat: In our experience, the laces on these shoes can be easily undone so it's imperative to have them replaced right away when possible. 

At £110, Winflo 10 is well below the £120 average of Nike daily trainers. For a budget-friendly shoe, it’s surprisingly comfortable with its full-length Air cushioning and durable with its robust outsole. We could wear this supportive and soft daily trainer all day — making it our best cushioned cheap Nike running shoe.

It houses a velvet foam that our durometer measures to be 32.6% softer than average. It provides a premium feel with its Air cushion and dampens the impact of landing. Its heel drop inclines by 9.7 mm, providing extra support for heel-strikers and promoting smooth forward rolls.

Winflo 10’s unopposing midsole highlights its focus on comfort. We can freely move and maneuver the shoe however we please. Our flex test confirms it’s an adaptive pair, standing 28.9% more flexible than average.
 
Value for money is another advantage since its outsole is tough and long-lasting. Measuring 9.3% harder and 0.9 mm thicker than average, it has more rubber to resist wear and tear.

Unfortunately, Winflo 10 lacks responsiveness for speed training and races. We recommend exploring other options for faster shoes.

The Nike Downshifter 12 is ridiculously cheap given that it has top-grade comfort underfoot and high-end durability. It is a respectable, beginner-friendly shoe that has great value at a low price tag. Our lab tests and countless runs prove it—the Nike Downshifter 12 has the best comfort among cheap Nike running shoes.

At an incredibly low price of 70 USD, the Downshifter 12 is one of the lowest-priced shoes we’ve ever tested. For context, the average price for the running shoes we’ve tested in our lab is 132 USD. The price difference alone is enough to sway us in the direction of the Downshifter 12. 

When it comes to comfort, the Downshifter 12 does not skimp out—especially in its upper. We enjoyed the flexible heel counter, coupled with its lush and abundant padding that was present throughout the heel collar and tongue. We measured the tongue, and at 10.1 mm, it boasts so much more padding compared to the average thickness of 5.8 mm. 

Low price and durability do not typically go hand-in-hand but it does so in the Downshifter 12—a very welcome surprise. The outsole hardness (2.88% softer) and thickness (3.5 mm vs 3.4 mm average) are right around the average but even after more miles than we could count, the shoes still look and feel as good as new.

On the downside, the Downshifter 12 is not a very responsive shoe. Faster shoes are available in the market at higher prices.

The Revolution 6 is the reigning people’s champ in the cheap Nike shoe space. But that shouldn’t really be much of a surprise given its impressive responsiveness, flexibility, and consistency considering its price.

At just £70, the Revolution 6 is among the cheapest running shoes Nike sells and is twice as cheap as the average Nike running shoe, which costs £140. But that’s not the only reason it’s such a popular shoe.

It’s simply a strong and capable shoe overall for its price. It has a very firm midsole which we measured at 52 HA, 2.1 times firmer than the average running shoe, and we felt that that midsole became nice and responsive once it broke in.

But while the shoe is quite firm, we felt it still delivered a fun ride thanks to its added flexibility. Our 90 degree bend test confirmed that it is 14.8% more flexible than the average running shoe. It also stayed fairly consistent even in the cold; it became just 15.4% stiffer after 20 minutes in the freezer, significantly less difference than the average of 46.1%.

However, the Revolution 6’s grip lets it down. We felt little to no grip on the pavement and were uneasy turning on corners because of it. So for runners who want more grip on their shoes, consider other options.

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 £90, the Quest 5 is well below Nike's average running shoe price of £140. 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.