Best Running Shoes Under $100 in 2026: 8 Budget Picks
Best Running Shoes Under $100 in 2026
You do not need to spend $160 to start running. The hard part is finding a cheap running shoe that is actually made for running, not just a casual sneaker with sporty colours.
For this guide, I split the picks into two groups: true budget shoes that often retail around or below $100, and premium sale shoes that become good buys when the old version drops in price. That matters because the best running shoe under $100 today may be a simple ASICS or Nike model, while the best value next week may be a Brooks Ghost or HOKA Clifton on clearance.
Quick Answer
The ASICS Gel Excite 11 is the best place to start if you want a real running shoe that is usually priced under $100. The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 is the best budget pick for wide feet, treadmill runs, and easy road miles. The Nike Revolution 8 is the cheapest sensible Nike road shoe. If you can find them on sale, the Brooks Ghost 16 and HOKA Clifton 9 give you more of a premium trainer feel without paying full price.
Prices change by size, colour, retailer, and country. A shoe that is under $100 in the United States may be over $100 in Canada, so treat this guide as a target list and check the final price before you buy.
Brooks Ghost 16: Best Premium Running Shoe Under $100 When on Sale
The Brooks Ghost 16 is still my favourite sale hunt. It is not always under $100, so I would not call it the best true budget shoe. But when the price drops, it gives you a safer daily trainer feel than many lower end shoes.
Jump to:
Top Picks Best by Runner Type What to Look For Comparison Table Shoe Finder Budget Tips FAQ Final PickNot sure whether you need neutral, stability, wide, or extra cushioned shoes? Start with the Running Shoe Finder. It is a better first step than buying whatever shoe happens to be cheapest today.
Jump to Your Pick
- Best true under $100 running shoe: ASICS Gel Excite 11 or Gel Contend 9
- Best cheap adidas running shoe: adidas Duramo SL 2
- Best cheap Nike running shoe: Nike Revolution 8
- Best for treadmill and road: Nike Downshifter 13
- Best for wide feet: New Balance Fresh Foam 680
- Best premium clearance pick: Brooks Ghost 16
- Best lightweight sale pick: Saucony Kinvara 15
- Best max cushion sale hunt: HOKA Clifton 9
The Best Running Shoes Under $100
#1: ASICS Gel Excite 11 or Gel Contend 9, Best True Budget Running Shoe
The ASICS Gel Excite 11 is the first shoe I would check if you want a true under $100 running shoe instead of waiting for a clearance deal. It has a simple neutral ride, an 8mm drop, and enough cushioning for short easy runs, walking, gym use, and beginner plans.
The ASICS Gel Contend 9 is another sensible ASICS budget option. It is usually a little more basic than a premium daily trainer, but it still gives you a real running shoe platform from a major brand. If both are close in price, I would start with the Gel Excite 11 for a softer, more current budget feel.
This is not the shoe I would pick for high mileage marathon training. It is best for newer runners, casual runners, treadmill runs, and people who want a dependable pair without chasing every premium shoe update.
What Works
- Usually easier to find near the under $100 range
- Good starting point for new neutral runners
- 8mm drop feels familiar for many beginners
- Works for short road runs, treadmill runs, walking, and gym days
Watch Out For
- Not as soft or lively as premium ASICS shoes
- May feel narrow for some feet
- Not a stability shoe for strong overpronation
- Not my first pick for long marathon runs
#2: adidas Duramo SL 2, Best Cheap adidas Running Shoe
The adidas Duramo SL 2 is a good pick if you want a true budget shoe instead of a premium shoe on clearance. It has a simple full length LIGHTMOTION midsole, a breathable mesh upper, and an Adiwear outsole for daily road use.
This is the kind of shoe that makes sense for new runners who are doing short easy runs, treadmill runs, walking, or gym work. It is not trying to feel like a super shoe, and that is fine. The value is in the low price and simple ride.
I would compare this directly with the ASICS Gel Excite 11 and Nike Revolution 8. Pick the adidas if it fits your foot better or if it is the best deal in your size.
What Works
- Good true budget price point
- Simple enough for beginners
- Often easy to find in many colours and sizes
- Useful for road, treadmill, walking, and gym days
Watch Out For
- Not as soft or bouncy as premium adidas trainers
- May not be enough for high mileage training
- Fit should be checked carefully before long runs
- Some colours may be cheaper than others
#3: Nike Revolution 8, Best Cheap Nike Running Shoe
The Nike Revolution 8 is the cheap Nike running shoe I would start with for short easy runs and general fitness. It has a foam midsole, a flexible forefoot, and a road running design that makes more sense than buying a random fashion sneaker for running.
Keep expectations fair. This is a budget shoe for beginner mileage, not a long run workhorse. If you are running three short sessions per week or mixing jogging with walking, it can be a sensible first pair. If you are building toward a half marathon, I would compare it with the New Balance 680 or a discounted Brooks Ghost.
What Works
- Often one of the cheapest safe Nike options
- Good for short runs, walking, and gym use
- Flexible forefoot feels easy for casual running
- Simple design for beginners
Watch Out For
- Not built like a premium daily trainer
- Not my first pick for long runs
- May feel basic if you are used to Pegasus, Ghost, or Clifton
- Check width and return policy before buying
#4: Nike Downshifter 13, Best for Treadmill and Road Under $100
The Nike Downshifter 13 is another good budget Nike option, especially if you want one shoe for treadmill runs, road runs, and walking. It feels more like a simple road trainer than a soft lifestyle shoe.
I like it most for runners who want a familiar Nike fit and do not need a lot of cushion. It is not a racing shoe, and it is not the best pick for high mileage training, but it can work well for 3 to 6 mile runs, treadmill sessions, and beginner plans.
If your feet are wide, look for a wide version or compare it with the New Balance 680. Do not buy the narrow version just because it is cheaper.
What Works
- Good road and treadmill budget option
- Usually easy to find on sale
- Rubber outsole gives useful grip for daily use
- Good choice for Nike fans who do not want to spend Pegasus money
Watch Out For
- Can feel narrow for some feet
- Not a plush long run shoe
- Not a stability shoe
- Some colour and width options sell out quickly
#5: New Balance Fresh Foam 680, Best Under $100 for Wide Feet
The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 is the shoe I would check first if budget matters but fit matters even more. New Balance is usually stronger than many brands for widths, and that makes a real difference for runners whose feet spread during longer runs.
The ride is balanced rather than plush. It gives you enough foam for easy daily miles without feeling tall or unstable. I like it most for beginners, walkers who mix in running, and runners who want one shoe for treadmill and road use.
The 680 v9 is the newer direction for this line, while the 680 v8 may still be the better deal if you find it on sale. If the prices are close, compare fit and return policy first. Do not pay extra for an older model if the newer one is close in price.
What Works
- Good starting point for wide feet
- Stable, simple daily trainer feel
- Works well for walking and easy running
- Useful for treadmill and road running
Watch Out For
- Not very fast or bouncy
- May not feel soft enough for high mileage runners
- Discounts vary by size and width
- Not a stability shoe for strong overpronation
#6: Brooks Ghost 16, Best Premium Clearance Pick Under $100
The Brooks Ghost 16 is the safest premium sale pick in this guide because it does a lot of things well without asking much from the runner. The heel is cushioned, the upper feels secure, and the 12mm drop works well for runners who land on their heel or are coming from older traditional trainers.
I would not call it exciting. That is not a problem here. For a new runner, a budget conscious runner, or someone who wants one shoe for easy miles and walking, boring can be good. You want the shoe to disappear on your foot, not make every run feel like a test.
The main warning is that the Ghost 16 is neutral. If your foot rolls inward a lot, compare it with the overpronation shoe guide before buying. If you need more protection because you are a bigger runner or your legs feel beat up after long runs, the heavy runner shoe guide is the better next click.
What Works
- Easy fit for many neutral runners
- Good choice for heel strikers
- Works for running, walking, and gym days
- Often easier to find on sale once newer versions arrive
Watch Out For
- Not always under $100
- Not a stability shoe
- Not the lightest option
- Runners who dislike high drop shoes may prefer the Kinvara
#7: Saucony Kinvara 15, Best Lightweight Sale Pick
The Saucony Kinvara 15 is the lightweight option in this guide. It feels more natural and flexible than most traditional trainers, which makes it fun for short runs, strides, gym days, and runners who do not want a bulky shoe.
The low 4mm drop is the big thing to respect. If you have been running in a 10mm or 12mm shoe, do not jump into the Kinvara for every run right away. Start with short easy runs and give your calves time to adapt.
Older Kinvara 14 stock can still be worth buying if the price is much lower and the fit works for you. The newer Kinvara 15 is the cleaner recommendation when sale pricing is close, but the same caution applies: transition slowly.
What Works
- Light and simple underfoot
- Good for short faster efforts
- Can be a nice second shoe in a rotation
- Often shows up at strong sale prices
Watch Out For
- 4mm drop needs a transition period
- Not the best long run cushion for most beginners
- Less outsole coverage than heavier daily trainers
- Not ideal if you want maximum support
#8: HOKA Clifton 9, Best Max Cushion Shoe Under $100 if You Find It on Sale
The HOKA Clifton is not usually a true cheap shoe at full price. It belongs in this guide because previous versions can drop sharply when retailers clear stock. The Clifton 9 is the older sale target. The Clifton 10 is the newer version, but it usually costs too much to be the first budget recommendation unless you find a rare discount.
This is the pick for runners who want more cushioning than a basic budget shoe but still want to stay careful with money. It works best for easy runs, recovery days, walking, and runners who like a rocker feel underfoot.
The Clifton 10 also changed the feel for some runners because HOKA lists it with a higher 8mm drop. If you liked the lower drop Clifton 9, do not assume the Clifton 10 will feel exactly the same.
What Works
- Soft, protective feel for easy runs
- Good walking and recovery day shoe
- Often more cushioned than true budget trainers
- Worth watching when older versions go on sale
Watch Out For
- Often not under $100 at full price
- Clifton 10 has a higher listed drop than Clifton 9
- Fit can feel narrow through the midfoot for some runners
- Do not overpay for old stock if the newest version is close in price
Best Running Shoes Under $100 by Runner Type
If you are trying to choose quickly, start with your foot and training goal. The cheapest shoe is not the best deal if it does not match how you run.
What Actually Matters in a Budget Running Shoe
Before you buy, check these basics. They matter more than the discount tag.
Fit Comes Before the Discount
The worst cheap shoe is the one that almost fits. If the toe box is tight, the heel slips, or the arch feels wrong in the first five minutes, do not buy it just because it is on sale. A properly fitted $80 shoe beats a $160 shoe that rubs your heel or cramps your toes.
True Budget Shoe vs Clearance Premium Shoe
A true budget shoe is built to hit a lower price from the start. Examples include the ASICS Gel Excite, Nike Revolution, Nike Downshifter, adidas Duramo, and New Balance 680. A clearance premium shoe started higher, then dropped when a newer version arrived. Examples include the Brooks Ghost 16, HOKA Clifton 9, or older Saucony Ride models.
The Midsole Should Be Built for Running
The midsole is the foam between your foot and the road. Premium foams are usually lighter and more responsive. Budget foams are often a bit firmer and heavier, but they can still work well for easy miles, walking, treadmill runs, and beginner plans.
Heel Drop Matters More Than Beginners Think
Drop is the height difference between the heel and forefoot. A 10mm to 12mm drop often feels familiar for heel strikers. A 4mm shoe like the Kinvara can feel nice and light, but it asks more from your calves and Achilles. Change gradually if you are moving from a high drop shoe to a low drop shoe.
Plan for 300 to 400 Miles
Many budget shoes are best treated as 300 to 400 mile shoes. Some will last longer, but the foam often feels flat before the outsole looks destroyed. Track your mileage using the shoe mileage tracker or your training app so you replace shoes before normal runs start feeling worse.
Quick Comparison Table
Prices move around a lot in this category, so treat the price column as a shopping note, not a promise. Check your size, width, colour, return policy, and shipping before you buy.
| Shoe | Best For | Type | Drop | Budget Angle | Who Should Avoid It |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASICS Gel Excite 11 | Beginners, short easy runs, treadmill runs | Neutral road | 8mm | True budget shoe | High mileage runners wanting a premium soft ride |
| adidas Duramo SL 2 | New runners, gym days, basic road use | Neutral road | Varies by model | True budget shoe | Runners wanting premium bounce or long run cushion |
| Nike Revolution 8 | Lowest sensible Nike pick, walking plus jogging | Neutral road | 10mm on women’s model | True budget shoe | Long run or high mileage runners |
| Nike Downshifter 13 | Treadmill and road, short daily runs | Neutral road | Check current model | True budget shoe | Wide feet unless you find the wide version |
| New Balance Fresh Foam 680 | Wide feet, treadmill runs, road miles | Neutral road | 8mm on v8 | True budget shoe or sale target | Runners wanting a fast or very plush ride |
| Brooks Ghost 16 | Most neutral runners wanting one safe daily trainer | Neutral road | 12mm | Best when found on clearance | Strong overpronators or runners who dislike high drop shoes |
| Saucony Kinvara 15 | Lightweight feel, short faster runs, gym days | Neutral lightweight | 4mm | Best when found on sale | Runners new to low drop shoes or needing max cushion |
| HOKA Clifton 9 | Cushioned easy runs and recovery days | Neutral cushioned | 5mm | Only a budget pick when discounted | Runners who need a true under $100 shoe today |
Not Sure Which Cheap Running Shoe Fits Your Foot?
Budget shopping is easier when you know what kind of shoe you need. The Running Shoe Finder asks about your foot type, training goal, surface, support needs, and budget, then points you toward shoes that actually match your running.
Take the Free Shoe FinderHow to Get the Most Out of a Cheap Running Shoe
Use It for the Right Runs
Cheap running shoes are usually best for easy runs, recovery runs, walks, gym sessions, and beginner plans. For very long marathon runs, a more cushioned shoe may feel better. A simple setup is one cheap daily trainer plus one more protective shoe for long runs.
Do Not Ignore Socks
A budget shoe can feel much better with proper running socks. Cotton socks hold moisture and can cause blisters. Good socks are cheaper than another pair of shoes, so read the best running socks guide if hot spots are your main problem.
Track Mileage From Day One
Do not wait until the outsole looks destroyed. The midsole often dies first. Use the shoe mileage tracker or your training log and pay attention to new aches after normal runs.
Match the Shoe to Your Training Plan
A shoe that works for three easy runs per week may not be enough for a marathon build. If you are adding distance, pair your shoe choice with a smart plan. The training plans section can help you match your mileage to your current fitness.
FAQ
What are the best running shoes under $100 in 2026?
Start with the ASICS Gel Excite 11, adidas Duramo SL 2, Nike Revolution 8, Nike Downshifter 13, and New Balance Fresh Foam 680 if you want a true budget shoe. If you are willing to hunt for deals, also check the Brooks Ghost 16, HOKA Clifton 9, Saucony Kinvara 15, and older premium trainers on clearance.
Can you actually get a good running shoe for under $100?
Yes. The safest way is usually to buy a simple budget trainer from a real running brand or a previous generation premium shoe on sale. Avoid no name shoes that make big comfort claims but do not clearly explain the midsole, fit, or intended use.
What is the best cheap running shoe for wide feet?
The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 is my first starting point because it is often sold in wide and extra wide sizes. Brooks Ghost models are also worth checking on sale. Do not buy a narrow shoe just because it is discounted. If width is your main issue, compare this guide with the bunions and wide forefoot guide.
What is the best running shoe under $100 for treadmill and road running?
Start with the New Balance Fresh Foam 680, ASICS Gel Excite 11, or Nike Downshifter 13. They are simple neutral road shoes that can work for treadmill runs, outdoor road runs, walking, and beginner training.
What is the best running shoe under $100 for 10K training?
For 10K training, I would start with the Brooks Ghost 16 if you can find it on clearance. If not, compare the New Balance 680 and ASICS Gel Excite 11. For most runners, fit and comfort matter more than choosing the lowest possible price.
Are there good pronation running shoes under $100?
Sometimes, but they are usually sale finds. If you overpronate, do not force yourself into a cheap neutral shoe. Look for older ASICS GT 1000, Brooks GTS, or other stability shoes on clearance, or read the overpronation shoe guide before buying.
Should I buy the newest version or last year’s model?
For budget shopping, last year’s model is often the smarter buy. Most yearly shoe updates are small. Buy the older model if it fits well, the discount is meaningful, and you can still return it if the fit is wrong.
Are Reddit running shoe recommendations useful for under $100 shoes?
Reddit can be useful for finding sale ideas, but fit advice is personal. A shoe that works for one runner may feel wrong on your foot. Use Reddit for deal hunting, then check width, drop, return policy, and whether the shoe matches your running.
Can I train for a marathon in cheap running shoes?
You can use them for many training miles, especially easy runs. For long runs over 90 minutes, many runners feel better in a more cushioned shoe. Budget for comfort if marathon training is your main goal.
How long do cheap running shoes last?
Many budget shoes last around 300 to 400 miles, but it depends on your weight, surface, gait, and how often you use them. Replace them when the cushioning feels flat or your legs feel more sore than usual after normal runs.
Final Pick
Choose the ASICS Gel Excite 11 if you want the safest true under $100 running shoe for beginners and easy miles. Choose the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 if you need wide sizing or one shoe for treadmill and road. Choose the Brooks Ghost 16 if you find it on clearance and want a more premium daily trainer feel.
Still unsure? Use the Running Shoe Finder first. A shoe that matches your foot and training is worth more than the biggest discount.
