Home Guides Cheap Running Shoes 2023
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BEST OF THE BEST

BEST OF THE BEST

BEST OF THE BEST

Nike Winflo 9

Nike Winflo 9
In 2023 the Winflo is completely renovated - it is a shoe that punches well above its weight!
In 2023 the Winflo is completely renovated - it is a shoe that punches well above its weight!
Olivia Yoder
Ultrarunner, personal trainer and soccer coach.

BEST KEPT SECRET

BEST KEPT SECRET

BEST KEPT SECRET

Saucony Axon 2

Saucony Axon 2
Honestly, it is a much better shoe than some priced twice as much.
Honestly, it is a much better shoe than some priced twice as much.
Michael Mason-D'Croz
Long distance runner, shoe expert.

FOR TREADMILL

FOR TREADMILL

FOR TREADMILL

Nike Downshifter 11

Nike Downshifter 11
Not a shoe for running many miles in, but if you want a shoe for the treadmill or general gym use, we recommed it!
Not a shoe for running many miles in, but if you want a shoe for the treadmill or general gym use, we recommed it!
Sarah Dean
5k Runner, Personal Trainer

WITH SUPPORT

WITH SUPPORT

WITH SUPPORT

Asics GT-1000 11

Asics GT-1000 11
A classic in the Asics lineup, the GT 1000 11 is a cushioned but stable shoe for everyday training.
A classic in the Asics lineup, the GT 1000 11 is a cushioned but stable shoe for everyday training.
Jon Ober
Serial Marathoner and Stability Running Shoe Expert

LIGHTWEIGHT

LIGHTWEIGHT

LIGHTWEIGHT

Brooks Launch 9

Brooks Launch 9
If you’re looking for a light, comfortable and responsive ride this could be a great shoe for you to try this year.
If you’re looking for a light, comfortable and responsive ride this could be a great shoe for you to try this year.
Sarah Dean
5k Runner, Personal Trainer

When looking for the best running shoes for men or for women, you'll find many options at or above $100.

You don't have to spend that much to have a good running shoe, though!

We purchased and tested some of the most popular affordable running shoes from the major brands - and here is the ones we recommend.

Best Cheap Running Shoes

First choice

Nike Winflo 9

Weight
10 oz.
Drop
mm.
Category
Cushioning

Nike Winflo 9

Reasons to buy
  • Budget Friendly
  • Versatile
  • Many colors to choose from
“The Nike Winflo 9 is an all-around shoe that can wear many hats and wears them well. I love the stylish look they have to them and also can be worn all day for various activities. ”
Olivia Yoder
Ultrarunner, personal trainer and soccer coach.
Read the full review of Winflo 9
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider

Saucony Axon 2

Weight
9.6 oz.
Drop
mm.
Category
Cushioning

Saucony Axon 2

Reasons to buy
  • Best buy on the market
  • Designed to push speeds
  • Tons of cushion
  • Redesigned upper is top notch
  • Excelled at all types of runs
“The Saucony Axon 2 is simple, it's well designed, and simply it works. No extra frills for the heck of it, it's simply one of the best trainers on the market, and for half the price of the others even in the same ball park. ”
Michael Mason-D'Croz
Long distance runner, shoe expert.
Read the full review of Axon 2
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider

Nike Downshifter 11

Weight
10.00 oz.
Drop
10 mm.
Category
Cushioning

Nike Downshifter 11

Reasons to buy
  • Great price
  • Good looking shoe
  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable straight away and on longer runs
“The Nike Downshifter 11 is a great, people pleaser, of a running shoe. It’s comfortable, lightweight and at an attractive price; one of my favourite budget running shoes out there at the moment. ”
Recommended for
The Nike Downshifter 11 is a superb shoe for anyone starting out in running or training, or those looking for a budget running shoe.
Sarah Dean
5k Runner, Personal Trainer
Read the full review of Downshifter 11
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider

Asics GT-1000 11

Weight
9.5 oz.
Drop
mm.
Category
Road

Asics GT-1000 11

Reasons to buy
  • Comfortable fit
  • Stable ride
  • Incredibly affordable
“The ASICS GT 1000 11 is a premium shoe at an affordable price point. It provides a light, stable ride that can be appreciated from a wide range of skills and experience. ”
Jon Ober
Serial Marathoner and Stability Running Shoe Expert
Read the full review of GT-1000 11
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider

Brooks Launch 9

Weight
8.20 oz.
Drop
10 mm.
Category
Cushioning

Brooks Launch 9

Reasons to buy
  • Lightweight daily trainer
  • Good value for money
  • Durability
  • Comfortable once worn in
“The Brooks Launch 9 will tick most of your boxes as a good all round running shoe. If you’re looking for a light, comfortable and responsive ride this could be a great shoe for you to try this year.”
Recommended for
This shoe is designed for runners looking for a simple yet effective shoe for a variety of distances. If you’re just starting out running and have a moderate budget to spend on a shoe, or you’re a seasoned runner looking for a lightweight responsive yet cushioned shoe for longer runs, the Brooks...
Sarah Dean
5k Runner, Personal Trainer
Read the full review of Launch 9
or buy them here: Men / Women

Buying last year’s premium shoes is also an option

Each year, brands introduce new versions of a shoe and retailers have one or two months to get rid of the remaining inventory.

This means that you’ll be able to get last year version of a premium shoe for up to half the regular retail price. This means a $120 running shoe can easily be purchased for $60-70, if you have patience and look around.

It’s always a good idea to look for the review of that running shoe before buying it, and to check the review of the new model to see what is changing.

Best of luck in your shoe selection and remember we are here to help!

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