8 Best Cheap Running Shoes in 2024

Last Updated: January 01, 2024 | Author: James Leigh


Whoever said running is an inexpensive sports sound hasn't been in the field for real. Sportswear clothing,GPS, race entries, and the most expensive and most important piece of equipment, running shoes, drains the budget faster than a sub 4 minute mile. When looking for the best running shoes for men or for women, you'll find many irresistibly awesome options above $130 or something.

However, you don't necessarily have to spend that much to have a good running shoe, though!

We have tried and tested some of the most popular running shoes from the major brands that pack almost the same bells and whistles for a fraction of money!

Scroll down and check them out!

Best Cheap Running Shoes - Content

Best Cheap Running Shoes for Men

Nike Renew Run 2

Pros
  • ✔️ Stable shoes
  • ✔️ Soft cushioning
Cons
  • ❌ Not lightweight
  • ❌ Low energy return

Whom is it best for?
Anyone looking (beginner or pro) for a good running shoe. This has a low energy return and a little too much weight so we won’t recommend this for long runs.

If you are a fan of Nike but tied to a budget, freak no more because you have Nike Renew Run 2 that packs pretty much everything a good running shoe can deliver. The men’s version falls under the best cheap running shoe for beginners, which can be worn for short runs, training, treadmills, and stuff. We were impressed by seeing affordable running shoes with how durable the outsoles are and their grip that kept us grounded was super solid. Overall is a comfortable shoe with nice and stable cushioning (Nike’s soft lunar Foam) that offers a nice grip. The only thing that was kind of irking was a little unnecessary weight and low energy return, but when you look at the $90 price tag, things kind of make sense.



Best Cheap Running Shoes for Women

ASICS Gel-Excite 8

Pros
  • ✔️ Lightweight cushioning
  • ✔️ Solid grip
  • ✔️ Stays dry
Cons
  • ❌ Low arch support
  • ❌ Lacks technology

Whom is it best for?
This is a great choice for runners with tight calves or for heel strikers. There isn’t too much support under the arch so this is not your thing if you need high arches.

The ASICS Gel-Excite 8 are the best cheap women’s running shoes for beginners. Who wants a comfy ride for their first half marathon? These best budget cushioned running shoes is an under promising, over delivering type of set of shoes that impressed us with how comfy they feel when you put them on and through over 6k or something, they were the same with no rubbing or hotspots. The below $80 price tags justify the lack of technology but when you look at the comfort, lightweight Versafoam cushioning, flexibility, good grip over the road, and stuff, it is a thumbs up. So, if you are lacing up to start out your journey, this is something you should check out.



Best Cheap Trail Running Shoes

Nike Pegasus Trail 3

Pros
  • ✔️ Solid traction
  • ✔️ Super durable
  • ✔️ Comfy cushioning
Cons
  • ❌ Lacks ventilation

Whom is it best for?
It is one of the best cheap waterproof running shoes on the market with monster traction with durability to match the performance—super recommended for runners with average to narrow feet.

The iconic Pegasus Trail running shoes have been a red hot thingy from NIKE. With solid traction, lugged soles, ultimate protection, eye-catching color ways, and for a bunch of good reasons, they are one of the unforgiving shoes on the market and good for you if you are broke that you can enjoy the bells and whistles for a fraction of money checking out the Nike Pegasus Trail 3. For about $100, you get a pair of running shoes shoes that offer solid traction, comfort, a quick lace system, protection from debris, a responsive ride and an excellent mix of cushioning and ground feel. We only wished they were a bit more breathable.



Best Budget Long-Distance Running Shoes

Nike Downshifter 11

Pros
  • ✔️ Stylish shoe
  • ✔️ Very versatile
  • ✔️ Highly breathable
Cons
  • ❌ Narrow toe box

Whom is it best for?
This is best for wide feet runners looking for a budget-friendly long-distance running shoe.

A long-distance running shoe has to have all the obvious features and a killing price tag. However, when you expect a brand to pack all the goodness for a small price, you are obviously not getting a bombshell. Similarly, the Nike Downshifter is an all-around the best affordable Nike long distance track shoes but just has no comparison with pegasus 38, Ultraboost 19, and others. What we like about these shoes is the lightweight feel, lots of support without the bulk, fast pace, flexibility, breathability and cool look. Moreover, this nike downshifter 11 review do not rub no matter how long you take them and there are no hotspots too. Though, Nike womens downshifter 11 may not be super cushy for you but the overall comfort and support feel so great.



Best Affordable Stability Running Shoes

Asics GT 1000 10

Pros
  • ✔️ Bouncy ride
  • ✔️ Responsive cushioning
  • ✔️ Super durable
Cons
  • ❌ Lacks propulsion

Whom is it best for?
Neutral runners looking for cheaper yet moderate stability trainers that can take them from the gym to race.

GT 1000 10 is an ideal Asics running shoes in the market that is known for its stability and responsive bouncy ride. The reason we chose these stability with cheap plantar fasciitis shoes as best is the premium bundle of features they are packed with, that you would typically find in high-end running shoes with COMPARABLE (we mean it) stability. We loved the combo of Flytefoam and Gel cushioning that gives a firm yet bouncy ride and they were so breathable for over 10k. Highly recommended.



Best Budget Running Shoes

Asics Gel-Venture 8

Pros
  • ✔️ Solid traction
  • ✔️ Lightweight
  • ✔️ Comfy cushioning
Cons
  • ❌ Runs too small for some people

Whom is it best for?
This is best for runners tied to a budget, looking for daily trainers.

Want the most cheap minimalist running shoes with lightweight construction, and a breathable silhouette. Say hello to Asics Gel-Venture 8 running shoes. In affordale price range you get a lightweight daily trainer with comfy cushioning, amazing breathability, high rubber outsole traction, and lots of comfort. We only wished these cheap running shoes for shin splints were a bit more durable in the outsole area, but since they are not meant for crazy long runs, this is pretty much fine.



Best Budget Running Shoes for Wide Feet

New Balance FuelCell Propel v3

Pros
  • ✔️ Lightweight
  • ✔️ Responsive ride
  • ✔️ Nice colorways
Cons
  • ❌ Uncomfortable upper

Whom is it best for?
Wide feet runners looking for versatile daily trainers.

There is a budget-friendly shoe (trainer) in the market that ticks all the boxes for a good running shoe for wide and extra-wide feet runners — meet the New Balance Fuel Propel v3. They are mainly trailers but are versatile enough to be worn for a variety of situations, distances, and training styles. They look good, are super lightweight, offer excellent responsiveness and feel very comfortable overall.



Best Affordable Running Shoes for Flat Feet

Brooks Revel 5

Pros
  • ✔️ Super flexible
  • ✔️ High quality construction
  • ✔️ Nice color scheme
Cons
  • ❌ Looks chunky

Whom is it best for?
The Adidas Sense Boost Go is best for flat feet runners seeking lightweight shoes for running, walking, and workout sessions.

Flat feet runners require well-fitting shoes from heel to toe, ample cushioning especially in the heel of the ball area, and features like best stability and motion control shoes plus supportive in the heel area and arches. One such shoe for a fraction of money is Revel 5 from Brooks. The overall construction provides arch support and regular fit, while the engineered mesh upper adapt to the shape of the foot that delivers a good freedom of movement plus comfy fit. Our testers liked this good high arches shoes and how responsive foam midsole is and the rubber traction was also perfect. Super recommended.


Conclusion


Running shoes are important footwear for those who enjoy running. Shoe manufacturers craft them for a variety of purposes and with different features, but they can cost you an arm and a leg. Today, the market is bursting at the seams with amazing technology and features. You can expect your shoe to drop your jaw with the rule of thumb being “More $ = better stuff”. However, there still are so many good options to look at when you set yourself up for running without breaking your bank. This article covers a bunch of best affordable running shoes that offer amazing value for a little amount of money.


Video Credits: The Running Channel

FAQs


Author Box
James Leigh

James Leigh

James Leigh is a certified health professional, physiotherapist, and a seasoned runner who wins Boston Marathon, with a wealth of experience under his belt. Passionate about sharing his expertise with fellow runners. James is your go-to expert for your health, wellness and running tips.