The Best Affordable Running Shoes for Marathon Training

Training for and completing a marathon is an ambitious goal that requires dedication, perseverance and the right gear. This includes investing in quality running shoes that suit your foot type and training needs. With so many shoes on the market ranging vastly in price, finding affordable yet durable shoes can seem daunting if you’re on a budget. Read on for tips on choosing running shoes plus our top budget-friendly picks under $100.

What to Look for in Marathon Training Running Shoes

Planning to pound the pavement for long miles every week puts extra demands on your shoes. You need sturdy support and cushioning that will hold up to repeated impact without breaking down quickly. Here are key features to look for:

Lightweight With Cushioning

The best marathon training shoes cushion your feet and joints without weighing you down. Light and responsive shoes help you feel spry at mile 20. Prioritize cushioning over minimalist or barefoot styles.

Stability Control

Many runners need stability features that correct overpronation, meaning your foot rolls inward excessively when landing. Good running shoes should have midsole tech and supportive frames to keep your foot stable.

Durability

Marathon trainees log lots of miles, so your shoes need super durable outsoles. Look for thick, sturdy rubber plus reinforcements in high-wear areas. Synthetic leather or mesh uppers also withstand more abrasion than natural materials.

Breathability

Proper airflow keeps your feet cool and dry to avoid blisters or fungi. Mesh fabric uppers work best for ventilation during long training runs. Some brands also have sockliners to wick moisture away.

Roomy Toe Box

Ensure your toes have plenty of room to move naturally without jamming into the front when running. Cramped toes lead to black nails and damage over time.

Below are top rated road running shoes under $100 offering these key features for marathon trainees on a budget.

The 9 Best Affordable Running Shoes for Marathon Training

1. Saucony Cohesion TR14

With a $70 price tag, the Saucony Cohesion 14 offers impressive cushioning and stability at an affordable cost. The thick yet responsive midsole provides ample shock absorption mile after mile. Stability frame technology keeps your foot secure when fatigue sets in. These shoes are highly durable even for heavier runners.

2. ASICS Gel-Venture 8

For just $70, the ASICS Gel-Venture 8 supplies exceptional cushioning and rearfoot stability for overpronators. The special gel cushioning system absorbs shock effectively. Plus the sturdy outsole holds up to high mileage training programs with abrasion resistance in key zones.

3. New Balance 680v6

The New Balance 680v6 costs around $80 and offers versatile stability and cushioning. An innovative midsole cushioning system provides plush comfort that protects joints during marathon training. These shoes also have excellent durability, lasting 500-600 miles typically.

4. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22

Priced around $100, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 gives you a supportive ride with responsiveness. Great for mild to moderate overpronators, guide rails keep you balanced and aligned while BioMoGo DNA cushioning adapts to your stride. Mesh uppers supply breathability too.

5. Nike Renew Run 2

At $85, the Nike Renew Run 2 supplies soft, springy cushioning that holds up to heavy training volume. The high durability rubber outsole can log plenty of miles before wearing down. Deep flex grooves ensure smooth transitions while you pick up the pace.

6. Mizuno Wave Inspire 17

Another excellent stability shoe, the Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 costs $95. It has responsive U4icX cushioning and a supportive U4ic Strobel lining for smoother landings. X10 durable carbon rubber in high-wear areas prevents excess wear as the miles add up during marathon prep.

7. Adidas Supernova

Starting around $85, the Adidas Supernova offers plenty of durable cushioning. Boost midsole foam gives you energy return so your feet and legs feel fresher late into a long run. Continental rubber on the outsole is exceptionally abrasion-resistant on roads and sidewalks, leading to 300-500 miles lifetime.

8. Saucony Guide 15

The Saucony Guide 15 stability shoe rings up around $95. It supplies energetic rebound through a Pwrrun midsole that stays bouncy mile after mile. FlexFilm layers reinforce the upper for resilience against abrasion in key areas. Runners get a smooth, stable ride.

9. Reebok Floatride Energy 3

At $100 even, the Reebok Floatride Energy 3 delivers highly responsive yet cushioned support. The unique midsole foam provides a float-like feeling for energy return with less fatigue. These are durable cushioned shoes built for heavier training regimens like marathon prep.

Choosing shoes with ample stability, shock absorption and durability within your budget is key to staying protected as you rack up mileage. Getting the right fit also prevents injury – head to a specialty running store for gait analysis and shoe recommendations based on your foot type, running style and training program. Proper marathon shoes support your goals while easing impact on joints.