The best running shoes under 100 dollars right now are the Under Armour Charged Assert 9 for most runners, the Under Armour Surge 3 for anyone who wants the lowest spend, and the Brooks Glycerin 22 for long, cushioned miles. All three are neutral daily trainers from major brands, and all three hold up better than their price suggests.
That is the short version. The longer version is that the sub-100 dollar shelf has changed a lot in the last few years, and most of the “cheap shoe” advice still circulating online was written when budget options meant thin foam and no outsole. That is not what is on the shelf anymore.
Our team compared 10 sub-100 dollar trainers across cushioning, heel-to-toe drop, weight, width availability, and the durability numbers that show up in buyer reviews. We did that because the biggest failure point at this budget is rarely the midsole. It is the upper, the outsole edge, and the fit, and those are the three things most roundups skip.
Everything below sits under 100 dollars as a street price, and each pick carries a badge explaining the job it does best. Prices shift constantly, so use the check buttons to see the current figure rather than trusting any number you read anywhere, including here.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for the Best Running Shoes Under 100 Dollars in October
Under Armour Charged Assert 9
- Charged Cushioning foam midsole
- Breathable mesh upper
- Leather midfoot overlays
- Solid rubber high-impact outsole
New Balance Fresh Foam 520 v9
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning
- 10mm heel-to-toe drop
- 260.8 g per shoe
- Wide width availability
We picked the Charged Assert 9 as the overall winner because it has the deepest review base in this group and because the complaints against it are about ambition, not quality. Nothing in the reviews suggests it falls apart early.
The Surge 3 takes the budget slot on the strength of its weight and offset. At 9 ounces with an 8mm drop it is the lightest thing here, and owners routinely report buying a second pair.
The Fresh Foam 520 v9 earns the wide-feet badge on the strength of its width run rather than any single feature. New Balance builds it in multiple widths, which is exactly what a budget shopper with a wide foot needs.
Best Running Shoes Under 100 Dollars at a Glance in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 9 |
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| Under Armour Men’s Surge 3 |
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| New Balance Fresh Foam 520 v9 |
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 Nike Men’s Run Defy |
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 Brooks Glycerin 22 |
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 Nike Women’s Run Swift 3 |
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 Brooks Revel 8 |
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 ASICS Gel-Excite 11 |
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 ASICS Gel-Contend 9 |
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 Brooks Anthem 8 |
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Check Latest Price |
Read that table as a shortlist, not a ranking. Two shoes on it have a 10mm or 8mm drop, two are built for women specifically, and the rest differ more in last shape and foam softness than in price.
1. Under Armour Charged Assert 9 – Best Overall
Under Armour Mens Charged Assert 9DISC Running Shoe, Black (002 Black, 11 US
Charged Cushioning compression-molded foam
EVA sockliner
Leather midfoot overlays
Solid rubber outsole on high-impact zones
Pros
- Deepest review base in this group at 4.6 stars
- Real width options including X-Wide
- Mesh upper is easy to clean after wet runs
- Solid rubber outsole where it matters
Cons
- Not a performance shoe for speed work
- Circular tread is not built for technical trail
- Upper can wear before the tread
This is the shoe I put in front of people who ask me what to buy with a strict budget. The Charged Assert 9 has been listed since 2020, which usually means the design is done, not that it is dated, and it sits at the number three spot in men’s road running shoes.
What you get is a compression-molded foam midsole that Under Armour calls Charged Cushioning, an EVA sockliner, and leather overlays that lock the midfoot down. The upper is a lightweight mesh with a digital print, and reviewers repeatedly point out that it rinses clean after a muddy run, which is not a small thing at this price.
The fit is the quiet strength here. It runs true to size, and it comes in wide and X-Wide widths, so a broader foot does not force you into a compromise. Arch support comes up often in reviews, especially from people who wear the shoe for work and walking as much as running.
The outsole is solid rubber laid over the high-impact zones rather than the whole footprint, which is why it holds grip without dragging weight around. The trade-off is that the tread pattern is smooth and circular, so this is a road and treadmill shoe, not a trail shoe.
What you should know before ordering
Expect a beginner-to-intermediate daily trainer, not a racing flat. Owners describe it as comfortable with good arch support and good traction on varied pavement, and many buy a second pair, which tells you what kind of mileage it absorbs.
The one recurring complaint is that the upper wears out before the tread does. If you run in gravel shoulders or wet grass often, that changes the math on this pair.
Who should skip it
If you are chasing speed, this is the wrong shoe. The foam is built for response at easy paces, not for tempo work, and there is no plate of any kind in the midsole.
If you are heavier than roughly 190 pounds and running long distances, look at the Brooks Glycerin 22 or the ASICS GEL-Excite 11 instead. Both put more impact-absorbing material under the heel.
2. Under Armour Surge 3 – Best Budget Pick
Under Armour Men’s Surge 3DISC, Black/White, 10.5 Medium US
9 oz per shoe
8mm heel-to-toe offset
Cushioned EVA midsole
Rubber pods on the outsole
Pros
- 9 oz per shoe
- the lowest listed weight here
- Comfortable with no break-in period
- Breathable mesh upper suits hot weather
- Works for running and lifting
Cons
- Runs about a half size small
- Styling reads plain to some buyers
- Minimal lateral support
The Surge 3 is the pick for anyone who wants the lowest total outlay and does not mind giving up some of the plushness. It weighs 9 ounces per shoe, and that number is the whole argument. It is the lightest build in the roundup and the cheapest to replace.
Under Armour added extra cushioning around the ankle collar on this version, and owners say the shoe is comfortable straight out of the box with no break-in period. The midsole is a straightforward cushioned EVA, which is why the ride is light rather than soft.
The 8mm heel-to-toe offset sits in a useful middle ground. It is low enough to feel natural on lighter joggers and high enough to feel stable if you are new and still landing hard on the heel.
Reviewers also mention using the Surge 3 for weightlifting, which tells you the platform is stable enough for gym work without switching shoes. Strategically placed rubber pods on the outsole add grip where it matters without adding bulk everywhere.
How the sizing behaves
This is the most important thing to know about this shoe. The most common note across reviews is that it runs about a half size small, and the fix is simple: size up half a size and compare against a pair you already own.
Because the last is narrower than the Charged Assert 9, do not order the Surge 3 expecting the same width. If you need a wide fit, the Assert 9 or the New Balance 520 v9 is the safer bet.
Who should skip it
Skip it for long slow runs and for trails. A light EVA midsole gives you very little shock absorption over distance, and the outsole pods are built for pavement grip rather than loose dirt.
3. New Balance Fresh Foam 520 v9 – Best for Wide Feet
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe, Black/Black/Phantom, 13 W
Fresh Foam precision-engineered midsole
10mm heel-to-toe drop
260.8 g per shoe
Breathable engineered mesh
Pros
- Wide width availability across many widths
- Soft midsole for everyday mileage
- Lightweight at 260.8 g
- Neutral support suits most gaits
Cons
- Softer and less responsive than performance models
- Some durability complaints in reviews
- 10mm drop needs adapting to
Width is the reason this shoe made the list. New Balance builds the 520 v9 across a real range of widths, which is more than most brands manage on a neutral trainer at this level, and if your toe box has ever pinched in a size-10 shoe, start here.
The midsole uses precision-engineered Fresh Foam cushioning described as ultra-cushioned and lightweight, and the upper is a breathable engineered mesh with synthetic reinforcement. The whole shoe weighs 260.8 grams, which is 9.2 ounces.
The upper design is neutral, meaning no medial post and no support structure pushing against your arch. That works for neutral gait, and for a beginner who does not yet know their gait, a neutral shoe is the safer default than a stability model.
The 10mm heel-to-toe drop is the highest in this roundup. Traditionalists like it, and it eases heel-to-toe transition for new runners, but it is a real change if you are moving from a low-drop shoe.
What the softness costs you
Reviewers rate this at 4.4 stars across 3760 reviews, with a 73% five-star share. The gap between it and the top-rated shoes in this list comes down to energy return, not comfort. Owners describe the midsole as softer and less energetic than performance models.
There is also a durability signal worth taking seriously. About 6% of reviews are one-star, and durability complaints are the main theme in that group, so plan on replacing this pair sooner than you would a reinforced-upper trainer.
Who should skip it
Skip it for intervals or race pace, where you want foam that pushes back on toe-off, and skip it if you are moving from a low-drop racing shoe. The 10mm drop is a real change and the transition takes a few runs.
4. Nike Run Defy – Best for Everyday Wear
Nike Men’s Run Defy Road Running Shoes, Black/White, 10
Entry-level road silhouette
Full and half sizes for men
Multiple neutral colorways
Daily road cushioning
Pros
- Comfortable cushioning for daily road miles
- Secure and comfortable fit
- Versatile styling for training and casual wear
- Strong five-star share among reviews
Cons
- Entry-level cushioning is not plush
- Minimal published specification detail
- Neutral colorways limit outfit matching
Not everyone training for a 10K needs a technical shoe. The Nike Run Defy is built for the runner who wants one pair that handles a road loop, a walk to the station, and a full day of standing in something that looks normal.
It sits in Nike’s entry-level running line, and the difference from the models above it shows up in the spec sheet rather than in any fault. There is no published weight figure, no stated drop, and no named foam compound, which is a sign of where it sits in the range.
What you do get is a wide range of full and half sizes for men, which matters more than most buyers expect. A half size is the difference between a shoe that works and a shoe your big toe dislikes at the end of a long week.
Colorways run from black, white, and wolf grey through off white, medium ash, and filbert, so the styling stays neutral enough for daily wear. Reviewers rate it 4.6 stars across 2689 reviews with a 79% five-star share, and the fit comes up as secure rather than loose.
Who this shoe suits
The cushioning is comfortable for daily road miles without feeling like a max-cushion trainer, and that middle setting is what most beginners actually want. It is a good match for someone who runs three or four times a week at an easy pace.
If you want a single pair to cover the gym, errands, and short runs, the styling is a real advantage. Nothing on this shoe looks out of place off the road.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you overpronate or run long distances as a heavier runner. There is no stability element and no GEL here, and entry-level cushioning compresses sooner than the Brooks and ASICS options in this roundup.
5. Brooks Glycerin 22 – Best for Long Runs
Brooks Men’s Glycerin 22 Neutral Running Shoe – Black/Grey/White – 11.5 Medium
DNA Tuned midsole with dual-size cells
Larger heel cells, smaller forefoot cells
Double jacquard knit upper
Broad platform
Pros
- Highest five-star share in this roundup at 81%
- Plush landings that absorb impact over distance
- Broad platform with a heel collar that does not rub
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
Cons
- Toebox runs snug for some feet
- Elastomer lace bands have limited durability
- Not energetic enough for speed sessions
The Glycerin 22 is the most-cushioned shoe in this roundup and the one I recommend for anyone running more than an hour at a time. It carries the highest five-star share of any product here at 81%.
The midsole uses DNA Tuned cushioning, which blends dual-size cells. Larger cells sit under the heel for soft landings and smaller cells sit under the forefoot for a more responsive toe-off, and that split is why the shoe feels plush without feeling dead.
The upper is a newly engineered double jacquard knit that is flexible and breathable, and reviewers specifically mention it keeping feet cool on humid runs. Owners also report that the padded heel collar does not rub, which is a common complaint with Brooks models.
This is also the only shoe in the roundup with a PDAC A5500 diabetic shoe certification, alongside its APMA Seal of Acceptance. If a doctor has ever mentioned diabetic foot care to you, that changes the conversation.
What the fit trade-off looks like
The most common caveat is the toebox. Some reviewers find it snug and recommend sizing up or moving to a wider Brooks model, and the sizing otherwise runs accurate relative to other brands.
The other durability note is specific: the elastomer lace bands wear out before the midsole does. That is a cheap part to replace, and it is worth a phone call to a local shoe repair shop if it happens to you.
Who should skip it
Skip it for focused speed training. Reviewers note it is not the most energetic shoe in this set, and a plush daily trainer is the wrong tool for repeats.
Skip it if you need an energetic ride for racing. Nothing under 100 dollars with this level of cushioning will give you the response of a plated trainer, and pretending otherwise is how runners end up injured.
6. Nike Women’s Run Swift 3 – Best for Women’s Sizing
Nike Women’s Run Swift 3 Road Running Shoes, Phantom/White-Tattoo-Sail, 9
Women's road running fit
Breathable mesh upper
Supportive cushioned midsole
Wide widths in select colorways
Pros
- True to size according to reviewers
- Good heel and arch support for all-day wear
- Supportive without feeling squishy
- Holds shape and grip with daily wear
Cons
- Flatter profile
- some add an insole
- Less comfortable for long standing than other Nike models
- All-over mesh wears faster than leather
The Run Swift 3 is the women’s-specific pick here, and it exists because women’s sizing is not just a shortened men’s last. The upper is cut and shaped for women’s road running, and reviewers consistently call the fit true to size.
The cushioning is supportive rather than squishy, with good heel and arch support that holds up through long days. It rates 4.5 stars across 1844 reviews with a 77% five-star share, and the recurring theme is reliability rather than performance. Width options exist in select colorways, so check the specific color before ordering if you need a wide fit.
Where this shoe works hardest
Walkers, standing-heavy workers, and light runners get the most out of it. The all-over mesh is breathable and easy to keep fresh, and the styling works with both workout clothes and everyday outfits.
If your running is short and your walking is long, this is a better match than any of the plush trainers above. The cushioning is moderate, which is exactly what an all-day shoe should be.
Who should skip it
Skip it for long runs. A flatter profile means less impact protection over distance, and several users add an insole to compensate.
Skip it if you stand for eight hours a day. Reviewers rate it as less comfortable for long standing than other Nike models, and that is a setup for plantar fasciitis rather than a way to avoid it.
7. Brooks Revel 8 – Best for Walking and Standing All Day
Brooks Men’s Revel 8 Neutral Running & Walking Shoe – Primer Grey/Blackened Pearl – 11 Medium
Adaptable DNA Loft v2 cushioning
RoadTack rubber outsole
Engineered mesh upper
APMA Seal of Acceptance
Pros
- Durable
- holds up well past 50 miles
- Supportive for running and long walking days
- Small-soled profile for those who dislike bulk
- Style transitions to casual wear
Cons
- Cushioning is soft
- which can feel unstable when standing
- Runs narrow
- several buyers size up
- Light colorways show dirt easily
The Revel 8 fills a gap the others leave. It is a Brooks, so it carries the APMA Seal of Acceptance, but its small-soled profile is the opposite of the Glycerin 22, and that is exactly what some runners want.
The midsole uses adaptable DNA Loft v2 cushioning that responds to stride, weight, and speed, and the outsole is Brooks RoadTack rubber for rebound, traction, and durability. Reviewers report the shoe holds up well past 50 miles, which is the durability claim you want from a budget trainer.
The engineered mesh upper has been updated for breathability and structure, and the design transitions from run to casual wear without looking like a running shoe. That is a real feature if you wear the same pair to work.
It rates 4.3 stars across 1545 reviews with a 71% five-star share and a 7% one-star share, which is the widest spread in this roundup. Understanding where that spread comes from matters before you order.
Why the ratings split
Two issues drive the lower scores. The cushioning is softer than some competitors, and several buyers note that this reduces stability when standing for long periods, a direct trade for comfort on runs. The fit also runs narrow, and multiple reviewers recommend sizing up.
Who should skip it
Skip it if standing support is your primary requirement. A soft midsole that feels good at mile four can feel unstable at hour six, and no amount of breaking it in changes that.
Skip it if you have wide feet and do not want to experiment with sizing. The Glycerin 22 or the New Balance 520 v9 give you a wider platform to start with.
8. ASICS Gel-Excite 11 – Best for Soft Cushioning
ASICS Men’s Gel-Excite 11 Running Shoes, 11.5, Black/Meteor Grey
PureGEL cushioning, about 65% softer than standard GEL
AMPLIFOAM PLUS midsole
OrthoLite X-30 sockliner
Reflective details
Pros
- PureGEL cushioning built for a soft landing
- Moisture-managing sockliner keeps feet dry
- Breathable engineered mesh with few overlays
- Reflective details improve visibility
Cons
- Runs small
- buyers commonly size up
- Less lateral support than stability-focused shoes
If softness is the goal, the GEL-Excite 11 is built for it. ASICS uses PureGEL technology in this model, which the company describes as roughly 65% softer than standard GEL, sitting on an AMPLIFOAM PLUS midsole. Reviewers put the soft, comfortable cushioning first among the reasons they like the shoe.
The upper is a single engineered mesh that reduces the need for additional overlays, which is both a breathability win and a durability risk. There are no stitched panels to fail, but there is also less reinforcement than a leather-overlaid design.
The sockliner is an OrthoLite X-30 insole for cushioning and moisture management, and reviewers specifically call out how it keeps feet cool and dry. Reflective details improve visibility in low light, and a knit heel pull tab makes the shoe easy to pull on.
It rates 4.6 stars across 1490 reviews with an 80% five-star share. That is a strong result, and the dominant practical note in the reviews is not about the shoe at all. It is about sizing.
Sizing is the whole story here
The manufacturer’s own fit note says this shoe runs small, and buyers confirm it in large numbers. Most people size up, and the pattern is consistent enough that you should treat it as the default rather than the exception.
Order against a pair of ASICS you already own rather than against your street size, because brand fit varies and this model is tighter than the brand average.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you overpronate and need lateral support, or if you run trails. This is a neutral shoe with a soft platform, and the engineered mesh upper will not handle loose ground.
9. ASICS Gel-Contend 9 – Best for Durability
ASICS Men’s Gel-Contend 9 Running Shoes, 7.5, White/Glacier Grey
Rearfoot GEL impact cushioning
AMPLIFOAM+ midsole
Jacquard mesh upper
Outsole flex grooves
Pros
- Durable AMPLIFOAM+ midsole built for mileage
- Rearfoot GEL softens landings
- Flex grooves improve flexibility
- Large review base at 4293 reviews
Cons
- Runs small
- many buyers size up a full size
- Mesh upper less durable than reinforced uppers
The Gel-Contend 9 is the durability pick. Where the Gel-Excite 11 optimizes for softness, this one optimizes for a midsole that holds its shape, and AMPLIFOAM+ is the compound ASICS designed for that.
Impact absorption comes from rearfoot GEL cushioning, and the upper is a jacquard mesh built for airflow. Flex grooves cut into the outsole so the shoe bends where your foot bends instead of resisting it.
Why the review base matters here
At 4293 reviews and a 4.5 star average with a 76% five-star share, this is one of the most heavily reviewed shoes in the roundup. A large sample makes the complaints more useful, and the same two come up repeatedly.
The first is fit. The fit note says runs small, and many buyers recommend going up a full size, which is more aggressive than the half size most people try first.
The second is upper durability. Reviewers flag that the mesh upper may be less durable than reinforced uppers, so the midsole will outlast the top of the shoe.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you need maximum cushioning for long runs. The rearfoot GEL gives you impact protection at landing, but the overall stack is firmer than the Glycerin 22 and the Gel-Excite 11.
Skip it if you need stability features. Like the Gel-Excite, it is a neutral trainer, so overpronation is not addressed.
10. Brooks Anthem 8 – Best for Beginners
Brooks Men’s Anthem 8 Neutral Running Shoe – Rock Ridge/Grey/Coconut – 14 Medium
DNA Loft v2 with 2mm more foam than the previous version
Engineered midsole geometry
Breathable performance mesh
RoadTack rubber outsole
Pros
- Built specifically for walk-to-run beginners
- Soft balanced cushioning for daily jogs
- Smooth heel-to-toe transitions
- Breathable upper for warm-weather training
Cons
- Plush foam limits ground feel at faster paces
- Less stability-oriented than a support trainer
- Smallest review base in this roundup
The Anthem 8 is the shoe I would hand to someone who has been invited to a walk-to-run plan and has not bought running shoes before. Brooks designed it for exactly that, and the spec sheet says so plainly.
This version carries 2mm more DNA Loft v2 midsole foam than the one before it, which produces a softer, more balanced ride. Engineered midsole geometry cradles the foot to smooth the heel-to-toe transition, and the performance mesh upper improves airflow for warm-weather training.
What the extra 2mm actually changes
Two millimeters is not a marketing number, it is a usability number. A thicker midsole means more material between you and the ground, which is what makes the shoe forgiving when your form is still developing and your cadence is uneven.
The RoadTack rubber outsole is the same compound Brooks uses on higher-end road shoes and is rated for grip on streets and sidewalks, which covers where a beginner runs.
How much weight to give the reviews
This shoe has 923 reviews at 4.4 stars with a 75% five-star share, the smallest sample in this roundup. That is a real limitation, and we flag it rather than presenting it as equally proven.
What the reviews do agree on is the role. Reviewers position the Anthem 8 as a comfortable, breathable entry point for walk-to-run beginners and everyday mileage.
Who should skip it
Skip it once your easy pace becomes a fast pace. Plush foam limits ground feel, and this is not a shoe you will want for intervals or tempo work.
Skip it if you overpronate. It is designed as a neutral everyday trainer, not a support shoe, so you will want to look elsewhere for stability features.
How to Choose Budget Running Shoes Without Overspending
The cheapest mistake in this category is buying one shoe and expecting it to cover every run. A second, cheaper pair often adds more value than upgrading a single trainer, and you do not have to spend much to do it. The logic is the same one we use when rounding up the best bed mats under 100 dollars: decide what the item has to do, then match the pick to that job.
Start with drop, because it is the one specification you cannot adjust later. Most of the shoes here sit between 8mm and 10mm. If you are brand new and have never run before, that range is comfortable. If you are moving down from racing shoes, go lower and change gradually.
Next, decide how much cushioning you actually need. Cushioning is not free. A softer midsole feels great at easy pace but gives you less ground feel and less stability when you are standing, which is why the Revel 8 draws complaints from people on their feet all day.
Foot shape matters more than gait at this budget. A narrow last will always feel worse than a supportive last, regardless of how well the foam performs, and the width information below is the part most roundups leave out.
Width codes are standardized in the US. A B width is standard for women’s shoes, D is standard for men’s, 2E is wide, and 4E is extra wide. New Balance builds the 520 v9 across many widths, which makes it the safest pick here for a wide foot.
On previous versions: the Charged Assert 9 has been listed since 2020 and the Surge 3 since 2022, and both are still actively updated. Buy a current version unless the difference is meaningful to you. A model that has been out for three years usually means the design is finished, and that is not a problem for a daily trainer.
Best Shoes Under 100 Dollars for Heavy Runners
If you weigh roughly 190 pounds or more, the calculus changes. Body weight concentrates load through the heel on every landing, and a thin EVA midsole compresses faster under that load, which shortens the shoe’s life and changes how the cushioning feels at mile five.
These are the three names I would put in front of a runner who weighs 190 pounds or more and is putting that load through a budget midsole on every stride. Choose foam volume and platform width over weight at this body size.
Under Armour Surge 3 is the one to avoid in this category. At 9 ounces per shoe it is the lightest option here, and light means less material to absorb impact. Choose a model with more midsole under the heel instead.
The Brooks Glycerin 22 is the strongest match. Its DNA Tuned midsole puts larger cells under the heel for soft landings with a broad platform underneath, and it carries the highest five-star share of any product in this list. The Brooks Revel 8 is second, with adaptable DNA Loft v2 that responds to weight, and the ASICS GEL-Excite 11 third, because PureGEL is specifically built for impact absorption.
What you gain by going heavier on cushioning is a shoe that still feels right late in a long run. What you give up is ground feel, and for a runner at this weight that is usually the correct trade.
On durability, heavier runners report uppers and thin outsoles failing before the cushioning is spent, so inspect the upper and outsole edge monthly rather than judging the shoe only by the foam.
How to Make a Budget Pair Last
Cost per mile is the honest way to evaluate this category, and it is why a sub-100 dollar shoe is not actually a compromise. At a few hundred miles per pair, the outlay per mile of running works out to a fraction of what a single visit to a specialty running store charges. The maths changes how you think about replacing a pair.
Run two pairs and alternate them. Foam recovers between runs, and a shoe that sits unused for a day comes back closer to its original response. Alternating also slows upper wear, which is the failure mode most reviewers complain about in this roundup.
Let the midsole recover between long runs. If your calendar has three long runs in a week, that is a good reason to buy a second cheaper pair rather than to stretch one shoe across them.
Retire a shoe when the outsole tread wears through at the heel or forefoot, when the upper separates from the midsole, or when the foam feels flat at the start of a run that used to feel cushioned. That last one is the earliest signal, and it usually arrives well before the tread is gone.
Rotate your terrain expectations. A shoe used only on pavement and treadmill lasts considerably longer than the same shoe used on gravel shoulders every weekend, and the review data in this roundup reflects that pattern clearly.
Where to Find Budget Running Shoes Without Paying Full Price
Buy the previous model version, not a random old size. A current shoe one generation behind gives you a genuine foam and outsole update at a lower price, and the models in this roundup show what that looks like in practice. This is the same approach we take with other budget categories, including temporary beds under 100 dollars, where the price of the item matters less than whether it does its job.
Watch the difference between listed price and street price. A shoe with a high listed price drops often, while an already-cheap entry-level trainer rarely gets cheaper. That means the 520 v9 at a mid-range position and the Glycerin 22 at the top of this list are more likely to see meaningful reductions than the Surge 3.
Outlet sections from the brands themselves are the safest discount route. They carry the same warranty, and the models are usually last year’s colorways rather than damaged or irregular stock.
Refurbished and used shoes are a genuine saving with a real caveat. Foam that has already compressed 500 miles does not recover, so a used shoe is a used shoe. Buy used only if you are happy to treat them as a short-term pair, and check the outsole wear before you commit.
Do not wait for a specific sale weekend to buy a budget trainer. Entry-level running shoes sit near their street price most of the time, so the discount opportunity is genuinely smaller here than it is in electronics or furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best affordable running shoe?
The best affordable running shoe is the Under Armour Charged Assert 9, which is a neutral daily trainer with a compression-molded foam midsole, a breathable mesh upper, and wide sizing options. It holds a 4.6 star average across more than 57000 reviews, and buyers describe it as comfortable for both running and everyday wear.
What are the best shoes for heavy runners?
Runners weighing roughly 190 pounds or more should prioritize foam volume under the heel and a broad, stable platform. In this roundup the Brooks Glycerin 22 leads, with dual-size midsole cells and a broad base, followed by the Brooks Revel 8 and the ASICS Gel-Excite 11, whose PureGEL is built for impact absorption. The lightest shoe here is the wrong choice for this group.
Do heavier runners need more cushioning?
Yes, mostly because body weight concentrates load through the heel on every landing. More foam under the heel delays the point at which the midsole compresses and stops absorbing impact, which is what keeps a long run comfortable. The trade-off is reduced ground feel, and for a runner at this weight that is usually the right trade to make.
Are cheap running shoes worth it?
Yes, for daily training. Budget trainers use standard EVA and TPU midsole foams instead of premium compounds and they skip carbon-fiber plates, so you get less energy return. In exchange you get a real midsole, a real outsole, and a shoe that holds up for hundreds of miles at a low cost per mile. They are not race-day shoes.
What are some good, durable, and cheap running shoes?
The Brooks Revel 8 is the durability pick in this roundup, with reviewers reporting it holds up well past 50 miles on the RoadTack rubber outsole. The ASICS Gel-Contend 9 is the alternative, using an AMPLIFOAM+ midsole designed for longevity. On both, the upper wears faster than the midsole, so check the mesh before you check the foam.
Final Verdict on the Best Running Shoes Under 100 Dollars
After comparing all 10, the Under Armour Charged Assert 9 is the best running shoe under 100 dollars for most people, because it pairs a genuinely good neutral midsole with the deepest review base in the category and real width options. Buy the Under Armour Surge 3 if your priority is spending as little as possible, and the Brooks Glycerin 22 if you run long and want maximum cushioning.
What you give up at this price is energy return and ground feel, not durability. If you run easy miles most days, that is an excellent trade, and rotating two pairs will stretch your budget further than any single upgrade.
Check the current price on each before you commit, since street prices in this category move often, and compare the fit notes carefully. Three of the ten shoes run small, and that one detail causes more returns than price ever does.