Best Running Shoes for Beginners

Asics Superblast 2

The Asics Superblast 2 is an all around improvement from last year’s cult classic. It’s versatile enough to handle anything a runner needs to do including easy runs, tempo runs, speed work, and race days which means a beginner can buy one shoe and use it for everything.

It’s wide foot friendly with an accommodating engineered woven mesh upper that molds to your feet. The traction, stability, durability, and breathability are all top notch. And the great upper sits on top of a soft yet bouncy FF Turbo+/FF Blast Plus Eco midsole that delivers a fantastic ride. The Superblast 2 doesn’t have any glaring negatives (a rare occurrence in the shoe reviewing business). It’s one of the best shoes on the market. See the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $200

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4

The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 is New Balance’s most versatile and useful daily running shoe despite not featuring a higher end stack height. The Peba/EVA blend of FuelCell is bouncy and makes it easy to pick the pace (maybe too easy). The upper is accommodating and breathable. The Rebel v4 is also lightweight and stable with durable traction. It’s more shoe than previous Rebels but that makes it accessible to more foot types, and ultimately, more people. It’s one of 2024’s best all around running shoes. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $140

adidas Supernova Prima

The adidas Supernova Prima puts together all the best parts of the existing Supernova line and then adds some extra oomph and slight tweaks to take the shoe to the next level. Dreamstrike+ is a plush yet bouncy Peba-based foam that’s great underfoot. The support rods are helpful without getting in the way. There are some minor quibbles with forefoot width and heel padding but otherwise this is a very good shoe. The Supernova Prima is the best Supernova yet and a capable, protective, and fun daily running shoe. Read the full review.

Fits: True to size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $160

On Cloudmonster 2

The On Cloudmonster 2 is a max cushioned shoe that’s firmer than On’s other max cushion shoe, the squishier Cloudeclipse. That slight tweak in squishiness makes the Cloudmonster 2 more stable and creates a smooth ride. It also makes it perfect for standing all day or doing lots of walking.

The upper is comfortable and accommodating with great aesthetics and high quality craftsmanship. The outsole grips in all conditions but the outsole can pick up good-sized rocks. There’s also a premium to be paid for the On brand. Whether that’s worth it for this very good shoe is up to you. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $180

Puma Velocity Nitro 3

The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is the best Velocity Nitro yet. The upper is improved and much more locked in than version 2 but still not wide footer friendly. The bounce from the Puma Nitro midsole feels great underfoot and can handle a lot of miles. The PumaGrip outsole is, as always, elite. The Velocity Nitro 3 provides great value and is a great shoe to recommend to friends and family that come to you for running shoe advice.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 10mm, Price $135

Reebok Floatzig 1

The Reebok Floatzig 1, releasing in early April 2024, isn’t great at any one thing but features bouncy Floatride cushioning underfoot, looks awesome, and provides impressive durability. It’s a fantastic option for a wide variety of runners but is perfect for joggers, budget conscious runners, and beginners who need their running shoes to pull double duty for casual wear. It may be the ultimate running starter shoe. See the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $130

Asics Novablast 4

The Asics Novablast 4 improves almost everything from the awesome Novablast 3 (now on sale) but pulls back a bit on the fun factor in order to give the shoe more mass appeal. It’s more comfortable with improved stability and better traction. It still picks up speed nicely but isn’t as energetic as the original. At $140, it’s a high value do-everything shoe. See the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $140

Brooks Glycerin 21

The Brooks Glycerin 21 is a clear upgrade from the Glycerin 20 with signature Brooks comfort and fit. The DNA Loft v3 midsole is bouncy and the upper is plush all around. The ride and the traction also get high marks for this versatile trainer. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price $160

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 26

The Asics Gel Nimbus 26 is almost a carbon copy of the Gel Nimbus 25 (now on sale). It’s a highly padded, luxuriously comfortable, well-cushioned shoe that’s perfect for tons and tons of easy paced running or walking. If all-around comfort is your number one priority, give the Nimbus 26 a try. See the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $160

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 continues to be the best shoe in Saucony’s line despite a full aesthetic overhaul. There’s something about the way the TPU plate, Saucony’s Speedroll rocker, and the PWRRUN PB work together. It’s magic on speed days and really earns the Speed name. Despite a more narrow toebox, the Endorphin Speed 4 is one of the most versatile shoes on the market. And, if you don’t like carbon-plated shoes, the Speed 4 is a great option for race day. Read the full review. 

Fit: True to size, Drop: 8mm, Price $170

Puma Magnify Nitro 2

The Puma Magnify Nitro 2 is one of our favorite daily runners. At $140, it’s priced right for a high-end cushioned running shoe and has the most cushion of any Puma shoe. The super comfortable knit upper provides an accommodating fit and molds to your foot over time. You also get lots of Puma Grip on the bottom that will provide top-tier traction. Your knees and feet will thank you for beginning your running journey with this shoe. Read the full review. 

Fit: True to size, Drop: 10mm, Price $140

New Balance 880v14

The New Balance 880v14 comes with the best cushioning the 880 has ever seen. It’s a reliable shoe with a basic upper that struggles to provide enough cushioning on runs above 6 miles. The traction is durable, it feels light on foot, and is quite stable. There are better options at the $140 price point like New Balance’s own Fuelcell Rebel v4 but long time 880 devotees will be happy with the improvements. It’s also a great shoe for beginners that comes in narrow, regular, wide, and extra wide making it one of the more accommodating models on the market. Read the full review. Price: $140

Brooks Ghost 16

The Brooks Ghost 16 maintains the Ghost DNA with a comfortable upper while adding a more modern and comfortable cushioning setup underfoot. The DNA Loft v3 really makes a difference in underfoot feel and takes the Ghost line to the next level. Ghost fans will love the upgrades and be excited for this new era. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 12mm, Price: $140

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 InfinityRN 4

The Nike InfinityRN 4 is technically a stability shoe. However, the stability features are unobtrusive and won’t affect you if you don’t need the help. The very noticeable arch on previous Infinity Runs is also found on this version though it’s somewhat toned down. If you don’t like a lot of arch support, you should still stay away. If an ever-present arch doesn’t bug you, the InfinityRN 4 is a highly comfortable daily training shoe that’s ready for lots of miles while also packing a ton of casual appeal. Read the full review.

Fit: Go up a half size, Drop: 9mm, Price: $160

Brooks Ghost Max

The Brooks Ghost Max has soft, fluffy cushion, a smooth feel, good stability, and a super comfortable upper that’s also very wide and flat foot ready. Even with lower-than-average durability thanks to a soft outsole, it packs a lot of value. And it’s the only current Brooks road shoe with a drop lower than 8mm. It’s a different feel than what Brooks fans are used to but that’s not a bad thing. The Ghost Max is ready to protect your feet and legs as you pound the pavement. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price $150

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

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

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