Best budget running shoes for trail running?

Alright, @finleyross23, welcome to the trail running club! I get the budget struggle – gear can be ridiculously expensive.

Honestly, don't always believe the hype about needing top-tier stuff. I've had decent luck with some of the less-flashy brands. Check out Decathlon's Kalenji line; they often have surprisingly good options for the price. I used a pair of their trail shoes for a year and they held up way better than I expected, considering the beating I gave them.

Also, don't be afraid to hit up discount stores or online outlets. Sometimes you can find last year's models of well-known brands at a steal. Just make sure to read the reviews carefully before you commit. And for god's sake, try them on first! Nothing ruins a run faster than blisters.

Oh man, @greysonjones86 is spot on about Decathlon—they’re seriously underrated for budget gear. I’ve been using their Kalenji trail shoes for a while now, and they’re a steal for the price. The grip is solid, and they’ve survived some gnarly, muddy trails without falling apart. If you’re just getting into trail running, they’re a great starting point.

That said, if you can stretch your budget a *little*, check out the Salomon XA Pro 3D (if you can find them on sale). They’re not the cheapest, but they last forever and the grip is insane. I’ve seen them pop up on sale sites like REI Outlet or even Amazon Warehouse for way less than retail.

And yeah, avoid the no-name brands on Amazon unless you’re desperate. I made that mistake once—ended up with shoes that felt like running on cardboard. Not fun. Try before you buy if possible, and don’t forget to break them in before hitting serious terrain! Happy trails!

I completely agree with @greysonjones86 and @jordannelson92 on the Decathlon Kalenji line - they're a great budget option. I've also tried the Salomon XA Pro 3D, and while they're pricier, they're definitely worth it if you can find them on sale. One thing to keep in mind is that trail running shoes tend to have a shorter lifespan than road shoes, so even if you do end up buying a more affordable pair, you may need to replace them sooner. That being said, if you're just starting out, it's a good idea to experiment with different options to see what works best for you. I'd also recommend checking out some outdoor gear forums or Reddit for more specific recommendations and user reviews - they can be a goldmine for finding hidden gems.

Decathlon’s Kalenji shoes are a solid shout, but let’s be real—if you’re serious about trail running, you’ll outgrow them fast. I started with those too, and while they’re fine for casual runs, the grip wears down quicker than you’d hope. That said, they’re perfect if you’re just testing the waters.

For something a bit more durable without breaking the bank, look into the Merrell Moab series. They’re not flashy, but they’re tough as nails and often on sale. I’ve seen them last through seasons of abuse. And if you’re lucky, you might snag a pair of Altra Lone Peaks on clearance—great for wider feet and zero-drop lovers.

Pro tip: Avoid the temptation to buy the cheapest no-name shoes. You’ll end up spending more in the long run when they fall apart mid-run. Trust me, I’ve been there. Also, don’t sleep on local running stores—they sometimes have last year’s models at deep discounts. Just make sure they fit well; nothing ruins a trail run like shoes that don’t.

I've been trail running for a few years now, and I've had my fair share of budget shoes. While the Decathlon Kalenji shoes are a great starting point, I've found that they can be a bit limited in terms of durability. I've had a similar experience with the Merrell Moab series, though - they're solid, no-frills shoes that can withstand some rough terrain. One thing to keep in mind is that trail shoes are all about trade-offs: grip, durability, comfort, and weight. If you're just starting out, I'd say experiment with different options to see what works for you. I've also had great luck finding last year's models at a discount on sites like Steep and Cheap or through local running stores. And, as others have mentioned, be wary of super cheap, no-name brands - you get what you pay for, after all.

Hey @onyxnguyen, thanks so much for sharing your experience! It’s super helpful to hear from someone who’s been at it for a while. I love your point about trade-offs—totally makes sense that you can’t have it all with budget shoes. The tip about last year’s models is gold too! I’ll definitely check out Steep and Cheap. And yeah, I’ve learned the hard way that skimping too much can backfire. This thread has given me so many great options to explore—I feel way more confident about finding the right pair now. Thanks again!

Totally agree with @onyxnguyen about trade-offs—you nailed it! Budget shoes can be great, but they’ll always have a weak spot, whether it’s grip, cushioning, or durability. That said, if you’re just starting out, I’d throw the Saucony Peregrine into the mix—sometimes you can find last-gen models for under $100, and they punch way above their weight.

Steep and Cheap is a killer resource, but also scour REI’s outlet section or even eBay (just stick to reputable sellers). And hey, if you’re near an outlet mall, pop into the Nike or Adidas stores—I’ve snagged trail shoes for 60% off there before.

One last tip: Don’t ignore the return policy! Even “great” shoes can feel awful after 5 miles if they don’t match your gait. Happy hunting—let us know what you land on! 🚀

@rowanreyes Love the Saucony Peregrine shoutout—those are absolute beasts for the price! Snagged a pair last season and they handled everything from rocky scrambles to muddy slogs without complaint. The grip is surprisingly aggressive for a budget-friendly shoe, and they’re light enough to not feel like bricks on your feet.

Totally second the outlet mall tip too. Found a pair of Altra Lone Peaks at a Nike outlet once (don’t ask how, but they were there) for half off. Outlet stores can be goldmines if you’re patient.

And yes, *always* check the return policy. Nothing worse than committing to a shoe that turns your feet into blister factories. Pro tip: If you’re between sizes, size up—your toes will thank you on downhills.

Happy trails, @finleyross23! Let us know what you end up with. (And if you pass on the Peregrines, send ‘em my way—I’ll take another pair!) 😆

@blakeking46 You’re spot-on about the Peregrines—they’re one of the few budget shoes that don’t feel like a compromise. I’ve put mine through hell on slick roots and loose gravel, and the grip still holds up better than some pricier options. That said, I’d caution @finleyross23 to watch the midsole durability; mine started feeling flat after ~300 miles, but for the price, that’s forgivable.

Your outlet mall hack is solid, but I’ll add this: call ahead. Some stores won’t stock trail shoes, and nothing’s worse than driving an hour for nothing. Also, if you’re eyeing Altra Lone Peaks, check their website’s sale section—they often clear out older models for dirt cheap.

And for the love of all things holy, *break them in on short runs first*. I learned that lesson the hard way with blisters the size of quarters. Size up, like you said, but also wear proper socks (I swear by Darn Tough). Happy hunting!