The Best Cheap Trail Running Shoes for 2024

01/31/24 • 7 minute read

Trail running is a fantastic way to stay fit while connecting with nature, requiring nothing more than a solid pair of trail running shoes to get started. Unlike their road-running counterparts, trail running shoes are designed with unique features like enhanced traction, waterproof materials, superior insulation, and more durable fabrics to withstand off-road conditions.

Though high-quality trail running shoes can be pricey, there are plenty of high-quality options available for less than $100–if you know what to look for. Merely filtering options by price could lead you to compromise on quality or end up with shoes ill-suited for trail running, but with some guidance, you can find several cost-effective choices that offer the protection and comfort needed for tackling any terrain. In this post, we have curated a list of the best trail running shoes available for under $100, ensuring you can enjoy the trails without breaking the bank.

Brooks Cascadia 16 – $70

One of the best strategies for finding good deals on running shoes is to look for last year’s model–and the Brooks Cascadia 16 is a great example. While the newest model runs about $140, you can pick up the 16 for as low as $70.

Pros

• Excellent traction on various terrains
• Comfortable fit
• Durable construction

Cons

• May not be suitable for runners with wider feet
• Laces may need to be replaced for some users
• Limited color options

We recently looked at the Brooks Cascadia 16 Trail Running Shoe and were impressed with its performance. The shoe provided excellent traction on various terrains, including muddy and rocky trails. The thick rubber sole absorbed bumps and rocks well, making our run smoother and more comfortable.

The shoe's fit was comfortable and supportive, although some users with wider feet may find it too narrow. The construction of the shoe felt durable and we anticipate it lasting for many runs to come.

The only real complaint we heard in the reviews from multiple users was that the laces come easily untied and may need to be replaced. This is an annoying, but easily resolved issue.

Overall, we would recommend the Brooks Cascadia 16 Trail Running Shoe to anyone looking for a reliable and comfortable trail running shoe. Its excellent traction, comfortable fit, and durable construction make it a great choice for any runner.

Saucony Peregrine 12 – $65

Another great shoe where last year’s model is a steal is the Saucony Peregrine 12.

Pros

• The shoe is lightweight, making it easy to run on trails without feeling weighed down.
• The Peregrine 12 offers great traction, thanks to its rubber sole, which helps keep you stable on uneven surfaces.
• The shoe's comfortable fit makes it easy to wear for long periods of time.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the shoe is slightly narrow around the middle of the foot.
• The color of the shoe may not match the online photos.
• The shoe may not provide enough protection against impacts in the toe area.

Overall, the Saucony Peregrine 12 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly trail running shoe that offers good traction and a comfortable fit. While some users have reported issues with the shoe's fit and color, these minor concerns don't detract from its overall performance.

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro V7 GTX – $100

If you're looking for a durable and comfortable pair of trail running shoes, the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro V7 GTX is a great option to consider. Though it’s at the higher end of the price range of shoes in this post, the Gore-Tex fabric may be worth the cost if you’re running in wet & messy conditions.

Pros

• The Vibram sole provides excellent traction on snowy and muddy trails.
• The Gore-Tex material keeps your feet dry and warm in wet and cold conditions.
• The Fresh Foam midsole offers a comfortable and cushioned ride.

Cons

• The shoe runs a bit short, so it's recommended to order a half-size larger.
• Some users have reported that the shoe is not very breathable, which may cause your feet to sweat.
• The shoe is a bit heavy, which may not be ideal for runners who prefer lightweight shoes.

We’re impressed with the performance of this shoe. The Vibram sole has excellent grip on snowy and muddy trails, which has allowed us to run with confidence in any condition. The Gore-Tex material has kept our feet dry and warm in wet and cold weather, which is essential for trail running in sloppy conditions.

The Fresh Foam midsole offers a comfortable and cushioned ride, which has helped reduce the impact on our feet during long runs. However, we did notice that the shoe runs a bit short, so we recommend ordering a half size larger than your usual size.

One downside of the shoe is that it's not very breathable, which may cause your feet to sweat during long runs. Additionally, the shoe is a bit heavy, which may not be ideal for runners who prefer lightweight shoes.

Overall, if you're looking for a durable and comfortable pair of trail running shoes, the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro V7 Gtx is a great option to consider.

Salomon Sense Ride 4 – $90

Salomon is the go-to brand for many trail runners due to the company’s long history of high-quality mountaineering gear. We highly recommend the Salomon Sense Ride 4 Running Shoes for those looking for a reliable and comfortable pair of trail running shoes.

Pros

• The shoe provides excellent grip, making it perfect for running on slippery surfaces.
• The closure system works beautifully, providing a comfortable and secure fit.
• The shoe is made of high-quality materials, making it durable and long-lasting.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the sizing is smaller than expected, so it's recommended to order a half size up.
• The shoe may not provide enough cushioning for those with high arches or who prefer more support.

The Salomon Men's Sense Ride 4 Running Shoes are perfect for trail running. The shoe's excellent grip provides a secure and stable footing, even on slippery surfaces. The closure system is easy to use and provides a comfortable and secure fit. The shoe is made of high-quality materials, which make it durable and long-lasting.

The only downside to the Salomon Men's Sense Ride 4 Running Shoes is that some users have reported that the sizing is smaller than expected. It's recommended to order a half size up to ensure a comfortable fit. Additionally, the shoe may not provide enough cushioning for those with high arches or who prefer more support.

Overall, the Salomon Men's Sense Ride 4 Running Shoes are an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and comfortable pair of trail running shoes. With its excellent grip, comfortable fit, and durable materials, this shoe is sure to provide a great running experience.

ASICS Gel-Venture 9 Waterproof – $65

Another great waterproof option is the ASICS Gel-Venture 9 Waterproof. Though they don’t have the name brand Gore-Tex material, users report that the shoes stay warm and dry, even in challenging conditions.

Pros

• The waterproof feature keeps your feet dry in wet and snowy conditions.
• The shoes have great grip, making it easier to run on slippery surfaces.
• They are comfortable for daily use and running.

Cons

• The waterproofing makes them a bit warm for summer runs.
• The shoes are slightly narrow, which may not be suitable for those with wider feet.
• They don't have a wide version, so finding the perfect fit might be a challenge for some.

These shoes are a great option for trail running in cold & wet conditions. The waterproof feature is a game-changer, and it keeps your feet dry even in the wettest conditions. The grip is also impressive, making it easier to run on slippery surfaces without the fear of slipping and falling.

The shoes are comfortable for daily use and running, and the gel cushioning system provides excellent shock absorption. The only downside is that the waterproofing makes them a bit warm for summer runs, but that's not a big issue if you're primarily using them on the trails in cooler conditions.

The shoes are slightly narrow, which may not be suitable for those with wider feet. Unfortunately, they don't have a wide version, so finding the perfect fit might be a challenge for some. Overall, if you're looking for a cheap pair of trail running shoes that are waterproof, have great grip, and are comfortable for running, the ASICS Men's Gel-Venture 9 Waterproof Running Shoes are definitely worth considering.

Buying Guide

So there you have it–5 great cheap trail running shoes that can easily match the quality of shoes at twice the price. Whether you go with one of these suggestions or something else for your trail running needs, here are some of the features to consider when choosing a trail running shoe:

• Insulation
• Traction
• Breathability
• Fit
• Durability

By considering these factors, you can choose the best cheap trail running shoes that meet your needs and provide you with a comfortable and safe running experience on all terrains.