10 Best Budget Running Shoes

Are you a passionate runner looking for the perfect pair of running shoes that won’t break the bank? Look no further! In this article, I’ll guide you through the world of budget-friendly running shoes and help you find the best pair for your needs.

Let’s get right to the point. Running shoes can be very expensive. Which means finding the best cheap running shoes takes some work! And hopefully, I’ll have done some of that leg work for you with this article.

While people like to say running doesn’t require much in the way of equipment, the reality is we love all the clothing, and the accessories (hello my lovely GPS watch), and of course, the shoes.

Depending on how often you run, you should have multiple pairs in a rotation. That could be literally hundreds of dollars at one time. Even if you don’t rotate through shoes during a training cycle and stick to one pair, you’re looking at replacing them at least every few months depending on your mileage. The money can really add up.

On top of that, there’s always the risk of discomfort or injury from cheaply made or poorly fit shoes, or simply because you’re using your shoes well past their lifespan to save money.

The good news is there are plenty of ways to save money on shoes, and that doesn’t have to mean buying knockoffs or off-brand shoes.

All of that being said, when you’re on a budget you gotta make it work! So now let’s dive in to some of the best options out there for cheap running shoes.

10 Best Budget-Friendly Running Shoes

Any more the budget models are running about $30-$60 cheaper than the average running. Which might mean if they don’t last as long that you’d be better off going for one of the best long distance run shoes I recommend!

However, sometimes money is tight! I absolutely started out by running in whatever I could get my hands on as a college kid and that’s ok. Especially if you’re doing a lot of walking or shorter run/walk intervals to start, these might be great options to begin building.

Popular Shoe with Older Model Discount – Nike Pegasus 41

Designed with the needs of runners in mind, the Nike Pegasus offers a perfect blend of style and functionality. It features a lightweight and breathable upper that keeps your feet cool and dry, even during long-distance runs.

While the new model of this shoe is technically $140, select colors can be found for well under $100 and that’s why I’m including it on this list. If looking for trail shoes, the Pegasus also comes in a trail version, which can also be found at discounted prices too.

The Nike Pegasus is a mainstay on running shoe lists.

This shoe is good for both more serious training and the casual fitness runner. This model is lighter than its predecessor and is loved for its cushioning, including the Zoom Air Unit in both the forefoot and heel. It also has extra padding at the tongue and collar for increased comfort.

• Weight: 10.4 oz men’s, 8.6 oz women’s
• Heel Drop: 10 mm
• Neutral
• Road-running (trail version available)
• Available on Nike.com for $140 (current model)
• See older models at Dick’s Sporting Goods (Sale < $100)
• Check out our review of the Nike Pegasus 41 here >> 

Best Budget Entry Level Run, Run/Walk Shoe – Ryka Devo X Max

Since Ryka shoes are designed for women, the structure of the shoe is a little different than most. You’ll find that there’s a wider forefoot and a narrower heel for a more secure fit.

The Ryka Devotion Collection was designed to get you through almost any type of workout. You can grab the Ryka Devo X Max for power walks, run/walk intervals, and even a HIIT class.

The midsole uses lightweight EVA foam and full-length RE-ZORB® cushioning to soften impact and absorb shock as you move.

They’re lightweight, just the right amount of cushion, and you can even feel a little pop with each stride.

These aren’t your everyday walking shoes. Ryka packed in a lot of cool technology to make these feel so smooth.

• Weight:  8.6 oz Women’s only
• Heel drop:  10 mm
•  Available in 14 colors
• Available in wide for specific colors
• Available from Ryka.com for $90

Best Budget Daily Trainer – TYR Maverick V1

TYR didn’t skimp on their supercritical midsole foam that they’ve dubbed “Flighttime” foam and we couldn’t believe how lightweight this shoe is!

The midsole has a soft feel to it while remaining firm enough for faster efforts. The sharp forefoot rocker, combined with that soft but firm landing, assists with quick stride turnover when running faster.

It’s fast and responsive enough to be an uptempo daily trainer and tempo/threshold trainer for faster runners. But also will be loved for the mid-to-back of the pack runners as well heading out the door for longer training runs.

The TYRTAC outsole rubber mostly covers the borderline of the forefoot, with a small pod in the center, reminiscent of the “trampoline-inspired” forefoot of the Asics “Blast” line. Two strips cover the heel and the midfoot is exposed.

• Weight: 7.7 ounces Men’s size 9
• Stack Height: 44mm
• Heel to Toe Drop: 8mm drop
• Available in four colorways
• Available at TYR.com for $140
• Read our full review of the TYR Maverick V1 Runner here >>

Best Budget Cushioned Running Shoe – Reebok FloatZig Double

From long runs with some tempo pace intervals, to easy runs, recovery days, and quite a few walking miles, the Reebok FloatZig Double will be a good pick!

While it’s not listed as a stability shoe, the elements are there and much appreciated when hitting that 40mm of foam mark.

The FloatZig Double has a more responsive midsole thanks to the SuperFloat+ foam. Knowing that you’ll get more energy return with each step makes you want to reach for this shoe more, but we are surprised by the shoe’s weight for a supercritical foam.

Of course, with the added stability components, you aren’t getting a plush ride, but you are getting a really comfortable ride. We think the fact that it wasn’t overly soft is a reason you’ll keep reaching for it despite the weight.

The rubber outsole of the FloatZig Double covers the majority of the foam midsole on the bottom (different than the more exposed midsole of the Brooks Glycerin Max 2), and it does seem durable.

• Weight: 11.4 oz
• Stack Height: 37 mm
• Heel Drop: 6 mm
• Available in 1 color for both men and women
• Not available in wide
• Available on Reebok.com for $140
• Read our full review of the Reebok Floatzig Double here >>

Best Budget Stylish Running Comfort – Vessi Stormburst

If you’re looking for a pair of shoes that can effortlessly go between run/walk intervals, you’ll want to check these out.

Bonus points because they’re actually designed to be waterproof but without being a chunky shoe.

Dubbing its shoes as “The ideal balance of comfort and style wrapped in 100% waterproof versatility”, the Vessi shoe is a great alternative to clunky rain boots.

• 100% waterproof Dyma-tex® for all-weather protection
• Lightweight, cushioning midsole for effortless steps
• Temperature-regulating, breathable upper knit
• Enhanced durability in the outsole built for the long haul
• Available at vessi.com for $145
• Read our full review of Vessi Stormburst here >>

Best Budget Zero Drop – Topo Athletic ST-6

Wearing the Topo ST-6 is the next best thing to being barefoot at the gym or running in minimalist shoes, without entirely giving up the comfort of sneakers.

The ZipFoam feels soft and responsive. I find it kind of amazing that I can get so much nice squish and bounce, and also still register the texture of the ground. I can tell if the sidewalk is smooth or rocky, and I notice the cracks a lot more.

If you’re new to this corner of the shoe world, they may be great for activities your feet can handle barefoot, but are best done protected by shoes. Just be mindful of easing into the zero-drop style.

The upper fabric is thin and breathable, but it is nowhere near as thin as the mesh covering the top of some of the other Topo shoes (the Cyclone comes to mind).

• Weight: 6.6 oz Men’s, 5.2 oz Women’s
• Stack Height: 14mm
• Heel Drop: 0 mm
• 2 colors available
• Not available in wide
• Available on REI.com for $120
• Read our full review of the Topo Athletic ST-6 here >>

Best Budget Speed Shoe – Skechers Aero Razor

The Aero Razors will cost $140, which is on the lower end range for a speed shoe (compared to the Puma Deviate Nitro 4 cost of $180), a good price if it’s your first time buying a speed shoe and you’re not sure if you want to invest on a full-on super shoe yet.

From sprints to shorter tempo runs, it gives a firm, snappy feel that encourages you to push your pace.

While we see bigger brands trending toward max, chunkier shoes, Skechers’ sleek design is visually appealing for those looking for a standard speed shoe that isn’t overly cushioned (or expensive).

The Skechers Aero Razor is unapologetically built for speed, and it shows from the moment you put it on. These are light, snappy, and not subtle about pushing you forward, which is exactly what they’re designed to do.

• Weight: 6.9 oz Men’s, 5.6 oz Women’s
• Stack Height: 36 mm
• Heel Drop: 4 mm
• Available in 3 colors for men and 3 colors for women
• Available on Skechers.com for $140
• Read our full review of the Skechers Aero Razor here >>

Best Budget Neutral Lightweight Trainer – Adidas Supernova Rise 3

It has that sleek, fast-shoe aesthetic but delivers the cushioning and stability you want for everyday and longer miles.

Adidas updated the Dreamstrike+ midsole, making it 20% softer and extending it the full length of the shoe. That change alone gives the Rise 3 a more cushioned, forgiving feel underfoot compared to previous models.

They also added rod-like sculpting through the midsole that’s designed to mirror the shape of your foot and guide you through a smoother heel-to-toe transition.

We think it’ll be a really solid option for mid and back-of-the-pack runners training for their first marathon or even half-marathon.

It’s cushioned, supportive, and now has a smoother ride that makes those longer miles feel a little more approachable.

The sizing and fit of this shoe may run a little big, so you may want to go a half size down.

• Weight: 9.5 oz men’s, 8.11 oz women’s
• Stack: 34mm
• Heel Drop: 8 mm
• Not available in wide
• Available in 5 colorways
• Available from Adidas.com for $140
• Read our full review of the Adidas Supernova Rise 3 here >>

Best Budget Short-distance Trainer – Under Armour Charged Escape 4

Once again this is a brand where I tested out probably 10 shoes to find one that I liked. And since then, they’ve continued to improve and grow. But that means you probably need to put them on and see exactly what you think!

The shoe features a lightweight and breathable upper that allows for great ventilation and flexibility. It’s also got a solid heel, that’s going to help keep your foot in place.

I feel like this is a nice cushioned trainer when you’re starting out. It’s probably going to be ideal up to around 6 miles or so and then could start to feel like you want just a bit more from your shoe. But for plenty of runners that’s enough!

• Weight: 10.2 oz men’s, 9 oz women’s
• Heel drop: 10 mm
• Neutral
• Road-running
• Available on Amazon.com ranging from $60-$85

Best Trail Running – Rabbit High Country

The High Country is built around a cushion that doesn’t feel overly bulky or too soft; it feels a lot like a Hoka Speedgoat. And with a 38mm heel and 33mm forefoot stack, there’s plenty of protection for long run days, but it doesn’t feel like overkill on shorter runs.

The midsole uses rabbit’s Flowstate Foam, the same foam found in the Dream Chaser road shoe, and I thought it translated really well to the trail. It feels lightweight and energetic without being too soft, soaking up impact on my long descents while still giving me a little help when I want to move faster.

To add stability, rabbit includes two small Carbon Trax plates tucked between the Flowstate foam and a secondary EVA layer. They are separated, so the shoe doesn’t feel too stiff.

Traction comes from the rabbit’s proprietary 360 GRIP outsole, which uses strategically placed lugs to provide grip in almost every direction. Whether running through dry dirt, loose gravel, wet rock, or mixed terrain, the outsole felt reliable, and you’ll really notice the stability on my technical downhill sections.

• Weight: ~9.4 oz
• Stack Height: 38mm / 33mm
• Heel Drop: 5mm
• Colors: Seedpearl and Mineral Blue
• Wide option: No
• Available at: runinrabbit.com for $180
• Read our full review of the Rabbit High Country here >>

How to Find Good Deals on Running Shoes

Finding a good deal on a quality pair of running shoes can be a challenge, but it doesn‘t have to be. In this article, we‘ll provide tips and tricks for finding the perfect pair of running shoes at the best price.

From researching brands and retailers to taking advantage of discounts, you can get a great deal on running shoes with a little bit of effort. So, if you‘re looking to upgrade your running gear, read on to learn how to find the best deal on running shoes.

1. Buy Last Years Model

One of the easiest ways to save money on shoes is to shop sales. Shoe companies come out with new models regularly, which means old models get discounted, sometimes by quite a bit.

Heck yes, I love to buy the “old” model for $50 less!

Whether you’re dedicated to a specific brand and model or like to mix it up, this is a surefire way to save some money. Depending on the shoe, you may even be able to stock up and get multiple pairs for less than the retail price of the new model.

2. Subscribe to Brand Newsletters

I recommend signing up for your favorite brands’ newsletters.

I know, I know, we all get too much email already. But those newsletters are often how companies first share their sales and discounts. Also, when you sign up they often give you a 10-15% discount code. Who doesn’t love a discount code?

3. Try Outlet Shopping

Another great place to score deals are outlets. Most of the time what goes to a Brand outlet store (i.e. Nike) is a shoe that’s a relatively current model, but could have a slight imperfection or they simply have overstock.

If the imperfection were enough to discredit brand quality or functionality, trust me, it wouldn’t be on the shelf.

Plus, while you’re scoring your favorite shoes at a discount, you might find some other great running gear on sale too! Ok maybe this one won’t save you money after all.

4. Scour Online Retailers

As I already mentioned, stocking up on older models is a great way to save money. You may need to shop around to find those old models though.

A simple Google search will produce links to online-only retailers like Zappos and RoadRunnerSports.com to name a few. While they cannot discount shoes before the brand gives a go-ahead, they often have size selections available for those older models much longer than buying direct from the brand.

These are the places I go to first for finding older models because you can often sign up for programs to earn points. That means long term savings because we all know that you’ll need shoes again next year.

Some of these online retailers also have free and fast shipping and generous return policies.

5. Finally Consider Big Box Retailers

Another option I don’t want to leave out are the big box retailers such as Dick’s Sporting Goods. These stores will often sell all the top brands you know and love, but often carry lower level models you might not find at your local running store.

We’re going to now dive in to what the difference is between the levels of running shoe’s you might see at a Kohl’s over what your local store is carrying.

What’s the Difference in Cheap Running Shoes?

Shoes at a department store are typically general-purpose shoes, meaning they are designed for everyday use and are not tailored to the needs of a runner. Department store shoes can be less expensive, but may not provide the same level of comfort, cushioning, and support as a pair of running shoes.

In contrast, running shoes at a specialized running store are designed specifically for running and are crafted with high-performance materials and technologies. These shoes are designed to provide the support and cushioning a runner needs to run at their best.

For a runner doing high mileage training, I would caution against buying lower level models as there are reasons the shoes can be sold for less. These include:

Technology

At the higher end, you’re getting the benefits of advanced materials and technology for cushioning, being lighter in weight and longer durability, which can drive up the cost. Obviously cheaper shoes won’t have any carbon fiber plates for racing. But no worries that’s not really needed for most of us!

Running shoes also come in different styles to accommodate different foot shapes and sizes in order to maximize performance.

Lower quality materials 

Brands are going to sub in different materials in the shoes. For example, you’re not going to get the same midsole foam in a shoe that’s less than $100 that you’re going to get in the top-tier model.

Shorter lifespan

Cheaper shoes may also not be as durable.

While this is fine for more casual runners who don’t race or run as often, like my husband! For higher mileage runners training for long distances like half marathons and full marathons this can be problematic.

You may save money on the shoes initially, but if you have to replace them sooner and more often, you’re ultimately not saving money.

All right there’s my round of the best budget running shoes! I’ve been running since 2002 and have spent many hours testing hundreds of shoes over the years for articles. While it’s always fun to test out top of the line, sometimes we just don’t need every bell and whistle.

Pay attention to what feels good on your body. Take the time to track how long your shoes last and you’ll be able to decide if cheaper is doing the trick or more expensive works because it lasts longer! You never know.

While it’s tempting to splurge on the latest high-end running shoes, it’s not necessary to break the bank to find a quality pair. There are many affordable options available that provide excellent performance and durability.

If you’re looking for more running shoe tips:

• When to Replace Running Shoes
• How Should Running Shoes Fit?
• Running vs Walking Shoes 
• HOKA vs Brooks running shoes

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