We’ve all been there. You decided to start running. Maybe you started because basketball hurts your knees or back, maybe because family or work responsibilities make running the most efficient way to get exercise, or for some completely different reason. We understand. But now that you’re running, you need sneakers that can get the job done. This guide will show you the Best Running Shoes for Beginners.
Why make the Best Running Shoes for Beginners list? Because the running shoe market has a lot of different categories within it. There are neutral running shoes, speed day or tempo running shoes, stability running shoes, race day running shoes, trail running shoes, and more. This list cuts through the marketing and clutter to identify the shoes that will provide beginners with the best intro to running.
Basically, the best running shoes for beginners are versatile, accommodating sneakers that will help you better enjoy the sport of running from the beginning. And once you’re interested in starting to buy shoes for speed days, races, and trails, you can check out our Best Running Shoes Overall list and start really diving into all the ins and outs of running shoes.
If you wish to see all of our detailed running shoe reviews, you can go check out our Running Shoe reviews page.
Categories are used below so you can easily find what you want. If you know what you need, you can simply click the category. If not, feel free to browse the whole list.
We would also like to hear your thoughts on this list, and you can even share your own list in the comments below.
Updated: 05.17.2023
Let’s get into our picks:
Best Running Shoes for Beginners
Best Overall Running Shoes for Beginners
Hoka Clifton 9
The Hoka Clifton 9 is the best, most versatile Clifton to date. It’s the same great neutral cushioned shoe with added bounce and elasticity in the midsole and increased durability in the outsole. The upper is, as usual, super comfy and the fit is accommodating. There’s also a wide version for those that need it. Improved arch support will excite flat footers, but some may find it a bit distracting. It’s a great shoe for everyone from beginners to seasoned vets and can handle jogging, easy running, recovery runs, and long runs. See the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $145
Asics Gel-Nimbus 25
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 isn’t a snappy shoe, but there’s plenty of soft FF Blast+ cushion underfoot. That, alongside an absolutely luxuriously comfortable upper, means the Gel-Nimbus 25 is ready for a ton of road miles. We don’t recommend using it for any of your speed work, but you can churn out miles in the Gel-Nimbus 25 while saving your legs from harsh asphalt and roads.
As an added bonus, the foam flares out from the foot, creating an incredibly stable platform. Oh, and it’s built to accommodate tons of foot types. Wide-footers, flat-footers, and beginners (who are likely still figuring out what their feet are) will all find a shoe that works for them. And for wide-footers that need even more room, Asics sells an extra wide version that may be perfect for you. See the full review.
Fits: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $160
adidas Ultraboost Light
With the latest Ultraboost model, adidas finally improved upon the Boost formula with Lightboost. It’s a version of Boost that’s 30% lighter than the original but feels the same underfoot. It makes the shoe significantly lighter than previous models though it’s still weighty for a running shoe.
The traction from the Continental outsole rubber is great though it can pick up pebbles and twigs. The LEP system (essentially a plastic plate to help stabilize the shoe and give it more pop) is much better than previous generations as it’s less stiff but still gives energy back. Finally, the best part of the Ultraboost Light is the upper. It’s got achilles pillows and the best lockdown since the Ultraboost 20 from three years ago. You still get that sock-like comfort and accommodating fit without worrying about sliding off the footbed.
The adidas Ultraboost Light is the ultimate hybrid of a casual and running shoe which makes it a solid option for beginners everywhere. See the full review.
Fits: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $190
Asics Novablast 3
The Asics Novablast 3 is close to the perfect running shoe. There are a bunch of reasons it currently sits atop our rankings as the best running shoe of 2022. The combination of bounce and impact protection provided by the FF Blast+ midsole makes this shoe an extremely comfortable daily trainer that can pick up the pace when needed. The Novablast 3 is also much more stable than you’d expect for a shoe this soft. In addition, the upper is breathable and comfortable, while the overall ride is super smooth. It doesn’t hurt that the Novablast 3 looks spectacular as well. It’s the perfect all-around shoe for someone just starting their running journey. See the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price $140
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4
The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 is a comfortable, affordable, and excellently executed running shoe that’s perfect for someone just starting to run. The upper’s fit is super accommodating, and any foot shape will enjoy it, especially those hard-to-please wide footers and flat footers. The Fresh Foam X feels great on foot for any amount of miles or household chores. The stability is great due to the midsole’s geometry and sitting inside the midsole walls. The lockdown is solid, so even narrow footers can be confident their foot will stay in place on the sharpest of turns or bumpiest of roads. And the style — well, chunktastic is in these days, so this shoe will work as well casually as it does for running. Read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 4mm, Price: $150
Brooks Glycerin 20
The Brooks Glycerin 20 is a comfortable, breathable, and versatile daily running shoe that’s great for both beginner and savvy running veterans. The DNA Loft v3 midsole is plush and can easily handle long runs. The ride is very smooth on easy on the legs. The traction is durable and doesn’t slip in any conditions. Just don’t get the StealthFit version because the upper on the regular version is much better fitting and more comfortable. It’s the bounciest shoe on this list and bounce really helps your legs feel better when you just start running. See the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price $160
New Balance FuelCell Propel v4
The New Balance FuelCell Propel v4 has the best value proposition of any shoe on the market. $110 for a bouncy Fuelcell midsole and a TPU plate? That alone raises my eyebrows.
The upper isn’t spectacular but it’s comfortable. The tongue can be slippy, it’s a little on the heavy side, and the traction is solid. Durability is a big question mark because there’s not a ton of rubber on the outsole and it wears down pretty fast. But, at $110, a price serviceable daily running shoes don’t touch anymore, sacrificing some durability and comfort is expected.
The end result is a shoe that’s perfect for a wide range of runners. It’s also great for cost-conscious parents that need solid running shoes for kids running track or cross country (and growing out of the shoes way too fast). I’d recommend the Propel v4 over Nike’s current Pegasus and several other $130-150 models. Watch Kofuzi’s review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 6mm, Price $110
Nike React Infinity Run 3
The Nike React Infinity Run 3 is a well-rounded shoe that works well for daily usage. The fit accommodates just about every foot type which is great for beginners getting used to how their foot expands when they run. The React midsole is plush and lasts a long time. The shoe’s rocker motion is smooth which makes the miles feel easier. Plus, the Flyknit is super comfy and molds to your foot. The lacing system isn’t the best but this shoe is an all-around good choice as a comfortable running shoe that will have you wanting to put it on to run some more miles. See the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $160
Saucony Kinvara 14
The Saucony Kinvara 14 is a lightweight, breathable but firmer trainer with a very good value proposition at $120. And while it may be too firm for larger runners or when your legs are absolutely crushed from a hard workout the day before, it’ll work well in most other circumstances. The upper, though built with just regular mesh, does include a gusseted tongue that locks the foot down nicely and keeps everything in place. The outsole, though light on rubber, there are only two small sections, grips extremely well with its wavy foam pattern. Though the Kinvara 14 is somewhat minimal, it’s perfect if you want less shoe. And, the lightweight, flexible build is great for elementary or middle school kids just beginning their running journey. Saucony thankfully realized this and made the Kinvara 14 available in kid sizes as well.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 4mm, Price: $120
Puma Velocity Nitro 2
The Puma Velocity Nitro 2 features the nitro-injected, otherwise known as supercritical, foam called Nitro. Nitro provides a lot of bounce. The Nitro is so bouncy in the forefoot that it feels like Nike’s Zoom Air. The outsole is made out of Puma Grip, which will literally grip anything it comes in contact with. And while the upper isn’t perfect, this shoe will make former basketball and football players happy as they log those miles. See the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $120
Best Running Shoes for Beginners – Now on Sale
Hoka Clifton 8
The Hoka Clifton 8 is the first shoe you’ll see in the Best Hoka Running Shoes list, and it was also included in the Best Running Shoes list. Needless to say, it’s one of the most reliable running shoes on the market today. The midsole is plush and the upper is comfortable. There’s also plenty of rubber on the outsole for durability. The Clifton 8 is just a great all-around performer that double as a great starter shoe for new runners.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $140
Asics Gel-Nimbus 24
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 24 is a big upgrade from its predecessor and that gets it on this list. The FFBlast+ Foam and traditional Asics Gel cushion combination is very good. The FFBlast+ is implemented throughout the whole shoe. The Gel, however, is only in the forefoot and heel (and the heel is more for show). The upper is comfortable, there’s an amazing tongue, and the shoe is available in a wide version. Finally, the outsole is super durable and will last a very long time. See the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $160
adidas Adistar
The adidas Adistar is in the Honorable Mentions portion of our Best adidas Running Shoes list. The foam used is what the brand calls Repetitor, which is much like Nike’s Renew in the sense that it’s dual-density. It isn’t as soft as we’d prefer, but it gets the job done. The chunky midsole style is very popular nowadays so these can double as casual shoes. Whether you’re using this to run in or walk in, you’re making a good choice.
Fit: 1/2 size large, Drop: 6mm, Price: $130
Thinking of a shoe we should add to the best running shoes for beginners list? Comment below or message us on Instagram or Twitter.
