Best Cheap Running Shoes 2019

Why you should trust us

We purchase all the shoes we review at retail with our own money, then we run in them for at least 50 miles. We don't receive free samples from companies and provide only expert, unbiased opinions.

When looking for the best running shoes for men of for women, you'll find many options at or above $100.

You don't have to spend that much to have a good running shoe, though!

We purchased and tested some of the most popular affordable running shoes from the major brands - and here is the ones we recommend.

Best Cheap Running Shoes

1
Saucony Cohesion 12

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The Saucony Cohesion 12 is a daily trainer that can log a lot of miles despite a low price tag. The shoe feels sturdy and holds up to some miles. Read full review »

Pros

Plenty of cushion
Upper has good support
Easy shoe in which to log the miles
Incredible value for price

Cons

Lacks responsiveness
Forefoot slightly narrow
Outsole lacked grip on wet/slick surfaces

2
New Balance FuelCore Coast v4

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The fourth version of the New Balance Fuelcore Coast features a low-profile, lightweight design that makes it an ideal entry-level trainer for daily use.

This budget-friendly, stylish shoe easily transitions from a workout to casual streetwear. Read full review »

Pros

Lightweight
Soft
Responsive
Affordable
Adequate toe box

Cons

Runs one size large
Difficult to tighten lacing for a snug fit
Smooth outsole is slippery on wet surfaces

3
Nike Revolution 4

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The Nike Men’s Revolution 4 shoe is an entry level running shoe with entry level components that come together in a modern looking package for price conscious athletes who want the Nike logo. Although it’s not the smoothest running experience, it gets the job done and looks the part. Read full review »

Pros

Inexpensive for an entry level shoe
Durable outsole
Good for the gym

Cons

Prominent outsole pushes into foot bed
Heel counter weakens down over time
Upper starts to break apart near the toe bed

4
Nike Winflo 5

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The Winflo 5 is a Nicely cushioned neutral trainer which is surprisingly lightweight. The Winflo 5 offers a few Nike’s running shoe technologies at an attractive price, making a smart choice for those wanting a reliable daily trainer that won’t break the bank. Read full review »

Pros

Great price to value.
Nicely cushioned with a sturdy grip that is suited for not only the road but mild to slightly moderate trails.
Nicely padded heel gives the shoe a decent transition making it suitable to longer runs.

Cons

Lacks the support of higher priced models.
Lockdown of the foot is lacking slightly making it not the best choice to faster paced running.

5
Adidas Duramo 9

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The Adidas Duramo 9 is a neutral running shoe that offers some great cushioning but misses the mark on becoming anything more than a midgrade running shoe. Read full review »

Pros

Light weight at 10 ounces and comfortable
Ample cushioning from heel to forefoot.
Heel and mid-sole cushioning rebounds nicely to provide ample cushion on back to back running days
Cost effective for the runner who wants shoes but doesn’t want to drop a lot of cash.

Cons

The eyelets are made out of sharp plastic that scraped and cut my fingers when tightening the laces.
The eyelets did not keep the shoe laced tight.
The collar on the shoe was larger than normal which caused discomfort on runs.

6
Asics Gel Flux 5

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The Asics Gel-Flux 5 brings a total redesign to the Gel-Flux series, including the signature GEL rearfoot cushioning system and guidance systems in the midsole.

The shoe competes as a daily trainer in the affordable price point category. Read full review »

Pros

Style and material upgrades
Solid fit with no hot spots

Cons

Odd material choices on sidewall

7
Asics Gel Contend 4

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The Asics Gel Contend 4 is a low-mileage running shoe intended for beginners who may use this shoe for running and other activities.

The Gel Contend 4 truly would only be comfortable for short distances as advertised but can be valuable to some as the shoe is very well made and durable considering the lower price point. Read full review »

Pros

Budget-Friendly Option
Durable
Well Constructed

Cons

Stiff
Uncomfortable over distance

8
Reebok Ahary

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The Ahary Runner from Reebok offers the structure and cushion of a very basic running shoe: not a lot but enough to get you started for low cost.

The medium fit accommodates various foot shapes with the cap around the heel adequately countering excess heel movement, yet it lacks the padding needed for optimal fit in extensive training. Read full review »

Pros

Lightweight
Secure ankle fit (with lock lacing)
Heel counter guides proper pronation (counters excess horizontal motion)
Cost effective for a new or low mileage runner

Cons

Midfoot and arch lack support
Sockliner indents early on
Sparse padding around ankle, edge cut into one ankle when wearing low socks

Buying last year’s premium shoes is also an option

Each year, brands introduce new versions of a shoe and retailers have one or two months to get rid of the remaining inventory.

This means that you’ll be able to get last year version of a premium shoe for up to half the regular retail price. This means a $120 running shoe can easily be purchased for $60-70, if you have patience and look around.

It’s always a good idea to look for the review of that running shoe before buying it, and to check the review of the new model to see what is changing.

Best of luck in your shoe selection and remember we are here to help!

1
Johnnyjohnny

not at the running level for entry level running shoes, but as former newspaper editor i recall my managing editor would have blown a fuse had i called something ‘cheap’ unless it was truly flimsy or qualitatively wanting…as the word is a pejorative. this is not a knock on your headline really, as i fully understand ‘cheap’ is basically slang for inexpensive…but after 13 years writing headlines, editing copy, and writing news stories, i couldn’t help but remember one of the many idiosyncratic rules i learned from editors and the AP and UPI stylebooks…blond male/blonde female, ‘further’ refers to metaphorical distance/’farther’ actual distance, and on, and on. as for running, i’m a minimalist using the newton distance. and as a former journalist i know it is not a true minimalist shoe…but another compromise in language and labels. and i DO appreciate your reviews.

3 months ago Like Reply