Best Budget Running Shoes Under $100 in 2026
You do not need to spend $150 to run well. This guide lists running shoes whose current US list price is under $100, so the price you see is the price the maker charges, not a temporary sale. We have not tested these shoes. The comparison uses the manufacturersâ own US pages where they could be read.
Earlier versions of this guide listed discounted previous-generation shoes (such as the Nike Pegasus 41, Saucony Ride 17 and ASICS Gel-Cumulus 26) at roughly $90. Those shoes have since been replaced by newer versions that list for more, so we have changed the basis of the guide from sale prices, which we cannot verify, to list prices, which we can.
Quick Comparison
| Shoe (current version) | US list price | Weight | Drop | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike Revolution 8 | $75 (some colours lower) | about 10.3 oz (292 g) | 10 mm | nike.com |
| New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 | $74.99 | about 9.5 oz | Not confirmed | newbalance.com listing |
| Saucony Cohesion 19 | $80 | Not published on the page | Not published | saucony.com |
| Brooks Anthem 8 | $90 | 9.5 oz (269 g) | 10 mm | brooksrunning.com |
Weights are the makersâ figures and most do not state a shoe size. We did not confirm the current maker list prices of the Kiprun KS500 or the adidas Duramo Speed, so they are covered separately below.
The Four Shoes
Nike Revolution 8 ($75)
Nike lists the Revolution 8 at $75, with some colours at $63.97, a weight of about 10.3 oz and a 10 mm drop for the menâs shoe. It is the lowest-priced Nike road shoe in this guide and replaces the Revolution 7.
New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 ($74.99)
New Balance lists the Arishi v4 at $74.99. We read its weight as about 9.5 oz; New Balance blocks automated access, so confirm the details on its site.
Saucony Cohesion 19 ($80)
Saucony lists the Cohesion 19 at $80. Its page gives no weight or drop, so we do not quote them. The Cohesion 18 is no longer sold on saucony.com.
Brooks Anthem 8 ($90)
Brooks lists the Anthem 8 at $90, at 9.5 oz (269 g) with a 10 mm drop. It is the most expensive of the four and replaces the Anthem 6.
Not Re-Verified in This Update
- Kiprun KS500 (Decathlon): an earlier edition listed it at $70. We did not confirm Decathlonâs current US price, return policy or specifications, so we do not recommend it on price here.
- adidas Duramo Speed: listed at $80 in an earlier edition; adidas blocks automated access and we could not confirm it.
- Reebok Floatride Energy 5: an older budget guide listed it at $80, but we could not find a maker price and retailer prices we saw were higher.
How to Pick the Right Budget Shoe
All four shoes are cushioned neutral trainers aimed at everyday easy running, not racing. The differences are small on paper, so fit and comfort decide it.
If budget is the priority: Revolution 8 and Arishi v4 are within $0.01 of each other on list price.
If you want Saucony: Cohesion 19 is the entry-level Saucony; compare it with the $145 Ride 19 if you can afford the step up.
Not sure what type of shoe you need? Our how to choose running shoes guide breaks it down step by step.
Buying Previous-Generation Shoes
Running shoe lines are usually updated every year or two, and the older version often goes on sale. That is the cheapest way to buy a more expensive shoe, but it has limits:
- A previous-generation shoe is not a different shoe from the current one in every respect; foam, upper and fit can change. Compare reviews of the exact version.
- Check the live price. We cannot verify sale prices, and the shoes listed in earlier editions (Pegasus 41, Ride 17, Cumulus 26, Launch 10) have newer versions, and where the maker still shows the older one it may be in limited sizes only.
- Limited size and colour availability is the main downside. If you see your size at a good price, decide quickly.
As a reference, current list prices are Nike Pegasus 42 $145, Saucony Ride 19 $145 and Brooks Launch 12 $120, so a previous-generation version of those has to be well below those prices to be worth a look. See our daily trainers comparison for current list prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are budget running shoes bad for your feet?
Not by price alone. A shoe with proper cushioning and a shape that fits your foot is better than an expensive one that does not fit. Price does not correlate directly with injury prevention.
How long do budget running shoes last?
Manufacturers do not publish a guaranteed mileage. Many runners replace trainers between roughly 500 and 800 km, depending on the foam, body weight and surfaces; cheaper foams may wear out sooner. For more, see our running injury prevention guide.
Should I buy previous-generation running shoes?
If you can find your size at a clearly lower price and the shoe fits well, often yes. Check what changed in the new version, and compare against the current list prices above.
Can I use these shoes for racing?
You can race in any running shoe, but none of these is a race-day shoe. For racing, see our carbon plate racing shoes guide.
Whatâs the single best budget running shoe in 2026?
We do not name one. Each shoe here is a list-price-under-$100 option, and the best one is the one that fits your foot. Fit matters more than a $15 price difference.