Best budget running shoes

Why it ranks here. The Gel-Venture is the shoe that turns up first in every cheap running shoe roundup, nine versions in, with a trail sole and gel cushioning for $40 to $55. Owners wear it for everything: gym, light trails, walking. It ranks first for that range, not for pace.

It is the do-everything shoe. One buyer wanted 'a good, stable all rounder training shoe for gym mixed with some light trail adventures'↗ and stopped looking; another says 'You could wear Asics gel Ventures all day long'↗. A pair lasts 'about a year under normal use'↗, longer if you keep oils and strong soap away from the glue. Two warnings. For an eight-hour shift on hard floors it failed one worker outright: 'MY FEET HURTS. Definitely not comfortable'↗. And the waterproof version is not waterproof for everyone, with one buyer reporting after a day that 'they are not WATERPROOF'↗. The cheaper Gel-Contend gets the same affection at $35.

“You could wear Asics gel Ventures all day long.” — YouTube comment · Mikeesocal69 · 2023-04-27

5 positive · 1 mixed · 1 neutral · 3 negative · 10 voices · ✓ all 10 linked to source

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• I was looking for a good, stable all rounder training shoe for gym mixed with some light trail adventures. My search is over all thanks to your review. Thanks mate 👍

  YouTube comment · davidfromdownunder · 2023-04-27 · watch the original ↗

• your waterproof test really did it for me - great review man, keep it up

  YouTube comment · tiko545 · 2023-04-27 · watch the original ↗

• I by this shoes yesterday, and they are not WATERPROOF😢😢😢.

  YouTube comment · zrinkobabic6336 · 2023-04-27 · watch the original ↗

• They last about a year under normal use like walking....running?... I don't know, just don't get oil (bug spray, motor oil) on them because it destroys foe leather, canvas and the glue that holds the sole on...also, don't wash in strong soap.... just warm water is the best.

  YouTube comment · jaycounts4717 · 2023-04-27 · watch the original ↗

• I had the exact Gel Venture 9 and tried it today at work where I'm on my feet the whole 8hr shift. Damn!! MY FEET HURTS. Definitely not comfortable. 5 stars for the looks though.

  YouTube comment · RCJr24 · 2023-04-27 · watch the original ↗

• I got these because it said gel. Think I got the regular ones though unless the venture 9 is just waterproof. I'm currently wearing some cheap Walmart shoes for a 8hr shifts walking all night. Hopefully these will be more comfortable!

  YouTube comment · animaljam1231 · 2023-04-27 · watch the original ↗

• You could wear Asics gel Ventures all day long.

  YouTube comment · Mikeesocal69 · 2023-04-27 · watch the original ↗

• You state you are not a runner so your review is not very useful for trail runners!

  YouTube comment · GodzillaGoesGaga · 2023-04-27 · watch the original ↗

• just bought asics gel contend 5 on sale for $35. i love them

  YouTube comment · mikehascats26 · 2015-12-23 · watch the original ↗

• Asics gel content is a great running shoes is a great value. I am content when I wear them.

  YouTube comment · ThanhHuynh-rx3lu · 2015-12-23 · watch the original ↗

Why it ranks here. The 520 is New Balance's entry shoe, refreshed every year and bought by people who want a New Balance for under $60. Runners have put real distance on it. It ranks second on that record, held back by stability that owners say lags dearer trainers.

The mileage reports are what set it apart from the other shift shoes here: one owner 'ran about 70km in it and I love it'↗, another finds the 'Shoes grip steady in every pace'↗. A v9 owner calls it 'Fantastic as a walker, especially with an upgraded insole'↗, and it became his favourite over a Runfalcon in two weeks. The knock is stability: 'stability of this shoe is not good'↗, in the words of an otherwise satisfied owner. Most buyers use it for walking and easy runs, and swap the insole. One commenter points to the 680 as the better New Balance bargain at $40 on sale.

“Thank you for your vid, I have the exact same shoe, I ran about 70km in it and I love it!” — YouTube comment · HUNMAN68 · 2023-07-26

5 positive · 1 mixed · 1 neutral · 7 voices · ✓ all 7 linked to source

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• I was looking for some affordable mid to long run shoes. Appreciate the review

  YouTube comment · tonyhogan2490 · 2023-07-26 · watch the original ↗

• Shoes grip steady in every pace

  YouTube comment · dveragiwala · 2023-07-26 · watch the original ↗

• I think stability of this shoe is not good. Agree on all other counts. An excellent brief review.

  YouTube comment · asadweb · 2023-07-26 · watch the original ↗

• Thank you for your vid, I have the exact same shoe, I ran about 70km in it and I love it!

  YouTube comment · HUNMAN68 · 2023-07-26 · watch the original ↗

• I've had the 520 v9 for a couple of weeks (1st pair of New Balance kicks in years). Fantastic as a walker, especially with an upgraded insole. Have wondered about the Arishi as a budget shoe compared to my others including Adidas Response Pace and Runfalcon 5. The 520 are becoming the fave really quickly!

  YouTube comment · DJ279V · 2023-12-17 · watch the original ↗

• The NB 680 is the best bargain running shoe and a great deal on sale today for about $40.00 US

  YouTube comment · Rembo-luv · 2023-12-17 · watch the original ↗

• thx for video, was looking for a review. i dont know if im going to buy this one or classic one ...

  YouTube comment · Acegamingzone1 · 2023-03-13 · watch the original ↗

Why it ranks here. The Cohesion is the budget shoe with a cult: runners on 30 to 50 miles a week keep one in the rotation and say it should cost more. It ranks third rather than first because it is a runner's shoe, tight and plain, and one pair fell apart in a season.

A runner doing '30-50 miles a week'↗ added the Cohesion 13 for lighter days and his review is 'WOW'↗: 'a decent amount of "spring"'↗, cushion 'just about right'↗, and 'fantastic neutral trainers for a 5K & 10K'↗ at $49. Another switched from ASICS and found the Saucony 'far superior compared to Nike or Adidas'↗ and 'underpriced'↗. A fan of the old Cohesion 8 calls it 'the best shoes, period'↗ and says none since has felt as good. It is 'very tight the first time'↗ and loosens after a couple of hours. The looks are 'kinda like Walmart sneakers'↗. One Russian buyer's pair lasted a season without a single run. For someone who actually runs, this is the pick.

“I ended up buying the Saucony Cohesion 13 and added it to my shoe rotation for my lighter runs. All I have to say is "WOW"! This shoe has an affordable price tag (I got mine on sale for $49) and it performs great. I run about 30-50 miles a week and these shoes will perform great on any run up to 10 miles. There is a decent amount of "spring" and the cushion is just about right (not too plush/firm). Very light and breathable. They are fantastic neutral trainers for a 5K & 10K.” — YouTube comment · GChoi91 · 2015-12-23

4 positive · 3 mixed · 1 neutral · 1 negative · 9 voices · ✓ all 9 linked to source

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• I ended up buying the Saucony Cohesion 13 and added it to my shoe rotation for my lighter runs. All I have to say is "WOW"! This shoe has an affordable price tag (I got mine on sale for $49) and it performs great. I run about 30-50 miles a week and these shoes will perform great on any run up to 10 miles. There is a decent amount of "spring" and the cushion is just about right (not too plush/firm). Very light and breathable. They are fantastic neutral trainers for a 5K & 10K.

  YouTube comment · GChoi91 · 2015-12-23 · watch the original ↗

• The Saucony Cohesion 8 is the best running shoe I've never worn...not just the best cheap shoes, but the best shoes, period. I'm still kicking myself for not buying several more pairs since they were discontinued. None of the Cohesion models since then have felt good to me.

  YouTube comment · billyc768 · 2015-12-23 · watch the original ↗

• I just changed from ASICS to Saucony and I found out are amazing, better compared to ASICS and of course far superior compared to Nike or Adidas. Highly recommendable, and I agree that they are underpriced.

  YouTube comment · axvarela · 2021-06-05 · watch the original ↗

• It felt very tight the first time I wore it but after a couple of hours the show start expanding. I like these shoes.

  YouTube comment · tesla4002 · 2021-06-05 · watch the original ↗

• i am in love with this shoes brand...since 4 yrs now... funtastic shoe build quality 👍 very honest review 🙏

  YouTube comment · ambarishudta6291 · 2021-06-05 · watch the original ↗

• At $55 cdn I was quite happy with these, little bland and not the most comfortable I've had but got the price it was well worth it.

  YouTube comment · clippers849 · 2021-06-05 · watch the original ↗

• they do look kinda like Walmart sneakers... but then again turning heads isn't always the priority... thanks for the review

  YouTube comment · meaningoftheunicorn · 2021-06-05 · watch the original ↗

• Гавно Кросы кохесион 16 на один сезон и даже ни разу ни бегал

  YouTube comment · brutvg6849 · 2021-06-05 · watch the original ↗

• It good for long running, like 5k or 10k, as I am on tight budget??

  YouTube comment · anuragband8379 · 2024-07-01 · watch the original ↗

Why it ranks here. The Revolution is Nike's budget shoe and the one nurses and gym staff wear for eight-hour shifts. It is fine for a 10K and comes in a wide fit. It ranks fourth because the foam under the heel flattens within a couple of months for some owners.

A gym attendant reports 'no pain in 8 hours duty'↗, and a worker who wanted an all-day shoe says 'they are amazing for all day comfort!'↗. An Irish runner on his third pair covers 15 to 20 km a week in them, finds them 'surprisingly durable'↗, and notes 'they don't smell'↗, though one pair 'did wear a tiny hole in the upper after 8 months'↗. The wide version fits 'no need to go half size up'↗. The weak spot is the foam: on the Revolution 6 'the insole flattened out in a month or two'↗, and one owner 'kind of hated them'↗ for 'unstable heel foam, poor lockdown and lace bite'↗. Owners cap it at '5KM-10KM runs'↗, and 'Probably not fot half-full marathon'↗.

“I'm on my third pair, and I really like them. I run all year round here in Ireland and usually cover 15 to 20 km a week in 3 or 4 runs, the furthest I've gone is 15k... I find them to be comfortable right out of the box and lightweight, surprisingly durable, one pair did wear a tiny hole in the upper after 8 months. Funnily enough, one of the nice things about them is that they don't smell, which is cool.” — YouTube comment · casinodelonge · 2024-09-09

7 positive · 2 mixed · 1 negative · 9 voices · ✓ all 10 linked to source

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• I was recomended these by someone as i was looking for a shoe for work that was comfortable to wear all day, he was spot on they are amazing for all day comfort!👌

  YouTube comment · LloydyAlexanderx · 2023-09-27 · watch the original ↗

• Got the revolution 6s and loved them but the insole flattened out in a month or two

  YouTube comment · samlutz4724 · 2023-09-27 · watch the original ↗

• I just bought a pair of these at finish line inside of Macy's, so comfortable. I feel they run true to size. I have narrow feet.

  YouTube comment · symmetricalastic · 2023-09-27 · watch the original ↗

• I have 2 pairs of Revolution 7. Great shoes for short runs. Excellent for walking.

  YouTube comment · tubeles5920 · 2023-09-27 · watch the original ↗

• they have a wide version available. i got it in the wide version and it fits great! no need to go half size up if you have wide feet!

  YouTube comment · akui88 · 2023-09-27 · watch the original ↗

• My job, is gym attendant, this is good for everyday used, no pain in 8 hours duty, so comfortable.

  YouTube comment · DaryllOlermo · 2024-09-09 · watch the original ↗

• I bought the Revolution 6s and kind of hated them, for their unstable heel foam, poor lockdown and lace bite. I saw Dr Cy review the Revolution 8s as worth the money, though.

  YouTube comment · ConcaCon · 2024-09-09 · watch the original ↗

• I'm on my third pair, and I really like them. I run all year round here in Ireland and usually cover 15 to 20 km a week in 3 or 4 runs, the furthest I've gone is 15k... I find them to be comfortable right out of the box and lightweight, surprisingly durable, one pair did wear a tiny hole in the upper after 8 months. Funnily enough, one of the nice things about them is that they don't smell, which is cool.

  YouTube comment · casinodelonge · 2024-09-09 · watch the original ↗

• I got them for around 20 dollars here in india. I only run about 4 km everyday, they are decent for less than 5km. Also the design is simple and clean , they do the job of casual sneakers also

  YouTube comment · SandeepSingh-gs4fu · 2024-09-09 · watch the original ↗

• I have 2 pairs of Revolution 7. Great shoes for 5KM-10KM runs. Probably not fot half-full marathon.

  YouTube comment · tubeles5920 · 2024-09-09 · watch the original ↗

Why it ranks here. The Runfalcon is Adidas's budget runner and the cheapest shoe here, $18 to $20 on a good sale, with cloud foam that reviewers like. Owners buy it in threes. It ranks fifth because it is a casual shoe with thin insoles, not a runner's shoe.

At $40 one owner calls it 'Super comfortable all day, nice work -out shoe and true to size'↗, and at $20 people 'Bought 3 pairs'↗. One pair 'lasted me a year and a half of absolutely beating it up'↗, and 'It took everything i threw at it'↗. The complaints are about what $40 buys. It 'Look cheap and lack quality'↗; owners wish for 'slightly more cushioned insoles'↗; and the heel is 'Very wide in the back'↗ so the foot 'is not fixed'↗, with a toe box that squeezes. The TR version has a sturdier upper for wet months. A comfortable cheap shoe for the gym and the day, and a bargain at $20.

“i had this shoe in gray. lasted me a year and a half of absolutely beating it up and decided to retire it. It took everything i threw at it. Now Im using the pureboost” — YouTube comment · ZhifyZhifyWu · 2023-07-11

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• I got it in white color. $40. Pros - Super comfortable all day, nice work -out shoe and true to size. Cons - Look cheap and lack quality.

  YouTube comment · Solomonity · 2023-07-11 · watch the original ↗

• i had this shoe in gray. lasted me a year and a half of absolutely beating it up and decided to retire it. It took everything i threw at it. Now Im using the pureboost

  YouTube comment · ZhifyZhifyWu · 2023-07-11 · watch the original ↗

• I have three pairs of these. One in all black, one in blue tie-dye, and the black/white "TR" version, which honestly isn't really a trail runner, though its more sturdy and weather-resistant upper are nice for the seasonal transition into fall/winter. Agreed on the fit, the regular version is more than good enough for my wide feet.

  YouTube comment · ConcaCon · 2023-07-11 · watch the original ↗

• Just ordered them. I will get them in 4 days. I bought them for every day use, need comfortable smeakers since I have bad knees. Hopefully they work well. Thank you for the review 😊

  YouTube comment · ncm0629 · 2023-07-11 · watch the original ↗

• For 40 bucks, really good value

  YouTube comment · MrCrazyjoe259 · 2023-07-11 · watch the original ↗

• I have Runfalcon 3 in the same colourway. In terms of how they look, they are fire, but I wish that they came with slightly more cushioned insoles.

  YouTube comment · domagojoinky8262 · 2023-07-25 · watch the original ↗

• Bought 3 pairs of these at 20 ea.

  YouTube comment · SpeeZee86 · 2023-07-25 · watch the original ↗

• Very wide in the back of the sneaker (at the ankle) the foot is not fixed, the tongue is short, it is not possible to tie the laces, the front part is narrow and squeezes your fingers too much. Suitable for those who have three toes and ankles like an elephant. Bad insoles

  YouTube comment · explorer5673 · 2023-07-25 · watch the original ↗

• just picked some up for $18

  YouTube comment · VeronicaMolina-j3v · 2023-07-25 · watch the original ↗

• They get dirty very easy I threw them

  YouTube comment · قناةاسوان · 2023-07-25 · watch the original ↗