RUNNING CAN BE an expensive hobby. Between high-tech watches, moisture-wicking everything and exorbitant race entry fees, your wallet takes a hit before you’ve even broken a sweat. But here’s the good news: great running shoes don’t have to cost a fortune.
Sure, top-tier models boast fancy carbon plates and high-powered foams, but the cheaper options also have plenty going for them. Plus, if your goal is to log miles without maxing out your credit card, there are plenty of budget-friendly shoes that deliver comfort, durability, and performance without the premium price tag.
We’ve tested some of the most affordable running shoes from all the big brands to find the best options for every budget. Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking for a new pair to add to your rotation or a beginner who just wants something comfortable to start with, we have you covered.
What are the best running shoes for under $250?
Adidas Supernova Rise 2
The Adidas Supernova Rise 2 is built for those looking to take their running to the next level. Designed for daily training and steady progress, it features Adidas’ lightweight Dreamstrike+ midsole – a super foam that cushions without feeling squishy, keeping your stride smooth from heel strike to toe-off thanks to built-in support rods. The engineered sandwich mesh upper is as breathable as it sounds, and the premium heel construction feels locked in without overkill.
Asics Novablast 5
For long-lasting comfort and support
Asics’ Gel-based shoes may garner most of the attention, but there aren’t many better daily trainers in the Asics catalogue than the Novablast 5. As they’re generally the cheapest shoes in brands’ ranges, there’s a tendency for daily trainers to lapse on aesthetics. Not the Novablast, which you’ll immediately notice has a visually striking design. The most obvious point of interest lies in the tall heel, which holds a huge amount of cushioning and boasts higher levels of energy return than most of the other entries on this list. Elsewhere, a tongue wing construction in the upper improves the fit for a stabilising, supportive feel.
Hoka Clifton 9
Calling the much-awarded Clifton 9 a great running shoe is hardly a revelatory statement, but we’ll add ourselves to the chorus of praise the shoe has received nonetheless. The latest addition to the celebrated Clifton line strips back excess weight and adds stack height to create an extremely light, smooth and bouncier running experience. Featuring an updated EVA midsole and a refined upper, these sneakers offer cloud-like comfort without compromising on responsiveness. The Meta-Rocker technology ensures a smooth transition from heel to toe, making the Clifton 9 a great choice for a supportive ride on any terrain.
The best running shoes for under $200
New Balance FuelCell Propel V5
The New Balance FuelCell Propel V5 is a versatile (and budget-friendly, at a sub-$200 price point) shoe that combines speed and comfort. It’s another shoe with a FuelCell midsole, delivering a responsive, springy underfoot feel ideal for tempo runs, intervals, or daily training. It’s a shoe that’s best described as energetic, and it can handle a range of paces without breaking the bank.
Nike Pegasus 41
Look, not many shoes get to 41 iterations, so the fact that the Pegasus has should be enough to show you that it’s a good shoe. But how much can really change after 41 attempts at creating the perfect running shoe? Well, quite a bit actually. The focus for the latest Pegasus was on responsiveness, with a new ReactX midsole, which provides 13 per cent more energy return than the Pegasus 40. Ultimately, the Pegasus 41 is stable, well-cushioned and durable. It can take quite a pounding without losing effectiveness, making it perfect as the daily trainer that you’ll rack up plenty of kilometres in.
Adidas Supernova Stride 2
If the Adidas Supernova Rise 2 is the plush, cushioned ride built for steady runs, the Supernova Stride 2 is its slightly leaner, more responsive sibling. Designed for runners who want comfort but with a bit more ground feel, the Stride 2 combines Adidas’ Dreamstrike+ superfoam with EVA in the midsole, offering a balance between soft cushioning and firm support. Unlike the Rise 2, which features a full-length Dreamstrike+ midsole, the Stride 2 strategically places the superfoam in the forefoot, giving you a supportive push-off while keeping transitions smooth from heel to toe.
The best running shoes for under $150
Nike Winflo 11
Let’s face it, it’s tough to find a quality running shoe for less than $200 these days. Less than $150 feels like a pipedream, but that’s how much the uber-affordable Winflo 11 goes for. But at that reduced price point, is it actually any good?
It is. As a budget friendly option, the Winflo 11 can be a great daily trainer and is obviously a lot cheaper than most of its rivals. It’s not as light or responsive as the other shoes on this list, but it does enough to justify the minimal expense of getting one. The Winflo 11 uses a Cushion 3.0 midsole, making it very soft, but not too bouncy. A full-length Zoom Air unit in the midsole does add some responsiveness, however. And at that price, it’s about as good as you’ll get.
Puma Scend Pro 2
Another option that won’t break the bank, the Puma Scend Pro 2 is priced at a very reasonable $120. Its ProFoam midsole provides lightweight responsiveness, while the mesh upper allows for solid ventilation. Ideal for beginners.
The best running shoes for under $100
Asics Gel-Contend 9
It’s hard to ask for much more from a shoe that retails for only $90 than what you’ll get from the Gel-Contend 9. It has almost everything you’ll find in a pricier Asics shoe, including a Gel midsole, Amplifoam+ cushioning, a Trusstic support unit and a wrap-up outsole to improve stability while allowing your feet to move freely.
Puma NRGY Comet
Look, there’s nothing spectacular about the Puma NRGY Comet, but how many running shoes do you see selling for less than $100? The NRGY Comet is a great entry-level running shoe, for those who are looking to start running but don’t want to invest too heavily in the hobby just yet.
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