The Best Affordable Running Shoes Right Now
By Bach Pham, Content Manager
There is an age old saying that the best thing about running is that you just need a pair of shoes. Well, the reality is that running shoes are expensive. That's just a fact no matter where you are. Especially as you get more and more into mileage, the cost of shoes and rotating shoes is starts adding up fast. There are a lot of ways to help navigate this though, and in this guide we offer a few strategies and get into some of the best finds available now.
Tips for Finding the Best Price
Are you a Sports Medicine Professional?
Brooks has a 40% off program for those in the field. Find the program here.
Disclaimer
The following recommendations are from a variety of websites. This includes links to our friends at Running Warehouse, which are affiliate links that help support Doctors of Running. The remaining links are non-affiliate links.
In today's market, there are kind of two/three levels of price points for running shoes. Quality running shoes typically start around $120 and quickly skyrocket. There is then a new upper echelon of running shoes that are either highly cushioned and built or built for racing which starts around $160 and goes as high as $275.
There is then a whole layer of new shoes priced below $120, which starts getting tricky as the options become harder to parse. For the most part, shoes we review tend to be in the $100+ end as they are more well-built for higher mileage running. Most generic shoes under $100 lack a lot of comfort for racking up miles. While these generic shoes may work for getting started, eventually it is worth exploring a higher quality footwear to help you on your running journey as you go further and further.
There are a few tips we usually provide for finding a quality running shoe at a good price point. The first is to look for last year's models. When a new model releases, typically you can find excellent deals on the previous model. This is a great way to get started compared to buying models that are under $100, but typically lower quality. While in recent years shoes have gotten more and more exciting by the season, last year's models are both proven and plenty of fun for a new runner to get started with.
Doing some research to learn about the various models will also let you go a long way towards looking out for deals. Aim for shoes that are originally between $100-150 initially for deep discounts as well. Daily trainers like the Nike Pegasus, Saucony Ride, and others are often good places to start with and explore as the discounts can run fairly deep.
If you have a good local run store, also get to know them and see if they have annual sales! Stores have to clear inventory annually and when they do it's an amazing way to find deals on shoes you would not be able to get for the price anywhere else.
Finally, be on the lookout during holiday season. It's a great time to find super deals and save up.
There is then a whole layer of new shoes priced below $120, which starts getting tricky as the options become harder to parse. For the most part, shoes we review tend to be in the $100+ end as they are more well-built for higher mileage running. Most generic shoes under $100 lack a lot of comfort for racking up miles. While these generic shoes may work for getting started, eventually it is worth exploring a higher quality footwear to help you on your running journey as you go further and further.
There are a few tips we usually provide for finding a quality running shoe at a good price point. The first is to look for last year's models. When a new model releases, typically you can find excellent deals on the previous model. This is a great way to get started compared to buying models that are under $100, but typically lower quality. While in recent years shoes have gotten more and more exciting by the season, last year's models are both proven and plenty of fun for a new runner to get started with.
Doing some research to learn about the various models will also let you go a long way towards looking out for deals. Aim for shoes that are originally between $100-150 initially for deep discounts as well. Daily trainers like the Nike Pegasus, Saucony Ride, and others are often good places to start with and explore as the discounts can run fairly deep.
If you have a good local run store, also get to know them and see if they have annual sales! Stores have to clear inventory annually and when they do it's an amazing way to find deals on shoes you would not be able to get for the price anywhere else.
Finally, be on the lookout during holiday season. It's a great time to find super deals and save up.
Are you a Medical, Military, or First-Responder?
Asics has a 25% off program for those in these fields. It's a massive discount on new shoes that you should learn more about. Find the program here.
Asics has a 25% off program for those in these fields. It's a massive discount on new shoes that you should learn more about. Find the program here.
Are you a Sports Medicine Professional?
Brooks has a 40% off program for those in the field. Find the program here.
Disclaimer
The following recommendations are from a variety of websites. This includes links to our friends at Running Warehouse, which are affiliate links that help support Doctors of Running. The remaining links are non-affiliate links.
Best Affordable Running Shoe Picks
November 2025
Daily Trainers (Neutral)
(Shoes for Everyday Mileage at Easy to Moderate Paces)
The Nike Pegasus 41 is a neutral daily training shoe for
those who want a straightforward shoe for mileage. A new ReactX midsole
comes in with a higher stack height, providing a softer heel and a
little more bounce compared to its predecessor. A new upper maintains
the normal width fit while a slightly lower volume provides additional
security. Now featuring heel sidewalls that keep the ride centered at
the rear, the Pegasus 41 continues as a daily training shoe that does
well during easier and long runs.
The Puma Velocity 3 is a neutral daily training shoe that is
designed to check all of your boxes. The shoe uses a supercritical foam
NITRO to give some bounce and provide good cushioning for long miles.
This latest version adds nearly 3mm more stack to the shoe, providing a
lot more comfort to the velocity than ever before while maintaining its
ability to do a little bit of everything at the same time. The PUMAGRIP
outsole traction is quite good and the experience feels like a shoe
you can do about anything in. The Velocity is a versatile training shoe
that excels most at daily mileage.
Daily Trianer
Deal: $114.95 at Running Warehouse
Shop Men | Shop Women
The Topo Atmos is a maximum cushioned training shoe that changes the
conversation for the Topo Athletic assortment of training shoes.
Previously they have focused on lower stack height options and a natural
grounded ride. The Topo Atmos gives a high stack rockered ride that has
a surprising amount of stability and centering to it. The shoe has
plenty of cushion for long mileage and eating away easy day mileage.
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash 2 | Review
Performance Trainer
Deal: $129.95 at Running Warehouse
Shop Men | Shop Women
Deal: $129.95 at Running Warehouse
Shop Men | Shop Women
The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash 2 is a training companion to the
Rebellion Pro 2 (super shoe). In a lot of ways the shoe feels like a
slightly dialed down Rebellion Pro 1 with a little more durability and
training considerations. The unique geometry combined with the Enerzy
Lite + top layer midsole provide a big rolling sensation and bounce at
toe off. The shoe does use a nylon plate vs. the carbon plate seen in
the Rebellion Pro model as well. This is a highly rockered shoe that can
do a little of everything at paces.
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 is the PEBA-based update to the popular lightweight performance trainer. Featuring a brand new PEBA version of FuelCell, the ride becomes faster and bouncier than ever. A new wider upper/forefoot sits up top while a secure midfoot and heel keep the platform locked to the foot no matter what the pace. Version 4 features a new geometry with a wider midfoot that makes for a surprisingly stable ride. The incredibly lightweight for a performance trainer is maintained, which combined with the new midsole creates a shoe that can handle daily training to racing for those who do not want or do well with plated super shoes.
New Balance Rebel v4 | Review
Performance Trainer
Deal: $99 at Running Warehouse
Shop Men | Shop Women
Deal: $99 at Running Warehouse
Shop Men | Shop Women
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 is the PEBA-based update to the popular lightweight performance trainer. Featuring a brand new PEBA version of FuelCell, the ride becomes faster and bouncier than ever. A new wider upper/forefoot sits up top while a secure midfoot and heel keep the platform locked to the foot no matter what the pace. Version 4 features a new geometry with a wider midfoot that makes for a surprisingly stable ride. The incredibly lightweight for a performance trainer is maintained, which combined with the new midsole creates a shoe that can handle daily training to racing for those who do not want or do well with plated super shoes.
The Mizuno Neo Vista is Mizuno's new super trainer, which features an extremely high stack of Mizuno ENERZY NXT foam, a nylon Mizuno Wave plate, and Mizuno's Smooth Speed Assist, which refers to the shoe's large heel bevel and forefoot rocker. In a market full of heavy super trainers that are limited in use by their weight, the Neo Vista is refreshingly light on foot, at 9.4oz for a men's 9 and 7.8oz for a women's 8. A large midsole cutout reduces weight and contributes to the shoe's compliance and resilience. The Mizuno Neo Vista is a super trainer that could be used for everything from recovery runs to workouts, and is a nice training complement to the Rebellion Pro 2 and Flash 2.
The Puma MagMax Nitro has an incredibly high 47mm/39mm Nitro midsole and
a protective, mildly bouncy ride. Unlike other super trainers whose
weight limits them to slower recovery runs, the bounce and relatively
lighter weight of the MagMax Nitro makes it a potentially more versatile
trainer. This shoe could be a go-to easy run shoe for some, and could
also be an uptempo long run shoe for others. Its unique geometry puts it
squarely in the stable neutral category, particularly for midfoot and
forefoot strikers.
Daily Trainers (Stability)
(Shoes with some form of stability. See our Stability Guide to learn more)
(Shoes with some form of stability. See our Stability Guide to learn more)
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 | Review
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is a moderate to high-level stability daily training shoe that maintains its place as a rare medially posted shoe. A wider but lower volume upper provides a comfortable fit that requires a little extra lockdown. A new posterior lateral heel bevel makes for the smoothest heel transition in years, which makes the 12mm drop feel lower but no less protective. The new DNA Loft v3 midsole feels cushioned but slightly firm. Finally, a larger, more prominent medial post makes this shoe even more stable with the continued GuideRail, making it a great option for those who want a stable and supportive ride through the heel and midfoot. While the new Adrenaline is a complete redesign from prior versions, it maintains the aspects that made it great while improving many things that should please long-term and new Adrenaline users.
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is a moderate to high-level stability daily training shoe that maintains its place as a rare medially posted shoe. A wider but lower volume upper provides a comfortable fit that requires a little extra lockdown. A new posterior lateral heel bevel makes for the smoothest heel transition in years, which makes the 12mm drop feel lower but no less protective. The new DNA Loft v3 midsole feels cushioned but slightly firm. Finally, a larger, more prominent medial post makes this shoe even more stable with the continued GuideRail, making it a great option for those who want a stable and supportive ride through the heel and midfoot. While the new Adrenaline is a complete redesign from prior versions, it maintains the aspects that made it great while improving many things that should please long-term and new Adrenaline users.
Daily Trainer
Deal: $139.95 at Running Warehouse
Shop Men | Shop Women
Deal: $139.95 at Running Warehouse
Shop Men | Shop Women
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is a moderate to high-level stability daily training shoe that maintains its place as a rare medially posted shoe. A wider but lower volume upper provides a comfortable fit that requires a little extra lockdown. A new posterior lateral heel bevel makes for the smoothest heel transition in years, which makes the 12mm drop feel lower but no less protective. The new DNA Loft v3 midsole feels cushioned but slightly firm. Finally, a larger, more prominent medial post makes this shoe even more stable with the continued GuideRail, making it a great option for those who want a stable and supportive ride through the heel and midfoot. While the new Adrenaline is a complete redesign from prior versions, it maintains the aspects that made it great while improving many things that should please long-term and new Adrenaline users.
Daily Trainer
Deal: $99.95 at REI
Shop Men | Shop Women
Deal: $99.95 at REI
Shop Men | Shop Women
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is a moderate to high-level stability daily training shoe that maintains its place as a rare medially posted shoe. A wider but lower volume upper provides a comfortable fit that requires a little extra lockdown. A new posterior lateral heel bevel makes for the smoothest heel transition in years, which makes the 12mm drop feel lower but no less protective. The new DNA Loft v3 midsole feels cushioned but slightly firm. Finally, a larger, more prominent medial post makes this shoe even more stable with the continued GuideRail, making it a great option for those who want a stable and supportive ride through the heel and midfoot. While the new Adrenaline is a complete redesign from prior versions, it maintains the aspects that made it great while improving many things that should please long-term and new Adrenaline users.
Trail Shoes
(Shoes for tackling a variety of terrain)
(Shoes for tackling a variety of terrain)
HOKA Speedgoat 6 | Review
Daily Trainer
Deal: $123.88 at Running Warehouse
Shop Men | Shop Women
Daily Trainer
Deal: $123.88 at Running Warehouse
Shop Men | Shop Women
The HOKA Speedgoat 6 is a trail running shoe that can
take a beating. The Speedgoat 6 is a maximum cushioned trail running
shoe that is designed to tackle technical terrain and long distances.
For many this will be a daily training trail running shoe that may
dabble into some ultra distance trail racing as well. The midsole is
CMEVA and saw some small tweaks. There is also an internal chassis to
help with additional foot security added.
Have questions? Send us an email at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com
Thanks for reading!
More Guides from Doctors of Running
Beginner's Guide to Running Shoes: Are you a brand new runner and unsure where to start? Visit this guide first to get started.
Stability Shoe Resource Page: Our comprehensive guide to stability shoes and alternatives for neutral runners as well
Carbon Fiber Plated Shoes Resource Page: Want to go as fast as possible for race day? Visit this page for all of our super shoe reviews
Guide to Walking Shoes: Featuring some science behind walking and the best running shoes for walking based on our everyday testing and clinical experience working with patients.
Getting the Right Fit: Unsure if your shoe fits? Visit this page to help you determine how to find the right shoe for your feet. Comfort is one of the most important things we emphasize at Doctors of Running before you get out the door and on the road. Sometimes the right shoe for you is not what works for many others. That is why it is important to try different shoes when you can to get a better understanding of works best for your needs.
Beginner's Guide to Nutrition/Hydration: Guest writer Jennifer Giles (Registered Dietitan/Nutritionist) helps bring a new guide for fueling to Doctors of Running as part of our summer hydration series.
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