One of the benefits of running is that it’s relatively inexpensive. Unlike other activities, you don’t need to buy a costly membership or special equipment.
At the very least, you only have to invest in a good pair of running shoes. To reinforce the idea that running is affordable, this article will show you the best cheap running shoes under $100.
Can you really find good cheap running shoes? We know what some of you are thinking: quality footwear only comes with a hefty price tag and inexpensive shoes fall apart easily.
But the good news is, there are some shoes out there that are well-made and affordable. We’ve rounded up 10 of the best cheap running shoes on the market, because we believe that everybody should be able to run, even those who are on a tight budget. Check them out!
What are the best cheap running shoes on the market today? Here are our top 10 picks.
- Support: 4.5/5
- Comfort: 4.5/5
- Durability: 4.5/5
- Our Rating: 5/5
Promising “excellence in motion,” the Tesla Lightweight Sports Running Shoe E630Z is a light and flexible trainer that feels as if you’re walking or running barefoot.
Equipped with a flex groove sole and hydro-grip outsole, the E630Z has great traction and stability, making it suitable for various surfaces and terrains. The ergonomic side pattern supports the foot’s natural movement, while the cushioned insole provides balance and stability during different activities.
For active individuals who are prone to perspiration, the E630Z has a unique dual vented mesh construction that makes it incredibly breathable and quick-drying. Moreover, high-quality synthetic suede skin lends resistance against wear and tear.
The Tesla Lightweight Sports Running Shoe E630Z offers all this for an extremely affordable price tag, which is why many users consider it to be one of the best budget running shoes out there.
- Very light and flexible
- Feels like wearing nothing
- Holds up well even with daily use
- Great cushioning
- Very comfortable for running
- Excellent traction and stability on different terrains
- Inexpensive
- Size runs small based on some comments
- Shows dirt easily
- Support: 5/5
- Comfort: 5/5
- Durability: 4.5/5
- Our Rating: 5/5
Tough yet comfortable, the ASICS GEL Venture 5 Trail Running Shoe is perfect for both everyday wear and tackling rough terrains.
Fitted with a rearfoot GEL technology cushioning system, the GEL Venture 5 attenuates shock upon impact and facilitates a smooth transition to midstance (when the leg is perpendicular to the ground).
Built for the trail, this shoe is a great choice for people who are always on the go. The outsole has reversed lugs that provide uphill and downhill traction on various terrains, as well as ASICS High Abrasion Rubber (AHAR) in critical areas for amazing durability.
The ASICS GEL Venture 5 Trail Running Shoe is also ideal for individuals who use a medical orthotic, as the sockliner is removable.
- Excellent cushioning
- Very comfortable
- Removable insole
- Very sturdy, holds up well to extensive use
- Good arch support
- Suitable for people with plantar fasciitis
- Some users complained about the quality
- On the narrow side
- Support: 5/5
- Comfort: 4.5/5
- Durability: 4.5/5
- Our Rating: 5/5
Suitable for everyday use, the New Balance 623v3 Training Shoe is the brand’s most athletic classic trainer. Now in its third edition, the 623v3 has been redesigned for utmost comfort.
Users will appreciate the reinforced collar foam and larger Abzorb heel capsule. Made from Dupont Engage Isoprene rubber and proprietary materials, Abzorb is New Balance’s basic cushioning compound with impressive cushioning and compression set properties.
The New Balance 623v3 Training Shoe is also equipped with an IMEVA midsole and non-marking outsole. All these features translate to a durable, breathable, and versatile trainer.
- Makes for a good all-around, everyday shoe
- Plenty of cushioning
- Very comfortable
- Removable inserts
- Excellent support for lateral movements
- Some users have gotten a year or more of use out of it
- Some people feel it’s not as good as the older versions
- Less arch support than in previous models
- Poor durability and quality, according to some customers
- Support: 5/5
- Comfort: 4.5/5
- Durability: 4.5/5
- Our Rating: 4.5/5
Superb comfort and flexibility are what the Nike Flex Experience RN 4 Running Shoe is all about.
Unlike its predecessor that had a lot of stitched overlays, the fourth version of the Flex Experience features a no-sew upper construction. With just a single layer for the upper, the shoe is now lighter, while still providing the best (neutral) ride possible.
The full-length midsole and hexagonal flex grooves of the Nike Flex Experience RN 4 Running Shoe allow the foot to move freely. The Waffle pistons on the outsole also absorb shock and add responsiveness, for an enhanced performance whenever the foot strikes the ground.
- Well-designed
- Good support even for high arches
- Comfortable, with a sock-like fit
- Mesh material provides excellent breathability
- Available in many attractive colors
- Outsole has flex grooves that promote the foot’s natural movement
- Not suitable for broad feet
- Material stains easily
- Some reviewers found the sizing to be small
- Support: 4.5/5
- Comfort: 4.5/5
- Durability: 4.5/5
- Our Rating: 4.5/5
For gear that’s ready to do it all with you, the Saucony Cohesion 10 Running Shoe is a top candidate. Equipped with Saucony’s heel GRID system for stability and an injection molded EVA midsole for a smooth ride, the 10th edition of the Cohesion is ideal for training and running.
This neutral shoe offers a perfect balance between cushioning and responsiveness, making it a great running shoe. Moreover, the mesh upper provides the breathability that active folks need.
Even non-runners will appreciate the Saucony Cohesion 10 Running Shoe’s good looks and lightweight and comfortable construction.
- Cushioned underfoot ride with injection molded EVA midsole
- Stable cushioning in the heel with GRID system
- Mesh upper for breathability
- No need to break in
- Reflective parts
- Plush collar and tongue
- Runs small and narrow, based on some comments
- Forefoot cushioning is stiffer compared to the Cohesion 9
- Support: 4.5/5
- Comfort: 4.5/5
- Durability: 4/5
- Our Rating: 4/5
Tough and rugged, the ASICS Gel-Kahana 8 Running Shoes were built for the road and the trail.
These no-nonsense shoes feature a number of ASICS technologies inside and out. The Trusstic System keeps the sole unit light and prevents excessive twisting during movement, maintaining the structural integrity of the Gel-Kahana 8.
SpEVA foam material improves the midsole’s bounce back characteristics and durability, while the DuoMax dual density midsole system increases support and stability. Specifically designed for the trail, the outsole is lined with reversed lugs that deliver excellent traction.
The ASICS Gel-Kahana 8 Running Shoes have been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance, which is awarded to products that promote good foot health.
- Trail specific outsole
- Rearfoot GEL cushioning attenuates shock
- DuoMax dual density midsole
- Extremely comfortable, suitable for various activities
- Enhanced durability with ASICS High Abrasion Rubber (AHAR)
- Removable insole
- Solid, sturdy construction
- Size runs small and narrow; not for wide feet
- A few customers have reported parts coming off
- Support: 4.5/5
- Comfort: 4/5
- Durability: 4.5/5
- Our Rating: 4/5
The Adidas Performance Speed Trainer 2 Training Shoe may technically be a baseball shoe, but don’t let that stop you from using it for other activities. Based on reviews, people have used this shoe to run, dance, and cardio box in.
The Speed Trainer 2 has an EVA midsole with targeted flex zones and a multi-surface traction outsole with flex grooves for flexibility and traction on the field. Other features include a breathable air mesh upper and mesh lining, synthetic overlays, and a grid underlayer.
The Adidas Performance Speed Trainer 2 Training Shoe is a stylish shoe that is comfortable enough for both casual and athletic wear, after it has been broken in.
- Lightweight
- Looks good
- Breathable mesh upper and lining
- Synthetic overlays add durability
- Outsole provides traction on different surfaces
- Durable
- Good for running, working out, and cross-training
- Requires a break-in period
- Main gripe of reviewers is that the size runs small and narrow
- Support: 4.5/5
- Comfort: 4/5
- Durability: 4.5/5
- Our Rating: 4/5
Attention-grabbing and vibrant, there’s more to the Onemix Lightweight Air Cushion Sport Running Shoes than meets the eye.
The trendy upper features a cobweb exoskeleton made with KPU technology for durability, as well as honeycomb ventilation holes for breathability. Meanwhile, the bottom part of the shoe has an air cushion filled with nitrogen for comfort and a Bionic Octopus outsole for anti-skid properties.
The Onemix Lightweight Air Cushion Sport Running Shoes are made from premium materials sourced from the best suppliers in China. Available in different colors, this shoe is ideal for folks who value both style and function.
- Glue- and thread-free construction
- Anti-odor insole
- Lightweight and flexible
- Excellent quality andwell-made
- Stylish; available in various eye-catching colors
- Comes with free socks and extra shoelaces
- Comparable to more expensive shoes with similar features
- Tall and narrow toe box might cause discomfort for some
- A couple of users experienced heel slippage
- Support: 4.5/5
- Comfort: 4/5
- Durability: 3.5/5
- Our Rating: 3.5/5
Lightweight and breathable, the Skechers Sport Afterburn Memory-Foam Lace-Up Sneaker is a classic reimagined.
Made with leather, synthetic materials, and mesh fabric, the Afterburn trainer has reinforced overlays for durability and perforations for all-day comfort. In addition, the full-length memory foam insole and shock-absorbing Articu-Lyte midsole provide long-lasting support and cushioning.
Stitching accents, a padded collar and tongue, a metal top eyelet, and the Skechers logo complete the sporty look of the Skechers Sport Afterburn Memory-Foam Lace-Up Sneaker. Smaller individuals would also be happy to learn that it comes with a 1.5-inch built-in heel.
- Comfortable enough to be worn all day
- Mesh fabric panels for breathability
- Flexible Articu-Lyte midsole
- Can be used for casual, everyday wear
- Durable synthetic overlays
- Removable memory foam insole
- Accommodates wide feet
- Can be used for casual, everyday wear
- Wears out quickly, according to some customers
- Some users experienced wearing a hole in the insole after some time
- 4E width is narrower than normal
- Support: 4.5/5
- Fit: 4/5
- Durability: 3.5/5
- Our Rating: 3.5/5
It’s a classic trainer made even better. The New Balance MX608V4 Training Shoe provides all-day comfort with premium Abzorb cushioning, which attenuates the shock that is transferred from the shoe to the leg and body upon impact.
The MX608V4 features a dual density collar foam that prevents irritation at the ankles and a flexible outsole that lets the foot move more freely. This leather everyday trainer also has an EVA foam footbed, IMEVA midsole, and non-marking rubber outsole.
The internal liner, called Phantom Liner, combines unnoticeable seams and thread and seamless panels to create a smooth surface that prevents chafing, blistering, and irritation.
Phantom Liner helps distribute pressure evenly across the foot, making the New Balance MX608V4 Training Shoe extremely soft and comfortable.
- Dual density collar foam for cushioning and support
- Additional outsole flex grooves for flexibility
- IMEVA midsole
- EVA foam footbed
- Non-marking rubber outsole
- Provides long-lasting comfort
- Good for all-day, daily use
- Some users complained that the quality was poor
- Uneven footbed based on some reviews
The short answer is yes, definitely! Cheap running shoes can be just as good as expensive ones. However, it’s not as simple as going out and buying the first pair of inexpensive running shoes that you see.
Some research is required, but lucky for you, we here at Running Addicted have done most of the hard work for you. After poring over real-life reviews of the best affordable running shoes, we’ve summarized the findings in one place.
Since we’ve listed the 10 best inexpensive running shoes on the market, you only have to decide which one suits your needs.
Will you be running on multiple surfaces and terrains? Do you have broad or narrow feet? Is style important to you? Do you prefer flashy colors or neutral hues? These are just some of the questions you have to ask when shopping for a running shoe. You can find a more detailed guide below.
Remember, not all inexpensive running shoes are bad, just as not all pricey running shoes are good.
What do you need to look for when shopping for running shoes? Follow these pointers to find the perfect inexpensive pair.
Wearing shoes that are too narrow is just an awful experience. Make sure your foot can move side to side in the forefoot of the shoe without going over the edge of the insole. Check this article to measure your shoe size.
Because your feet swell and get longer when you run, there needs to be some room between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. A thumb’s width is a good amount of space.
The shoe’s upper should feel snug around your instep, which is the raised middle part of the top of your foot. If there are hot spots or pressure points, try relacing the shoe differently.
The heel should fit securely and you should be able to slide your foot out when the shoe is laced up but not tied. Some heel movement, as long as it’s not uncomfortable, is fine.
Before putting the shoe on, hold the heel and press the tip into the floor. This will allow you to determine the flex point, which should be at the same location where your foot flexes. A misaligned flex point can cause plantar fasciitis or arch pain.
(We have a list of the best running shoes for flat feet you should definitely check out.)
Of course, you want to get the most mileage out of your running shoes. The materials used are usually a good indication of how durable a shoe is.
The right shoe should match your foot’s natural shape and movements. Get a good feel by walking and jogging around the store for a bit.
Stick to what you can afford. With so many good, affordable choices, there’s no need to spend an arm and a leg just to score some quality kicks.
So there you have it, Running Addicted’s 10 best affordable running shoes for 2017, and what factors you need to consider in order to find the right pair.
The models presented here are all great shoes and, for less than $100, really great deals. But if we had to pick just one, we would go with the Tesla Lightweight Sports Running Shoe E630Z. It gets the job done and looks good, all for under $30.
If you found our guide helpful or if you think that we missed a shoe that should be on here, let us know in the comments section. Happy shoe buying and happy running!