The Best Affordable Running Shoes Right Now
By Bach Pham, Content Manager
There is an age old saying that the best thing about running is that you just need a pair of shoes. Well, the reality is that running shoes are expensive. That's just a fact no matter where you are. Especially as you get more and more into mileage, the cost of shoes and rotating shoes is starts adding up fast. There are a lot of ways to help navigate this though, and in this guide we offer a few strategies and get into some of the best finds available now.
Tips for Finding the Best Price
Are you a Sports Medicine Professional?
Brooks has a 40% off program for those in the field. Find the program here.
Disclaimer
The following recommendations are from a variety of websites. This includes links to our friends at Running Warehouse, which are affiliate links that help support Doctors of Running. The remaining links are non-affiliate links.
In today's market, there are kind of two/three levels of price points for running shoes. Quality running shoes typically start around $120 and quickly skyrocket. There is then a new upper echelon of running shoes that are either highly cushioned and built or built for racing which starts around $160 and goes as high as $275.
There is then a whole layer of new shoes priced below $120, which starts getting tricky as the options become harder to parse. For the most part, shoes we review tend to be in the $100+ end as they are more well-built for higher mileage running. Most generic shoes under $100 lack a lot of comfort for racking up miles. While these generic shoes may work for getting started, eventually it is worth exploring a higher quality footwear to help you on your running journey as you go further and further.
There are a few tips we usually provide for finding a quality running shoe at a good price point. The first is to look for last year's models. When a new model releases, typically you can find excellent deals on the previous model. This is a great way to get started compared to buying models that are under $100, but typically lower quality. While in recent years shoes have gotten more and more exciting by the season, last year's models are both proven and plenty of fun for a new runner to get started with.
Doing some research to learn about the various models will also let you go a long way towards looking out for deals. Aim for shoes that are originally between $100-150 initially for deep discounts as well. Daily trainers like the Nike Pegasus, Saucony Ride, and others are often good places to start with and explore as the discounts can run fairly deep.
If you have a good local run store, also get to know them and see if they have annual sales! Stores have to clear inventory annually and when they do it's an amazing way to find deals on shoes you would not be able to get for the price anywhere else.
Finally, be on the lookout during holiday season. It's a great time to find super deals and save up.
There is then a whole layer of new shoes priced below $120, which starts getting tricky as the options become harder to parse. For the most part, shoes we review tend to be in the $100+ end as they are more well-built for higher mileage running. Most generic shoes under $100 lack a lot of comfort for racking up miles. While these generic shoes may work for getting started, eventually it is worth exploring a higher quality footwear to help you on your running journey as you go further and further.
There are a few tips we usually provide for finding a quality running shoe at a good price point. The first is to look for last year's models. When a new model releases, typically you can find excellent deals on the previous model. This is a great way to get started compared to buying models that are under $100, but typically lower quality. While in recent years shoes have gotten more and more exciting by the season, last year's models are both proven and plenty of fun for a new runner to get started with.
Doing some research to learn about the various models will also let you go a long way towards looking out for deals. Aim for shoes that are originally between $100-150 initially for deep discounts as well. Daily trainers like the Nike Pegasus, Saucony Ride, and others are often good places to start with and explore as the discounts can run fairly deep.
If you have a good local run store, also get to know them and see if they have annual sales! Stores have to clear inventory annually and when they do it's an amazing way to find deals on shoes you would not be able to get for the price anywhere else.
Finally, be on the lookout during holiday season. It's a great time to find super deals and save up.
Are you a Medical, Military, or First-Responder?
Asics has a 25% off program for those in these fields. It's a massive discount on new shoes that you should learn more about. Find the program here.
Asics has a 25% off program for those in these fields. It's a massive discount on new shoes that you should learn more about. Find the program here.
Are you a Sports Medicine Professional?
Brooks has a 40% off program for those in the field. Find the program here.
Disclaimer
The following recommendations are from a variety of websites. This includes links to our friends at Running Warehouse, which are affiliate links that help support Doctors of Running. The remaining links are non-affiliate links.
Best Budget Running Shoe Picks:
November 2024
Daily Trainers (Neutral)
(Shoes for Everyday Mileage at Easy to Moderate Paces)
The
ASICS Novablast 4 is for those who want a bouncy and snappy shoe with a
large amount of heel cushioning and a shoe that can handle daily and
uptempo miles. The fit is slightly wider, so those wanting a little more
room particularly in the forefoot will enjoy the Novablast 4. The ride
features an even taller amount of stack height that has more bouncy,
albeit with a more resilient than compliant foam. The heel does have
some posterior flare despite the large bevel which combined with the
stiffer midfoot makes for a slightly slappy ride that works better at
slightly uptempo paces for those with stronger anterior shin muscles.
This moves the Novablast series more into the performance trainer realm,
adding a more training-like alternative to the Superblast for those who
want some bounce without being a super-foamed shoe.
ASICS Nimbus 26 | ReviewDeal: $199.88 at Running Warehouse
Shop Men | Shop Women
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 is a premium, maximally cushioned daily
training shoe for those who want a knit upper on a premium, highly
cushioned and rockered ride. A new upper provides a normal fit with a
less tapered toe-box than the previous version and improved security in
the midfoot. The same wider, rockered sole remains with some mild
midsole sculpting changes that create a smooth transition no matter
where you land. The same over 40mm stack height remains, providing a
soft cushioned landing due to PureGel in the heel and a smooth toe-off
through a large amount of FlyteFoam Blast+ Eco. A new outsole provides
better grip, especially on wet pavement, providing a solid cushioned
ride for those who want a shoe they can trust for long, easy and
recovery miles.
Brooks Revel 6 | Review
The Brooks Revel 6 is a neutral daily trainer that, along with the Launch series, has long been a solid daily training budget option in the Brooks line at the $100 level. Featuring an "energizing," springy midsole, it is a shoe that performs nicely a daily efforts and has a little capacity to pick up the pace as well. Best for newer runners looking for a classic training option with no frills and a well-fitting upper, the Revel 6 remains a popular choice that's both easy on the wallet and easy to find.
The Saucony Ride 17 is a neutral daily training shoe that has been completely redone from the prior versions. A new PWRRUN+ midsole provides a bouncier and slightly softer ride that improves versatility into uptempo paces. A new upper provides a similar normal to slightly snug fit with a little bit of stretch. Now a similar shoe to the Triumph series, the Saucony Ride 17 is for those who want a daily training shoe with an upgraded foam for daily miles and faster runs.
The Saucony Ride 17 is a neutral daily training shoe that has been completely redone from the prior versions. A new PWRRUN+ midsole provides a bouncier and slightly softer ride that improves versatility into uptempo paces. A new upper provides a similar normal to slightly snug fit with a little bit of stretch. Now a similar shoe to the Triumph series, the Saucony Ride 17 is for those who want a daily training shoe with an upgraded foam for daily miles and faster runs.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 is an incredibly plush, higher
stack premium daily training shoe for those who want a soft neutral ride
for daily miles. A new version of FreshFoam X provides an incredibly
soft, compliant ride throughout the length of the shoe. A knit upper
provides a normal fit with a lower volume toe box and a sock like fit.
This shoe oozes comfort and softness, making it a great easy run,
walking and standing shoe as long as you have stable mechanics.
Daily Trainers (Stability)
(Shoes with some form of stability. See our Stability Guide to learn more)
(Shoes with some form of stability. See our Stability Guide to learn more)
Saucony Guide 17 | Review
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 | Review
The Saucony Guide 17 is a highly cushioned, highly rockered, moderate
guidance shoe for those who want a smooth riding daily training shoe. A
complete redesign from prior versions, the newest version sees softer
cushioning, a lower drop and a more rockered ride underfoot. A new upper
provides more room while a secure midfoot still provides plenty of
security. A medial plastic piece is replaced by significant sidewalls, a
wider base, a highly rockered design and internal geometry that guides
the foot forward. A new-age stability shoe with a super smooth ride, the
Saucony Guide 17 truly lives up to its name as a Guidance shoe.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 | Review
The Brooks Adrenaline 23 is a moderate stability daily training shoe for
those who want a traditional fit, high drop and highly cushioned heel.
The fit is normal with a slightly tapered forefoot. The midsole softens
slightly compared to previous versions with a tiny weight drop. The
guiderails and medial post remain, providing guidance medially and a
little bit laterally in the posterior heel. Those who have run in the
Adrenaline for years have nothing to fear as it continues on its path as
a moderate stability high drop training shoe.
The ASICS GT-2000 12 is a moderate stability daily training shoe for those who want a sturdy but lighter ride and a secure performance-edged upper. The new FF Blast Plus midsole makes for a lighter and bouncier ride. The improved heel bevel and PureGEL add to the smoothest transition at the rear this series has ever seen. The combination of factors, including the internal 3D Guidance System, continue to provide moderate unobtrusive medial stability along the length of the shoe. The updated Jacquard mesh up top makes for a comfortable, secure and slightly snug fit that adapts to the foot. Every part of this shoe improves from the previous version, continuing the tradition of the GT-2000 12 being a reliable, comfortable moderate stability daily training shoe for easy, long, and uptempo mileage.
The
New Balance Fresh Foam 860v13 is a moderate stability daily trainer for
those who want a wider fitting, rockered, sturdy shoe for easy miles. A
softer Fresh Foam X midsole sits underfoot, providing balanced
cushioning from heel to toe. Well-designed sidewalls and an integrated
medial post provide integrated and non-obtrusive stability. A wider
fitting, but secure upper sits up top, providing room for those who
either want a wider fit or have wider feet. The 860v13 maintains a
similar weight that keeps it mostly for easy mileage, but the updated
midsole and stability improve comfort in the long run.
Trail Shoes
(Shoes for tackling a variety of terrain)
(Shoes for tackling a variety of terrain)
Saucony Endorphin Edge | Review
Deal: $99.88 at Running Warehouse
Shop Men | Shop Women
Deal: $99.88 at Running Warehouse
Shop Men | Shop Women
The Saucony Endorphin Edge is the first carbon plated, full-length
superfoam trail shoe. Featuring a Carbitex plate that stabilizes a high
stack of PWRRUN PB, the shoe provides a highly cushioned and responsive
feel on the trail. A slightly wider fitting upper will work for a
variety of feet and does well over long mileage accommodating foot
swelling. It also features a wide sole with plenty of grip for both
smooth and somewhat aggressive trails. A fun shoe that can handle slower
training efforts, workouts and fast race efforts over a variety of
longer distances, the Saucony Endorphin Edge is a go-to trail shoe no
matter what lies ahead.
The Merrell Morphlite is an affordable road/trail option for those who want a road shoe with decent traction onto softer surfaces. The fit is best for those with wider feet, especially in the midfoot and forefoot. The ride is best for those who want slightly firmer protection, a moderate drop and surprisingly aggressive guidance via sidewalls. The outsole works well on road and smooth trail with a mild lug pattern with excellent durability. A fantastic option for those wanting to test the trail while still having some versatility on the road, the Morphlite is an excellent option for those wanting performance that doesn't break the bank.
Hoka Stinson 7 | Review
Deal: $134.95 at Saucony
Shop Men | Shop Women
The HOKA Stinson 7 is a maximum cushioned training shoe for logging big
mileage. The shoe is unique in that it is designed specifically for all
terrain use, including road and trail. The shoe uses an H-frame foam
insert to help keep things centered and cushioned. The shoe also uses
multi-directional lugs and a secure upper to help with off-roading. The
shoe is a classic high-stack rockered shoe from the company with some
trail and stability specific elements.
Saucony Peregrine 14 | ReviewDeal: $104.95 at Saucony
Shop Men | Shop Women
The Saucony Peregrine 14 is a moderate-to-higher stack
height trail shoe for daily training or longer racing on softer
surfaces. A taller and slightly softer midsole makes for a more relaxed
but less nimble ride than prior versions. A new upper adds additional
width, especially at the forefoot but adds a tough toe guard that tapers
the toe box. A different riding, more cushioned and less nimble shoe
than in the past, the Peregrine 14 works best for easy and training
miles while those wanting a moderately cushioned ride for longer races
may have another option on the market.
Have questions? Send us an email at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com
Thanks for reading!
More Guides from Doctors of Running
Beginner's Guide to Running Shoes: Are you a brand new runner and unsure where to start? Visit this guide first to get started.
Stability Shoe Resource Page: Our comprehensive guide to stability shoes and alternatives for neutral runners as well
Carbon Fiber Plated Shoes Resource Page: Want to go as fast as possible for race day? Visit this page for all of our super shoe reviews
Guide to Walking Shoes: Featuring some science behind walking and the best running shoes for walking based on our everyday testing and clinical experience working with patients.
Getting the Right Fit: Unsure if your shoe fits? Visit this page to help you determine how to find the right shoe for your feet. Comfort is one of the most important things we emphasize at Doctors of Running before you get out the door and on the road. Sometimes the right shoe for you is not what works for many others. That is why it is important to try different shoes when you can to get a better understanding of works best for your needs.
Beginner's Guide to Nutrition/Hydration: Guest writer Jennifer Giles (Registered Dietitan/Nutritionist) helps bring a new guide for fueling to Doctors of Running as part of our summer hydration series.
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