Splashing the most cash doesn't always mean snagging the best shoe. There are genuine bargains to be found from brands offering premium performance at a fraction of the cost. There are also fantastic deals on older models, especially when you factor in that not every runner needs a shoe that maxes out every test score. The trick is figuring out which scores matter for you and which don't.
Keep in mind that "cheap" is a surprisingly slippery term in running shoes. They can be full price in one region, heavily discounted in another, or floating around barely used online. If buying second-hand, use a trusted seller, check the shoe's condition carefully, and be cautious with pairs that already have a lot of miles on them.
We've tested over 250 running shoes. Below are our picks for the best cheap running shoes, plus a quick guide to help you choose which scores matter for your needs:
- Cushioning: This tells you how well the midsole absorbs impact. A score of 7.5+ is good, but shoes don't always need to hit that number for every runner. Lighter runners can often do with less, while heavier runners should check the Heel Cushioning and Forefoot Cushioning boxes on the shoe review itself to see how it performs under higher force levels.
- Responsiveness: This shows how well the shoe turns impact into forward motion. A score around 6.5 is enough for daily training. If most of your running consists of easy, conversational miles, responsiveness tends to matter less than comfort and cushioning. For racing, workouts, or runners who want a livelier ride, look closer to a score of 8.
- Stability: How steady the shoe feels underfoot. A score of 7.5 is good for daily use. Race shoes often score lower due to their narrower platforms, while max-cushioned shoes can sacrifice stability for extra stack height and softer, more cushioned foams. Lower scores aren't always a dealbreaker, but they tend to demand more from the runner as pace or fatigue increase.
- True To Size: This shows how closely the shoe matches our standardized fit baseline. A score of 9+ means most runners can stick with their usual size. Scores between 7.5 and 9 are still workable, but check the individual fit measurements if you have wide arches, tall toes, or a history of awkward fit issues.
If you want to learn more about our testing process, you can read about our lab tests here.
If money is no object, you can check out picks for the best running shoes. If you're looking for long-run specific shoes, check out our long-distance running picks.
We've bought and tested more than 250 running shoes. Every pair purchased with our own money, never supplied or sponsored by brands. Our data-driven tests are designed to go beyond marketing claims, and since every shoe goes through the exact same methodology, you can directly compare results to find the right pair for your needs.
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Best Cheap Running Shoes
Cushioning8.4Lateral Stability7.3True To Size9.3Weight:226.3 g (7.98 oz)Heel Stack Height:41.1 mmHeel-To-Toe Drop:4.9 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe best cheap running shoes we've tested are the Mizuno Neo Zen. Its soft, bouncy midsole delivers impressive cushioning, adding a touch of magic to otherwise ordinary miles. It's a plush shoe that manages to feel playful and, despite its high stack, remains light in its class, providing an energetic ride that feels just as comfortable on easy runs as on longer efforts. It punches well above its price point, delivering max-cushion comfort with the versatility of a daily staple.
This shoe doesn't do everything perfectly; its sock-like upper can be hard to dial in, particularly for runners with higher arches. Still, if your priority is getting the most performance for the least money, few shoes make a stronger case. With the release of the Mizuno Neo Zen 2, the original can now often be found at a substantial discount, making an already great daily trainer an even better deal.
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Best Cheap Running Shoes For Daily Training
Cushioning8.1Stability7.5True To Size9.1Energy Return7.0Weight:248.2 g (8.76 oz)Heel Stack Height:41.8 mmHeel-To-Toe Drop:8.2 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneIf you're after an impressively cushioned modern daily trainer on a budget, the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 is the best cheap running shoe for daily training we've tested. It delivers a fun, lively ride, and its versatility is standout: it shines across recovery runs and longer distances, with enough sparkle underfoot for uptempo efforts as well. It doesn't hold up as well as the Mizuno Neo Zen over long runs, and it's heavier, slightly less peppy, and less cushioned, but it's still a fantastic shoe overall. With the release of the ASICS NOVABLAST 6, the 5 is now available at a fantastic price.
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Best Cheap Running Shoes For Beginners
Cushioning7.9Stability8.0True To Size9.7Energy Return7.8Weight:264.8 g (9.34 oz)Heel Stack Height:39.4 mmHeel-To-Toe Drop:9.6 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneIf you're new to running and want a shoe that makes logging your first miles fun but dependable, look no further than the Saucony Triumph 23. Its very cushioned, lively midsole keeps your legs ticking over with ease, while the pronounced heel rocker provides impressive assistance to roll you through your stride when you're still finding your form. Its impressively stable platform is also much easier to trust than the Mizuno Neo Zen. Though the Neo Zen is lighter, more cushioned, and better over longer distances, new runners still get decent protection over shorter efforts. With the Saucony Triumph 24 now available, the Triumph 23 offers a price-to-performance ratio that's impossible to ignore.
If you're brimming with excitement about pounding the pavement for the first time and want even more options, check out our top picks for beginner runners.
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Best Cheap Running Shoes For Stability
Cushioning6.7Lateral Stability8.3Weight:277.5 g (9.79 oz)Heel Stack Height:35.1 mmHeel-To-Toe Drop:8.7 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneIf you value support underfoot above all else, the Saucony Guide 19 is the shoe for you. It uses a broad platform, raised sidewalls, and geometry-led guidance to deliver an impressively stable and decently protected ride. It's the best cheap running shoe for stability we've tested, and though it doesn't have the cushioning, bounce, or long-run comfort of the Mizuno Neo Zen, that's not its purpose. Its lane is as a dependable shoe for runners who need assistance with overpronation, and, with the Saucony Guide 19 now available, the previous iteration can be found for a lower price.
Runners who want stability without giving up cushioning can also consider the Saucony Hurricane 25. While it still provides gentle guidance, it delivers substantially more cushioning, bounce, and a more exciting ride than the Guide 18. However, it's heavier and more expensive, but for runners who want support without sacrificing cushioning, it's a great alternative pick.
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Best Cheap Running Shoes For Cushioning
Cushioning8.9Stability7.4True To Size8.4Energy Return6.9Weight:277.0 g (9.77 oz)Heel Stack Height:41.8 mmHeel-To-Toe Drop:8.7 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneIf cushioning is your main concern, the Kiprun Kipride Max has it in spades. It's a deeply protective, remarkably comfortable daily trainer, and the best cheap running shoe for cushioning we've tested. It delivers the kind of plush underfoot protection normally associated with far more expensive shoes. It's not as lively or energetic as the Mizuno Neo Zen, and its heavier build makes it less versatile when the pace picks up, but for easy miles, recovery runs, and long-distance comfort, few shoes offer more for the money. Price varies region to region, but if geography is on your side, this shoe is a no-brainer.
If the Kiprun still doesn't quite do it for you, consider the Li-Ning Red Hare 9 Ultra. It may not be the cheapest shoe on this list, but it offers some of the best bang for your buck in running right now. Compared to the Kiprun, it's more cushioned, more responsive, and much livelier underfoot. That said, the fit is fussier, it's more unstable, and delivery can take longer in some regions, but for runners who want maximum performance without paying flagship prices, it's a superb shoe.
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Best Cheap Running Shoes For Tempo Workouts
Cushioning8.0Stability6.6True To Size8.9Energy Return8.3Weight:220.0 g (7.76 oz)Heel Stack Height:36.9 mmHeel-To-Toe Drop:6.7 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:Plastic ShankFor runners looking to tackle workouts on a budget, the adidas Adizero Evo SL can't be beaten. Built around adidas' premium race-day foam, it delivers outrageously good performance in a remarkably lightweight package. It's the best cheap running shoe for tempo workouts we've tested, and even though it doesn't offer quite the same cushioning or long-run comfort as the Mizuno Neo Zen, it's lighter, more responsive, and you'll be hard-pressed not to crack a smile when you pick up the pace. Although pricier at full retail, most regions carry enough colorways to paint a small village, which means patient shoppers can often find one on sale, making it a truly incredible pick.
The Dynafish Xiaonian is a more curious alternative. Compared to the adidas shoe, it's lighter, more cushioned, and more protective, with a propulsive ride that feels almost too good to be true for the price. Delivery can take a while in the West, but for runners willing to wait, it's a worthy alternative and an absolute bargain.
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Best Cheap Running Shoes For Racing
Cushioning9.0Stability6.2True To Size8.8Energy Return8.9Weight:205.1 g (7.23 oz)Heel Stack Height:39.7 mmHeel-To-Toe Drop:5.4 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:Carbon FiberRunners looking to line up with the best bang for their buck on race day should get the Li-Ning Feidian 6 Elite. It's a true unicorn of a shoe, and it's the best cheap running shoe for racing we've tested. While it isn't as cheap in absolute terms as the Mizuno Neo Zen, they're shoes for different purposes, and for a full-blown carbon-plated super shoe built for chasing personal bests, the price is, quite frankly, outrageous. It's lighter, superbly cushioned, and amazingly responsive, delivering the kind of race-day performance normally reserved for shoes costing your monthly grocery budget. Delivery can take longer than more established Western brands, but runners willing to wait are rewarded with one of the best performance shoes available.
Notable Mentions
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Brooks Ghost 17:
The Brooks Ghost 17 is a dependable daily trainer with a long history of quietly getting the job done. It isn't as cushioned or energetic as the Mizuno Neo Zen, but with the Brooks Ghost 18 now available, you can grab the 17 for an incredible price.
See our review -
Skechers Aero Razor:
The Skechers Aero Razor is a lightweight tempo trainer with impressive cushioning and great value in some regions. It isn't as versatile as the adidas Adizero Evo SL, but its lively ride makes it a cracking pick for faster daily runs and workouts.
See our review -
Brooks Hyperion Max 3:
The Brooks Hyperion Max 3 takes a different approach to tempo training than the adidas Adizero Evo SL. It's heavier, more cushioned, uses a nylon plate to stiffen the aggressive rocker, and is the tempo shoe to pick for longer workouts.
See our review -
ANTA C202 7:
The ANTA C202 7 is a carbon-plated super trainer great for workouts, uptempo long runs, and race day. It's not as cushioned as the Li-Ning Feidian 6 Elite, but the cushioning is still impressive. It's a very propulsive shoe that retails for less and serves as a solid alternative.
See our review -
adidas Adizero Pacer:
The adidas Adizero Pacer isn't as energetic as the ASICS NOVABLAST 5, as fast as the adidas Adizero Evo SL, or as cushioned as the Saucony Triumph 23, but it's still a decent daily trainer and offers good value if you want to mix running and walking.
See our review
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are based on what we consider the best cheap running shoes currently available. We consider performance, value, availability, and the everyday reality for budget-conscious runners: some shoes only become bargains after the next version drops, while others are cheap in one region and prohibitively expensive in another. Availability matters too, because a great deal isn't much use if only three sizes are left and none of them are yours.
If you'd rather hunt for shoes on your own, our full running shoe review list is a great place to start. Ultimately, there's no universally perfect running shoe; the right pair comes down to what best serves your goals: comfort, support, speed, fit, price, or the trade-offs you're willing to make when you find a bargain in your size.