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Looking for high-quality running shoes without spending a fortune? Good news! In 2025, there are plenty of budget-friendly running shoes that offer excellent comfort, durability, and performance—all for under €100. Whether you’re a beginner or just need a reliable daily trainer, these shoes prove that you don’t have to break the bank for quality.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 10 best budget running shoes of the year, covering key details like cushioning, fit, and grip. By the end, you’ll know exactly which pair suits your running style and budget.
The Best Budget Running Shoes of 2025 are:
1. Nike Downshifter 13
The Nike Downshifter 13 stands out as The best budget running shoes of 2025, offering a perfect balance of affordability and performance. Designed for beginner to intermediate runners, it features a moderate EVA midsole cushioning for comfort, a breathable mesh upper to keep feet cool, and a durable outsole with reliable grip. With a 10mm heel-to-toe drop, it promotes a natural stride, making it ideal for daily training. While it’s not water-resistant, its true-to-size snug fit and lightweight build (266g for men’s size 9) make it a top choice for budget-conscious runners. At around €75, it’s a great-value running shoe that delivers quality without breaking the bank.
- Cushioning & Comfort: Features a balanced EVA midsole providing moderate cushioning suitable for daily runs.
- Breathability: The upper mesh design enhances airflow, keeping feet cool during workouts.
- Durability: Built with durable materials, though heavy runners might notice wear over time.
- Water Resistance: Lacks specific water-resistant features; best used in dry conditions.
- Fit & Sizing: True to size with a snug fit; available in standard widths.
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10mm, promoting a natural running stride.
- Weight: Approximately 266g (9.4 oz) for men’s size 9.
- Support & Stability: Offers standard support suitable for neutral runners.
- Traction & Grip: Outsole provides reliable grip on various surfaces.
- Break-in Period: Minimal; comfortable from the first wear.
- Price & Value: Around €75, offering excellent value for daily training.
- Best For: Beginner to intermediate runners seeking a reliable daily trainer.
2. New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8
The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 is a top contender among the best budget running shoes of 2025, offering a soft and responsive ride thanks to its Fresh Foam midsole. Designed for daily and long-distance runs, it features an engineered mesh upper for excellent breathability and a durable rubber outsole for reliable traction. With an 8mm heel-to-toe drop, it provides a balanced feel, while the secure heel fit ensures stability for neutral runners. It runs slightly small, so sizing up by half a size is recommended. At approximately €80, this shoe delivers exceptional comfort and durability at an affordable price.
- Cushioning & Comfort: Equipped with Fresh Foam midsole for a soft, responsive ride.
- Breathability: Engineered mesh upper ensures good ventilation.
- Durability: High-quality materials enhance longevity.
- Water Resistance: Not specifically designed for water resistance.
- Fit & Sizing: Runs slightly small; consider sizing up by half a size.
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm, offering a balanced feel.
- Weight: Approximately 269g (9.5 oz) for men’s size 9.
- Support & Stability: Provides neutral support with a secure heel fit.
- Traction & Grip: Durable rubber outsole offers reliable traction.
- Break-in Period: Minimal; comfortable from the outset.
- Price & Value: Approximately €80, delivering great value for its features.
- Best For: Runners desiring a cushioned shoe for daily and long-distance runs.
3. Saucony Axon 3
The Saucony Axon 3 earns its place among the best affordable running shoes of 2025, delivering plush cushioning ideal for long-distance training. With a 4mm heel-to-toe drop, it encourages a natural running stride, while the breathable upper keeps feet cool during intense workouts. Designed for durability, this shoe can withstand high mileage, and its durable outsole ensures solid traction on various surfaces. It offers neutral support and a true-to-size comfortable fit, making it a reliable choice for endurance runners. Priced at around €100, the Axon 3 provides exceptional comfort and stability without stretching your budget.
- Cushioning & Comfort: Generous cushioning suitable for long-distance runs.
- Breathability: Breathable upper keeps feet cool.
- Durability: Built to withstand high mileage.
- Water Resistance: Not water-resistant; best in dry conditions.
- Fit & Sizing: True to size with a comfortable fit.
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm, promoting a natural stride.
- Weight: Approximately 244g (8.6 oz) for men’s size 9.
- Support & Stability: Neutral support with a stable ride.
- Traction & Grip: Durable outsole provides good grip.
- Break-in Period: Minimal; ready to go from the box.
- Price & Value: Around €100, offering excellent value for long-distance runners.
- Best For: Runners seeking a budget-friendly shoe for long-distance training.
4. Nike Winflo 11
The Nike Winflo 11 stands out as one of the top budget-friendly running shoes of 2025, delivering consistent cushioning with its full-length Nike Air midsole. Designed for daily training, it features a breathable knit upper to enhance airflow and a durable rubber outsole for reliable traction. The neutral support and snug forefoot fit provide a secure and comfortable ride, making it an excellent choice for runners who prioritize stability and cushioning. While not designed for wet conditions, it performs exceptionally well on dry surfaces. At approximately €95, the Winflo 11 offers great value for everyday runners looking for quality without overspending.
- Cushioning & Comfort: Full-length Nike Air midsole offers consistent cushioning.
- Breathability: Knit upper enhances airflow.
- Durability: High-quality construction ensures durability.
- Water Resistance: Not designed for wet conditions.
- Fit & Sizing: True to size with a snug forefoot.
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: Not specified; designed for a balanced ride.
- Weight: Approximately 280g (9.9 oz) for men’s size 9.
- Support & Stability: Neutral support with a secure fit.
- Traction & Grip: Rubber outsole provides reliable traction.
- Break-in Period: Minimal; comfortable from the first run.
- Price & Value: Approximately €95, offering solid performance for daily training.
- Best For: Runners seeking a comfortable daily trainer with reliable cushioning.
5. Reebok Floatride Energy 5
The Reebok Floatride Energy 5 secures its place among the best budget running shoes of 2025, offering a lightweight and responsive ride at an affordable price. Featuring Reebok’s Floatride Energy foam midsole, it delivers a soft yet bouncy feel, making it great for both short and long-distance training. The engineered mesh upper provides decent breathability, though it may feel slightly warm on extended runs. With a 9mm heel-to-toe drop, it accommodates both heel and forefoot strikers, while the secure midfoot fit ensures stability. At approximately €85, this shoe is an excellent budget-friendly choice for runners seeking comfort, durability, and versatility.
- Cushioning & Comfort: Features Reebok’s Floatride Energy foam midsole, offering a soft yet bouncy ride.
- Breathability: Engineered mesh upper provides decent ventilation but may feel warm on longer runs.
- Durability: High-quality materials make it durable for regular training, though outsole wear can appear earlier on rough terrain.
- Water Resistance: Not specifically water-resistant but dries fairly quickly if exposed to moisture.
- Fit & Sizing: Runs true to size with a secure midfoot fit, though slightly narrow for wider feet.
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 9mm, making it well-balanced for both forefoot and heel strikers.
- Weight: Around 250g (8.8 oz) for men’s size 9, making it one of the lighter shoes in this price range.
- Support & Stability: Offers moderate stability, making it best suited for neutral runners.
- Traction & Grip: Rubber outsole provides reliable grip on roads and light trails, though not ideal for wet or uneven terrain.
- Break-in Period: Minimal; feels comfortable straight out of the box with no major adjustment needed.
- Price & Value: Around €85, making it an excellent choice for runners seeking a budget-friendly, lightweight, and responsive trainer.
- Best For: Runners who need a versatile, cushioned shoe for both short and long-distance training, as well as light speed workouts.
6. ASICS Gel-Excite 10
The ASICS Gel-Excite 10 earns its spot among the best budget-friendly running shoes of 2025, offering comfort and shock absorption at an affordable price. With ASICS Gel technology in the heel, it provides excellent impact protection, making it a great choice for casual runners and beginners. The breathable mesh upper ensures good airflow, while the durable rubber outsole delivers solid traction on roads. Designed with a 10mm heel-to-toe drop, it promotes a smooth and natural stride, and the slightly wider toe box enhances overall comfort. At approximately €80, it’s an excellent budget option for those seeking a reliable and cushioned daily trainer.
- Cushioning & Comfort: Gel technology in the heel provides shock absorption, enhancing comfort.
- Breathability: Mesh upper ensures good airflow, preventing overheating.
- Durability: Well-constructed but may wear down faster for heavy runners.
- Water Resistance: Not water-resistant, better suited for dry conditions.
- Fit & Sizing: Fits true to size with a slightly wider toe box.
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10mm, promoting a smooth transition during strides.
- Weight: Around 270g (9.5 oz) for men’s size 9.
- Support & Stability: Offers neutral support with moderate arch support.
- Traction & Grip: Durable rubber outsole for secure grip on roads.
- Break-in Period: Minimal; comfortable from the first run.
- Price & Value: Approximately €80, delivering excellent performance at a budget-friendly price.
- Best For: Casual runners and beginners looking for a reliable, cushioned daily trainer.
7. Adidas Duramo SL
The Adidas Duramo SL stands out as one of the most affordable running shoes of 2025, delivering lightweight comfort and durability at a budget-friendly price. Featuring a Lightstrike midsole, it provides responsive cushioning, making it a great choice for daily training. The highly breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool, while the rubber outsole ensures a secure grip on pavement. With a 9mm heel-to-toe drop, it offers a smooth running experience, though wide-footed runners may need to size up. At approximately €60, the Duramo SL is an excellent choice for budget-conscious runners looking for a light, reliable, and versatile everyday trainer.
- Cushioning & Comfort: Lightstrike midsole offers responsive cushioning.
- Breathability: Highly breathable mesh upper enhances airflow.
- Durability: Built to last for daily use.
- Water Resistance: Not waterproof but dries quickly.
- Fit & Sizing: Runs slightly narrow; wide-footed runners may need to size up.
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 9mm, providing a smooth running experience.
- Weight: Approximately 244g (8.6 oz) for men’s size 9.
- Support & Stability: Best for neutral runners, offering good stability.
- Traction & Grip: Rubber outsole delivers reliable grip on pavement.
- Break-in Period: Minimal; feels comfortable from the start.
- Price & Value: Around €60, making it one of the best budget options.
- Best For: Runners on a tight budget who need a lightweight, everyday trainer.
8. Puma Velocity Nitro 2
The Puma Velocity Nitro 2 is one of the best value running shoes of 2025, delivering premium cushioning and versatility at an affordable price. Its Nitro foam midsole provides a soft yet responsive ride, making it perfect for both speed training and daily mileage. The engineered mesh upper ensures good breathability, while the durable outsole offers reliable grip on roads and light trails. With an 8mm heel-to-toe drop, it promotes a balanced and natural stride, and the secure midfoot fit enhances stability. Priced at around €95, the Velocity Nitro 2 is a top choice for runners seeking performance without overspending.
- Cushioning & Comfort: Nitro foam midsole provides soft, responsive cushioning.
- Breathability: Engineered mesh upper ensures good airflow.
- Durability: High-quality materials enhance longevity.
- Water Resistance: Not water-resistant; best for dry runs.
- Fit & Sizing: True to size with a secure midfoot fit.
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm, promoting a balanced stride.
- Weight: Around 257g (9.1 oz) for men’s size 9.
- Support & Stability: Neutral support with a stable feel.
- Traction & Grip: Reliable grip on both roads and light trails.
- Break-in Period: Short; feels good after the first few runs.
- Price & Value: Approximately €95, offering premium features at an affordable price.
- Best For: Runners looking for a versatile shoe for both speed training and daily mileage.
9. Brooks Revel 6
The Brooks Revel 6 is a stylish and affordable running shoe that delivers a great balance of comfort and performance. Featuring a BioMoGo DNA midsole, it provides adaptive cushioning, making it ideal for daily runs and casual training. The air mesh upper ensures good breathability, while the hard rubber outsole offers a strong grip on various surfaces. With an 8mm heel-to-toe drop, it suits most runners, and the true-to-size fit provides a secure yet slightly snug feel. Priced at around €90, the Revel 6 is a top pick for budget-conscious runners who want both durability and style in their daily trainer.
- Cushioning & Comfort: BioMoGo DNA midsole offers adaptive cushioning.
- Breathability: Air mesh upper provides decent ventilation.
- Durability: Long-lasting build quality.
- Water Resistance: Not designed for wet conditions.
- Fit & Sizing: True to size, with a slightly snug fit.
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm, suitable for most runners.
- Weight: Around 255g (9 oz) for men’s size 9.
- Support & Stability: Neutral support with a slightly firm ride.
- Traction & Grip: Hard rubber outsole provides strong grip.
- Break-in Period: Short; comfortable within a couple of runs.
- Price & Value: Approximately €90, a good mix of performance and affordability.
- Best For: Runners who want a mix of style, comfort, and performance at an affordable price.
10. Decathlon Kiprun KS Light
The Decathlon Kiprun KS Light is one of the best budget long-distance running shoes of 2025, offering exceptional value and durability at an affordable price. Its EVA foam midsole provides a soft yet responsive ride, making it ideal for extended training sessions. The well-ventilated upper ensures breathability, while the outsole delivers reliable traction on both dry and wet roads. With a 10mm heel-to-toe drop, it suits a wide range of runners, and the slightly wider fit enhances comfort. Priced at around €80, the Kiprun KS Light is a top pick for runners seeking durability, comfort, and affordability in a long-distance trainer.
- Cushioning & Comfort: EVA foam midsole delivers a soft and responsive ride.
- Breathability: Well-ventilated upper keeps feet cool.
- Durability: Surprisingly durable for the price.
- Water Resistance: Not water-resistant but dries fairly quickly.
- Fit & Sizing: True to size; slightly wider fit.
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10mm, ideal for most runners.
- Weight: Around 275g (9.7 oz) for men’s size 9.
- Support & Stability: Neutral support with a lightweight feel.
- Traction & Grip: Outsole grips well on dry and wet roads.
- Break-in Period: Minimal; comfortable from the first few runs.
- Price & Value: Around €80, one of the best-value shoes on the list.
- Best For: Runners looking for an affordable, durable option for long-distance training.
The Best Budget Running Shoe Brands of 2025:
Nike – Affordable Performance
Brooks – Durable and Reliable
ASICS – Comfort at a Low Price
Puma – Stylish & Affordable
Mizuno – Stability and Durability
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Budget Running Shoe
Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first pair of running shoes or an experienced runner needing an affordable backup pair, there’s a great budget-friendly option for you. If cushioning is your priority, New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 or Puma Velocity Nitro 2 might be the best choices. For speed training, Reebok Floatride Energy 5 and Saucony Axon 3 stand out. If you’re looking for the best overall value, Nike Downshifter 13, Adidas Duramo SL and Decathlon Kiprun KS Light are solid picks.
If you’re still unsure which pair is right for you, check out our Best Running Shoes of 2025 for a broader selection, including high-performance models. Need help comparing features and finding the perfect fit? Visit our Gear Up & Compare page to make an informed choice before hitting the road!
No matter which pair you choose, these top 10 budget running shoes prove that you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a comfortable and supportive run!
