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 225 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're more concerned about stability, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes for stability. 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.
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.
-
Best Running Shoes for Beginners
Daily Training8.1Long Run7.9Half/Full Marathon Racing7.3Cushioning8.9Stability7.4True To Size8.4Wide Sizing Available:NoHeel Stack Height:41.8 mmSee all our test resultsHeel-To-Toe Drop:8.7 mmThe Kiprun Kipride Max is the best running shoe for beginners and one of the most comfortable shoes we've tested. It's a great option for newer runners who want comfort, protection, and a dependable ride from day one. It delivers excellent cushioning and solid stability for runners who are just starting out. The fit can feel a bit tight through the arch, but overall, the Kipride Max is an excellent pick for beginners who want to comfortably build up mileage and rely on one shoe for every run.
The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 is a strong alternative to the Kiprun Kipride Max if you want a similarly cushioned shoe that does an even better job absorbing impact when you land hard. It isn't quite as stable as the Kipride Max, but its highly absorbent midsole works especially well if you put a lot of force when landing or naturally land toward the heel. The thick sole helps soak up heavy impacts, while the nicely padded interior wraps your foot in comfort. Its subtly rockered sole also helps your foot roll forward through your stride, making it a great option for beginners who want a cushioned, comfortable ride.
-
Best Budget Running Shoes For Beginners
Marathon Racing4.8Cushioning6.7Lateral Stability8.3Wide Sizing Available:YesHeel Stack Height:35.1 mmSee all our test resultsHeel-To-Toe Drop:8.7 mmThe Saucony Guide 18 is the best budget running shoe for beginners we've tested. It doesn't have the plush cushioning and long-run comfort of the Kiprun Kipride Max, but it's a great pick if you're just starting out and want a supportive, dependable shoe that helps keep your stride steady and controlled. The shoe has a wide base and raised sidewalls that guide your foot into a neutral position, making it especially useful if your feet tend to roll inward or you don't yet feel fully balanced while running. The Guide 18 is a practical, confidence-building shoe for newer runners who value stability over bounce, and with the Saucony Guide 19 now available, this previous version is easier to find at a lower price.
-
Best Beginner Running Shoes For Daily Training
Daily Training8.1Long Run7.8Half/Full Marathon Racing6.7Cushioning8.6Stability8.3True To Size8.9Wide Sizing Available:YesHeel Stack Height:42.5 mmSee all our test resultsHeel-To-Toe Drop:6.4 mmThe ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28 is a great option for beginning runners who want a comfortable shoe they can use for both walking and running. It doesn't feel as dynamic or as cushioned underfoot as the Kiprun Kipride Max, but it offers a more stable, planted ride that can feel reassuring if you're still building confidence in your stride. That mix of cushioning and stability makes it a reliable choice if your workouts currently include a blend of walking, jogging, and easy daily runs. It's also available in Wide and Extra Wide, making it a strong single-shoe option for beginners who want something dependable, comfortable, and easy to reach for every day.
-
Best Beginner Running Shoes For Most Runners
Daily Training7.8Long Run7.4Half/Full Marathon Racing7.4Cushioning8.1Stability7.5True To Size9.1Wide Sizing Available:YesHeel Stack Height:41.8 mmSee all our test resultsHeel-To-Toe Drop:8.2 mmThe ASICS NOVABLAST 5 is the best beginner running shoe for most runners who want a comfortable daily trainer that still feels fun. 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 also available in a variety of unique colorways, adding to its fun factor.
-
Best Beginner Running Shoes For Racing
Daily Training8.0Long Run7.9Half/Full Marathon Racing8.0Cushioning9.4Stability6.4True 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
-
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. 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
Recent Updates
Jun 25, 2026:
We updated the 'Best Running Shoes for Beginners' pick to the Kiprun Kipride Max since it's more cushioned and stable than the Brooks Glycerin Max 2. We also replaced the 'Best Budget' pick with the on-sale Saucony Guide 18 and adjusted other categories to make each pick's use case clearer.
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.