Do You Need Expensive Shoes to Start Running?
No. If you’re looking for the best running shoes under $150, you have more good options than the shiny new-release wall suggests. A comfortable, well-fitted daily trainer will carry you through your first parkrun, your first run club and your first 10km without needing a carbon plate or a $300 price tag.
This guide is for beginners, walkers and 5-10km runners in Perth and across Australia. We’ve picked a short list of budget-friendly shoes from the Perth Running Clubs shop, explained what to look for, and covered when it’s worth paying for a proper fitting.
Information checked October 2026. Online prices change often, sometimes daily, and can differ by size and colour.
Quick Answer: Our Budget Picks
- Best overall value: Nike InfinityRN 4 (men’s), a well-cushioned daily trainer listed well under its usual price when we checked.
- Best for new runners (women’s): New Balance DynaSoft Pro Run v2, a lightweight shoe pitched at people starting out.
- Best for short to mid-distance runs: Adidas Supernova Ease (men’s), a lace-up trainer with Dreamstrike foam, right on the $150 line.
- Best clearance find: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 (men’s), last season’s version of a premium cushioned shoe.
Best Running Shoes Under $150: Comparison Table
| Shoe | Best for | Key specs | Shop price (Oct 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nike InfinityRN 4 (men’s) | Easy runs, daily kilometres, heel strikers | ReactX foam, rocker shape, Flyknit upper with wider toe box | $74.99 |
| New Balance DynaSoft Pro Run v2 (women’s) | New runners, parkrun, short runs | DynaSoft foam, lightweight upper, no-sew overlays | $130.00 |
| Adidas Supernova Ease (men’s) | Comfort-focused runs, first race training | Dreamstrike foam, 9mm drop, lace-up | $150.00 |
| New Balance 1080 v13 (men’s) | Plush, cushioned easy runs | Fresh Foam X, standard, wide and extra-wide widths | Well under $150 (check size) |
Prices are as shown in our shop when we checked and link through to Amazon Australia, where they can move up or down. Always confirm the price for your size at checkout.
The Shoes, One by One
Nike InfinityRN 4 (Men’s)
The InfinityRN 4 is built for daily running and longer easy runs. It uses Nike’s ReactX foam, a rocker-shaped midsole to help you roll through each step, and a Flyknit upper with a wider toe box so your toes can spread.
The independent reviewers at Running Shoes Guru found it stable thanks to a wide base and a good heel lockdown, but noted the foam feels dense rather than bouncy, the shoe weighs about 319g and the upper runs warm. It suits steady easy runs better than fast sessions.
Verdict: At the price we saw, this is strong value for a beginner who wants a cushioned, stable-feeling shoe. If you sweat a lot on Perth summer mornings, keep the warm upper in mind.
New Balance DynaSoft Pro Run v2 (Women’s)
The DynaSoft Pro Run v2 is pitched at people new to running. It has a DynaSoft foam midsole, lightweight EVA cushioning in the heel and a supportive but light upper with no-sew overlays to cut down on seams that can rub.
It’s a simple, no-fuss shoe. You won’t get the plush, high-stack feel of a premium trainer, but for 3-5km runs, walking and your Saturday parkrun, it covers the basics.
Verdict: A sensible first pair under $150 for women starting out, especially if you want something light.
Adidas Supernova Ease (Men’s)
The Supernova Ease sits exactly on the $150 mark in our shop. Adidas lists a full-length Dreamstrike foam midsole, a lace-up fit and a 9mm drop (34mm at the heel, 25mm at the forefoot). It’s aimed at comfort-focused runners doing short to mid-distance runs, including people training for a first race.
Verdict: A good middle-ground pick if you want a known running brand, a traditional heel-to-toe drop and a shoe designed for steady, everyday kilometres.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 (Men’s)
The 1080 is New Balance’s premium cushioned daily trainer. Version 13 has been replaced by newer models, which is why it can turn up at a fraction of its original price. It uses Fresh Foam X with extra foam under the widest part of the foot, an engineered mesh upper and comes in standard, wide and extra-wide widths.
The catch with older models is stock. Cheap listings are often limited to certain sizes or colours, so check yours before you get attached.
Verdict: If your size is available, this is the closest thing to a premium shoe on a beginner budget. The wide fittings are a bonus if regular shoes feel tight.
What Should Beginners Look for in a Cheap Running Shoe?
Price matters, but fit and comfort matter more. A $75 shoe that feels right is a better buy than a $250 shoe that pinches.
- Comfort first. POGO Physio writes that comfort is the first thing to consider when choosing a running shoe. Walk and bounce in them before you commit. (POGO Physio)
- Room in the toe box. Your foot should feel held without being squeezed, with space to swell as you warm up.
- Try more than one brand. Brands fit differently. If one feels narrow, another may suit you better, and some models come in wide fittings.
- Don’t chase extremes. Avoid jumping from a very cushioned shoe to a very low, minimal one. Change gradually.
- A road shoe is fine for most. Footpaths, the Swan River foreshore and most parkrun courses are road or firm path. Look at trail shoes only if you plan to run Kings Park bush tracks or the Perth Hills regularly.
How to Get Good Shoes Without Paying Full Price
Buy last season’s model
Brands update their popular shoes most years, often with small changes. When a new version lands, the previous one is often discounted, like the 1080 v13 above. You get a proven shoe for less.
Check the price for your size
Online prices can vary by size and colourway. The headline price isn’t always the price for your foot, so check before you buy.
Pick a daily trainer, not a race shoe
Carbon-plated racers and lightweight speed shoes cost more and aren’t built for beginners’ easy kilometres. A cushioned daily trainer is the better first pair. If you’re curious about the premium end, our 2026 new running shoe comparison covers it.
When Is It Worth Getting a Proper Fitting?
For most people starting out, a comfortable shoe from a reputable running brand is enough. A fitting or a professional opinion is worth it if:
- you’ve had shin, knee, foot or Achilles niggles that keep coming back
- you’ve tried a few shoes and none feel comfortable
- you have very wide, narrow or flat feet and aren’t sure what suits you
A specialty running store can let you try several models. For ongoing pain, see a physiotherapist or podiatrist. The Australian Podiatry Association’s Find a Podiatrist tool lists practitioners near you, including across Perth. Once you know what works, you can shop around for that model on price.
How Long Do Running Shoes Last?
Most running shoes last between 600 and 1,000km, according to Foundation Podiatry. That range depends on your body weight, how often you run, the surfaces you run on and your running style.
If you run three 5km sessions a week, that’s about 15km a week, so a pair could last you the best part of a year or more. Signs it’s time for a new pair:
- your feet feel more tired than usual after runs
- the tread is wearing smooth in places
- the cushioning feels flat when you press into the forefoot
- wear is uneven between the two shoes
Running Shoes for parkrun and Your First Run Club
You don’t need special gear for parkrun. It’s a free, weekly, timed 5km in parks across Australia, and walkers are welcome. You register once and bring your printed barcode. (Medibank Live Better)
Any of the shoes above will do the job at Perth courses like Burswood Peninsula or Perry Lakes. Our guide to the best Perth parkrun courses can help you pick a flat, friendly first one.
Run clubs are the same: nobody will check your shoes. Our Perth run club directory lists social groups such as Rise and Run Club Perth, The Early Ones and Perth Run Collective. Check each club’s socials for current meeting times and who they cater for. You won’t be the only one in budget runners, and pace really doesn’t matter at a social run.
One Perth-specific tip: summer mornings warm up fast. A breathable upper, a cap, sunscreen and water matter more than a fancy midsole. Our Perth summer running gear guide has the details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best running shoe under $150 for beginners?
There isn’t one best shoe for everyone, because fit varies. In our shop, the Nike InfinityRN 4 (men’s) and New Balance DynaSoft Pro Run v2 (women’s) were both good-value beginner picks when we checked in October 2026. Choose the one that feels most comfortable on your feet.
Are cheap running shoes bad for your feet?
Not if they fit well and are designed for running. Comfort is the first thing physios suggest checking. Avoid fashion sneakers or very worn-out shoes for regular running, and see a physio or podiatrist if you get ongoing pain.
Can I run parkrun in any shoes?
Yes. parkrun is a free 5km and you can walk, jog or run it. Comfortable running shoes help, but there’s no gear requirement beyond bringing your barcode.
How often should I replace my running shoes?
Most podiatrists suggest roughly every 600-1,000km. Replace them sooner if your feet feel tired, the tread is smooth or the cushioning feels flat.
Should I buy running shoes online or in store?
If you already know a model and size that works for you, buying online can save money. If you’re new or have had injuries, try shoes on in store first, then compare prices.
Do I need trail shoes in Perth?
Not to start. Most beginner running in Perth is on paths, roads and parkrun courses. Consider trail shoes if you regularly run loose or rocky tracks in the Perth Hills or Kings Park bushland.
Find Your Pair and Find Your Tribe
Good running shoes don’t need to cost a fortune. Pick a comfortable daily trainer, check the price for your size and get out the door. Browse the latest budget picks in the Perth Running Clubs shop, then find a free, friendly group near you in our Perth run club directory.
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