Best Running Shoes Under £100

Our Top Picks for Budget Running Shoes

You don't need to spend £150+ (at time of writing) to get a great pair of running shoes. There are dozens of well-reviewed options under £100 — these are among the standout picks at the time of writing.

1. Nike Revolution 7 — Best Overall (around £65)

The Revolution 7 is Nike's best budget running shoe. Soft foam cushioning, breathable mesh upper, and surprisingly durable for the price. It comes in a wide range of colourways.

The outsole uses a waffle-pattern rubber tread that grips well on both pavement and light gravel paths. Reviewers generally find the heel collar padding comfortable enough for sockless wear on short runs, though a decent pair of running socks is still worth it for anything over 5km.

Best for: Beginners and casual runners doing up to 30km/week.

Use our Nike discount codes for current promotions and sale alerts.

2. Adidas Runfalcon — Best Value (around £55)

Adidas consistently delivers at the budget end. The Runfalcon has Cloudfoam cushioning that rivals shoes twice the price.

The upper is made from a mix of textile and synthetic materials that keeps the weight down while providing decent support through the midfoot. The rubber outsole is built to hold up well over months of road running. It is also one of the better-looking budget runners, making it a solid choice if you want a shoe that works for both the gym and everyday wear.

Best for: Gym-to-street runners who want versatility.

Adidas regularly discounts the Runfalcon during seasonal sales — worth checking directly on the Adidas site.

3. New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 — Best Cushioning (around £75)

If comfort is your priority, the Arishi v4's Fresh Foam midsole is the softest in this price range. Great for heavier runners or those with joint concerns.

The engineered mesh upper provides a snug but not restrictive fit. One thing to note is that the Arishi runs about half a size small compared to Nike and Adidas, so consider sizing up if you are between sizes. The 8mm heel-to-toe drop offers a good balance between cushioning and a natural stride feel.

Best for: Runners who prioritise cushioning over speed.

How to Make Budget Running Shoes Last Longer

Getting the most out of a sub-£100 shoe comes down to a few simple habits:

• Rotate two pairs — Alternating between two cheaper shoes lets the foam recover between runs, extending the life of both pairs.
• Keep them dry — Remove insoles after wet runs and stuff shoes with newspaper. Avoid tumble dryers, as heat breaks down foam and glue.
• Use them only for running — Wearing running shoes for everyday errands wears out the cushioning faster. Keep a separate pair for casual use.
• Track your mileage — Most budget running shoes are good for roughly 400-500 miles before the cushioning loses its effectiveness. A simple note on your phone works fine.

When to Buy Running Shoes for the Best Price

Timing your purchase well can often save you 30-50% (at time of writing):

• January — New Year fitness sales, last season's models heavily discounted
• March/April — Spring clearance as new season stock arrives
• Black Friday — Best deals of the year, plan ahead
• End of season — Check JD Sports for clearance on outgoing season stock

It is also worth signing up for email newsletters from your preferred brand. Nike, Adidas, and New Balance all offer exclusive discount codes to subscribers, sometimes giving early access to sales or an extra 10-15% off already reduced items. For a detailed look at how Nike direct compares to buying through a retailer, our Nike vs JD Sports comparison breaks down exclusive colourways, student discounts, and where each gives you better value.

How to Choose the Right Running Shoe

The most expensive shoe isn't always the best for you. Consider:

1. Your running surface — Road, trail, or treadmill? Road shoes have flatter, smoother outsoles. Trail shoes have deeper lugs for grip on mud and loose ground. Treadmill runners can get away with lighter, less durable options since there is no abrasive surface.
2. Your foot shape — Wide, narrow, high arch? New Balance and Asics tend to offer wider fits, while Nike often runs narrower. If you have flat feet or high arches, look for shoes with removable insoles so you can swap in custom orthotics.
3. Weekly mileage — Casual jogger or training for a marathon? Higher mileage demands more cushioning and durability. If you run three times a week or less, a budget shoe will serve you perfectly well.
4. Pronation type — Neutral, overpronation, or underpronation? Overpronators (feet roll inward) should look for stability shoes with medial post support. Most budget shoes are neutral, which suits the majority of runners.

Visit a specialist running shop for a free gait analysis before buying online. Once you know your gait type and size, you can confidently shop for deals from the comfort of home. Students can often save again through the third-party verification schemes — our student discount guide covers how UNiDAYS and Student Beans unlock Nike and JD Sports student pricing year-round.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Are expensive running shoes worth the extra money?

Not necessarily. Research shows that comfort and fit matter more than price for injury prevention. A £70 shoe that fits your foot and running style well will outperform a £150 shoe that does not. The main advantage of premium shoes is lighter weight and more advanced cushioning technology — meaningful for competitive runners, less so for casual joggers.

Can I use discount codes on Nike running shoes?

Yes. Nike regularly issues promotional codes that apply to their running shoe range, though specific new releases are sometimes excluded. Browse our sports & outdoors deals for current codes. Nike's end-of-season sales (January and July) also bring running shoes under £100 that normally retail above that price.

What is gait analysis and do I need it?

Gait analysis is a free service offered by specialist running shops where an expert watches you run (usually on a treadmill) to assess your foot strike and pronation. It takes 10-15 minutes and helps identify whether you need neutral, stability, or motion-control shoes. It is particularly worthwhile for new runners or anyone experiencing discomfort.

When is the best time to buy running shoes?

End-of-season sales in January and July consistently offer the best running shoe deals. New model releases (typically spring and autumn) trigger discounts on the outgoing model — which is often nearly identical. Black Friday also produces good running shoe deals from Nike, JD Sports, and specialist running retailers.

Browse more deals in our Fashion category for the latest trainer and sportswear discounts, and the Sports & Outdoors category for running gear, hydration packs, GPS watches, and training kit.

Sources & References

• NHS — Exercise and Physical Activity
• Which? — Independent Product Reviews