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With soaring food prices and energy bills increasing the cost of living, for many runners, splashing the cash on a pair of the latest and best running shoes isn't an option right now. Or maybe you’re new to running and aren’t sure you want to commit to such a big expense just yet.
Handily, though, there are some excellent older models still on sale – and, most importantly, many have been discounted now that newer versions have been released.
Stock sizes can be limited though, so scour the sales now and bag yourself a bargain before they run out.
Running shoe deals to shop right now
More great shoes we've tested and would genuinely recommend, for a fraction of their usual cost.
- Hoka Arahi 6 (men's):
Was £129.99, now £79.99 - Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 (men's):
Was £175.00, now £122.00 - Adidas Adizero SL:
Was £110.00, now £71.50 - Saucony Ride 16 (women's):
Was £134.99, now £69.99 - New Balance Fresh Foam 880v13:
Was £139.99, now £84.99 - Asics Gel-Cumulus 25:
Was £139.99, now £84.99 - New Balance FuelCell Rebel v3:
Was £130.00, now £91.00
Ready to bag a bargain? Here are the best cheap running shoes to shop now. Or, keep scrolling to read our verdicts.
Is there a difference between cheap and expensive running shoes?
More expensive running shoes tend to feature more premium materials and advanced technology and innovation in terms of cushioning, support and performance. That’s why carbon-plated super shoes are usually at the top of the food chain in terms of a brand’s offerings.
At the same time, though, a lot of this comes down to marketing. So, keep in mind that just because a shoe costs more, doesn’t mean it’s going to be good.
There’s also your own personal running style and biomechanics to take into account. These will determine if a shoe is effective for you. So while you don't necessarily need to pay more for a cutting-edge pair, it may be worth investing if it's going to benefit you.
How much should you spend on a pair of running shoes?
While how much you spend is really up to you, an important question to ask yourself is how often you’ll be wearing your running shoes.
If they're just for a weekly parkrun, or a couple of 5K to 10K runs, you probably don’t need to fork out for something as durable and cushioned. On the other hand, if you’ve signed up for your first marathon, chances are you’re going to be running at least three times a week – including the big day itself – so you’ll want something supportive, with more cushioning to keep you comfortable over longer distances.
These days, most everyday running shoes (the type you’d wear for the bulk of your miles) sit somewhere between £120-£180. Anything with a carbon plate tends to sit more in the region of £200+ (these shoes tend to be reserved for speed work and race day only, though, so shouldn't be the only shoe you wear).
However, that's not to say you can't find a decent pair of running shoes for under £100. Decathlon has a great range of low-cost running shoes, and you can always find discounts on some of the latest pairs at various retailers, too. The Nike Pegasus 40 is another one of our favourite running shoes for beginners and retails for £119.95.
The best cheap running shoes for 2024
Kiprun KS900
| Weight | 256g |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
| Type | Neutral/road |
The KS900 offers impressively soft cushioning and excellent comfort in a pretty lightweight package – all at a very competitive price.
Although the midsole is super soft, there’s a harder rubber outsole glued onto impact areas across the forefoot and heel, which should ensure that all that softness isn’t at the expense of durability. Our testers also praised the excellent grip, including in the wet. The toebox is roomy, offering plenty of space for your toes to splay during footstrike, and the mesh, while not elasticated, is comfortable and breathable.
As it becomes increasingly challenging to find new running shoes costing £100 or less, this model is worthy of serious consideration for those looking for a capable everyday running shoe that will eat up the miles with ease and comfort.
Nike Pegasus 40
| Weight | 283g (M), 232g (W) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 10mm |
| Type | Road/neutral |
> Read our full Nike Pegasus 40 review <
After 40 iterations, the Pegasus is often cited as one of the most popular running trainers, a true dependable staple for beginners and marathoners alike, and great for every kind of run. And the best part? You can often find it cheaper than it's £119.99 RRP, which is why we've included it in this guide.
The Nike React technology, which includes two Zoom Air units in the forefoot and heel, give a responsive, springy feel. Together with the cushioning, this creates a soft, but not suffocating, ride, hugging your foot securely in place.
New Balance Fresh Foam x 1080 v12
A premium-quality shoe, the 1080 is one of New Balance’s bestselling models, offering top-of-the-line performance to all kinds of runner. While the latest 1080 v13 will set you back a cool £160, the older v12 is still available for significantly less (although, we would say it's worth opting for the newer model, as it's had a significant update).
The Fresh Foam X midsole offers a plush, cushioned ride and there's a Hypoknit upper featuring stretchy mesh, which, coupled with the pretty wide forefoot shape, offers ample room for the feet to move on the run, so there’s little danger of rubbing or bruised toes. (If anything, some testers thought the toebox a bit roomy.)
While it’s not capable of the truly fast speeds, it’s such a comfortable ride that it really feels like a luxury limousine for your feet – soft, smooth and refined – and it irons out any bumps in the road brilliantly.
Brooks Trace 3
| Weight | 255.1g (M), 226.8g (W) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 12mm |
| Type | Road/neutral |
The Brooks Trace 3 feels great on your foot, offering plenty of lightweight breathability. It’s reasonably versatile, well-suited for cross-training or short runs, though the limited energy return and cushioning don’t make it the best choice for longer distances. For the price, though, the shoe is a good pick for beginners, cross-trainers, or short-distance runners shopping on a budget.
Reebok Floatride Energy 4
| Weight | 238g (M), 198g (W) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 9mm |
| Type | Neutral/road |
Reebok's Energy Series is capable of everything from long runs to daily mileage and speedwork, and all for a seriously affordable price tag. The fourth iteration is lighter than ever and the slightly soft, bouncy Floatride Energy foam midsole that won us over from the shoe’s inception remains largely the same. In the third version, Reebok tweaked the heel’s bevel, so it swoops upwards more and it’s not changed since. This lets you land smoothly and softly, without the shoe crossing over into aggressive-rocker-sole territory.
The midsole is made from steam-molded beads of TPE, which tests at the Runner’s World Shoe Lab have shown to deliver better than average cushioning, especially from the softer forefoot. Testers said it doesn’t feel mushy when you crank up the pace and praised its consistent energy return after more than 100 miles. The biggest change in the Energy 4 is the recycled upper, which delivers extra protection and a more secure fit. The result is a good shoe made even better via considered updates that’s hard to beat for value.
Asics Gel-Nimbus 24
While the Gel-Nimbus is now on its 26th iteration, you can still find the 24 on sale for significantly less. The FlyteFoam Blast+midsole material is lighter and softer than standard FF Blast, but it still offers good ‘poppy’ energy return. Our testers were impressed with the balance of comfort and pep.
‘The ride feels beautifully cushioned but with plenty of energy on take-off,’ said one. Comfort is a key attribute throughout – the stretchy knit tongue construction locks you in with a softness that doesn’t feel constrictive, while the plush heel and ankle collar are a real joy. The Jacquard mesh upper feels secure, but it flexes well and breathes nicely, too.
The 24 is around 20g lighter than the 23 and much of the weight shaving comes via a lighter, stronger outsole material that delivered great traction on various surfaces and seemed impervious to wear. But while it’s a lot lighter and peppier than the 23 – and impressively so for a shoe this comfortable – the 24 still isn’t quite right for speed sessions or short races, but for long runs and everyday miles in plush comfort, it delivers superbly.
Nike Air Zoom Vomero 16
| Weight | 309g (M), 257g (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10mm |
| Type | Neutral/road |
The Vomero 16 was one of the first of Nike’s high-mileage shoes to use the lightweight ZoomX foam. You still get all the impact absorption you’d expect, but it doesn’t feel as springy as the Alphafly Next% racers.
Perhaps that’s partly due to the Air cushioning under the forefoot and the slab of rubber running the length of the sole. Nike ‘top-loaded’ the Air unit, which you can feel on your first few strides – only a thin sockliner divides you from that firm, responsive component. The result? The back of the shoe is smooth as silk when you heel strike and roll forwards. Once you’re on your forefoot, the platform firms up and stays stable.
At the top, it’s as plush as ever. The heel collar is well padded and it has a pillowy-soft tongue. One tester said,‘I like how much space the toebox has without compromising on the security of the heel and lacing.’
New Balance Fresh Foam X Vongo V5
| Weight | 280g (M), 222g (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
| Type | Stability/road |
The Vongo is the stability equivalent of New Balance’s 1080 – offering premium cushioning but with an additional touch of support for mild overpronators.
This version sees the introduction of a midsole of the brand’s Fresh Foam X for an ultra-cushioned, light-feeling ride. On top of this is a knitted upper with varying areas of thickness and support – thin and elasticated in the toebox, with perforated mesh for extra breathability, while the embroidery under the N of the logo joins with the laces to wrap around the midfoot for a secure fit. Behind this, there’s also plenty of foam around the ankle and tongue that helps create a plush and more comfortable feel. Rather than a traditional medial post, the inner edge of the midsole is a little higher than the outside, and the foam is also slightly firmer on the medial side. The support on offer is subtle and provides a smooth transition, too – but you won’t feel its guidance if you don't need it.
Overall, this is a really impressive shoe – one that’s cushioned but fairly responsive, too. And it’s also reasonably light for a stability shoe that comes with so much foam underfoot. An excellent choice for overpronators looking for a shoe that can cruise through the miles in comfort but also work when you really want to push the pace.
Hoka Kawana
| Weight | 288g (M), 236g (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5mm |
| Type | Road/neutral |
Named after one of Australia’s halcyon Queensland beaches (think white sands, tumbling waves), the Kawana takes inspiration from another Hoka shoe named after shores Down Under, the Bondi (seep85). But the Kawana runs more like Hoka’s pacier, punchier Mach4. Like the Mach, the Kawana has an early-stage rocker sole, making your turnover ebb and flow like the beach’s rolling surf (hence the name). The split heel absorbs shock and makes lighter heel strikes feel fluid. Some testers described the shoe as too clunky for flatout speedwork, but all were fans of its abundant cushioning. ‘I liked the support and it made running on roads feel effortless,’ said one tester.
Compression-moulded EVA makes up the midsole, which doesn’t seem terribly exciting in the carbon-plated world of 2023, but it’s lively and gives the shoe plenty of cushioning while still feeling relatively firm underfoot. Testers were mixed ont he traction, with one saying it was the Kawana’s best feature while another found the outsole slippery on wet pavement. Assuming you stay upright, the Kawana serves up a supremely smooth ride.
