We Test £10 Crazy Cheap Running Shoes

Can a pair of £10 ($13) running shoes pass our test, or will they destroy our feet? Anna and Kate try out these budget kicks.

What do you think, are these shoes better than the ones you started with?

↓↓ WOULD A FRIEND LIKE THESE SHOES TO START RUNNING? Tell us who in the comments below and they could win a pair!*↓↓

*Competition entries close on the 7th July 2019. We will pick a winner at random and get in touch with you to let you know you have won.

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[mohamednasir]

I ran a 10k a day for 30 days in these and they were okay! Really comfortable. For someone who just wants to run at the park, they can actually do more than that.

[adventure_hannah]

I ran in shoes that ranged in the $10 to $40 range for the first 8 years I ran, some of the shoes weren't even dedicated running shoes, they were just trailrunning or gym sneakers. I loved running and ran for fun, not just competition or sport. Just a few months ago I got a pair of Altra running shoes, about $130 and they felt like a dream, and I felt like I could run forever.

All this to say: go run! Shoes are rather arbitrary as long as they're athletic in style.

[JarredConeau]

I worked for Decathlon for a while and had several people buy these shoes and proudly tell me they were going to run the marathon in them the following week. Of course they never forgot to mention they hadnt trained at all either.

I wonder where these people are today..

[thelmaaz]

I have just subscribed. I've just started running and it is so tough but rewarding. I did park run, finished almost last but was so so so proud of myself

[martinwhittingham]

I actually started running in a pair of Kalenji running shoes just over a year ago and loved them. I originally bought two pairs, one of which I still wear to work and the others I ran in. They are very hard wearing and I still wear both pairs, albeit not for running now. Would highly recommend them to anyone who is starting running, doing something like C25K or for your first Parkrun as long as it's on a paved course.

[andy-ally]

After watching another review, I decided to give a try. I had Asics GT2000 with 400 km ride, so I bought them just to see how good in comparison these shoes can be. I was surprised. The cushioning and response is way better than latest Asics GT2000, they are very lightweight as well. Not much support but I am tiptoe runner so I don't need much support. I would recommend those for faster runners, who prefer to strike with forefoot, otherwise you will can start feeling lack of cushioning after few miles. They are durable as well. I've done 600 km and they feel almost like new. Never used for race but they felt good even at long distance running 30 km @ 4:58 min/km pace. P.S. Decathlon states that these are for beginners, but I would say otherwise - the cheaper the shoe, the more experienced you should be to wear it. They don''t have any arch support and are not as restrictive as other brands, your feet will have a lot of freedom and in case your feet is not strong enough and you still don't have proper technique, you can bet at higher risk of getting injury.

[swimrunmatt]

I bought a pair of these to do a Tough Mudder, as if they got destroyed I wouldn't mind too much! They made it through admirably, and have now done two Tough Mudders - not bad for a tenner!
What I didn't really like though is that I could feel every individual stone that I stepped on - I'm rather heavy-footed though, so these shoes probably aren't best suited.
Still, as a last-ditch back-up to my regulars shoes, they aren't bad really.

[glynroberts]

Bought a pair of Decathlon Kalenji Kiprun trail shoes as an emergency last minute replacement for a trail marathon and have been so impressed I'm off to Decathlon for their replacements. Prior to this I was Oasics all the way. Top end Decathlon running shoes are still 50 to 75% cheaper than mainstream brands. Awesome grip for the extreme trail events . Their running socks tend to leave a lot to be desired though.

[gateng]

I got this exact pair at Decathlon in Nairobi. My current 5 K PB (19:26) was done in these. They cost about $28 and I feel like it’s good value for money. They have a more hardy design for trail runs for about $80... these are even better to run in... Decathlon opening in Nairobi is the best thing that happened to me🙂

[runningchannel]

WOULD A FRIEND LIKE THESE SHOES TO START RUNNING? Tell us who and why in the comments below and they could win a pair! ↓

**This competition has now closed**

[leighannemetcalfe]

I’d give these to my brother, his only excuse for not doing couch to 5k with me is he hasn’t got any trainers, and I think running would really help boost his mental well being

[jwarmstrong]

I am a 71 year old beginner & bought 3 different pairs to see which made my feet & knee hurt or not - each run has different shoes & the low foam added some pain to side of right foot, next run thick foam w/ little pain on left side of foot. Med foam a little pain but gone the next day. Run/walk 3 to 4 miles every 3 days as a hobby & for health reasons -

[davewarman]

I would give a pair to my mate Alan, who has just started couch 2 5K as some encouragement to show he really can do it

[Heritage]

I would give them to people whom buy all the very expensive, latest, modern running gears because those look cool and fancy, then they give up running on the first colder/rainy day.

[xuchenglin]

This is Decathlon so to compare their product you have to multiply the price 3x or 4x times to match other brands. And actually the best value could be found in their most expensive top products, it’s the same top performance you found in any other brands, but with 1/3 or 1/4 the price. Decathlon is a bless for all these sports. Marketing and hypes should not tax us.

[craigross]

I'm wearing a pair right now. They seem okay. They've a useful bit of extra space at the front. I always take a 44, but in these I needed a 45. But they seem pretty groovy.

[tomrankin]

I enjoyed this video; it helped make running more accessible to folks by highlighting a decent pair of inexpensive running shoes. It is important to put your best foot forward.

[kennymendoza]

I intentionally use thin sole shoes when running.

I started running like that, and it built up the soles of my feet.

[WimukthiBandara]

I only run Kalenji shoes, I think they are amazing value for money. Their KipRun series is pretty brilliant

[ThePbZepplin]

I tend to only use asics gel and then use the shoes until they fall apart. So the best stage of the shoes for me is when there is basically no cushioning left. So these shoes might actually work for me.