How To Find The Best Cheap Running Shoes
For many runners out there including yourself, they might be wondering on how to find a good pair of running shoes without breaking the bank. Granted, it is not uncommon to see pairs running (literally and figuratively) upwards of 50 to 60 dollars, if not into the hundreds.
Especially if you are on a budget, it can really be a struggle to find a good, inexpensive pair. As a result, you might not end up buying running shoes and subsequently get discouraged from running in the first place. Truly, it is not a good place to be in, particularly when it comes to your athletic career.
That said, you do not need to be afraid of not finding a cheap pair of running shoes that are also of good quality; we are here to help! Read on to learn more about how to find the best cheap running shoes for your next big run, as well as receive some of our top suggestions to get you started.
Soon enough, you will be able to hit the road and enjoy the thrill of feeling the wind in your hair and on your face. Without further ado, let’s get right down to it!
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Quick Navigation
Product Name | Image | Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | $$ | ||
CIOR Women's Running Shoes Fashion Sport Lightweight Walking Sneakers | 
| A- | $ | |
| A | $$$ | ||
Stan Men's Lightweight Running Shoes - Athletic Knit Mesh Comfortable Walking Shoes | 
| A | $ | |
| A- | $$ |
** Below, you'll see more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices, choose the colors and read customer's reviews on Amazon.
Things to Consider before Buying Cheap Running Shoes
First things first, you will need to consider just a few things when it comes to buying cheap running shoes that are not only inexpensive to begin with, but also are of good quality; after all, you would not want to be spending money on something that only lasts you barely a month.
At the same time, however, you do not have to worry about breaking your bank when it comes to good-quality shoes, and vice versa. By taking the time to research and shop around for the best pair, it is guaranteed that all your hard work will pay off in the end. Here is a list of things to consider for your running shoes:
1. Juxtapose price and ratings.
If your goal is to save as much money as possible without sacrificing quality, then it is necessary to crunch some numbers when it comes to comparing prices and ratings between shoe brands.
That said, a general rule of thumb is to not only check the prices, but also the ratings when it comes to them. It can be all too easy to pick the running shoe with the lowest price, but it is important to know that it might not be of the best quality.
On the other hand, high ratings do not necessarily mean that the running shoe is perfect, since some people might be persuaded by the name brand and pricing. Hence, it is essential to read as many of the reviews in detail, as well as check out the features it has and overall use your judgement.
2. Look at pronation features.
Especially if you are flatfooted or have high arches, you will definitely need to consider investing in arch support, i.e. pronation features.
However, at the same time, running shoes with pronation features tend to cost a few dollars more than those without it, so it is a matter of deciding whether your arches really need the support, or otherwise get orthotics to slip into for your next run.
In the end, it comes down to convenience versus money. One would say that it is better just to pay a bit extra for the pronation features since in the long run, it will help you run more efficiently and prevent injuries from happening.
3. Look at comfort features.
Similar to point #2, running shoes with built-in comfort tend to add a few dollars to the overall price tag. That said, you will once more have to consider whether it comes down to convenience or to money that will drive your decision to purchase them.
Basically, comfort in running shoes consist of arch support and cushioning, heel and ball-of-foot shock absorption, breathable mesh material for improved air circulation, and so forth. Knowing all of these features and figuring out whether you really need them or not will help you to determine if you will buy those running shoes in the first place. Again, it will have to be a debate for you in the end!
4. Consider other accessories.
Aside from the technical process of pricing and cutting down costs, you still need to look into the general aspects of a good running shoe. From material to size and shape, here are just a few things you will have to consider for a running shoe, in general:
- a. Size and shape. Of course, it comes as a no-brainer that your running shoe should be able to fit your feet, according to the size. A rule of thumb is to first measure your feet (bare-footed, of course), then go a size up in the shoe chart to ensure that there is enough room in the toe box for your toes to breathe- after all, you would not want to develop blisters and hammer toes!
The same goes for the shape as well, in that the shoe should not be too narrow or too wide, i.e. it should be neither too tight or too loose, respectively. It should fit snugly, but still allow for some leeway to feel comfortable in. - b. Material. Assuming that you are going for durability, you will then need to look into solid material out there. A good running shoe would not consist of just one sort of fabric, but rather a mixture of different ones: common materials include leather, rubber, and polyurethane, all of which create a sturdy, but flexible shoe.
- c. Function. Not all running shoes are built for all types of running: some are better for tackling rough trails while others are more beneficial simply for flat, concrete surfaces. Knowing just what you tend to run on can make a big difference in comfort and durability when selecting your running shoe, and in the end, it should all be worth the effort.
For more information concerning the selection of a good, affordable running shoe, check it out here:
Top Five Best Cheap Running Shoes On The Market
Product Name | Image | Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| A+ | $$ | ||
CIOR Women's Running Shoes Fashion Sport Lightweight Walking Sneakers |
| A- | $ | |
|
| A | $$$ | ||
Stan Men's Lightweight Running Shoes - Athletic Knit Mesh Comfortable Walking Shoes |
| A | $ | |
|
| A- | $$ |
** Below, you'll see more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices, choose the colors and read customer's reviews on Amazon.
1. ASICS Men's GEL Venture 5 Running Shoe
Made from synthetic mesh and rearfoot GEL cushioning, this running shoe from ASICS is sure to provide you all the comfort and support you need without breaking the bank! Not only that, but also its removable sockliner allows you to take off and insert insoles if the support is not enough, in order to ensure that you get as much protection and prevention from injuries as you can.
Pros:
- Made from synthetic mesh for a breathable shoe.
- Contains rearfoot GEL cushioning for comfort and support.
- Has a removable sockliner to take off and insert insoles.
Cons:
- Shoelaces might be too loose, no matter how tightly you tie them.
Opinion:
I found ASICS Men’s GEL running shoe to be quite comfortable, especially at such a reasonable price. I greatly appreciated the synthetic mesh for better air circulation, as well as the rearfoot GEL cushioning to reduce impact with the ground against the heel. I would say, however, that the shoelaces were a bit too smooth and thin, so that I had to tie them a couple of times before they stayed in place.
3. Nike Men's Kaishi 2.0 Running Shoe
Nike Men’s Kaishi 2.0 running shoe is made from mesh and consists of no-sew overlays for a tight-knitted and comfortable shoe to run in. Besides that, the shaft measures about 2.7 inches from the arch, thereby making it not too restrictive on the feet. Finally, its Max Air unit in the heel provides excellent cushioning and shock absorbance, and its pull-on tab allows for easy pull on and pull off reasons.
Pros:
- Consists of no-sew overlays for a tight-knitted and comfortable shoe.
- Shaft measures 2.7 inches from the arch for breathability.
- Has a pull-on tab for easy access in and out of the shoe.
Cons:
- The tongue of the shoe can be a bit too tight.
Opinion:
Nike Men’s Kaishi 2.0 running shoe turned out to be quite pleasant, with its no-sew overlays providing a comfortable experience while also not making the shoe feel too tight around my feet. The Max Air unit in the heel was great with shock absorbance and I really enjoyed the pull-on tab for easy pull on and pull off functions before and after my runs.
4. Stan Men's Lightweight Running Shoes - Athletic Knit Mesh Comfortable Walking Shoes
Besides being lightweight and affordable, Stan Men’s running shoes come with a good sense of style, too! You can run in these shoes and feel good about yourself for doing so. It contains both midsole and outsole support, in order to offer a good arch support system and shock absorbance for tackling just about anything, respectively. They are great for any indoor or outdoor activity, which makes for a versatile shoe to wear!
Pros:
- Comes in a good sense of style for aesthetic purposes.
- Contains both midsole and outsole support.
- Excellent for both indoor and outdoor activities.
Cons:
- Sizing can be too snug, even a size up.
Opinion:
Stan Men’s lightweight running shoes looked absolutely great when I took them out of the package; after slipping them on and going out for a run, I felt so chic! Besides looking good, they are also very practice with their midsole and outsole support, which was great for supporting my flat arches and absorbing shock at the heel. Granted, the shoe was a bit too snug, even though I had ordered a full size up, but it was not too bad.
5. New Balance Men's MX608V4 Training Shoe
What makes this New Balance running shoe distinctive is its dual-density collar feature, which provides two layers of density foam, inner and outer, for soft texture and firm support, respectively. It is topped with tons of cushioning, too, with its EVA and IMEVA cushion foam for the foot bed and midsole, thereby offering firm, but also flexible cushioning.
Pros:
- Has a dual-density collar for comfort and support.
- Contains both EVA and IMEVA foam for foot bed and midsole cushioning.
- Made from both leather and rubber material.
Cons:
- Made be a bit clunky at the heel.
Opinion:
After trying on New Balance’s running shoe, I set about testing them out on a run. I appreciated the dual-density collar, which gave me both support and comfort, along with the extra cushioning from EVA and IMEVA features. I guess my only issue was that the heel measured about 1.5 inches from the ground, which made it somewhat clunky to run in.
Winner of the Roundup
Overall, ASICS Men's GEL Venture 5 Running Shoe (#1) is the winner of this roundup.
Besides being budget-friendly, it offers all the comfort, support, and breathability of any good running shoe while also being flexible in arch support, orthotics or not. Consider this pair for your next purchase, and perhaps you will enjoy it!
Feel free to comment and share this article! Happy Running!
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