This is a question we get a lot at the ‘house. We certainly don’t blame you for wanting to look out for your wallet when you’re shopping for new shoes, especially if you’re racking up 70+ mile weeks and needing a new pair every couple of months. Fortunately, there are many solid running shoe options under $100, and the best one for you will depend on what you’re looking for.

Light, Flexible Running Shoes under $100

Asics Gel Lyte33 2 ($90 MSRP)

The Asics Gel Lyte33 2 was the surprise of the year for us so far. It feels completely different than it’s predecessor (in a good way), and offers a soft yet bouncy feel with a quality ride. We credit the combination SpEVA/Solyte midsole, which gives a particularly nice feel for mid/forefoot strikers where the shoe provides full-thickness SpEVA foam.

New Balance 730 v2 ($75 MSRP)

Flexible might be the first word that comes to mind when you think of the New Balance 730 v2. This shoe has many of the points we loved about the original, including a low offset, responsive ride, and upper that runs on the generous side. We also think it’s one of the best looking New Balance shoes for 2013.

Nike Free 4.0 ($95 MSRP)

If you want to get the Nike Free experience on your feet for under a hundo’, then reach for the Nike Free 4.0. This Free model doesn’t get as much attention as the Free 5.0 (nee Free Run) or the minimal Free 3.0 v5, but it still offers all the classic features of a Free running shoe: extreme flexibility, good cushioning, and a breathable, sock-like upper.

Zero-Drop Running Shoes under $100

Saucony Virrata ($90 MSRP)

In spite of its modest price tag, the Saucony Virrata has the power to amaze. It has a performance fit and a sweet spot just behind the ball of the foot – but it seems to feel good no matter how your foot lands. Unlike most zero-drop designs, this shoe has quite a bit of padding underfoot.

Altra Samson/Delilah ($95 MSRP)

Wide-footed “barefoot” runners of the world, rejoice! The Altra Samson (and the Women’s model, the Altra Delilah) has a rectangular toe box that comfortably accommodates wider feet without rubbing or causing blisters. It also has a removable sockliner so you can get extremely close to the ground.

Merrell Vapor Glove ($80 MSRP)

The Merrell Vapor Glove is a great shoe for barefoot runners who want a stowable shoe to take with them in case they hit a rough patch of ground and want a little extra protection. Read more…

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New Balance MR1400 Men's Running Shoe

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With more squish than you’d expect in a racing flat, the New Balance 1400 is a great option for training and race day.
(View Men’s MR1440 and Women’s WR1400)

Big Features

• Lightweight Upper: Open mesh covers the upper, which also features no-sew overlays.
• Midsole Cushioning: The RevLite midsole foam delivers responsive cushioning without the added weight of additional cushioning technology.
• Grippy Outsole: The blown rubber outsole provides durable grip and gives some added cushioning.

Road Test

When it arrived on the scene in summer 2011, the New Balance 1400 offered bold looks and colors. Now, with every manufacturer stepping up the hues, it might get lost in the loudness. But our testers found the 1400 to be a versatile, lightweight shoe that can easily do double duty on training and race days.

The upper of the 1400 is just what our testers expected in a racing shoe. Pliable, open mesh gives the shoe a breathable feel from heel to toe. The overlays on the mid and forefoot are welded on, providing a nice amount of structure without any detectable seams or hotspots. As you can see, there’s not much room in the toe box, both in terms of height and width. None of our testers felt scrunched in, partly because the shoe runs about 1/4 a size long. We don’t recommend sizing down because testers felt they needed the extra room for a comfortable toe box fit.

The platform of this shoe is what really impresses. Testers found that they could heel strike in total comfort, given the cushioned feel in the rearfoot. Some testers preferred to midfoot strike in this shoe, with a landing that feels a bit firmer. The transition to toe-off is seamless, whether you land on your heel or midfoot. Overall, the 1400 favors softness over responsiveness compared to other racing flats.

Runners Say

“Soft and smooth transition when I heel strike, and a very comfortable ride when midfoot striking as well.” -Lauren

“The midfoot fit is mixed for me. I feel very locked in place but had the thin tongue bunching up on the sides every time I slipped on the shoe.” – Matt

“I haven’t run in a flat with more heel cushioning than the 1400. Would be a nice choice for someone who wants the comfort of their training shoe on race day.” – Daniel

Matt Running Shoes new balance 1400, new balance mr1400, new balance racing flats, new balance wr1400