Running on a Budget? We Found and Tested the Best Cheap Shoes From Top Brands (2024)

• How to Save Money on Running Shoes

• Our Picks

• We Also Tested

• What to Look For

• How We Tested

• Our Experts

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust Verywell Fit

Key Specs

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Weight: 7.7 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters | Best For: Road, treadmill

Who They’re For

Best for casual or beginner runners with neutral arches.

Why We Love Them

Asics’ Gel-Excite 10 is one of our top overall picks because it’s well-cushioned, lightweight, and priced under $100. It has Asics’ signature support and technology that runners appreciate for both short workouts and long-distance runs at a budget-friendly price.

When we tested the previous model of this sneaker (the Gel-Excite 9), we loved the combination of soft gel and foam cushioning in the midsole. With each stride, we noticed a springy feel and strong rebound. And even during long runs in hot weather, the breathable mesh upper helps air circulate to keep our feet cool and dry.

The Gel-Excite 10 has a sturdy and durable rubber outsole with strategically placed grooves for better flexibility. Available in two widths and a wide range of colors, it’s a sleek, stylish shoe that works well for new or casual runners since it can also double as a comfortable walking shoe.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and Asics.

Potential Flaws

• We noticed during testing that, since the GEL-Excite line is so lightweight, it’s not as stable as some of our other top picks.
  

Key Specs

Sizes: 7 to 15 | Weight: 9 ounces | Drop: 12 millimeters | Best For: Road, treadmill

Who They’re For

Best for runners with neutral arches and plantar fasciitis.

Why We Love Them

Saucony’s Cohesion 16 takes our other best overall spot because it rivals Saucony’s more expensive models at a more competitive price. It’s one of our top picks for casual runners who need a dependable sneaker for spending lots of time on their feet.

With a durable, grippy rubber outsole, this shoe can take you over miles of asphalt without weighing you down. The spacious toe box offers plenty of room for your forefoot, for better stability and power transfer. Plus, we like the Cohesion 16 is available in two widths for runners with wide feet or orthotics.

A light, breathable mesh upper keeps your feet dry and comfortable, preventing painful blisters from forming. The midsole also features ample cushioning, which delivers excellent shock absorption and smooth transitions—making the Cohesion 16 one of our favorite budget-friendly shoes for runners with plantar fasciitis.

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon and Famous Footwear.

Potential Flaws

• Although this shoe is made from high-quality materials, some wearers have found that they tend to show signs of wear and tear quickly.
  

Key Specs

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Weight: 9 ounces | Drop: 6 millimeters | Best For: Roads, treadmill, track

Who They’re For

Best for runners with a neutral gait who want a springy shoe for short, fast workouts.

Why We Love Them

New Balance’s FuelCell Propel v4 boasts the same materials and technology found in other New Balance models without the higher price tag. It features a springy foam midsole that offers cloud-like comfort and an energetic ride. Despite the ample cushioning, it weighs less than some of our other picks, making it one of our top recommendations for sprints or speedwork. This version also includes a flexible TPU plate that pushes you forward as you accelerate for faster transitions.

We like that the soft upper hugs your foot for a comfortable fit, and the no-sew overlay adds support (not extra bulk). Plus, the padded collar and tongue prevent irritation around your ankles. Overall, the FuelCell Propel v4 is sleek, versatile, and—like most New Balance footwear—comfortable for all-day wear.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and New Balance.

Potential Flaws

• Although the upper is soft, it’s not mesh, so it won’t be as breathable in warm weather.
• The outsole is fairly flat with shallow lugs, meaning this sneaker doesn’t have the best traction.
  

Key Specs

Sizes: 7 to 15 | Weight: 9.4 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters | Best For: Road

Who They’re For

Best for new runners who want a responsive shoe for road running.

Why We Love Them

Brooks fans will appreciate the quality (and lower price tag) of Brooks’ Anthem 6. When we tested the previous model of this sneaker, we were impressed by its responsive cushioning. The foam midsole provided a soft, plush landing while still promoting the natural movement of our forefoot. We also found that the breathable, flexible mesh upper had an exceptional fit and offered just the right amount of support.

The Anthem 6 is one of our top picks for outdoor runs, although it also works well for walking and casual wear. We like that it has a high heel tab in the back, so you can slip it on and off easily. Plus, like other Brooks shoes, these have removable insoles—ideal if you need some additional room for orthotics or inserts.

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Brooks, Public Lands, and Moosejaw

Potential Flaws

• This shoe is designed for neutral runners, so it may not be supportive enough if you overpronate or have flat feet.
• We’d love to see this shoe in multiple widths.
  

Key Specs

Sizes: 6 to 15 | Weight: Not listed | Drop: Not listed | Best For: Road, track

Who They’re For

Best for runners who cross-train when they’re not chasing their personal record.

Why We Love Them

With its exceptional design, outstanding performance, and budget-friendly price, Nike’s Downshifter 13 stands out as our top pick for road running. It has plenty of soft foam cushioning in the midsole and heel, for comfort from your first mile to your last. We also like that the shoe’s durable rubber outsole has grooves that create flexibility and reliable traction.

When we tested the previous model of this shoe (the Downshifter 12), it performed well as a daily trainer for shorter track sessions and longer runs on pavement. We also noticed that the Downshifter is comfortable and stable enough for everything from running errands to strength-training workouts, making it one of our more versatile picks. Another bonus? The new model boasts a band that wraps around the midfoot for additional support.

Also available in women’s sizes at Nike.

Potential Flaws

• When we tested the Downshifter 12, we noticed that it ran narrow. But we like that the new model comes in two widths, for a better fit.
• The mesh upper is on the thinner side—some wearers have found that it tends to wear out more quickly.
  

Key Specs

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Weight: 10.6 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters | Best For: Light trails, road

Who They’re For

Best for trail runners with neutral arches.

Why We Love Them

Searching for a budget-friendly running shoe that works well for road and trail running? We recommend Asics’ Gel-Venture 9. Asics’ popular combination of foam and gel padding in the midsole helps absorb shock from impact and provides cushioned comfort no matter your mileage or preferred terrain.

When we tested this pair, we immediately noticed how well the midsole protected us from feeling the gravel or asphalt underneath. The outsole’s reverse-traction lugs provide a little extra cushion and had great grip during our runs (even in wet weather). These sneakers have a supportive sock liner that can be removed if you need to add orthotics, making them one of our top picks for runners with a history of foot pain. Whether or not you need more room in the toe box, you're sure to find the right fit among Asics’ medium and wide sizes.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Asics, DSW, and Famous Footwear.

Potential Flaws

• These are some of the heavier shoes on our list. We don’t recommend them for sprints or other speed workouts.
• Although we wish they were waterproof, we noticed that the Gel-Venture 9 does repel some moisture and dries quickly.
  

Key Specs

Sizes: 7 to 15 | Weight: 8.1 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters | Best For: Road, treadmill

Who They’re For

Best for runners with neutral arches who prefer fast workouts and racing (indoors or out).

Why We Love Them

If you’re a neutral runner looking for a shoe that hits the sweet spot between a streamlined racing flat and a supportive everyday trainer, we recommend Brooks’ Launch 10. During testing, we noticed that these sneakers are impressively responsive, allowing for smooth, quick transitions from heel to toe. We also like that the knit upper offers a snug, secure fit, even when you pick up the pace.

The lightweight foam midsole isn’t too plush, but still protects your joints on long runs. Even better, the Launch 10’s collar is designed to pull away from your ankles to prevent painful blisters from forming on long runs. Available in two widths and a range of bright color combinations, this sneaker is our top pick for runners working on a faster mile.

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Brooks, and Fleet Feet.

Potential Flaws

• These shoes have less arch support than other pairs we tested, so we don’t recommend them for overpronators or runners with high arches.
• We also noticed that the toe box runs a bit narrow. You may want to order your size in the wide width for some extra room.
  

Key Specs

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Weight: 9.5 ounces | Drop: 8 millimeters | Best For: Road or treadmill

Who They’re For

Best for runners who want a comfortable sneaker that can easily go from the gym to the coffee shop.

Why We Love Them

New Balance is known for its highly cushioned running shoes, and the Fresh Foam Arishi v4 is no different (except when it comes to the price). When we tested the previous version, the Arishi v3, we liked how easy it was to run in. Despite its ample foam padding in the midsole, the Arishi doesn’t feel bulky and won’t weigh you down. We wore the v3 for multiple long runs and were impressed by how light and responsive they felt.

The Arishi v4 is also durable, with a grippy rubber outsole that provides reliable traction on a range of surfaces. The shoe’s seamless upper is highly breathable, to keep your feet cool and blister-free. Removable insoles and a padded ankle collar add to their functional design. And if you prefer a running shoe that can also be worn casually, these sleek, stylish sneakers certainly fit the bill.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, New Balance, and DSW.

Potential Flaws

• Some wearers have found that the toe box runs narrow, so you may want to order your size in the wide width.
• The Arishi v4’s breathable mesh upper may be too thin for running in cold weather.
  

Key Specs

Sizes: 7 to 15 | Weight: 8.3 ounces | Drop: 8 millimeters | Best For: Road, treadmill, light trails

Who They’re For

Best for overpronators on a budget.

Why We Love Them

Overpronators and runners with flat feet often need a stability shoe with extra support. Those can be expensive—which is why we like Asics’ GT-1000 12. With firm foam in the arch and added support around the midfoot to help guide your feet through the gait cycle, it offers motion control at a lower price than most other stability sneakers.

This sneaker also boasts excellent shock absorption and smooth transitions, thanks to pockets of gel underneath the heel. But despite its stellar support and cushioning, the GT-1000 isn’t bulky and has a lightweight feel. With a high-abrasion rubber outsole and a breathable mesh upper, these shoes are comfortable and supportive enough to keep you going for miles.

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Asics, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Famous Footwear.

Potential Flaws

• The toe box runs narrow, so opt for a wide or extra-wide size if you need some extra space.