Best Cheap Running Shoes for Beginners at an Affordable Price

You buy fancy shoes because not everyone is an athlete or a race runner. A running shoe’s main job is to support your feet as much as possible while you run on the ground or a machine. Assuming you’re not an athlete and are just looking for the best cheap running shoes for yourself, they can also do what you need them to do.

Based on what we learned, the best cheap running shoes that cost less than $160 are cheap running shoes. Before we go any further with this blog post, I want to make one thing clear: when I say “cheap,” I don’t mean they aren’t expensive; I mean that anyone who makes more than $1500 can buy them.

Do You Want To Start?

As someone who is just starting out, I tell everyone who reads this not to buy heavy-duty sports tools or gear because I don’t think they are good for beginners most of the time. If you’ve been running for a while, my blog post about the best Nike running shoes will help you understand what I mean.

How to Test the Best Running Shoes The Right Way And How We Do It

This post tests each pair of best cheap running shoes in a number of different ways, such as sprinting on a track, running around a park for fun, longer training sessions lasting several hours, and race-pace 5ks. I looked at the shoes in five areas while trying them: fit, comfort, performance, flexibility, and value. Here’s how each one contributed to the final choice of shoes:

Fit

Although a cheaper shoe might save you a few bucks, that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t fit well. Jogging in shoes that don’t fit right is a surefire way to get tired faster (or just mentally quit your run before you reach your mile goal). Fit includes how the shoe feels when you first put it on, whether there are any pressure points you don’t want, and how it feels when you walk in it. Every shoe we’re going to talk about here is one of the best cheap running shoes for you.

Comfort goes along with fit, but it’s more than just how the shoe feels on your foot. It’s also how comfortable it stays over a number of runs. A lot of this also comes down to personal preference. For example, some runners like Under Armour Curry 7 shoes with a lot of cushioning, while others would rather run on shoes with less cushioning. The same could be said about balanced running shoes vs. support shoes

Performance

If a running shoe doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to, you won’t want to keep using it. This includes everything from how stable it is on the ground and how long it lasts to how quick it is and how it’s made.

Being flexible

I tried each shoe in a number of different situations, but not all of them are meant to be all-around shoes. Some, on the other hand, did well on different surfaces, which made them more flexible as daily runs. If you want to save money on shoes, you should look for ones that work well on both stairs and treadmills.

Value

There’s more to value than just the final price. I was curious about whether or not spending less on shoes would be worth it in the long run, since spending less often is the same as or more than spending a lot of money all at once. There are a lot of best cheap running shoes that are offered at prices that aren’t too high.

Let’s Talk a Little About Shoe Style

You can find some really cool styles even in cheap shoes. With designs in lots of different colors and fabrics, shoe styles come in a lot of different types. You have nothing to worry about because there are many options to choose from!

Even if you’ve been running for years and have logged thousands of kilometers, we all like to look good while we’re out and about, so we made sure our list had some stylish options!

And we know that not everyone has the same style, so we made sure there was something for everyone. So, on our list, you’ll find shoes with a modern, bold look, as well as shoes with bright colors and artistic details. But there are also looks that are more modest, classic, or even old-fashioned.

Style might not seem like the most important thing, and we don’t recommend buying it. Studies have shown that you are more than twice as likely to go for a run if you feel good.

Being fit means how you look when you’re working out. Style does matter when it comes to best cheap running shoes, even though we hate to say it. That’s why we made sure to include it. It should be one of the most important things you think about when you’re shopping for best cheap running shoes.

Shoe Weight Is Important

One reason many running shoes are light is that walkers don’t want to carry extra weight. The less expensive shoes are a bit heavy than the more expensive ones, but they are still great for busy walkers!

A lot of experienced walkers say that weight may be a big reason to choose a cheaper shoe. If you aren’t careful. It might cost more to get lightweight materials than large ones.

We picked choices that would give you the lightest ride possible by using materials that are easy on the body. Some businesses have come up with new ways to make things so they can keep their prices low and still provide great service. Runners are made of materials that are light and airy and don’t have much padding.

Here is a list of the best cheap running shoes that we think you will like.

N0 # 1. Asics Gel Contend 7

When we wore the Asics Gel Contend 7, our feet felt like they were in the most comfortable shoes we’ve ever worn.

It’s super soft and absorbs shock, so even after a lot of long-term walking on concrete, our feet didn’t feel hurt!

It’s even better that it doesn’t stand out because it’s so light. It looked like we weren’t having much trouble!

The content might be cheap in terms of money, but it’s not cheap in terms of being locked down! It’s very tight and fits perfectly. This only added to the confidence-boosting ride that this shoe gave.

This shoe is great if you’re a runner who likes to use the same shoe for running, jogging, yoga, and walking. It has all the things you need to do your things!

This shoe is also at the top of our list because it lasts a long time. You might think that best cheap running shoes aren’t strong enough to last the miles. On the other hand, this sneaker will show you that you’re wrong!

After 50 kilometers, we haven’t seen any damage to the soles. We think it will last between 300 and 500 kilometers before it needs to be put away in our closet.

The Asics Gel Contend 7 is also offered in a size for women.

No # 2. Nike Quest 4

The base is strong and sturdy, and there are small studs on it for different types of ground. It fits well and isn’t as thin as some other Nike shoes. If you’re new to running or just need another cheap pair of pants, the Nick Quest 4 might be a good choice.

The Flywire tightening system gives you a snug fit that feels like a unique fit. It’s cool that you can see the Flywire technology through the top layer of the upper; nice touch, Nike.

At 99.7 mm wide in the forefoot and 75.4 mm wide in the heel, it’s not as thin as some other Nikes. However, it’s a bit hard to put on and might benefit from a heel finger hook.

Even though the Quest 4 has a little more foam bottom than the 3, I didn’t find it very comfortable. It felt stiff and dull. This shoe is cheap, and the foam in the middle is also cheap.

The heel counter is pretty firm—it got a 5 out of 5 rating in our tests—which gave me some trouble and caused my heels to slide around.

A tall heel tab eases some of the stress on the Achilles, though it’s not very noticeable.

No # 3. Asics Gel Venture 8

The Asics Gel Venture 8 is the only shoe we would think about for short to medium-distance runs. It says “trail-ready!” from every angle.

It won’t hurt your feet or the bank! The cushion in this shoe is so soft that we couldn’t stop talking about it. It also has a lot of safety measures that keep the foot safe and take away any pain from contact.

This shoe not only cushions your foot when you hit something, but it also blocks out noise from the trail. Even better, it wipes them out! This shoe also gives you a lot of energy back. It’s got so much of it that it doesn’t feel like a heavy trail boss at all. We had a great time and ran fast!

To really test this shoe, we put it through its paces on different types of ground. We were really shocked! This shoe just stuck to everything, from dirt paths for walking to rougher ground!

This isn’t one of the hiking shoes we’ve tried that works for us. This one is just as good as the more expensive trailblazers for us!

Also, this shoe really shines when it comes to longevity! It worked well after being abused on the roughest trail terrain. The shoe is very strong and should last for 400 to 450 kilometers.

We agree that trail shoes are big, but the Asics Gel-Venture 8 are not! It comes in a small package with everything you need! We never thought it was too much.

There is also a version of the Asics Gel Venture 8 for women.

No # 4. Hoka One One

In Runner’s World’s Fall 2019 Shoe Guide, the Rincon was named a “editor’s pick” for a speed shoe, and for good reason. It’s hard to find shoes that are both seriously cushioned and very light. This one is one of those rare gems.

When HOKA first came out 11 years ago, I have to say I wasn’t sure what to think. When they first came out, their shoes were big and thick, and I thought I’d never be able to run in something with that much cushion. But the shoes were getting a lot of attention, so I chose to try the brand a few years ago.

You’d never know that I’ve driven a few hundred miles on mine. Wearing them for different lengths of time, from a six-mile run around the neighborhood to longer 13-mile hikes on the weekends. It’s a sensitive sneaker that makes any surface feel good. It works well and lasts a long time.

No # 5. Nike Air Max Torch 4

We’ll admit that we didn’t think much of Nike when it came to trail running, but the Nike Air Max Torch 4 changed our minds!

First, though, what are you cooking, you look good? This hiking shoe is by far the most interesting one we have. BUT IT’S NOT WHAT IT SEEMS. When it comes to trails, it really shines!

We tried the shoe on mild to tough conditions, and it did well thanks to its very sticky base! We were so focused on running that we didn’t even think about the sharp rocks and roots that might get in the way. We breezed right by them!

It has a lot of defenses too! Our favorite part was the toe guard. Even though we hit a few hard things on the ground, we didn’t feel any pain or even get any bruises.

You might think that all of this means giving up comfort, but we can promise you that’s not the case. It doesn’t, though. This shoe is great because it has a lot of padding to protect your feet and keep you comfy!

On wet ground is the only place we can’t see ourselves wearing the Nike Air Max Torch. It needs a lot of work before it can really offer that soft-surface bite!

No # 6. Nike Revolution 5

Nike knows a lot about fashion, and the Nike Revolution 5 is a stylish shoe that didn’t cost a lot of money. It’s not full of tricks, but that’s what makes it appealing and sure to please the eyes!

It’s a sneaker that costs $65 but has a lot of cool features. But its unbeatable lockdown, especially in the heel area, was what really made us fall in love with it. It only held our heel in place, so we could run with confidence on the road!

It’s not as soft as a cloud and not as hard as a brick either. It’s the right amount to make the ride smooth and steady.

Because of this, we choose it first for our daily runs and town walks.

The top bends a lot too. This makes it easy to put on and take off, and for people with wide feet, it’s a good fit that adds to the comfort of the shoe overall!

We didn’t want to punish it too severely for doing something it wasn’t meant to do, even though the ride wasn’t very fun. At such a low price, the Nike Revolution 5 is a great deal.

No # 7. New Balance Fresh Foam Roav

Being against the New Balance Fresh Foam Roav’s focus on comfort and style would be a shame!

We would wear it everywhere and be sure to get noticed because it’s simple and classy. Wow, that’s really beautiful!

And in terms of function, it works just as well! Right out of the box, our feet were smothered in silky comfort. It felt so good that we didn’t want to take it off! We just wanted to get it over with quickly.

After a string of long runs, our feet felt great! All of the nice things we got came in packaging that was so light it didn’t make us feel heavy.

This shoe has a lot of spring, which will make the ride even better and more exciting. And that’s how it felt!

The last choice is the New Balance Fresh Foam Roav, which is both stylish and in style. It’s sexy without costing a lot.

No # 8. New Balance 880

I’ve been a loyal New Balance fan for years, and I can say that the 880 is great in every way. I have driven them on roads, black-top paths, and even routes with mulch on them, and they’ve always done well. It’s now in its ninth version, and I like that New Balance’s changes are usually small and hard to notice. That way, I know I can always count on getting the same shoes from the brand.

The 880 costs about $125, so it’s not the cheapest choice, but it still meets most of our needs. It weighs 9 ounces in the middle and has a heel-to-toe drop of about 10 millimeters. It has a lot of padding and a fast ride. For the most part, it’s a normal racing shoe that should work for most people.

What price range does a good running shoe fit?

Most likely, you’ll get the most for your money between $110 and $130. The $150–$350 price difference isn’t always worth it. These days, most people look for racing shoes in the $60 to $80 price range.

Don’t forget that shoe prices are set by:

Some features of shoes are a rock plate, a GTX membrane, extra padding, and new technologies that might work well in some situations but might not be needed for everyday running.

The shoes cost more when they have more marketing.

Do you need the new shoe as soon as it comes out? Or maybe make a reservation? There is a greater chance that that type will be on sale if you wait longer.

Where can I get running shoes for a cheap price?

You should go to a store that specializes in running shoes and try them on before you buy them based only on price.

“A lot of my customers buy shoes online, find out they don’t fit, and then come in to get them fixed,” Fronsoe said. “The way a shoe fits your foot is very important.”

Take your time and try on a lot of different shoes in the price range you want to find the best pair for you. There are a few things you can do to make it cheaper once you know this. Some stores, like Fronses Fleet Feet, have programs for regular buyers that give credit after a certain number of sales. You could also look for sale tables that show shoe models from last year. Most companies change their shoe models every nine months, which means that an older model is cheaper.

Metzler says that these stores don’t have the most famous models, but they do have useful shoes that you can wear for a long time.

Cheap vs. expensive running shoes

There is $100 difference in price between expensive and best cheap running shoes. It’s not a formal statement, but a lot of people believe it.

Our study of shoe prices might help you choose whether to buy a less expensive pair of running shoes. RunRepeat did a study on expensive and best cheap running shoes and found that people are 8% less happy with expensive shoes.