After 12 hours of research evaluating 2 products, we picked ASICS Men’s GEL Venture 5 Running Shoe as our top choice.
Who has $100 to blow on a single pair of running shoes for men?
Don’t get me wrong: a good pair of running shoes is worth its weight in gold. Long-lasting, comfortable, supportive shoes can help you run better, decrease your risk of injuries, and improve overall gym performance. But $100 for a pair of shoes? That’s a lot of money to spend!
Don’t sweat it!
Thankfully, there are a lot of great options for running shoes for men less than $100. They’re cheaper in price but not quality, and they offer everything you need for your treadmill, trail, street, or sprint running workouts.
Tell me more…
We’ve done the research to bring you the best running shoes under $100: the most stable, comfortable, cushioned, and affordable options around. Our list below will serve your needs, and at a price you can afford!
#1 Best Running Shoes for Men Overall
ASICS Men’s GEL Venture 5 Running Shoe
- A well-priced, long-lasting, highly versatile pair of running shoes
- Good support, stability, and cushioning; shock reduction technology integrated
- Perfect for running on tracks, trails, and sidewalks
Pros
Comfortable, durable, affordable, great for outdoors, decent cushioning, impact-reducing design, good support, offers stability while running, and waterproof upper. Overall, a highly efficient pair of running shoes.
Product Ratings
Performance
#2 Best Stability Running Shoes
Saucony Men’s Guide 9
- Stability shoe perfect for overpronators (those with low arches)
- No break-in period required; comfortable right out of the box
- Great for long walks, runs, and treadmill training sessions
Pros
Excellent stability, good arch support, decent durability, flexible sole, lightweight, good cushioning, not as pricey as the latest model, firm midsole, good ventilation, and very comfortable.
Product Ratings
Performance
#3 Best Cushioned Running Shoes
Saucony Men’s Kinvara 6
- Cushioning makes it feel like you’re running on a cloud
- Lightweight, flexible, and comfortable—great street running shoes
- Excellent shock absorption; ideal for heavier runners
Pros
Thick cushioning, great versatility, breathable, lightweight, comfortable right out of the box, shock-absorbing, minimalist design, supportive, designed to reduce friction with your feet, and created using durable leather and nylon upper.
Product Ratings
Performance
#4 Most Comfortable Running Shoes
Hoka One Men’s Bondi 5 Running Shoe
- Airy and comfortable—like running on a cloud
- Design ensures smooth heel-to-toe transition
- Heavier, more durable than average shoes; great for distance running
Pros
Very comfortable. Corrects pronation and gait, durable upper and insole, great support, decent stability, good traction, and EVA midsole.
Product Ratings
Performance
#5 Best Barefoot Running Shoes
Merrell Men’s Vapor Glove 2 Trail Running Shoe
- Sleek, lightweight, minimalist design that offers comfort and support
- Good stability and versatility; a quality pair of shoes
- Among the most durable barefoot running shoes around
Pros
Good cushioning for barefoot runners, well-priced, lightweight, versatile, great mobility, breathable, durable Vibram rubber outsole, good forefoot fit, and improves pronation and stride.
Product Ratings
Performance
#6 Best Cheap Running Shoes
Tesla Men’s Ultra Lightweight Running Shoes
- Great price; cheap yet surprisingly good shoe
- A lot more comfortable than they look
- Lightweight, with good ventilation and snug fit
Pros
Incredibly lightweight, very cheap, “free runner” design, comfortable, fairly durable, snug fit, slip-on design, well-sized, good cushioning and shock absorption, and breathable.
Product Ratings
Performance
Running Shoes for Men Under $100 Tips & Advice
The modern running shoe market is teeming with a dizzying number of options. We’re so used to seeing new models, tech, and special features being advertised regularly that it becomes increasingly difficult to cut through all the marketing noise.
And while blowing big bucks on the latest and greatest pair of running shoes is a fairly tempting option, many of us don’t like the idea of having to invest a pretty penny in the newest, most hyped shoe.
Besides, choosing the best running shoes for men rarely has anything to do with how expensive a pair is. It all comes down to comfort, support, durability, and a host of other relevant factors.
If you’re on the market for the best cheap running shoes, we’re sure you’ll find this guide helpful. Below, we’ll discuss the most important considerations you have to make when deciding which pair to go for, as well as useful shopping tips to make the most out of your investment.
Let’s dive right in!
How important are running shoes?
In theory, yes, you can run in regular sneakers. Men who use their tennis or basketball shoes to go running aren’t unheard of, either.
But if you’re serious about running, you’ll soon realize that your pair of regular sneakers can only get you so far. Donning a pair that were developed especially for running is one of the best investments you can make.
While other types of athletic shoes can provide a certain level of support, stability, and traction, running is still a rather unique exercise. Very specific and repetitive movements are involved, such as regular heel-to-toe movement and you bouncing your weight up and down.
The best running shoes for men were built with these movements in mind. They provide just the right amount of grip and cushion to make your run as comfortable as possible.
We could go on and on about how shoes that were designed for other activities could be detrimental to your running experience—but trust us: getting yourself a pair of running-specific shoes will change your life.
Factors to consider
Here are some key considerations you must make when you’re looking to buy the best running shoes for men.
Weight
When it comes to running gear, the lighter, the better. You don’t want a heavy pair of shoes weighing you down during your runs.
It’s important to note, though, that heavier materials are typically more durable. Conversely, lightweight materials don’t hold up as long as their sturdier counterparts. So really, there are tradeoffs that you have to consider. When choosing the best running shoes for men, think about your priorities.
That said, we still highly recommend running shoes that are more on the lightweight side. With proper care and maintenance, you’ll be able to extend the lifespan of your shoes regardless of weight.
Breathability
Mesh has gotten extremely popular as upper material for running shoes. Simply put, mesh allows your foot to breathe. Many people appreciate breathability in a running shoe because it keeps your foot feeling cool and comfortable.
However, it’s worth noting that breathable materials aren’t necessarily the absolute best materials for every situation. For running sessions on cold winter days, a less breathable shoe might be better for your foot. Generally, breathability becomes more important the hotter and more humid your usual running environment is.
Durability
While spending more money frequently gets you more technically advanced and better quality materials, running shoes that are both affordable and durable do exist—as evidenced by our top picks above.
Obviously, you wouldn’t want to spend your money on something that will fall apart after a few months of use—no matter how little you paid for it. That said, one of the best ways to ensure that you’re getting a durable model is to look up user reviews online.
Additionally, go ahead and inspect your running shoes the moment they come out of the box. Are the seams solidly bound together with high-quality stitching? Are the different sections of the shoe glued together properly? Make sure to check for tears and scratches, as well.
Style
Just because a pair of running shoes is affordable doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish! It doesn’t matter whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned runner—we all want to look good during our workouts.
That said, we all have different tastes and preferences. Some of you might love the simple and sleek look of laceless running shoes, while others love the look of a chunkier silhouette.
Regardless of your personal taste, know that affordable men’s running shoes come in all sorts of colors, shapes, and styles. And if you’re the type who never really considers the aesthetics of a running shoe as something important—trust us: wearing something that makes you feel confident will elevate your running experience!
Comfort
The right pair of running shoes will feel snug but not tight. Your entire foot should feel comfortable inside it—from your heel and arch all the way to your toes.
Your running shoes should also be kind to your skin. When trying on a pair for the first time, take note if it rubs your ankles the wrong way or if it squashes the sides of your forefoot. You wouldn’t want to deal with painful blisters and blackened toenails later on, would you?
Value
While there’s a number of us in the running community who are always hunting for the newest and most luxurious pair of running shoes, most of us don’t want overpriced goods. Lucky you, the affordable running shoes featured above are some of the best you can find in terms of value for money—hurrah!
Terrain
If all your running sessions are spent on a treadmill, then you can probably get away with not worrying too much about tread patterns and visibility features.
If you like running in the great outdoors, however, it’ll be smart to consider the type of terrain you’re dealing with when you’re out shopping for a pair of running shoes. As a rule of thumb, shoes with a more aggressive tread pattern work well on uneven and unstable surfaces.
Connected to the terrain is the environment. If you frequently go for a run or jog along busy streets, running shoes that sport visibility features may prove to be useful. Visibility features like reflective details help ensure that you’re clearly visible to motorists, therefore protecting your safety.
Fit guidelines
- When trying on different sizes, leave a bit of wiggle room over the big toe. Your foot swells and expands during exercise. Allow some space for this expansion by choosing a size that has an allowance of about half a centimeter.
- Your heel should feel securely locked in after lacing up your running shoes. This is important for stability and control.
- While you should make sure that your heel is well secured, be careful not to overtighten the laces. A too-tight shoe will compromise your circulation and eventually become uncomfortable.
