We lab-tested budget and expensive running shoes to see how they compare

Unlike many other gear items, running shoes are not a “lifetime purchase” proposition. No matter how carefully you clean and store your kicks, at some point, the tread wears out, the foam cushioning fails to bounce back, and the upper tears – and that “some point” can often be as long as four to six months, depending on your mileage.

But could buying a more expensive pair of running shoes slow down the buy-use-repurchase cycle? And, are more expensive running shoes better for running at all? These are the questions Maggie Slepian asked when she decided to test these $50 Amazon running shoes against familiar name-brand options from Hoka and Saucony.

His conclusion? Despite costing less than half that of other models, Amazon’s Nortiv 8 Allswifit ActiveAiry Running Shoes Felt in the same league as more premium shoes. While the Nortive 8 shoes were a bit heavy and simple in terms of construction, the actual foam felt just as bouncy as the other shoes Maggie tested. For beginners, casual runners, or anyone looking to save money, budget running shoes are probably fine if they meet the needs of your feet, Maggie wrote.

However, this was not enough for us. We called Adam Trenkamp, OutsideK’s Lab Test Editor and Engineer, to conduct further testing at an external lab at CU Denver. This is actually part of our process for field- and lab-testing our gear guides, so you can see how kits perform in real-world conditions and controlled environments that accelerate wear and tear.

Adam put Maggie’s fresh pair of running shoes through four of our exclusive lab tests: abrasion, breathability, foam compression, and tread durability. Were its results similar to Maggi’s? I will personally go to the lab expert to explain.

How we test running shoes in the outdoor lab

friction and breathability

To test abrasion durability, we use the James Heal Aquabrasion Machine, which rubs two materials together to analyze wear and tear. For running shoe uppers, we use two different test scenarios to evaluate normal and excessive, accelerated wear. Woolen fabric is used as an abradant (a substance rubbed against the test specimen) to mimic normal wear during use in a test. The second test uses more aggressive materials to accelerate wear and really evaluate the toughness of the shoe.

Breathability measures how well moisture vapor—sweat—transfers through a material. To test breathability, we sealed a portion of the shoe’s toe box over a jar of water that was constantly heated to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, simulating body temperature during a sweaty workout to create similar moisture vapor. Since the outdoor lab is in Denver, generally dry air (about 25-35% relative humidity) helps remove moisture during testing. We track how much the sample assembly loses weight over time due to evaporation; More weight loss leads to better respiratory capacity. Shoes are given a score of 1 to 5, from least breathable to most breathable.

A note: Our testing only takes into account upper material and does not consider running speed, which can help expel excess sweat vapor. Although our testing is static, it allows us to accurately compare different materials and constructions.

lab results

For abrasion, the tested samples are graded on a visual scale of 1 to 5, from worst to best. Top performers with little or no change to the material received 5 points, while samples that were torn or completely changed in look and feel received 1 point. The AllSwift Active Airy shoes earned the highest possible score on upper abrasion, while the much more expensive Saucony shoes surprised us with a moderate to low score, despite costing nearly four times as much. This is due to the thinner materials used in the upper of the premium Saucony Endorphin Pro series to enhance performance in other areas. If you find yourself occasionally venturing off pavement onto a light trail where you might hit a snag, or mysteriously have holes in the uppers of your shoes (especially where the forefoot curves), more expensive running-focused runners may let you down.

However, if sweaty feet really ruin your running mood, it may be worth spending the money on fancy shoes. The lab found that the more expensive the shoe, the greater its breathability. The uppers of the more premium models are made of thinner materials with a breathable weave, making it easier for moisture to escape. However, this construction may reduce durability—see above.

foam compression

At the Outside Lab, we measure the midsole foam properties of running shoes by using our universal testing machine to compress the impact zones of the heel and forefoot to a set depth 26 times, recording the force required to compress it throughout the entire cycle. We analyze the graph of the last compression cycle to see where the foam stops sinking and starts bouncing back. Specifically, we evaluate the slope of the curve in the graph and the force recorded during the normal running compression range – where the foam sinks and bounces back during normal running – and close to its maximum effective point, when the foam starts to stop compressing and becomes significantly harder.

We combine these measurements into a Lab Score that reflects how strong the sole feels under similar loading conditions. The results are graded on a 1 to 5 scale, with 1 being hard and 5 being soft.

lab results

Here, the budget running shoe was a clear exception. AllSwift ActiveAir shoes received a score of 1, indicating greater stiffness, while Hoka and Saucony shoes received scores of 4 and 3, respectively. When it comes to squish, budget kicks can’t compete with the plush and responsive engineered foam found in pricier models. But rigidity is not always a bad thing. Comfort is subjective and depends on the feeling you like underfoot. The test results give a good idea of ​​how each shoe will feel out of the box, helping you compare and find the right experience.

run durability

We test the durability of the shoe’s midsole and outsole using the Heelux Time Machine to replicate the effects of human running. The machine uses a flexible footform with tensioned springs as well as positionable ankles to simulate the gait of a 180-pound person traveling at an eight-minute mile pace. Based on previous studies, we know how many “steps” per shoe equal one mile. We used these numbers to run each shoe for a total of 125 miles, stopping at 10 and 25 miles to take measurements, giving us two ways to evaluate durability: midsole foam breakdown and outsole tread wear.

• We measure the height of the foam in the heel and forefoot before the beginning and at the end of each test cycle to track how it wears over time. As the foam breaks down, it loses bounce and cushioning – basically, your shoe gets tired, which can easily transfer stress to your feet and joints.
• We also record the weight of each shoe at the beginning of the test and at each mileage interval to see how much material was “lost” during the test. We use this data to calculate how many miles a shoe’s outsole will last. At the end of the test, we take a close look at the wear pattern of the outsole to assess its wear and tear.

Shoes are scored on a scale of 1 to 5, from worst to best for wear and durability. Each shoe is rated for performance at distances of 25 miles and 125 miles. It provides data for a single marathon distance (approximately) and longer distances for weeks of training. Estimating wear and tear over time allows us to predict the end of life of each shoe.

lab results

At low mileage, the shoes we tested had similar durability scores; After “running” for 25 miles the overall scores of the budget, mid-priced, and premium shoes were exactly the same (although they showed different levels of durability within the midsole foam and outsole tread).

It is only at high mileage that premium shoes start showing their value. While the budget Nortiv 8s and mid-priced Hokas had similar overall scores after 125 miles, the Saucony model we tested received a higher overall score despite its ultralight supershoe design. Worth noting: At both distances, the Nortiv 8 shoes had the lowest outsole durability scores due to excessive rubber wear, which suggests they may break in faster than more expensive pairs. The rubber outsole provides grip and also has foam protection in key impact areas.

So, are more expensive running shoes better according to lab testing?

It all depends on what you are looking for. If you value breathability, rebound, and durability, go ahead and spend on your shoes – especially if you run often and see yourself using these shoes for several hundred miles before they have to be replaced. Just know that the upper material may be a little more delicate than stiffer, cheaper options.

But if you’re a more low-key runner, be reassured by the fact that cheap running shoes are comparable to expensive models in many ways. Major differences are found in the performance and durability of foam over time.

Remember, running shoes are extremely individual and our lab testing is just one factor to consider when finding the best running shoe for you. The more we test, the more we learn—and the farther your running shoes can take you.