If you're just getting into running, welcome to the world's oldest sport! Although there's lots of new equipment you could buy, finding the right pair of running shoes is arguably the most important purchase in determining whether you'll love running or give it up. For beginners, it's important to choose cushioning that is protective but not overly soft, and a stable geometry that complements rather than interferes with your normal bio-mechanics.
We've tested over 200 pairs of running shoes, and below are our recommendations for the best running shoes for beginning runners. If comfort is your top priority, check out our recommendations for the most comfortable running shoes. If you no longer feel like a beginner, but still feel overwhelmed when choosing running shoes, check out our overall recommendations for the best running shoes. You can also check out our recommendations for the best running shoes for men and the best running shoes for women.
We buy and test running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes so team members can log in miles. This real-world testing is conducted at various paces and conditions, across different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.
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Best Running Shoes for Beginners
Marathon Racing5.45K/10K Racing4.1Responsiveness5.8Cushioning8.8Lateral Stability6.3True To Size9.7Wide Sizing Available:NoHeel Stack Height:47.9 mmSee all our test resultsHeel-To-Toe Drop:6.9 mmThe Brooks Glycerin Max 2 is the best running shoe for beginners, and one of the most comfortable shoes we've tested. If you don't yet feel like you have a fluid or easy stride, and you land with a lot of force, you'll appreciate the highly absorbent cushioning. The shoe's thick sole soaks up heavy impacts with ease, and if you naturally land on your heel (as most runners do), you'll be well protected. The interior is nicely padded, so your foot is wrapped in comfort. It's not just the cushioning that makes this a standout shoe for beginners: the sole is subtly shaped like a rocking chair to help your foot roll forward through your stride, so you can maintain steady momentum.
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Best Upper Mid-Range Running Shoes For Beginners
Marathon Racing5.75K/10K Racing4.6Responsiveness5.3Cushioning8.6Lateral Stability7.2True To Size8.9Wide Sizing Available:YesHeel Stack Height:42.5 mmSee all our test resultsHeel-To-Toe Drop:6.4 mmIf the high-stacked Brooks Glycerin Max 2 is too much shoe for you, or if you need a shoe available in Wide or Extra Wide, then the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28 is a great option for beginning runners. This shoe has 5mm less foam underfoot than the Brooks one, so you do get a bit less cushioning, but a more stable ride. It's comfortable for both walking and running, so if your workouts currently consist of a mix of walking and jogging, this shoe is a reliable companion.
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Best Mid-Range Running Shoes For Beginners
Marathon Racing7.35K/10K Racing6.6Responsiveness6.6Cushioning8.1Lateral Stability7.4True To Size9.1Wide Sizing Available:YesHeel Stack Height:41.8 mmSee all our test resultsHeel-To-Toe Drop:8.2 mmIf you're starting to get serious about running, but also want to have some fun, the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 is a great option for beginners. It's lighter and lower-stacked than the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28, so you get less cushioning, but it still does an impressive job of absorbing impact. If you want a shoe that feels a bit more lively, you'll appreciate its bouncy foam and the gently rockered shape that makes the ride smooth but fun, with enough lateral stability to inspire confidence in each stride. This shoe is available in a variety of unique colorways, adding to its fun factor.
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Best Budget Running Shoes For Beginners
Marathon Racing4.35K/10K Racing5.6Responsiveness4.8Cushioning6.2Lateral Stability7.8True To Size9.1Wide Sizing Available:YesHeel Stack Height:36.2 mmSee all our test resultsHeel-To-Toe Drop:10.9 mmThe Brooks Ghost 17 is the best budget running shoe for beginners. It doesn't have the plush cushioning or fun bounce of the ASICS NOVABLAST 5, but instead is designed to give you a firmer, more stable platform. Although it's not marketed as a stability trainer, this shoe is still very stable, with a reinforced heel counter and raised sidewalls that prevent your foot from rolling side-to-side as you run. It's not a shoe that will make you feel fast, but it will keep you on solid, stable footing. The brand has already announced the release of the Brooks Ghost 18, so you can find the 17th version at a discount, as retailers make room in their inventory for the new version.
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Best Running Shoes For Racing For Beginners
Marathon Racing7.75K/10K Racing6.2Responsiveness7.5Cushioning9.4Lateral Stability6.9True To Size9.1Wide Sizing Available:NoHeel Stack Height:46.6 mmSee all our test resultsHeel-To-Toe Drop:7.1 mmIf you're ready to start racing, the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a great running shoe for getting to your first finish line. The foam under your foot has a lot more bounce than any of the shoes above, and the forefoot feels particularly springy when you're pushing the pace. This shoe isn't a carbon-plated super shoe like you see the pros wearing, but it can be a good bridge to get your legs and feet adapted to a livelier foam. That foam is quite soft, though, so if your stride is uneven, the shoe can exaggerate any wobbles.
Notable Mentions
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Nike Vomero 18:
The Nike Vomero 18 is a comfortable, beginner-friendly shoe that's not quite as bouncy or cushy as the ASICS NOVABLAST 5, but is much more so than the Brooks Ghost 17. If you're a heavy heel striker, the Nike shoe's absorbent, dual-density cushioning offers a good alternative to either of those two shoes.
See our review -
adidas Supernova Rise 3:
The adidas Supernova Rise 3 is a value-oriented daily trainer that has better lateral stability than any of the recommendations above. Combined with its grippy outsole, it makes it a confidence-inspiring shoe for any runner who feels less than sure-footed. It's a very firm shoe, though, so if you prioritize softness over stability, the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 is a better choice.
See our review -
HOKA Clifton 10:
The HOKA Clifton 10 is a reliable daily trainer that prioritizes comfort and smoothness. Its cushioning works for all different foot strike patterns, but it doesn't hold up as well over long distances as the ASICS NOVABLAST 5, nor is it as responsive.
See our review
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are based on what we think are currently the best running shoes for beginners. We consider factors like performance, price (we'll always highlight an affordable option if it delivers similar performance), feedback from our visitors, and availability; we won't recommend shoes that are hard to find or nearly sold out.
If you'd prefer to browse on your own, check out our complete list of running shoe reviews. Remember, there's no perfect shoe for everyone; your personal goals, running pattern, and priorities will always be the most important part of choosing the right pair.