Budget-friendly Running Shoes of 2025: Affordable Purchases Ideal for Exploring Trails and Roads
In 2025, budget trail running shoes have come a long way, offering features that rival premium models at a fraction of the cost. Here are some of the top choices that provide ample cushioning, traction for varied trail conditions, supportive midsoles, and durable uppers, all within budget ranges significantly below premium trail running shoes.
The Asics Gel-Venture 9 and 10 are excellent options, offering excellent value at around $80 and £70 respectively. The Asics Gel-Venture 9 delivers comfort and shock absorption with its GEL technology and Amplifoam midsole, making it ideal for heel strikers and longer runs. Although its durability is decent, it's not top-tier, with some weakness in abrasion resistance. The Asics Gel-Venture 10 builds on this with good comfort, support, and a smooth ride, especially suited for road-to-trail runs. Its grip is better on dry and hard-packed trails than very muddy or wet terrain.
The Merrell Morphlite is a solid hybrid budget option that transitions well from road to trail, making it another entry-level shoe praised for affordability and versatility.
The Kalenji Evadict XT8 Trail stands out for its grip with deep 5mm lugs similar to expensive models like Salomon Speedcross. It offers crisp trail responsiveness and a snug fit due to effective lacing, but is slightly heavier. Its grip and value at about half the price of average trail shoes make it a bargain for serious trail runners.
The Merrell MTL Long Sky 2, priced around $140, is noted as the best affordable trail running shoe from a retailer specialist perspective. It packs a full feature set for entry-level price, balancing cushioning and durability well for budget-conscious runners who want quality support.
For those seeking a budget-friendly road running shoe, the Kalenji Jogflow 500.1 is a great choice. Priced at £35 / $40, it offers a well-ventilated, comfortable ride for runs up to 10k in distance. Its uppers are 56% recycled and very breathable, and the shoe has a 4mm drop heel to toe. The insole is 29% recycled as well.
The guide showcases the finest budget all-terrain options and road running shoes, as well as trail options that rival the best trail running shoes. It assessed grip and stability so you know what type of terrain the shoes can handle. A competitive price doesn't always have to mean compromise, and the guide has sifted through the chaff to find the best on the market so you can start your search with confidence.
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