Walk into any sports store in Australia and you'll see the same trick: a wall of $250 running shoes and a salesperson telling you that's what you need to start running. You don't. The truth most retailers won't tell you is that last season's models — and a handful of genuinely good budget lines — give you about 95% of the performance for under half the price. When a brand releases a new version, the previous model quietly drops 30–50%, and that's where the real value sits.
We track running shoe prices on Amazon Australia every single day at SoleScout, so we've pulled together the five best pairs you can grab right now for under $100. Every price below is the current Amazon AU figure we're tracking as of July 2026. Prices move fast on these — that's rather the point — so check the live listing before you buy.
Nike Run Defy — Men's Road Running Shoe
- Soft, responsive foam midsole built for everyday easy runs and commutes
- Breathable mesh upper that keeps the foot cool on warmer days
- Durable rubber outbole with a flexible groove pattern for a natural stride
Current AU price: $94.96 | Best for: Runners who want the Nike name and feel without the flagship price tag
Adidas Duramo SL 2 — Men's Road Running Shoe
- Lightweight Lightmotion cushioning that handles both running and gym work
- Versatile enough to double as an everyday trainer, not just a running shoe
- Hard-wearing Adiwear outsole that survives a high-mileage week
Current AU price: $59.00 | Best for: Beginners who want one affordable, do-everything shoe
Under Armour Surge 4 — Women's Running Shoe
- Lightweight, breathable engineered mesh upper for warm-weather running
- Cushioned EVA midsole that softens the impact of road kilometres
- Neutral fit that suits most everyday runners and walkers
Current AU price: $69.91 | Best for: Women after a comfortable, no-fuss daily trainer at a sharp price
FILA Aspromonte — Women's Road Running Shoe
- Our budget hero — comfortably the cheapest pick on this list
- Cushioned footbed and lightweight build for short runs and walking
- Clean, everyday styling that works well beyond the footpath
Current AU price: $47.99 | Best for: First-time runners testing the waters without spending much
Reebok Lite 4 — Men's Trainer
- Low-profile, lightweight design that favours faster, lighter sessions
- Breathable upper with a snug, locked-in midfoot feel
- Flexible outsole built for treadmill runs and light road use
Current AU price: $79.45 | Best for: Gym-goers and treadmill runners who want a light, cheap trainer
How to shop smart under $100
A few habits will keep your spending down without sacrificing your feet. Buy the previous generation rather than the newest release — the foam and the fit barely change year to year, but the price drops sharply. Time your purchase around the big Australian sale windows in March–April, September–October, and Black Friday in November, when discounts on running shoes are deepest. And don't fixate on a single brand: the best value at any given moment moves between Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, FILA and Reebok depending on who's clearing stock.
Every shoe above is tracked daily so you're always seeing a current price, not a stale one. Browse all current deals at SoleScout →
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