You may love to run in your cute trainers, but they are not designed for running.

But why not? It’s just shoes, and they look like any other sneaker. Well, did you know you impact double the force of your weight each time you hit the ground when running? That’s why it’s important to get the best pair for your feet.

Unfortunately, they can cost more than you are willing to dish out. But we have researched the Best Cheap Running Shoes for seasoned athletes and beginners too.

Here you will find sneakers for men, women, trail running, stability sneakers, and more.

Features to Consider in Cheap Running Shoes

The Right Arch Support

The shape of your foot comes with knowing your type of arch. Say you have a flat, high, or normal arch, you should aim for the shoe to fit to your exact arch type.

If you have a low arch, you are more susceptible to over pronation where the ankle rolls inward and too far downward. Here, you are looking at stability running shoes to prevent shin splints and a painful knee.

For those with high arches, you will experience supination where the ankle rolls outwards, and all the support is done by the outside of the foot including the toe while excluding the big toe in supporting your foot. You will want running shoes that are well-cushioned and stabilizing.

Enough Toe Width and Length Area

Because of the extra stress to the feet, you may find your feet swelling. As such, it is crucial to have enough toe length that you can stretch your toes forward and enough width so that you don’t squish your feet and end up with blisters.

One-Piece Upper

Uppers with seams cause chaffing. Aim for a running shoe that is smooth and one that stretches in all the right places.

Comfortable Ankle Motion

Your ankle should be cradled and well-supported but not so much that it limits your motions. You can choose running shoes with a heel counter as it comes in handy to stabilize the heel during landing.

Enough Traction

You are looking at an outsole that matches your foot in terms of stability and comfort. But also one that has enough traction when it meets the road. It should not be so rigid that it limits your movement or be too thick that it adds unnecessary weight to the shoe.

Best Cheap Running Shoes 2024

1. ASICS Men’s Gel Venture 5 Trail Running Shoe

Design Features
Trail running is a fun sport to get into. It takes you away from pounding the pavements into enjoying nature. With ASICS Men’s Gel Venture 5, you can now stay focused on the trail rather than on the shoe in your feet.

Weighing at only 10.5 ounces, this sneaker is ready to go the mile. ASICS uses their Rearfoot Gel Cushioning technology to ensure you will never feel rocks with every step. It absorbs impact and offers incredible comfort to give you a smooth transition from the pavements to mid-distance running.

What’s more, it uses multi-directional lugs on the outsoles. It is a crucial feature for running on hills and descents due to the extra balance the lugs provide. Made of ASICS high-abrasion resistant rubber, it ticks the box of durability and keeps at it even if you hit the trail two to three times a week.

Apart from the rear cushioning system, Gel Venture 5 also gives you shock-absorbent EVA in the midsole. It provides more cushioning which also helps to stabilize the arch and protect you from injury.

When it comes to the uppers, you will find a neatly-stitched shoe that screams comfort. It also provides structural support by including stitched synthetic overlays.

Convenient Features
If you are worried about the breathability of this pair, ASICS has not forgotten to mesh up the uppers. Most areas of the upper are all mesh that draws in lots of air to keep your feet cool and well-ventilated. You can forget about harboring odors because of sweat.

And, the sockliner is easy to remove if you want to use medical orthotics.

Verdict
ASICS Gel Venture 5 is thoughtfully made for hitting the trails. You will love it more if the weather is hot and you are running on paths replete with rocks and roots. But don’t depend on it when crossing streams because it is not waterproof.

You can also get the ASICS Trail Running for Women. This one has a DuoMax Support System in the midsole.

2. Nike Men’s Air Max Torch 4 Running Shoe

Design Features
It can be hard to get the most comfortable running shoe if you have flat feet or need a pair to wear every other day. Nike Men’s Air Max Torch 4 may be just what you are looking for. It fits to size for most people, and you will find it also lasts long as well.

The upper of this sneaker is all about breathability and support. It provides a supportive feel since it also includes a touch of leather in some places. It is for the hot and dry weather since it is also not waterproof. On the bright side, it keeps out odors if you plan on wearing it every day.

The Air sole unit provides ample ankle protection that is why it is recommended for those with a low arch. It does not limit your motions, but it keeps the ankle from rolling inward. Every landing you make is met with enough cushioning to prevent injury.

Not to mention the Phylon forefront cushioning that protects your toes from inhibiting the rest of the foot from flexing. If you are training for more speed, its flexibility plays the part since it does not hold you back.

Another impressive quality is the full-length carbon rubber outsole. Think of durability and you are looking at the Max Air Torch 4. It uses a groove pattern that is not easy to wear off if you run on gravel and rough terrain. It also keeps your stable when running on pavements and smooth tracks.

Convenient Features
This shoe uses Nike’s Max Air cushioning which is a hollow space with increased air pressure at the heel. It gives you a springy and bouncy feeling which helps you run faster as you save on energy at the same time.

You will also notice that the front of the shoe is arched upwards. It is a means of saving on energy since you can transition the weight from the forefront to the heel much more easily.

Verdict
Nike Men’s Air Max Torch 4 boasts a comfortable construction that is a must-have in running shoes. It lives up to its cushioning plus its energy efficiency makes it more admirable for speed.

3. Saucony Men’s Cohesion 10 Running Shoe for Knee Pain

Design Features
Over the years, Saucony has studied top athletes and their needs. With the Saucony Men’s Cohesion 10, it is apparent that it is built for comfort, stability, and support. From the upper, it uses synthetic overlays and mesh to make it breathable while meeting your price needs. Everything is well-stitched to ensure nothing can cause chafing. It also includes a plush tongue that helps to minimize rubbing.

You have injection-molded EVA in the midsole for cushioning. It includes a heel-grid system that helps to stabilize the foot. Note that it is built for the neutral runner, so no additional stabilization has been made for the arch.

Since it has a thick midsole, you will find it ultra-comfortable for short and long distances. It also makes it easy to train harder in high-impact exercises that put immense stress to the knees. The collar is thick and comfy. It keeps the ankle stabilized and plays a significant role in keeping impact away from the knees.

Convenient Features
Instead of the regular rubber, Saucony has invested in IBR+ rubber. It is 33% lighter than standard blown rubber. This rubber is used on the midfoot and toe areas, the rest it uses carbon rubber XT900 that is more durable in the high-wear areas.

This is a distinct shoe. It has a tri-flex system on the outsole to improve grip and flexibility. You can’t go wrong with it as it ensures you will never land on your butt even if you encounter wet pavements.

Verdict
Saucony Men’s Cohesion 10 excels in providing the ultimate comfort for painful knees. It is lightweight with the outsole taking a large portion of the weight. As such, it remains breathable and supportive without dealing with drag. It feels comfortable and is sure to maintain its overall look for a decent time.

4. PUMA Men’s Tazon 6 FM Road Running Shoe

Design Features
Whether you like running on the treadmill or taking on the road, PUMA Tazon 6 FM got your back. These sneakers are not only cool, but they are also comfortable. They take on impact by providing an EVA midsole. It offers cushioning from the toe the heel enabling you to get a responsive and springy feel. This contributes to the less energy you need to run longer.

The outsole is all rubber with a TPU shank at the center, and EVA on the heel. This combination of elements not only creates excellent traction, but it also offers durability.

You can expect to run in these shoes for months without any signs of wear.

We like that the upper also showcases durability since it uses synthetic leather and mesh. The leather contributes to the support while the mesh is a good sign that it will remain breathable.

But it is not the most flexible because it uses the PUMA T-Toe which provides enough stability if you are looking for additional support.

Convenient Features
PUMA Tazon 6 FM includes an antibacterial and breathable ECO Ortholite insole. It keeps your feet comfy, unlike traditional insoles. This is because it contours to the shape of your feet and provides familiar comfort every time you step into the kicks. It also offers a remarkable level of breathability which contributes to cooler feet.

Verdict
PUMA Tazon 6 FM is a good-quality running shoe for everyday use. From the heel to the toes, it offers complete cushioning to absorb impact. Its modern design also adds to its appeal since you can even wear it to other workouts.

5. Adidas Men’s Cloudfoam Ultimate Running Shoe

Design Features
Adidas has long been in the fight for the best running shoes. If you are on the cheap, you will be glad to adorn this pair inspired by runners. It’s not so much about stability so if you have a high arch or flat feet; you will want to look elsewhere. Otherwise, you are looking at a pair that fits like a glove.

With cloudfoam cushioning in the midsole, this sneaker is comfortable for everyday use. You will love that it provides a sock-like feel which gives it the lightweight comfort every runner desires. The last thing you want is feeling the weight on your feet that’s why Adidas is designed to be ultralight.

The outsole also plays the part for being made of rubber and also having deep grooves that protect you from sliding on pavements. You can even take your training on grass and tracks without the slightest hint of losing your footing.

Convenient Features
The knit upper speaks volumes about the breathability of the Adidas Cloudfoam Ultimate Running Shoe. If you don’t like wearing thick socks to manage sweaty feet, then this pair might do it for you. Lots of air is let into the shoe which makes it less susceptible to holding sweat which minimizes sliding as you run. It also helps to manage odors since it’s going to be your favorite pair.

Verdict
This is a versatile pair of shoe. It can train in the gym, pavements, and grass. It won’t handle rough terrain so don’t be tempted. And for the full range of ankle motion, nothing can keep you from practicing on improving on speed. But it is also not built for long distances.

6. Brooks Women Addiction 12

Design Features
For most people with heel pain, it can keep you from exercising and more so running for longer than you would like. But don’t allow it to keep you from staying fit since you can get going in the Brooks Women Addiction 12.

It is not the most lightweight pick so you will want to stick to short bursts of exercises rather than long distance running. However, it well-rounded, thanks to its BioMoGo EVA cushioning. It is lined all the way from the heel to the toe area to provide impact support and energy return. It reduces muscle fatigue which is essential in managing plantar fasciitis during high-impact activities like running.

What’s more, Brooks Women Addiction 12 has a progressive diagonal rollbar. The rollbar prevents twisting with every step since it has EVA cushioning along specific areas. With the crash pad, the heel remains protected throughout your strides.

The toe box is not all mesh as it also has synthetic materials to give it structure. This way, you don’t risk injuring your toes if you hit on something. Its sizing also ensures that you get ample toe wiggling area and enough width to prevent blisters.

Convenient Features
The outsole on this shoe is for road running. You can comfortably take 20-minute jogs on hard surfaces when considering its additional weight. But it is a durable pair as it utilizes Brook’s HPR Plus rubber outsole. This type of rubber outsole provides optimal traction and long-lasting efficiency for everyday runners.

Verdict
This shoe presents a pair that is more breathable with moisture-wicking elements. From its synthetic overlays, you can tell it has a solid structure. Plus, it provides ankle, heel, and midsole support so you can run and not contend with a painful aftermath.

7. Nike Women’s Free RN 2017 Running Shoe

Design Features
The Nike Women’s Free RN 2017 is a joy to run in. It brings out the barefoot running experience that Nike seeks to achieve in this pair. It explores complete flexibility which allows the foot to flex naturally according to the ground topography.

This shoe wraps around the foot so comfortably that you have a full range of motion. You wouldn’t want to be caught in these if you require the assistance of a heel cup to stabilize your ankle. But if you are up for flexibility have at it.

It has the upper with 90% mesh and very few synthetic overlays. As such, it runs cool, and you will like it if you find yourself running past midday. The good thing is that it has a padded tongue and color to provide smooth and comfortable flexes without rolling the ankle. You will also find that it does not cause any chaffing because of its flexibility.

Convenient Features
The cushioning is all fabric and foam from the heel to the midsole. That is why it is super easy to slip on because of lack of a plastic semi-rigid cup at the heel. The Free RN sole is soft, and it lacks solid treads. It is designed to feel like running on grass, but this is only if you are running on smooth pavements.

You will want to keep off asphalt and hard surfaces as well as soft forest floor since the treads cannot hold up on wet floors.

Verdict
If you are looking for the barefoot feeling in a cheap running shoe, Nike Women’s Free RN 2017 is the way to go. It provides more cushioning than you would expect in shoes in its class. It also does better on most smooth surfaces providing the traction you need.

8. New Balance Men’s Vazee Pace V2 Long Distance Running Shoe

Design Features
New Balance Men’s Vazee Pace V2 is a low-lying lightweight shoe for long-distance running. It also doubles as a daily trainer when practicing for competitions. It explores firm cushioning which is surprisingly good since it does not limit the flexibility of the kicks.

This sneaker comes with a medium-high arch unlike its predecessor the V1 which had a high arch. The shoe uses New Balance’s exclusive REVlite foam for the midsole. It responds to the weight to ensure you get just the right amount of cushioning. Whether you are jogging or sprinting it provides impact protection from the heel to the toes.

The toe box is significantly wide in a good way. It allows you to stretch your toes so you won’t feel as if your feet are being squished halfway through a marathon.

The outsole of the V2 is springy thanks to the use of soft rubber along the flex areas. It provides a bounce-like feeling which helps to use energy more efficiently. The high-wear areas have a construction from carbon rubber. As much as it remains flexible, it also ensures it can maintain its performance for a long time. It also gives to provide traction on wet surfaces owing to the flexible areas of the sole.

Convenient Features
Feeling hot and wet can impact the way you run. V2 like many other running shoes is keen to use a knit construction on the upper. This type of design improves breathability and helps to wick away sweat to keep your feet dry. The layers at the forefoot are also ultrathin which also increases ventilation to the inside.

When it comes to running in low light, the Vazee Pace V2 includes reflective detail such that others can see you in the dark. This includes the N logo and the heel areas.

Verdict
Look no further for a cheap long-distance running shoe. New Balance Vazee Pace V2 is all you need as it meets our expectations on support, stability, comfort, and breathability. It is a no-sew design on the upper so no chaffing. For its price, it is surprising to have its durable build quality.

9. New Balance Fresh Foam Zante V2 Lightweight Running Shoes

Design Features
Have you ever found yourself running on muddy trails? Then you can attest to the feeling of added weight when your shoes get all muddy and wet. New Balance is at it again to give you their best with the Fresh Foam Zante V2. It is light for speed ensuring you won’t be blaming the shoe on your feet for clinging the last spot.

This shoe is shock absorbent while providing a bouncy feel so that you can use less energy. The fresh foam midsole is lightweight and highly responsive. It comes in handy to eliminate drag and give you an overall comfortable stride. The midfoot saddle has been extended such that the arch has a better fit and more support.

Although this sneaker has a low profile and you would even expect to feel the ground, this is not the case since it has X10 carbon rubber and deep multi-directional lugs that maintain good contact with the ground. It provides long-lasting wear that you can depend on for short and middle distance running.

Convenient Features
We like that the Zante V2 comes with a plush innersole. It offers incredible comfort for all-day wear. It also includes heel padding and a no-sew upper to prevent any irritation. The mesh and synthetic uppers are welded and knit together to improve breathability. And it all comes together in a booty construction design that helps it fit like a glove.

Verdict
Every feature on this shoe showcases simplicity in a design that works for most athletes. Without the need to go all out using advanced technology, it manages to meet the needs of most runners when it comes to the weight.

10. Mizuno Men’s Wave Inspire 14 Running Shoe for Flat Feet

Design Features
The Mizuno Men’s Wave Inspire 14 provides superior stability throughout your stride. Known for their lightweight running shoes, Mizuno has created a shoe with a drop of 12mm. It may be a bit high if you land on your midfoot but we feel it still very supportive.

Perhaps the best aspect of this sneaker is the midsole. It uses Mizuno U4ic foam for cushioning and an additional softer layer of U4icX heel foam. This feature allows it to be responsive while providing ample arch support. This means you will get a soft ride because of the underfoot support.

The outsole is rigid around the heel to provide incredible landing and transfer of energy to the toe area. Not to mention it uses multi-directional lugs and a thermo-plastic wave in the middle. We also like that it comes with an anatomical sock liner combined with the wave plate design that helps to dissipate impact.

Convenient Features
Mizuno includes a redesigned arch wrap to reduce pronation. It significantly reduces stress to the arch and the heel which contributes to a more responsive run that is comfortable even over long distances. You will also find that it corrects your stance which prevents knee pain.

Verdict
Mizuno Men’s Wave Inspire 14 provides solid stability with a soft step-in feel. It combines a series of technologies from the heel wrap to the layered midsole to ensure it meets the needs of every runner with flat feet or if you suffer knee pain and still want to participate in runs.