While running is practically free, the cost of buying shoes can quickly amount to a considerable sum. I still remember walking into my local Dick’s Sporting Goods every August to pick up a new pair of sneakers for pre-season, and cringing when I realized that these shoes would likely only last me for a couple months despite their price tag. While life has certainly put the cost of running shoes in perspective (thanks to college loans, rent checks and credit card bills), if I don’t have to spend $150 every time I run all the cushioning out of my current sneakers, and can get the same quality for $100 or less, why not?
Brooks Launch 5

While the newer Launch 5 is precisely $100, the Launch 4 is even cheaper at $65. Both are great shoes with a lightweight upper, BioMoGo DNA midsole cushioning, and a fit that feels true to size and is very comfortable.
Nike Air Zoom Winflo 5

The same Cushlon foam that you’ll find in the Pegasus 35 trickles down into the Winflo 5. The 10mm drop and durable rubber tread make this a standard runner that’s a solid buy for under $100.