The best budget running shoes for 2025: 9 top options for road and trail

Quality running shoes with shock absorption, grippy lugs, and stabilising features can be pricey, but there are excellent budget-friendly options available for both road and trail running.

We’ve saved you time and effort by listing our favourite cheap running shoes below, without comprising on quality. Choose from brands such as Nike, Saucony, New Balance and adidas, they all come in at less than $125/£100, and many are under $50/£50, so you should be able to find a pair to suit your budget.

Some of them may only be cheap due to sale prices or end of season stock, so be quick if you want a bargain! If you’re looking for further options, head to our guide to the best triathlon race-day run shoes.

For a more general list of our favourite footwear for triathlon, see our roundup of the best running shoes to buy in 2025.

Jump to:

• Best budget road running shoes

• Best budget trail running shoes

• How to choose a good budget run shoe

Best budget road running shoes

1. Hoka Rincon 4

• RRP: $125 / £110

Hoka’s Rincon 4 running shoes have an RRP of just over $125/£100, but you can often find them at a significantly reduced price and grab yourself a bargain.

This is another lightweight option, coming in at around 228g – lighter than Hoka’s older Rincon 2 model. Although there’s extra cushioning and reinforcement around the midsole and outsole, the slim asymmetrical tongue and breathable mesh upper make it a streamlined run shoe.

A convenient heel loop and standard 5mm heel-to-toe drop complete the package. See our full Hoka Rincon 3 review for more information. We’ve also reviewed our pick of the best Hoka running shoes.

2. Merrell Vapor Glove 4

• RRP: $100 / £100

Merrell’s Vapor Glove 4 is a minimalist shoe, so it won’t work for every runner, but they’re an option for anyone who’s a convert to the barefoot running movement and wants a more natural experience. Merrell says these shoes offer fantastic flexibility, breathability and traction, while they’ll also allow you to feel closer to the terrain.

It has a stack height of 6.5mm at both the heel and toe, resulting in zero drop, while a 3mm midsole offers some cushioning and support, while 2mm lugs are responsible for traction. This should all add up to a minimalist running gait.

Other useful features include an abrasion-resistant Vibram sole and a breathable mesh lining to help limit foot odour and promote breathability.

3. Adidas Duramo 10

• RRP: $70 / £55

Adidas’ Duramo 10 is another running shoe that comes in at a good price for those on a budget. The brand’s focus here is on creating a supportive sole, which is fitted with Lightmotion cushioning to lessen the impact on your foot as you run.

Another plus point is the breathable mesh upper, which is said to be made from at least 50% recycled materials.

The popular brand has also added no-sew overlays, a soft heel and a rubber outsole for durability.

Looking for more sustainable options? Check out our roundup of the best sustainable running shoes.

4. Asics GT-1000 13

• RRP: $110 / £115

A pinch over $110, Asics champions natural movement with these budget running shoes designed to reduce overpronation and provide support.

The GT-1000 13 shoes also have plenty of design features for support and shock absorption. There’s extra cushioning at the rear of the sole, cushioning in the midsole and an Ortholite sockliner, which are all designed to combine to give you a comfortable and supportive running experience.

Looking for more? Check out our roundup of the best Asics running shoes.

5. Kalenji Jogflow 100.1

• $49.99 / £29.99

Decathlon recommends these budget running shoes for anyone running up to 10km per week and says they can offer a good level of shock absorption through the foam cushioning.

The 4mm drop encourages natural footstrike and the traction on the outsole is optimised for hard road surfaces.

The design includes stabilising synthetic strips to keep your foot in place as you move.

A size UK9 weighs 250g, though you may want to consider sizing up, to make sure there’s enough space between the tips of your toes and the end of the shoes.

Best budget trail running shoes

6. Kiprun MT Cushion 2

• RRP: $90 / £99.99

These colourful shoes combine lightweight construction with plenty of cushioning, making them a practical choice for trail running. By building on its predecessor, Decathlon keeps the shoe streamlined and robust with 5mm lugs for grip over a variety of terrain.

The cushioned ‘Kalensole’ sole a paired with fitted insole aim to hug the foot, keeping you both comfortable and supported while running.

Looking for more? Check our our roundup of the best trail running shoes.

7. Hoka Torrent 4

• RRP: $130 / £120

Ideal for long-distance running on demanding terrain, Hoka’s Torrent 4 have chunky midsoles and a lightweight design. We turn to these for long winter runs – with the version 4 designed to be more cushioned and stable.

The early stage metarocker geometry translates to good energy retention, while the multi-directional 5mm lugs and high-rise outsole give you extra traction and trail protection on tricky terrains.

If you can get them in the sale, they’re fantastic value for money.

8. Inov8 RoadFly

• RRP: $130 / £100

The Inov8 Roadfly breaks away from the max-cushioning trend, offering a low 27mm stack for a natural, stable ride. Its roomy toe box promotes foot health, and three fit options allow for a good fit whatever your foot shape.

Despite its minimalist look, the Powerflow Pro midsole and Boomerang Footbed provide ample cushioning for longer runs.

The lightweight mesh upper keeps feet cool, while a flexible design encourages a smooth roll-through. At just 229g (UK 5.5), it feels agile and responsive.

With excellent grip and versatility for gym use or summer trails, the Roadfly is a great choice for those seeking ground connection at a solid, budget price.

Read our full Inov8 RoadFly review for more.

9. Kiprun KS900.2

• £119.99 (UK only)

The Kiprun KS900.2 is a highly cushioned shoe with a thick 39mm heel and 33mm midfoot stack, offering a plush and comfortable ride. Its dimpled MFoam design looks inviting, and the padded heel cup and tongue add to the coziness.

While it fits true to size, the narrow sock liner and upper may cause foot movement on downhills. At 243g (UK 5.5), it’s an average-weight shoe with solid stability, designed in particular for long distances. Ideal for comfort-seekers, the KS900.2 is also just within the budget-friendly price realm.

Read our full review of the Decathlon Kiprun KS900.2 here.

Looking for more top-rated running shoes? See our reviews of the best trail running shoes for men and women available now.

How to choose a good budget running shoe

Prioritise comfort and fit

Make sure the shoe feels comfortable from the start—there shouldn’t be a long breaking-in period. You’ll want about a thumb’s width of space between your toes and the front of the shoe to prevent discomfort on long runs. The midfoot and heel should feel snug but not too tight, giving you a secure fit without squeezing your foot.

Focus on cushioning and support

If you have a normal arch and don’t overpronate, a neutral running shoe is your best bet. For extra support, look for stability or motion control shoes, which help with overpronation. Cushioning is key, so check the midsole material—EVA foam is a great lightweight option that provides solid impact absorption.

Check for breathability and durability

A shoe with a mesh upper allows better airflow, keeping your feet cool and comfortable. Durability is just as important, so look for a rubber outsole with reinforced high-wear areas like the heel and toe. This helps extend the life of your shoes, even with regular running and gnarly trails.

Look for reputable budget brands

Many well-known brands offer high-quality running shoes at a lower price. Asics, Brooks, Saucony, New Balance, and adidas all have budget-friendly models that perform well. Nike and Puma also have solid affordable options, especially when you catch them on sale.

Find last season’s models

You don’t always need the latest version of a shoe to get great performance. Older models often go on sale when new versions are released, and they still offer excellent quality. Check outlet stores, too.

Read reviews and compare prices

Before buying, check customer reviews to see if the shoe holds up well over time. Comparing prices across different websites can help you score the best deal. Sometimes, even high-end running shoes drop to budget prices when a retailer runs a sale.