Running is, in its purest form, a very simple sport. All you really need is a pair of sneakers and some clothes you can move in. But that's rarely the case in reality. Most of us want more, and the sport has evolved in a direction where money quickly finds its way out. Running watches, energy products, hydration vests, running clothes for both summer and winter. All useful things, but it adds up. A way to counter this could be to look at some of the more budget-friendly running shoes.
Most brands now offer an option in this price range, which has also helped raise the level significantly. The shoes have their price for a reason, but that doesn't make them uninteresting. They just need to be used in the right context. When you buy budget-friendly running shoes, you give up some of the most innovative technologies, but you don't give up stability and reliability. These are actually two pillars you should look for in a running shoe, both when you start as a new runner and if you're building a rotation of different running shoes. You will therefore rarely find carbon plates or nitrogen-infused midsoles, but you will find midsole materials that have previously been used in top models, as well as geometries that are on par with more expensive shoes.
The Perspective?
There's plenty of logic in looking for a running shoe from this category if you're new to your running journey. Many of the shoes can be seen as a blank canvas, meaning they can give you a good sense of what you prefer in a running shoe. It can open your eyes to which direction you want to go in the future or serve as a supplement in your rotation if you want to give your other shoes a break.
Asics GEL-Pulse 17
At Asics, we find . As you might have guessed, it includes GEL, one of Asics' most iconic technologies. GEL-Pulse 17 is a neutral mileage training shoe with an FF Blast midsole. The shoe has an 8 mm heel drop, giving it a versatile expression. The transition from heel to toe is effortless and stable, with a moderate degree of support. The upper is solid without compromising comfort - but that said, it doesn't have that extra premium feel like, for example, Asics Nimbus. The midsole feels a bit firmer compared to, for example, Dynablast, which we are looking at now.
Asics Dynablast 5
At Asics, you also find . It differs from GEL-Pulse by being more lively in its expression. It leans towards the more extreme Novablast but feels slightly more subdued. Dynablast 5 is still one of the most dynamic shoes in this category, where you get a sense of the characteristic bounce and trampoline-like effect in the midsole, which the more expensive models are known for. Dynablast 5 is also a mileage training shoe, but with a touch of lightness and speed.
New Balance Propel
New Balance Propel is today's most versatile entry. It's also the only shoe with a plate in the midsole, though not carbon, but TPU. The TPU plate is not as stiff as carbon but serves as a good introduction to running with a plate. The midsole is made of FuelCell, known for its softness and energy return. FuelCell comes in several variants, and in Propel, it feels like a material that can handle both mileage training and tempo and intervals. This makes it one of the most responsive shoes in this review.
New Balance EVOZ
is the most neutral choice among the five shoes. And that's meant in the best possible way. Think of it like restaurants with a small menu; they often do a few things really well. The midsole consists of Fresh Foam X, which unlike Propel, feels more cushioning. It's a material you sink into a bit more without being pushed forward again. Think of it as a sofa that welcomes your body after a long workday; it's soft and absorbing. If you buy a more expensive shoe like New Balance 1080, you get a slightly more comfortable sofa. EVOZ is designed for daily training and serves as a solid supplement in any shoe rotation.
Asics GT-1000 14
GT-1000 is part of Asics' GT series, known for its stabilizing properties. GT-1000 14 is just below GT-2000 in the series. Here you get a shoe that can support overpronation or other stability needs. The support primarily comes from Asics' 3D Guidance System, which is a dynamic approach to stability. The shoe is equipped with a breathable jacquard mesh upper, usually found on more expensive models. GT-1000 14 provides a consistent and gentle running experience, time after time.
With budget-friendly running shoes, you can go far. For some, it will be more than enough, while for others, it serves as a stepping stone to something else. If you want to keep the budget down, there are good options for getting reliable running shoes or supplementing your rotation, thereby extending the lifespan of your other shoes. There will always be a trade-off when you choose a cheaper solution. Here, you get durability and reliability, while missing out on the latest technology. Regardless, these shoes have their place and will undoubtedly take you a good distance on your running journey.
More Gear for Beginners?
We hope you now feel better equipped to choose your very first running shoes and embark on your new running journey. If you didn't find your next favorite among our recommendations above, you can explore our full selection of running shoes for both and .
Remember, the good running experience doesn't stop at your feet. The right running clothes let the skin breathe and wick sweat away from the body, making a huge difference for both your comfort and motivation. You can see our entire selection of running clothes for
and
here.
