Save Big Without Sacrificing Comfort With These Editor-Tested Running Shoes Under $130

“All you need is a pair of shoes to start running” isn’t exactly truthful. If you hate your toenails and heels, by all means, wear Converse high-tops. A good pair of running shoes will spare your digits and the skin on your feet—but that doesn’t mean you have to drop cash on expensive trainers.Cheap running shoes, models fewer than $130, are a respectable choice for beginners and vets wanting to save. From plush to moderately cushioned, we’ve listed affordable running shoes on this list that’ll help you save up for more run gear, like a fancy GPS watch or that next destination race.Quick Glance: Best Running Shoes Under $130Best Overall: New Balance Fresh Foam 680v9 (Men’s/Women’s)Best for Speedwork: Brooks Launch 12 (Men’s/Women’s)Best for Overpronators: Asics GT-1000 15 (Men’s/Women’s)Best for Supinators: Reebok FloatZig 2 (Men’s/Women’s)Best for Long Runs: Anta PG7 3 (Men’s/Women’s)Best Race-Day Shoe: Anta C202 7 (Men’s/Women’s)Best Trail Running Shoe: Saucony Excursion TR17 (Men’s/Women’s)How We SelectedTo find the best shoes under $130, we performed comprehensive research on top-rated trainers by well-known brands, and called in shoes for our shoe program testers and staff to evaluate. These shoes were vetted by scrutinizing fit, ride, and comfort.We also spoke with Footwear Buyer Jon Notary, who works at the local running store Aardvark Sports Shop in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Notary provides insight on what you’re compromising on when buying cheap shoes, and gives advice on what to look for when you’re out shopping for your next pair.Budget vs. PremiumBuying an affordable trainer doesn’t necessarily mean subpar features. Brands will sometimes incorporate “old” technology into these shoes, like midsole foams, to mitigate a high price. But you are sacrificing some premium specs, like plush cushioning and more durable materials.Below is a comparison chart of our Best Overall budget trainer, the New Balance Fresh Foam 680v9, versus the brand’s premium daily trainer, the Fresh Foam X 880v15. The latter has the next generation of Fresh Foam, Fresh Foam X, and more cushioning. You save almost half the money with the 680v9, but you get what you paid for with the 880v15.SpecsNew Balance Fresh Foam 680v9New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15Best forBeginner runners, everyday training, short runs, walkingEveryday training, long runs, recovery runsCushionModerateHighMidsole foamFresh Foam (EVA)Fresh Foam X (EVA-based)Weight (Men's)9.7 oz (M), 7.6 oz (W)10.5 oz (M), 8.3 oz (W)Drop8 mm6 mmStack height29 mm40 mmPrice$85$150Buy Men'sShop Men's 680v9​Shop Men's 880v15​Buy Women'sShop Women's 680v9​Shop Women's 880v15​The 680v9 is still a reliable shoe for everyday runs and light workouts. If you’re an efficient runner (you don’t wear down your shoes’ soles faster than the average runner) you may even get more mileage out of the 680v9s. It comes down to what you’re willing to give up and what you’re willing to spend.Full ReviewsProsComfy, cushioned feelLightweightAvailable in multiple widthsConsToebox small for someAll the trainers on this list are Best Value material, but the 680v9 deserves the title for its consistency with each update. Though not as plush or responsive as, say, the more expensive 1080 or 880, the 680 still encapsulates New Balance’s soft cushioned feel, absorbing shock and promoting comfort on every run.Its Fresh Foam midsole provides a supportive, plush, lightweight ride, making the 680v9 an excellent choice as an everyday trainer that can handle base-building mileage. A breathable, cozy upper makes this a comfy running shoe and great for casual wear, as well.Shop Men’s at newbalance.comShop Women’s at newbalance.comNew Balance 680v9 ReviewProsVery lightweightGood tractionResponsive DNA Flash v2 foamConsVery narrow in the midfootYou can’t go wrong with the Launch 12 for a speed shoe, especially when it has DNA Flash v2, the foam featured in the Hyperion Elite 4. The nitrogen-infused supercritical foam is lightweight and responsive; it provides plenty of pop for fast workouts on the road and track.One drawback, at least for runners with wide feet, is the midfoot area is quite narrow.“No matter how many times I loosened and re-laced my shoes, it always felt too tight through the midfoot area, causing some noticeable discomfort,” said RW editor Ashley Tysiac. “While I can appreciate its secure fit, I think this system could have been reimagined to be bit more forgiving in that area to provide more comfort.”Despite her distaste for the Launch 12’s tightness, she praised the shoe’s lightweight and responsiveness. Tysiac found the shoe’s simplicity refreshing in our max-cushioned era of trainers.“I think the weight of the shoe is the best part, as it’s very light yet provides a pretty stable ride,” she said. “That made it the perfect shoe for runs where I wanted to pick up the pace a bit without being dragged down by heavy shoes, and even a good option for those recovery days when I still wanted to feel light on my feet while running at a slower pace.”Shop Men’s at brooksrunning.comShop Women’s at brooksrunning.comProsStability support systemHigh-abrasion rubber outsoleSoft cushioningConsNarrower than previous versionsThe GT-1000 15 provides stability without overbearing, rigid foam pieces, or a high price tag. The shoe has Asics’s 3D Guidance System, which uses a broader platform and reshaping in the heel and forefoot to help with inward foot rolling.The shoe has high-abrasion Ahar rubber that can withstand aggressive gait patterns and provide reliable traction on slippery surfaces and sharp corners. The fit is slightly narrower than past models, so you may want to size up.The shoe is also great for long runs thanks to its PureGel tech and FF Blast midsole; you’ll have a soft ride that absorbs impact.Shop Men’s at amazon.comShop Women’s at amazon.comProsComfortable and durableFeels surprising lightweight despite appearanceConsRated low in heat management by testersThe FloatZig 2 looks bulky with its unconventional, zigzag midsole rim around the shoe. But we found it surprisingly lightweight during testing. Its soft cushioning—that midsole isn’t just for looks—provided a supportive bed for testers’ feet.“What I found most enjoyable about this shoe was how lightweight and balanced it is,” said tester Mike Parmer. “The fit and comfort allowed longer training runs and no sore feet or toes. This shoe is one of the better shoes I have tested recently and would compare equally to Hoka.”The Superfloat+ midsole promotes high energy return, giving a much-needed boost when the road feels long.Shop Men’s at reebok.comShop Women’s at reebok.comProsSoft cushioningBreathable upperHigh energy returnConsSome instability issues with quick turns, uneven surfacesAnta proves you can have premium cushioning on a budget. The PG7 3 has an incredibly plush feel, making the shoe versatile for easy runs, long runs, and casual wear. The cushioning stays soft and also supportive, allowing you to run hard and fast.In my runs in the PG7 3, I’ve found the ride and feel comparable to the Saucony Triumph and Brooks Glycerin.“Budget shoes always feel cheap,” said Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate. “There’s an undeniable compromise you have to make to pay less. And that stinks. In this case, the PG7 doesn’t really feel like it’s holding anything back. It’s comfortable, cushioned, and supportive. It’s going to work as a daily driver for a lot of runners.”Shop Men’s at amazon.comShop Women’s at amazon.comAnta PG7 3 ReviewProsFull-length carbon plate provides snappy, propulsive rideDAN cushioning boosts energy returnBreathable, lightweight upperConsFirm compared to other racersThough the C202 7 costs the most on this list, it’s more than worth the $130 price. Compared to racing shoes that are upward of $200, the C202 7 has a full-length carbon-fiber plate sandwiched in its midsole of DAN cushioning, a TPU supercritical foam.The shoe feels snappy and responsive. And it has good traction too. Furrer tested the shoe during a rainy 5K in San Antonio, Texas. While other competitors wiped out on slick turns, Furrer stayed vertical cutting corners and exhilarating on waterlogged sidewalks and muddy dividers.Shop Men’s at anta.comShop Women’s at anta.comAnta C202 7 ReviewPros4.5mm lugs for grippy traction on the trailAvailable in wideDurable upper for technical trail (also available in GTX)ConsLittle arch supportHeavyNarrow, runs smallTrail running demands a lot from your shoes. Between the hard-charging descents and scraping against rough rocks, the last thing you want is a cheap, flimsy shoe that won’t hold up. The Saucony Excursion TR17 has Versarun, which absorbs impact and provides comfy cushioning over trail debris.One knock is the shoe is quite heavy, and it runs a little small and narrow, so consider sizing up and trying on the wide version. For extra protection, you can buy the GTX iteration of the shoe, which has a Gore-Tex shield upper ($110).All models of the Excursion TR17 have 4.5mm lugs to keep you on your toes when things get dicey.Shop Men’s at saucony.comShop Women’s at saucony.comWhat to ConsiderAffordable Running Shoes Q and AWith Sports Shop Footwear Buyer Jon NotaryAmanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.