While running shoes are a necessity for many of us, they’re also quite expensive. Not everyone can afford premium running shoes and we often feel that we’re at a disadvantage when out on the road or track.
However, we’ve tested some of the cheaper options on the market in order to provide this dedicated guide. As it turns out, you can have a quality run even for less than $100!
Therefore, this guide will provide you with the Best Men’s Running Shoes Under $100 to buy online:
- Nike Air Pegasus 34 [Best For Beginners]
- Nike Air Zoom Winflo 5 [Stability]
- Saucony Grid Omni Walker [High Arches]
- Brooks Launch 6 [For Wide Feet]
- Reebok Flexweave Run [3D Cushion]
- Nike Downshifter 8 [Most Affordable]
If you’re looking for a particular pair for your needs, use the links above to jump ahead. Furthermore, we’ll provide a detailed guide of describing what to expect from sub-$100 running shoes so you know what you’re getting for your money.
Quick Buyer’s Guide
If you’re short on time and just want to start browsing shoes, use the Quick Buy Guide below to head straight to the retailers. Alternatively, keep scrolling to learn more about each shoe with our summaries.
What Are The Best Men’s Running Shoes Under $100?
In This Guide
Other Running Shoe Guides
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Foot Type Running Guides
- Style: Sneakers
- Formality: Casual
- Pricing: $90 [Buy Now On Amazon]
Overview
Although since replaced by the Pegasus 35, the older model is still commonly available and offers just as many features as its newer counterpart. It performs just as well but also consequently comes at a much more attractive price tag today.
Key Features
Designed with Zoom Air unites in both the forefoot and heel, you also benefit from a premium ST cushion for comfortable support as well as the moulded Fitsole inner.
Best Colors
Being something of entry-level standard bearer for Nike, the Pegasus 34 comes in a plethora of colours to choose from. However, stocks may be dwindling so it’s worth grabbing what you can now!
- Type: Running Shoe
- Uppers: Mesh
- Pricing: $90 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Overview
A great shoe offering supplementary stability, the Winflo is an affordable choice for those who have lower arches. We were honestly surprised by the low price tag of this stylish running shoe.
Key Features
The Cushlon ST and crash rail both provide energy return and support while an EVA stroble ensures shock absorption.
Best Colors
As you’d expect from Nike, there’s a huge selection of colours available. We took a shine to the olive green with a touch of orange. However, there’s plenty more to browse through!
Also Featured In
- Style: Sneakers
- Formality: Casual
- Pricing: $73 [Buy Now From Zappos]
Overview
We’ve featured Saucony’s Omni Walker all over our guides due to their reliability and versatile usage. Although designed primarily for walking, they’re inherently great for running. We tend to suggest them for professional environments due to their neutral colours but they’re ideal for personal use too.
Key Features
While the Visible Rearfoot Grid system features a woven configuration of Hytrel elements for cushion and stability, a midfoot support bridge enables increase ankle support and motion control.
Best Colors
As mentioned above, these come in work-friendly colours. As such, you can only choose from black or white. If you’re in a medical field, the white pair are perfect. Otherwise, the black shoes are great for more conservative environments.
Also Featured In
- Style: Sneakers
- Formality: Casual
- Pricing: $100 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Overview
At $100 on the nose, the Brooks Launch 6 is the newer model following the successful Launch 5. Brooks is a reliable brand for people who have certain requirements such as flat feet or high arches. Meanwhile, this is a great option for wide feet with their large selection of sizes.
Key Features
A lightweight running shoe, it features a BioMoGo DNA midsole for durable cushioning while the Midfoot Transition Zone and heel Segmented Crash Pad offer excellent heel-to-toe transitions.
Best Colors
Four colours are currently available including a light grey with black and white accents, which is the most neutral. However, we’re fond of the loud ocean blue with lime accents across the soles and laces.
- Style: Sneakers
- Formality: Casual
- Pricing: $100 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Overview
Reebok doesn’t get quite as much love as it probably should at Bespoke Unit. However, we were very fond of these surprisingly affordable running shoes. They’re currently available for $100, but we’ve seen them for $75 when on sale!
Key Features
What sets these apart is the use of a 3D foam midsole, which creates a mapped and precise cushioning for well-designed comfort. Meanwhile, the brand flaunts its Flexweave technology, which offers a breathable and lightweight yet durable membrane for the wearer.
Best Colors
The Flexweave Run is currently only available in a single option of black, red and white. While this is somewhat disheartening, we’re still very fond of the colour itself.
- Type: Running Shoe
- Uppers: Mesh & Synthetic Overlay
- Pricing: $60 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Overview
Nike offers one of the cheapest quality sneakers that we’ve come across. The Downshifter 8 still performs valiantly and looks great too! Nevertheless, we’d reserve them for road running and nothing too arduous.
Key Features
Featuring the brand’s Phylon midsole, there’s a good deal of shock absorption there. Meanwhile, a moulded foam footbed offers lightweight cushion that locks the heels in place for improved motion control.
Best Colors
As we’ve come to expect with Nike, there are many colour choices available here. However, we’ve taken a particular liking to the Gym Red colour scheme.
Also Featured In
What To Expect From Running Shoes Under $100
While cheaper running shoes may not provide as many promises as their expensive counterparts, that doesn’t mean that they’re any less effective. Depending on how they’re used, affordable running shoes under $100 can perform just as well as premium ones.
As we’ll talk about a little further down, cheap running shoes are perfectly fine for occasional and light usage. In fact, sometimes it simply isn’t worth buying exceeding pricey running shoes. After all, they won’t actually make you run any faster, will they?
Nevertheless, it’s important to remember a few things about cheaper running shoes and their inherent quality.
Brands will often reserve their more premium technical constructions and materials for the more expensive models. For instance, it’s unlikely that Nike will include their new ZoomX foam cushioning in their cheaper lines.
Although you don’t necessarily need these, it isn’t without it’s own benefits for intense use.
Everyday Wear & Tear
Similarly, cheaper running shoes will inherently use cheaper materials. While you may not notice any difference in the short run, you may perceive long-term differences.
Firstly, cheaper materials are more likely to wear down sooner. For instance, the traction will wear down after running fewer miles, which requires replacing after a certain point.
Meanwhile, the cushion and midsole will be less effective over time. Both will begin to compress after undertaking repetitive strain. The cushion will provide less comfort while the midsole won’t be as shock absorbing or offer the same energy return.
You can tell whether a running shoe has lost these abilities by simply twisting it. If it gives some firm resistance, then the materials are still in good working order. However, if they twist easily, then they may have lost their effectiveness.
Although not a cosmetic issue, it doesn’t just affect the performance but also the protection that the shoes offer. Eventually, they won’t just be ineffective at protecting your feet but they may also harm them too.
Are Sub-$100 Running Shoes Worth It?
Yes, no and “it depends”. Unfortunately, there is no straight answer as to whether cheaper running shoes offer better value for money than more expensive models.
Firstly, it depends on not just the frequency of activity you’ll undertake but the intensity too. If you’re looking to use the running shoes for light and occasional exercise, it’s unlikely that you’ll experience any added benefits from more expensive running shoes.
Indeed, running shoe quality tends to receive more credit than it deserves when it comes to the quality of your run. However, this shouldn’t be overlooked either. Once you reach a certain albeit elusive level, cheaper quality running shoes won’t be adequate for your requirements.
Running Shoe Usage
This is primarily due to wear as described above. Typical running shoes should normally be replaced after about 400 miles depending on your weight and the terrain they endure. However, cheaper running shoes may experience tread wear far sooner than this.
In this situation, it’s best to consider the benefits of purchasing more expensive shoes for yourself. If you’re only seeking occasional and light usage, cheaper shoes may last long enough to be worth the smaller investment.
Finally, if you’re seeking to use the shoes intensively, then it’s probably better to consider high-quality and more premium running shoes. This is primarily because of the exertion that your feet will endure.
If you undertake intense sports, cheap shoes may actually bring on fatigue or even harm your feet after a while. Meanwhile, the more robust and durable cushioning in premium running shoes will not only last longer but offer superior protection.
What Next?
Now that you’ve read about the best men’s running shoes for flat feet, you may be interested in some of our other related shoe guides:
- Best Men’s Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
- Top Men’s Running Shoes For Flat Feet
- Best Nike Running Shoes For Men
- Best Men’s Running Shoes For Wide Feet
"Was looking for something for short jogs. I'm only doing a few miles a week so wanted something affordable. Thanks for this guide!"Rating: 5.0 ★★★★★
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