Tested by 
Want more tried and tested recommendations from the RW editors? Sign up to our weekly newsletter Kit Bag. Click here to subscribe.
Running is not the simple and inexpensive sport it once was. Previously, all you needed was a pair of decently priced running shoes and some clothing, and off you go. Today, running has become a more expensive, gear-centric pursuit — high-tech running shoes, GPS watches, and expensive moisture-wicking apparel are all part of a runner's daily wardrobe, not to mention all the post-run recovery gear.
Luckily, plenty of well-made, affordable options are still available, especially when it comes to running shoes. And an affordable running shoe doesn’t have to feel like a compromise for budget-conscious runners, either. Many major brands offer high-quality, reasonably priced options, and you can also find excellent older models still on sale.
Is there a difference between cheap and expensive running shoes?
Typically, the more expensive a shoe is, the more premium materials and advanced technology it features in terms of cushioning, support and performance. That’s why carbon-plated super shoes are usually at the top of the food chain, because they contain the brands' top-tier midsole foams and ultralight uppers.
In paying less, you might miss out on premium midsoles like PEBA (the type used in top racing shoes), or the lightest, most breathable upper technology. And cheaper shoes may rely on lower-quality, more affordable materials that can be less durable or sometimes uncomfortable.
At the same time, though, running tech has evolved considerably over the past decade and some budget shoes are leagues better than most shoes available before then. So, while you may have to forgo a brand’s latest midsole foam, doesn’t mean you’ll be running on bricks if you opt to pay less.
There’s also your own personal running style and biomechanics to take into account, which can both determine if a shoe is effective for you. So, keep in mind that just because a shoe costs more, doesn’t mean it’s going to be right for you.
The best cheap running shoes for 2024?
Expensive running shoes are generally made to withstand more miles thanks to better materials. Again, this doesn’t mean less expensive shoes are inherently bad. It just means you may need to replace them sooner than you would a more expensive running shoe.
An important question to ask yourself is how often you’ll be wearing your running shoes. If they're just for a weekly parkrun, or a couple of 5K to 10K runs, you probably don’t need to fork out for something as durable or as cushioned. On the other hand, if you’ve signed up for your first marathon, or are looking to hit some faster paces, chances are you’re going to be running more than three times a week, so you’ll want a pair of shoes with some extra support and cushioning to keep you comfortable over longer distances.
These days, most daily trainers (the type of running shoe you’d wear for the bulk of your miles) sit in the region of £120-£180. Anything with a carbon plate tends to cost £200+ (these shoes tend to be reserved for speed work and race day only, though, so shouldn't be the only shoe you wear).
However, that's not to say you can't find a decent pair of running shoes for under £100. The midsole foam will still provide more cushioning than an everyday fashion trainer, the energy return you get from that foam will just be lower.
And finally, don't skip over past models. We’re always excited to try, test, and recommend the latest and greatest running technology. But the shoes we ran in and loved last year are still excellent. In fact, sometimes, the year-to-year changes on shoes are effectively unnoticeable. If you see a running shoe you love and can’t find it on sale, check to see if last year’s model is still available online — it’s often the easiest way to stick with a shoe you trust at a lower cost.
Best for forefoot strikers
at Adidas UK RW have run thousands of miles in hundreds of running shoes, spanning every brand and every type you can think of. We try to get our feet into every running shoe out there, thoroughly road-testing in all kinds of conditions, poring over the specs and analysing how they translate to real-world experience. For this guide in particular, we took stock of all the running shoes currently under £100 (or just over) from top brands including New Balance, Nike and Adidas. We then evaluated each shoe for comfort, ride quality, fit, and price-to-performance ratio.
The best running shoes from Decathlon
Pros
- Plush cushioning
- Comfortable upper
Cons
- Runs small
| Weight | 268g (M), 218g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 29mm (heel), 21mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Type | Neutral |
At just a pinch over £100, no shoe offered softer cushioning and a comfortable fit better than the Fresh Foam 680 v8. Crafted with the same midsole foam as New Balance’s most popular (and more expensive) models, it delivers a smooth, cushioned ride at a price that’s hard to pass up. Instead of the most basic, low-cost foam, New Balance incorporates Fresh Foam, an EVA that lends a soft, responsive underfoot feeling ideal for gobbling up mile after mile. That stands in contrast to how, often, budget-priced shoes feel rather firm and unforgiving.
The precision-engineered upper features a single mesh layer that’s highly breathable and comfortable against the foot. A supportive heel cup with a nicely padded heel counter provided excellent rearfoot lockdown while somewhat stretchy mesh wrapped and held our midfoot securely in the shoe’s saddle. The only downside is that the shoe runs slightly small, so we recommended sizing it up by half a size.
Aside from the sizing concern, every aspect of the Fresh Foam 680 v8 justifies a higher price. We’ve tested just about every running shoe on the market, and this one stands out for its impressive cushioning, comfort, and performance. Whether you’re a casual runner or training for longer distances, the 680 v8 offers exceptional value that is hard to beat.
Pros
- Well-padded and comfortable upper
- Outstanding performance for the price
- mm heel, 31mm forefoot
Cons
- Tight toebox
- Grip could be better
| Weight | 287g (M), 265g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 32mm (heel), 22mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 10mm |
| Type | Neutral |
There’s a famous saying about budget items that goes, 'You get what you pay for'. However, the Nike Downshifter 13 defies this, proving that you can find quality and performance if you’re looking to stretch your purse strings. Built on the same mould as Nike’s most popular everyday trainer, the Pegasus, this shoe offers one of the best performance-to-price ratios we’ve seen.
In its 13th iteration, the Downshifter is upgraded with a new, softer mesh upper, making it even more comfortable than before. The fit is exceptional, with plush padding throughout the upper that keeps your foot cozy and eliminates any pressure points. For improved midfoot lockdown, Nike incorporates a flexible band into the mesh upper, resulting in a secure and comfortable fit typically found in shoes nearly twice as expensive.
While it doesn’t feature Nike’s signature foam, the EVA midsole in the Downshifter 13 offers a balanced running experience — not too firm to feel harsh, yet not so soft that it feels mushy. This gives the Downshifter 13 great run versatility. Whether it be long, easy runs or uptempo speed work, this shoe can handle it.
Pros
- Soft cushioning
- Excellent grip
- Firm underfoot feel
Cons
- this doesnt mean less expensive shoes are inherently bad
| Weight | 295g (M) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 39mm (heel), 33mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Type | Neutral/road |
The KS900 2 offers impressively soft cushioning and excellent comfort at a very competitive price.
Although the midsole is super soft and stacked, there’s a harder rubber outsole glued onto impact areas across the forefoot and heel, which should ensure that all that softness isn’t at the expense of durability. Our testers also praised the excellent grip, including in the wet.
The mesh upper feels stretchy and comfortable, moulding itself well to the shape of your foot. However, it is a little narrow in the toe box, so might be one for wide footed runners to avoid.
As it becomes increasingly challenging to find new running shoes costing £100 or less, this model is worthy of serious consideration for those looking for a capable everyday running shoe that will eat up the miles with ease and comfort.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Versatile
Cons
- Quite firm
| Weight | 255.1g (M), 226.8g (W) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 12mm |
| Type | Road/neutral |
The Brooks Trace 3 feels great on your foot, offering plenty of lightweight breathability. It’s reasonably versatile, well-suited for cross-training or short runs, though the limited energy return and cushioning don’t make it the best choice for longer distances. For the price, though, the shoe is a good pick for beginners, cross-trainers, or short-distance runners shopping on a budget.
Under Armour Infinite
Pros
- Plush cushioning
- Healthy store cupboard essentials for runners
Cons
- Healthy store cupboard essentials for runners
| Drop | 8mm |
|---|---|
| Type | Neutral |
Long runs are brutal on the legs. The right pair of well-cushioned, comfortable shoes can help reduce fatigue, provide necessary support, and allow you to focus on your pace and form. The Under Armour Infinite sports Under Armour’s flagship foam underfoot. This proprietary olefin-based compound is encased in an 'Energy Web' that contains the soft foam, optimising responsiveness and stability. The outcome is a soft, responsive underfoot feeling.
The highlight of the shoe, however, is no doubt the knit upper. Built with the quality of shoes nearly twice as expensive, it’s lightweight and breathable, allowing for excellent airflow and keeping your feet cool and comfortable, even during longer runs. The padding around the collar and tongue provides a cozy fit that minimises pressure points.
Pros
- Versatile
- Great lockdown
- Lightweight
Cons
- The best cheap running shoes for £100 or less
- You don't want a firm shoe
| Weight | 228g (M), 193g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 36mm (heel), 31mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 5mm |
| Type | Neutral |
mm heel, 33mm forefoot over £100, but they still warrant a spot in our round-up. Why? Well, first off the shoe contains a big hit of midsole cushioning that delivers a soft-yet-stable landing in an incredibly lightweight package. In fact, the midsole has gained an extra 3mm of stack from the v3 for extra cushioning and resiliency.
We've found the Rincon performs equally well on shorter, faster runs and longer, slower efforts too thanks to the rocker profile, which aids midfoot-to-toe transitions, smoothing your foot strike and adding pop to take-off.
Up top, there's a new, three-colour engineered double jacquard, which is extremely good quality for the price.
Adidas Duramo Speed Shoes
Pros
- or a couple of
- Best for long runs
Cons
- Premium, comfortable upper
| Weight | 265g (UK 8.5) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 29mm (heel), 23mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 6mm |
While technically classified as a neutral running shoe made for pushing the pace, the Duramo Speed is surprisingly stable, enough to make it our top choice for runners seeking a reliable, budget-friendly stability shoe.
Rather than opting for a basic, cheap midsole foam, Adidas packed a version of its premium cushioning material underfoot. An EVA-based foam, Lightstrike runs on the firmer end of the spectrum, which helps support and keep your feet stable throughout the gait.
If you’re aiming to stay under the £100 mark, the Adidas Duramo Speed is a fantastic choice. It’s comfortable, well-crafted, and delivers a level of performance that makes it ideal for runners seeking a stable and reliable shoe.
