Are budget running shoes under $60 actually good for running?

It depends on the shoe. High-trust testing of value-tier options like the Under Armour Charged Assert 10 found them durable and comfortable for shorter mileage and walking, while ultra-cheap generic 'blade' sneakers are repeatedly mocked in serious running communities as unsuitable for real running. A reputable budget model from a major brand is fine for beginners and low-mileage runners; a no-name shoe is a gamble.