Top 5 Best Budget Running Shoes of 2025

To find the greatest sneakers at various price points, we have examined dozens of designs.

Are you trying to find an inexpensive running shoe that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or functionality? Whether you’re looking for a cushioned everyday trainer, dependable overpronation support, or a quick pair to help you reach your next personal best, we have affordable solutions.

To help you get the ideal fit, we tested these reasonably priced running shoes in our lab and on the road. See below for our best selections of affordable running shoes in several categories.

Curious about our testing process? For our whole explanation on how we test running shoes, including how to cut them in half, freeze them, and even fill them with smoke, scroll down. You can rely on our reviews because each shoe is put through hundreds of standardized testing.

Best budget running shoes overall: Adidas ultrabounce
Best daily budget running shoes: New balance fresh foam 680 v8
Best for Running: Asics gt 1000 13
Best for budget running shoes: Nike run swift 3
Best stability racing shoes: Asics gel excite 10

Best budget running shoes overall

Adidas ultrabounce

The Adidas Ultraboost Light is a multipurpose everyday trainer that combines quick energy return, remarkable durability, and luxurious comfort in a high-end package. It is easy to understand why it is a popular choice for runners looking for a dependable workhorse that can handle anything from recovery runs to uptempo efforts because of its consistent performance in lab tests and real-world mileage.

The Ultraboost Light’s redesigned Light BOOST midsole, which is 30% lighter than earlier iterations while maintaining its distinctive bounce, is what makes it so thrilling. Our durometer results show that the foam is 41.2% softer than usual, giving you a cloud-like underfoot sensation while still having enough bounce to keep you moving effectively over extended distances.

Regardless of your speed, the ride is balanced and smooth. Adidas widened the base and adjusted the outsole design for more grounded landings, which increased the Ultraboost Light’s overall stability. The energy return from the BOOST midsole and the snug Primeknit upper create a secure and propelling sensation, even though there isn’t a carbon plate like in high-end racing shoes. For the majority of runners, its 9.2 oz (260g) weight and support ratio is ideal.

Another benefit is durability. After dozens of kilometers, the Primeknit upper remained stable without losing structure, and the ContinentalTM rubber outsole exhibited very little wear. The Ultraboost Light was obviously made by Adidas to last in terms of both performance and durability.

It is not without faults, though. It has some trouble on slippery surfaces, just like a lot of BOOST-based sneakers. Runners who live in areas that get a lot of rain might want to look into shoes with more aggressive traction or deeper lugs.

Best daily budget running shoes

New balance fresh foam 680 v8

In the all-around running shoe market, the New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 is a real sleeper hit, offering consistent comfort, cushioning, and value for both casual joggers and serious runners. It might not have the same prestigious racing heritage as a Vaporfly, but its reliable real-world mileage performance makes it a popular choice for everyday training.

The Fresh Foam midsole, which is designed to offer luxurious cushioning with the ideal degree of responsiveness, is what really sticks out. The foam in our tests had a pleasant, forgiving sensation without compromising control because it was 28.6% softer than the typical everyday trainer. This type of shoe encourages you to run for extended periods of time, particularly on days when you’re recovering or taking it easy.

Whether you’re increasing the pace for strides or accumulating sluggish base miles, the ride is steady and smooth. Transitions feel seamless because of the balanced stack height and enhanced midsole shape. After prolonged usage, the modernized rubber outsole exhibits little wear and offers strong traction on a variety of surfaces.

The 680 v8 weighs about 9.5 oz (269g), which is a comfortable intermediate weight—not as light as a racing flat, but by no means heavy. With a padded tongue and heel collar for comfort when stepping, the designed mesh upper is both secure and breathable. Additionally, compared to previous iterations, New Balance’s slightly wider foundation provides improved underfoot stability.

The sneaker isn’t designed for extreme speed or competitive racing, but that’s not the objective. This is a dependable daily driver that endures in a variety of circumstances, foot types, and miles. The sole significant drawback? For people who like a harder, more responsive ride for speedwork or tempo runs, it could seem a little too soft.

In summary, the Fresh Foam 680 v8 is a silent workhorse in a sea of gaudier trainers because it offers high mileage comfort and unexpected durability at an affordable price point.

Best for Running

Asics gt 1000 13

In the stability trainer market, the ASICS GT-1000 13 is unique because it combines sturdy comfort and dependable support with daily adaptability. It remains a popular choice for runners looking for a trustworthy daily workhorse because of its constant performance in both lab and real-world road tests.

The riding of the GT-1000 13 is assured and smooth. The main attraction is its LITETRUSSTM support system, which gently guides the foot without being obtrusive. The midsole provides a well-balanced combination of softness and responsiveness when paired with FLYTEFOAM® cushioning. Our durometer indicates that the foam is 17.8% stiffer than usual, providing a more secure base and longer-lasting shock absorption.

The ride feels safe and encouraging at any speed. The GT-1000 13 provides a locked-in sensation during transitions and helps avoid excessive inward roll thanks to its improved guidance system and slightly larger platform underfoot. It is suitable for mild tempos, easy runs, and even recovery days because it weighs a manageable 8.9 oz (252g) and our flex test revealed that it is 12.4% more flexible than the typical daily trainer.

Another strength is durability. After weeks of testing, the designed mesh upper remained structurally solid and breathable, while the AHAR® rubber outsole revealed little wear. ASICS still sells shoes that are long-lasting in addition to performance-focused.

However, the GT-1000 13 isn’t the best option for people who want maximal energy return or ultra-soft landings. A more cushioned version can be a good choice for runners who like a soft, springy ride. However, the GT-1000 13 is an excellent option for anyone who appreciate stability, support, and overall dependability.

Best for budget running shoes

Nike run swift 3

For runners who desire dependability without going over budget, the Nike Run Swift 3 stands out as a trustworthy all-arounder in the everyday running shoe market by combining strong comfort with long-lasting sturdiness.

The Run Swift 3’s straightforward, well-balanced ride is what makes it fun. A well-balanced foam midsole that provides a firm platform underfoot and a moderate energy return is responsible for the consistent cushioning. It provides just enough reactivity to keep daily runs feeling steady and smooth without being unduly soft or bouncy.

According to our durometer test, the midsole has a little more firmness than high-end racing foams, which helps it last longer while still providing some bounce. For novices or those recording easy kilometers, the ride is excellent because it is predictable and well-cushioned.

The Run Swift 3 boasts an upgraded top with better breathability and a more solid lockdown than previous iterations. With its considerable amount of rubberization and outstanding wear resistance, the outsole performs admirably on a variety of surfaces, including gravel pathways and somewhat uneven roadways.

It weighs more than performance trainers at 9.5 oz (269g), but it’s a reasonable compromise for people who like structure and support. Its classic flex pattern and somewhat wider base make it more stable and adaptable for everyday usage, even though it doesn’t have a carbon plate or sophisticated geometry.

On wet pavement, meanwhile, it still has space for improvement, just like its upscale sibling. Runners who practice in continuously moist circumstances would choose something with more aggressive grip, even though the outsole tread is decent.

To sum up, the Nike Run Swift 3 is a good option for long-distance runners or casual runners. Even though it lacks the show-stopping features of a race-day super shoe, it is made to last, provides consistent comfort, and performs dependably.

Best stability racing shoes

Asics gel excite 10

In the low-cost daily trainer market, the ASICS Gel-Excite 10 is an exceptional performance because it combines a smooth, energizing ride with consistent comfort and durability. It is not surprising that it has become a popular option for both novice and casual runners due to its consistently high performance in both lab testing and actual training runs.

The Gel-Excite 10 is a wonderful surprise when you run in it. With its updated design, the Amplifoam+ midsole provides strong cushioning and a respectable energy return for the price. It is ideal for everything from short jogs to more strenuous workouts because it is lightweight underfoot and has a sturdy, pleasant feel. Our durometer results indicate that the foam is roughly 28% softer than typical for shoes in this class, providing a plush feel without being mushy.

At different speeds, the ride seems well-balanced. Thanks to its slightly broader base and improved outsole pattern, the Gel-Excite 10 offers superior foot control and step transition compared to many of its similarly priced competitors. The forefoot design promotes natural toe-off action even if it does not have a carbon plate. It weighs only 8.8 ounces (250 grams), making it comparatively light for a daily trainer. Our flex test revealed that it is roughly 13% stiffer than typical, which improves responsiveness without making the shoe feel stiff.

After dozens of kilometers of running at varying speeds, the outsole shows little wear and the upper stands up well over time. This demonstrates ASICS’ dedication to creating reasonably priced footwear that nevertheless meets quality and durability standards.

The Gel-Excite 10 has its limitations, of course. On damp or slippery surfaces, when grip could be enhanced, it performs poorly. A shoe with a more aggressive outsole tread might be preferred for runners who regularly train in wet weather.