Buying guides · Running
The Best Budget Running Shoes, Ranked
You can run your first 5K in a $70 shoe. What you cannot do is run it in a worn-out $70 shoe, or a beautiful shoe that is half a size too small.
October 16, 2026 · 7 min read
What you lose when you spend less
Cheaper shoes use heavier foam that compresses a bit sooner, simpler uppers, and less durable outsole rubber. What you rarely lose is basic comfort — most budget trainers are copied from a brand’s premium last.
Every shoe below has a real midsole, a decent outsole and enough room in the toe box to run in.
1. Saucony Cohesion 17 — the classic budget trainer
Around $70 and available in wide sizes. The Cohesion is slightly firm, which beginners often prefer because it feels stable, and it holds up for 250 to 300 miles.
The upper is basic and a little warm, but for pavement miles it is hard to beat at the price.
2. Asics Gel-Contend 9 — best cushioning under $80
Softer than the Cohesion with a supportive arch, and it comes in wide and extra-wide. A good choice for heavier runners or anyone who wants a plush feel without a plush price.
3. Nike Revolution 7 — lightest of the cheap shoes
Simple, light and comfortable for shorter runs. The foam is not durable — expect closer to 200 miles — but it is the easiest shoe here for a beginner to run fast in.
4. New Balance 520v8 — the fit-first pick
Available in several widths and generous in the toe box. If your feet are wide or you get black toenails from other brands, this is the budget shoe to start with.
5. Reebok Floatride Energy — best foam for the money
A step up in price to around $90, and the only shoe here with foam worth talking about. Light, responsive, and comfortable for daily miles.
Frequently discounted, and often found lightly used.
6. Brooks Trace 3 — the gateway to a Brooks fit
Brooks’ entry trainer: simpler than the Ghost, but built on the same comfortable fit philosophy, with a slightly firmer ride.
Worth it if you know Brooks fits you and you want to spend less than a Ghost.
Buying last season’s model is the cheapest upgrade
Running brands release yearly and discount the previous version by 30 to 50 percent. A “last season” premium shoe is nearly always better than the current budget shoe at the same price.
Check the model number rather than the colourway, and confirm the version on the box or heel.
And buying used costs even less
Shoes with under 100 miles sell for 40 to 60 percent off new. Ask for mileage and photos of the outsole, and avoid anything with visible midsole compression.
Retire them at 300 to 400 miles — that is the point where the foam, not the rubber, fails.
Common questions
- Can I start running in $70 shoes?
- Yes. Fit and freshness matter more than price. A comfortable budget shoe with under 100 miles is better for a beginner than a premium shoe that is too narrow or worn out.
- How often should I replace running shoes?
- Every 300 to 400 miles for most runners, or sooner if the midsole feels flat even when the outsole looks fine.
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