Best New Year Running Shoe Deals: 10 Solid Picks Under $150

Introduction

The turn of the year always brings some of the best running shoe pricing of the season, and this roundup collects ten deals worth a closer look. Most fall at or near the $100 mark, with a few slightly above that because they are newer, plated shoes that rarely see meaningful discounts. Each pick below has earned its place through actual miles, and each suits a specific kind of runner.

New Balance SC Trainer V2: Bouncy Marathon Training Relief

The SC Trainer V2 is on sale for $140 at newbalance.com, down from its usual $180. Discounts this deep on a relatively new shoe are unusual, and they apply only to select bright colorways, which suggests New Balance is clearing stock. In testing, it delivered a bouncy, trampoline-like ride with more stack underfoot and a carbon plate, feeling like a higher-stacked take on the Endorphin Speed 3. It fits well in a marathon rotation for long runs and days when you want to take pressure off your legs while keeping pace pickup on tap. It is a divisive shoe: if you loved the V1, this one may not be for you, but bigger runners and fans of high-stack designs should take a hard look.

On Cloudstratus 2: A Planted, Snappy Daily Trainer

The Cloudstratus 2 is available for $100 at Running Warehouse. It has a firmer, snappier, very planted ride with a slight stability lean, thanks to a plastic heel clip, a rugged outsole, and a Speedboard plate close to the foot that adds rigidity. It works well for everyday miles, recovery runs, and days with strides or light pace pickup. It also looks good enough to retire into casual wear once its running life is done.

Atreyu Daily Trainer: Simple Foam at $54

The Atreyu Daily Trainer sells for $54 at rei.com. Atreyu is an Austin-based brand focused on simple, affordable shoes, and this everyday trainer uses a full supercritical foam midsole for a soft, slightly bouncy feel without high stack or heavy protection. It is not the right tool for big marathon-training long runs, but for newer runners or anyone doing 30 to 45 minute daily jogs, it is a genuine bargain that also looks good around town. Supporting a small niche brand making quality shoes at this price is a bonus.

Saucony Endorphin Shift 3: Firmer Stack, Big Savings

The Endorphin Shift 3 is $80 at Running Warehouse and is one of the highest-mileage favorites of recent seasons, with 350 miles logged on a single pair. It uses Saucony’s PWRRUN EVA foam in a tall 39mm heel / 35mm forefoot stack for a lower drop, producing a firmer, rolling sensation that suits bigger runners and anyone who dislikes overly soft shoes. Smaller runners or fans of plush foams may find it a touch too firm, so try before buying if that sounds like you. Note that no Endorphin Shift 4 is coming, so it is worth stocking up while stock lasts.

New Balance 880 v13: A No-Nonsense Workhorse

The 880 v13 has been sitting at $69 at rei.com for months, making it one of the most consistent bargains around. It is a classic daily trainer: moderately cushioned, dual-density foam with a firmer heel and softer forefoot, no plate, no flashy features, just a straight-down-the-middle ride. Fans of the Nike Pegasus or similar workhorses will feel at home. The v14 moves to a much softer midsole, so if you prefer this firmer character, buying now at this price is a smart move.

Adidas Adizero SL: The Best Bargain of the Year

The Adizero SL hits an exceptional $35 at rei.com, easily the standout deal in this roundup. It is a firmer daily trainer that shines on faster miles, making it a great complement if your rotation already includes something soft. It is genuinely versatile: one pair covered everything from marathon-pace workouts to 16-mile long runs over a summer, racking up around 250 miles. For faster runners who like a firmer ride, this is a do-it-all option that no other deal on the market matches at the moment.

Brooks Hyperion Max: A Lightweight, Non-Plated Speed Pick

The Hyperion Max is on sale for $63 at Dick’s Sporting Goods, down from roughly $170 retail. This non-plated, lightweight speed shoe uses firm DNA Flash foam for a fast ride at pace. It has a heel cutout that makes it less friendly for heel strikers, but forefoot and midfoot strikers will find it excellent for track work, intervals, and shorter faster efforts. Despite the “Max” name, the stack is not max-cushion, so it is not ideal for long runs. The upcoming Hyperion Max 2 moves to a softer foam, higher stack, and plastic plate in a very different direction, so fans of this version should grab it now; the lower-stack Hyperion will carry the non-plated speed torch forward.

Adidas Boston 12: A True Speed Shoe That Rewards Pace

The Boston 12 is $112 at adidas.com in select colorways, with others still at $160. It is a plated trainer with dual-foam construction: Lightstrike Pro racing foam on top, firmer Lightstrike 2.0 EVA below, and glass-fiber energy rods for structure. It needs some break-in and rides firmer than the SC Trainer V2 or Endorphin Speed 3, but it comes alive at marathon pace and faster, making it a great choice for half marathon and 10K training. The Continental rubber outsole inspires serious confidence in rain, snow, and wet conditions. It is a speed shoe through and through, not an everyday aerobic-mile trainer, so buy it for fast days. Prices may drop further with patience, but $112 is solid if you need one now.

Adidas Adizero Adios 8: Low-SStack Speed on a Budget

The Adios 8 is $65 at adidas.com, a strong value for a non-plated, lower-stack speed shoe. Like the Boston 12, it uses Continental rubber and keeps Lightstrike Pro in the forefoot for that fast, bouncy feel, with a more stable firmer foam in the heel. It is best for interval sessions, track workouts, and shorter faster efforts where you are not spending hours on your feet. If your rotation has room for a low-stack speed option, this is an easy recommendation at this price.

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v3: The Year’s Favorite All-Rounder

The Rebel v3 is $95 at Running Warehouse, well above the $65 seen earlier in the year, though it has dipped to the $75 to $80 range at times. It still earns its place here because it was a standout favorite of the year. It is a non-plated trainer running on 100% FuelCell foam, a supercritical TPU-EVA blend in this generation that feels soft and bouncy with just the right mix of squish and energy return. The ride is connected, flexible, and natural, a reminder of how simple running can be. It handled runs up to 16 miles at high fitness, works as a do-it-all trainer for strong runners, and is an excellent treadmill shoe, with just enough cushion while still allowing a natural stride. If you will be spending time on indoor miles this winter, it is a great choice.

Overall Buying Advice

The best value in the group is clearly the Adizero SL at $35, while the SC Trainer V2 and Boston 12 are the picks if you need a plated marathon-training shoe. Bigger runners and fans of firmer rides should shortlist the Endorphin Shift 3 and 880 v13, and the Atreyu Daily Trainer is the easiest way to get a modern foam experience on a tight budget.

Conclusion

There is no single best shoe here, only the best shoe for your rotation: plated bounce for marathon builds, planted stability for daily miles, or lightweight speed for track days. Match the deal to your training, and each of these ten can earn its keep.