These Are the Best Affordable Running Shoes We Tested (2024)

While the gear list for running is short—and affordable—compared to most sports, running shoes can get expensive, especially if you’re eyeing ones made specifically for racing. Fortunately, there are plenty of well-made running shoes out there that cost about the same as any casual pair of sneakers for $100 or less.

An affordable running shoe doesn’t have to be a consolation prize for the budget-conscious runner. Most major running shoe brands make at least one reasonably priced pair that offers top-tier performance, and we’ve gathered some of the best for you.

Best Affordable Running Shoes Under $100

• Best for Beginners: Brooks Trace 3 Running Shoe
• Most Versatile: Brooks Revel 6 Running Shoe
• Best for Speedwork: Brooks Launch 9 Running Shoe
• Best Daily Stability Trainer: Asics GT-1000 12 Running Shoe
• Best Cheap Trail Shoe: Adidas Terrex Soulstride Trail Running Shoe

What to Consider When Shopping for a Cheap Running Shoe

When we talk about “cheap” running shoes, we aren’t talking about knock-offs or crummy, compromise-laden designs. Every shoe in this guide comes from a reputable brand, and many of these kicks have gone through our rigorous testing process and passed with flying colors.

For $100 or less, we admit that you won’t get the best of everything: Many of these shoes lack the premium cushioning foams, ultralight uppers, or cutting-edge support technology found in the absolute best running shoes. However, running tech has also evolved considerably over the past decade, and some budget shoes are leagues better than most shoes available before then.

Midsole Foam Quality

When opting for a less expensive shoe, you may have to forgo a brand’s top-tier midsole foam (the kind they put on their racing shoes), but that doesn’t mean you’ll be running on bricks just because you’re paying less.

Cheaper foam often returns less energy, but still provides a comfortable, well-cushioned ride. You’ll see small but crucial design tradeoffs like this between top-tier and budget-conscious shoes from every brand, but quality brands like Asics, Brooks, and Adidas all let their high quality standards trickle down to the bottom line. In other words, the foams may not be first-rate, but they’re by no means bad, especially not anymore.

Past Models

We’re always excited to try, test, and recommend the latest and greatest running technology. But the shoes we tested and loved last year are still excellent. In fact, sometimes the year-to-year changes on shoes are effectively unnoticeable. If you find a running shoe you love and can’t find it on sale, check to see if last year’s model is still available online—it’s often the easiest way to stick with a shoe you trust at a lower cost.

How We Selected

The options below represent the most affordable path to a pair of great running shoes. To choose the best options $100 or less, we spoke with brand reps to get info on new and notable models, kept our eye on new versions of previously lauded shoes, and consulted our testing notes and past shoe reviews. The most recent update of this article draws on the previous version written by Michael Charboneau. We also relied on our own testing experience, considering everything from the lacing and upper materials to the outsole tread and midsole cushioning.

The Brooks Trace 3 is designed specifically with new runners in mind, and the shoe is built to create a smooth, cushioned ride—exactly what you need to get hooked on running. The original Trace impressed our testers with its flexibility, durability, and comfortable feel, and the second version continued that legacy.

The Trace 3’s DNA Loft foam provides adequate cushioning, an updated mesh upper offers good breathability, and its segmented crash pad construction allows the shoe to flex with your foot.

Buy Women’s

The Brooks Revel line has always been up for whatever—track days, long runs, and everything in between. Our testers have praised past versions for their versatility and comfort, and the latest iteration maintains those assets while keeping the price point low. Brooks stuffed more cushioning into the heel of the Revel 6 for a comfy-yet-bouncy ride, and the shoe also sports a revamped upper that offers a sleeker look and an improved fit.

To save even more, consider going with an old version, the Revel 5, which is still widely available for around $60. It doesn’t have quite as much cushioning as the Revel 6, but its slightly lower drop (8mm vs. 10mm) might feel preferable for some runners.

Buy Women’s

The Launch 9 is a lightweight shoe that’s tuned for speed, but it’s also durable enough to withstand day-to-day training. The latest design features even more cushioning (and a 2 mm boost in stack height). The BioMoGo midsole strikes a balance between softness and energy return, so you get some cushion without a mushy feel underfoot. A nearly full-coverage rubber outsole amps up the durability and grip, and on top, a lightweight mesh upper offers good breathability.

Need more support? The Launch GTS 9 includes GuideRails (two firm areas of foam on either side of the heel) to correct overpronation in your stride.

Buy Women’s

For the past decade, the GT-1000 has delivered as a simple and comfy daily trainer that serves up a few added stability features alongside Asics’s signature soft Gel cushioning. This latest version places a section of firmer foam beneath the arch, and a midfoot support truss to help guide the foot through the gait cycle, while extra Gel at the outer heel absorbs shock on touchdown.

Overpronators will find the GT gives them the support they desire, while neutral runners looking for a stable trainer can also slip into this versatile shoe. Asics recently added a new engineered mesh upper for improved breathability. Plus, the brand also upgraded the outsole to the more premium, more durable iteration of its high-abrasion rubber.

Buy Women’s

Adidas’s Soulstride line extends all the way up to the $170 Soulstride Flow GTX, but you don’t need to spend that much to get a foundation of good traction, better cushion, and a smooth rocker outsole. While the base-level Soulstride doesn’t have some of the pricier models’ perks, such as a Continental rubber outsole and a GORE-Tex lining, it’s still a reliable pick that, despite some clunkiness, will keep you supported with its sturdy upper.

Buy Women’s

When you’re setting out on a recovery run, you need a shoe that’s plush and comfortable enough to protect your feet and legs, but isn’t clunky, and the Adidas Supernova 3 is an ideal pick for these scenarios. Since the first version came to be, Adidas has shaved off some weight and made newer models more comfortable with a new padded tongue and heel construction.

The midsole features a combo of Boost and Bounce foams for a nice balance between energy return and softness, and because of that extra bounce, this shoe can also work great as a dependable daily trainer.

Buy Women’s

The Saucony Guide line has long been a favorite for runners who need a supportive, comfortable shoe. The 15th iteration features a new softer Pwrrun midsole foam that offers increased cushioning and reduced weight—the Guide 15 is about an ounce lighter than the previous version. Its Pwrrun+ sock liner provides a comfy step-in feel, and a guidance frame in the sole corrects overpronation. Saucony also tweaked this model to allow your foot to sit deeper in the footbed for a more supportive but less intrusive feel.

Stock is limited on this shoe—the Guide 16 and 17 are both available, and we’ll likely see this one phased out soon. But as long as some are available, it’s a worthwhile purchase, especially since the newer models are too pricey for this list.

Buy Men’s Full Review

Q&A With Expert Michael Charboneau

Are cheap running shoes only good for a certain kind of running?

Many affordable, entry-level shoes are designed for daily training on pavement, but that’s not the only kind of cheap running shoe you’ll find. There are budget-friendly pairs available for trail running (like the Nike Pegasus Trail), cheap support shoes, and even affordable, lightweight pairs for speedwork.

Are cheap running shoes best for beginners?

Yes! Choosing a cheaper shoe will save you money, of course. You’ll also give yourself the chance to ease into the sport and get a better idea of what your needs and preferences are when it comes to shoes. For example, you might need a supportive shoe to correct overpronation, or you might discover you love trail running and need a trail shoe. Once you have some experience under your belt, you can make a better decision on what kind of shoes to invest in when your first pair wears out.

That said, bargain shoes are also great for experienced runners—especially if you tend to put a lot of miles on your shoes and wear them out quickly. Save the pricey shoes for race day.

Will cheap running shoes make me slower?

Any time you change up your shoes, you might notice a difference in performance. It’s tempting to think that low-priced running shoes will act like anchors on your feet, but there’s nothing inherently slow about any of the shoes below. They all come from premium shoe brands, so they’re well-made and will provide the protection and comfort you need.