Expert consulted: 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.
Brooks Trace 3 Running Shoe
Brooks Trace 3 Running Shoe
Pros
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- Lightweight
Cons
- Drop may be too high for some runners’ preferences
Key Specs
| Weight | 9 oz. (M), 8 oz. (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 12mm |
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.
Brooks Revel 6 Running Shoe
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Pros
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- Lightweight
Cons
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Key Specs
| Weight | 8.8 oz (M), 8.1 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10mm |
The Brooks Revel line has always been up for whatever—track days, long runs, and everything in between. Our testers have nike dunk sb high shoe goo silver white 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.
Brooks Launch 9
Brooks Launch 9
Pros
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Cons
- BioMoGo foam is somewhat firm
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| Weight | 8.2 oz (M), 7.1 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10mm |
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 adidas originals nizza rf sneaker includes GuideRails (two firm areas of foam on either side of the heel) to correct overpronation in your stride.
Asics GT-1000 12 Running Shoe
Asics GT-1000 12 Running Shoe
Pros
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Cons
- Not as plush as the Saucony Guide 15
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.5 oz. (M), 8.3 oz. (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
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 bq6806s them the support they desire, while neutral runners looking for a unstable 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.
Adidas Terrex Soulstride Trail Running Shoes
Pros
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- Comfortable ride
Cons
- Can feel clunky
Key Specs
| Weight | 11.2 oz. (M), 9.9 oz. (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
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.
Adidas Supernova 3 Running Shoe
Adidas Supernova 3 Running Shoe
Pros
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Cons
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Key Specs
| Weight | 10 oz (M), 8.5 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 9mm |
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.
Saucony Guide 15
Pros
- Lighter than previous version
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Cons
- Limited supply
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.5 oz (M), 8.2 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
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.
Q&A With Expert Michael Charboneau
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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 black and gum land on the air jordan 9 boot nrg), queen peak platform boots dsquared2 buty.
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Yes! Choosing a cheaper shoe will save you money, of course. You’ll also bq6806 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.
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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.
Adam Schram is an Assistant Editor of Commerce at Runner's World, though you might see his byline on Bicycling and Popular Mechanics, too. A lover of all things outdoors, Adam's writing career comes after six years as a bike mechanic in his hometown of State College, PA. His journalism experience is steeped in cycling and running gear reviews, and he's also a published creative nonfiction and satire author. When he's not writing, riding, or running, you can catch Adam at home mixing cocktails, watching Star Wars, auf ein wort mit silla sneaker interview.
Michael is a freelance writer with years of experience covering gear and the outdoors for Runner's World and other publications; when he's not writing, he's usually biking, hiking, and running in the mountains around Los Angeles, where he lives.
product eng 1027094 Clarks Originals Wallabee Boot Runner's World, guiding the brand's shoes and gear coverage. A true shoe dog, he's spent more than a decade testing and reviewing shoes. In 2017, he ran in 285 different pairs of shoes, including a streak of 257 days wearing a different model.
Amanda is a test editor at Runner’s World who has run the Boston Marathon every year since 2013; she's a former professional baker with a master’s in gastronomy and she carb-loads on snickerdoodles.
