Save Big: 6 Best Running Shoes on a Budget for $100 or Less

Looking for the best running shoes on a budget to hit daily miles and go for long runs?
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You know...running shoes that don't cost a fortune. 

• 😲Fun fact: One of the more popular shoes worn by Boston-Marathon elites since 2023 is the adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1. The price tag: $500.

💲Let’s be honest. Running is no longer the cheap sport it used to be.
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Once upon a time, a decent pair of shoes and whatever cotton T-shirt you had lying around was all you needed.
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But with the rise of:

• 👟Carbon plates
• 👟Proprietary foam compounds
• 👟Unique lacing systems
• 👟Lighter upper materials
• 👟Daily trainers that cost over $150, and more...

💰It’s easy to feel like you need to spend a fortune on running shoes to keep up. 

• 🤯I distinctly remember when I first saw a running shoe that cost about $140. And I was like. "Wow, that is crazy!" 

Fortunately, if you're looking for the best running shoes on a budget, you've still got options.

• Some of the best running shoes today still ring in under $100 and are more-than capable of handling your daily miles. 

🏃‍➡️Whether you’re a beginner just getting started OR a long-time runner who wants to save your super shoes for race day, budget-friendly options are out there. 
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And they’re better than ever thanks to trickle-down tech from flagship models.
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If you're looking for the best running shoes on a budget for everyday training, these 6 picks will be a great fit without draining your wallet.

If you're looking for the best running shoes on a budget, there's a few things you can do and a few things to avoid to get the most for your money.

✅1. Shop Older Models

• Look for last year’s version of your favorite shoes. The updates are often small, but the savings can be big...sometimes 40% off or more.

✅2. Sign Up for Brand Newsletters

• Many brands like ASICS, Brooks, and Saucony offer welcome discounts when you join their email list.

✅3. Check Out Running-Specific Retailers

• Many local running stores have discounts for local clubs! 

✅4. Use Price Tracking Tools

• Tools like Honey, Rakuten, or Google Shopping can help you track price drops and cashback offers.

✅5. Don’t Skip the “Unpopular” Colors

• Shoes in unusual color combos are often marked down faster...even if they’re the same model as the full-priced pair. Nike often discounts certain colors of their running shoe models. 

✅6. Use Loyalty Programs

• Retailers like REI, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and brand websites often have reward points that add up to discounts over time.

Following these budget-friendly shopping tips will help you find the best deals on running shoes.
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But there's also some things to avoid...
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❌7. Don’t Buy Just for the Price Tag

• It’s tempting to grab the cheapest pair you see, but if the shoe doesn’t fit your needs (or your feet), you’ll end up regretting it. If the shoe doesn't fit, it's not going to work for you. Prioritize comfort, support, and function over the lowest price.

❌8. Don’t Ignore the Return Policy

• Always double-check the return or exchange policy before purchasing. Especially with online sales or outlet deals, some shoes may be final sale or have restocking fees.

❌9. Don’t Overlook Sizing Differences

• Budget shoes (and older models) can run small, big, or just different. Read sizing reviews and try them on if possible, or order from retailers with free returns.

❌10. Don’t Assume All Cheap Shoes Are Running Shoes

• This is one of the most common mistakes! Some sneakers are marketed as “running-inspired” but aren’t actually designed for running.
• For example, not all Nike "running shoes" are really made for running. Make sure the shoe is made for running, with proper cushioning and durability.

❌11. Don’t Expect High Mileage from Every Budget Shoe

• Lower-cost shoes can be great, but many won’t last as long as premium models. Rotate them out as soon as you notice wear, and don’t stretch them past their limits just to save money.

👉Running shoes with a higher price tag often use more durable materials, which helps them last longer over time. 

• The main difference between more expensive models is how quickly they might wear out. 
• If you're only heading out for a few short runs each week, a budget-friendly pair might suit you just fine. 
• But if you’re consistently logging higher mileage or marathon training, it could be worth spending a bit more for something built to go the distance. 
• Sometimes, you aren't really saving money if you're replacing a cheaper running shoe twice as often. 

👉Save BIG by shopping last year's running shoes

• In my opinion, the best way to save money on running shoes is buying last years model. 
• Brands like Brooks, ASICS, Saucony, and Nike release updates almost every year, but those updates are often minor...like small changes in the upper or slight tweaks to the midsole. 
• The core fit, ride, and performance usually stay the same. 
• Once the new version drops, retailers start clearing out the older ones, sometimes discounting them by 30–50%.

👉Not sure where to look for deals on running shoes? 

• Try local running stores, Running Warehouse, or even the brand’s official store. 
• You can also set price alerts or search for “[shoe name] previous version” to track down deals. 
• Keep in my mind, running brands often set a price of the cheapest certain models can go, so if it looks too good to be true...it probably is. 

Unless you absolutely need the latest and greatest, shopping one model behind is a smart move that stretches your budget without sacrificing quality.
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Remember, that shoe was last year's best! Just double-check return policies and sizing reviews...sometimes older models fit a bit differently than the current version.
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👇Now, let’s get into into the best running shoes on a budget. 

• Weight: 6 oz (M9/W10.5)
• Drop: 6mm
• Price: $90

The Atreyu Base Model 3 is about as stripped-down as a running shoe gets...in the best way possible. 

• Designed to complement your favorite daily trainer, it’s built for improving form, feeling more connected to the ground, and adding variety to your training. 
• It’s not meant to replace cushy trainers but to keep your body honest. 
• Ideal for strides, track workouts, or shorter runs, the Base Model 3 is a minimalist tool with real value. 

If you miss how running shoes "used to be," you'll be a fan of the Atreyu Base Model 3.

• Weight: 9.1 oz (men), 8.0 oz (women)
• Drop: 10mm
• Price: $100

If you're looking for a name brand that can do it all, the Brooks Revel 7 is one of them. 

• Whether you’re logging miles, lifting weights, or heading to the coffee shop, the Revel handles it all with ease. 
• The ride is firm but not harsh, thanks to Brooks DNA cushioning. 
• The knit upper feels more premium than the price suggests, and the step-in comfort is immediate. 

At $100, if you want a reliable shoe for almost everything, this one’s hard to beat.

• Weight: 7.5 oz
• Drop: 6.5mm
• Price: $100

The Merrell Morphlite is designed as a road-to-trail running shoe.

• The FloatPro foam midsole brings cushion without bulk, while the sticky rubber outsole offers grip when you need it most. 
• With 2mm lugs down the center and 3mm around the edges, it adapts well to packed dirt, gravel, and even stretches of road. 
• Eco-conscious runners will appreciate the recycled materials and vegan construction. 

It’s a great pick for trail-to-road days when you want performance, comfort, and traction...without the high cost.

• Weight: 9.5 oz (men), 7.7 oz (women)
• Drop: 8mm
• Price: $80

Looking for a cushioned daily trainer that won’t crush your wallet? The Fresh Foam 680 v8 delivers. 

• It uses the same plush midsole foam found in New Balance’s premium models, just in a more affordable package. 
• The upper is breathable and secure, and the ride is smooth without being mushy. 

If you want comfort for daily runs without the premium price tag, this is a standout pick.

• Weight: 9.4 oz (men), 8.5 oz (women)
• Drop: 10mm
• Price: $75

If you’ve ever felt like Nike was out of reach financially, the Downshifter 13 flips the script. 

• It’s built with a soft upper, comfortable padding, and for those looking for a shoe that isn't out of reach. 
• It doesn’t have Nike’s top-tier foams, but it still feels responsive and versatile.
•  It's built on the same last as the popular Pegasus. 

If you're looking for a daily trainer, the Downshifter is one of the best deals. 

• Weight: 7.5 oz
• Drop: 12mm
• Price: $75

The Saucony Cohesion 17 strikes the perfect balance between comfort and durability. 

• Featuring VERSARUN cushioning, it absorbs impact and helps reduce pressure, making it an excellent choice for daily runs or casual wear. 
• The lightweight mesh upper ensures your feet stay cool and fresh with every stride. 
• Plus, with vegan construction and recycled materials, it’s an eco-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice performance. 

It’s a reliable, budget-friendly shoe for runners who need everyday comfort and support.

Finding the best budget running shoes doesn’t mean settling for less...it just means shopping smarter. 

• Whether you’re logging daily miles, training for a race, or just getting into the sport, there are affordable running shoes out there that offer comfort, durability, and performance. 

Many of these budget-friendly shoes use recycled materials, versatile designs, and even trickle-down technology from their brand’s premium lines.
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That means you get trusted fit and feel at a fraction of the price.
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Just be sure to match your shoe to your needs...think about:

• Your usual mileage
• Terrain
• How much cushion or structure you prefer

And make your decision based on running shoes that meet your criteria. Why? A cheap running shoe is no good if it doesn't work for you. 
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Saving money on running shoes also leaves room in your budget for other gear or race entries. 
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And with smart shopping strategies like grabbing last year’s model or watching for sales, it’s even easier to build your perfect running shoe rotation...without breaking the bank.