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Running Shoes · Best picks

Best Running Shoes for Beginners

New runners don't need carbon plates or racing foams. They need a comfortable, durable trainer with enough cushioning to make the first months enjoyable.

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Our top picks

Short on time? Our top recommendation is the Brooks Ghost 17 (best all-rounder). Here's how the shortlist breaks down.

  1. Brooks Ghost 17

    #1 · Best all-rounder

    Brooks Ghost 17

    Balanced, predictable ride for most paces

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  2. HOKA Clifton 11

    #2

    HOKA Clifton 11

    Soft, high-stack cushioning without much weight

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  3. Nike Pegasus 41

    #3

    Nike Pegasus 41

    Versatile for easy and moderate runs

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  4. Saucony Ride 18

    #4

    Saucony Ride 18

    Light for a daily trainer

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  5. ASICS Novablast 5

    #5 · Best value

    ASICS Novablast 5

    Lively, bouncy ride

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Jump to the full breakdowns
In depth

The 5 best running shoes, explained

Why each made the cut, where it falls short, and who it suits best.

Brooks Ghost 17
Best all-rounder

1. Brooks Ghost 17

Brooks

The Ghost is Brooks' best-selling neutral trainer: balanced cushioning, a traditional 10mm drop and a forgiving fit. Version 17 adds more DNA Loft v3 foam in the heel and forefoot.

  • Neutral
  • DNA Loft v3 midsole
  • 10mm drop (Brooks spec)
  • About 10.1 oz men's
  • APMA Seal of Acceptance

Pros

  • Balanced, predictable ride for most paces
  • Traditional 10mm drop suits heel strikers
  • APMA Seal of Acceptance
  • Wide and extra-wide sizes

Cons

  • Not as soft as max-cushion shoes
  • Unexciting for tempo runs
  • About 10 oz in men's sizes

Best for: beginners and all-round training

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HOKA Clifton 11

2. HOKA Clifton 11

HOKA

HOKA's long-running daily trainer pairs a thick, light EVA midsole with a rocker shape that rolls you smoothly from heel to toe. It's sold in men's and women's versions and in wide widths.

  • Neutral
  • Maximum cushioning
  • MetaRocker geometry
  • Compression-molded EVA midsole
  • Double-lace lock

Pros

  • Soft, high-stack cushioning without much weight
  • MetaRocker geometry makes easy miles feel smooth
  • Neutral design suits most runners who don't overpronate
  • Available in wide widths

Cons

  • Compressed EVA midsoles lose bounce sooner than premium foams
  • Not designed for fast speedwork
  • Tall stack can feel less stable on tight corners

Best for: everyday easy miles

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Nike Pegasus 41

3. Nike Pegasus 41

Nike

Nike's everyday workhorse, now with ReactX foam and Air Zoom units front and back, plus the familiar waffle-inspired outsole.

  • Neutral
  • ReactX foam with Air Zoom units
  • Engineered mesh upper
  • Waffle-inspired outsole

Pros

  • Versatile for easy and moderate runs
  • Responsive Air Zoom units
  • Durable waffle-inspired rubber outsole
  • Wide and Gore-Tex versions available

Cons

  • Firmer than max-cushion shoes
  • Narrower fit than Brooks and HOKA
  • Many lifestyle variants make listings confusing

Best for: runners who like a firmer, responsive feel

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Saucony Ride 18

4. Saucony Ride 18

Saucony

1 oz with an 8mm offset and a moderately soft ride.

  • Neutral
  • Moderate-to-high cushioning
  • 8mm offset (Saucony spec)
  • About 9.1 oz men's

Pros

  • Light for a daily trainer
  • Balanced cushioning, not mushy
  • 8mm offset suits most runners
  • Wide sizes in some colors

Cons

  • Less plush than max-cushion shoes
  • The Ride 19 is now available, so stock varies
  • Some colorways listed as fashion sneakers

Best for: lighter everyday training

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ASICS Novablast 5
Best value

5. ASICS Novablast 5

ASICS

A bouncy, energetic trainer using FF BLAST MAX foam, light enough for faster days but cushioned enough for daily miles.

  • Neutral
  • FF BLAST MAX midsole
  • 8mm drop (ASICS spec)
  • About 9 oz

Pros

  • Lively, bouncy ride
  • Light for its stack height
  • Good mix of easy-day and up-tempo use
  • Usually priced below flagship trainers

Cons

  • Less stable than firmer shoes
  • Not for runners needing support
  • Bounce can feel less controlled on corners

Best for: runners who want one fun do-it-all shoe

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Head-to-head

Compare the top picks

Torn between our leading picks? These side-by-side comparisons settle it.

Beginners are best served by a neutral daily trainer with moderate-to-high cushioning and a familiar 8 to 10mm drop. These shoes are forgiving of imperfect form and suit both road and treadmill.

If you're unsure about your gait, a running store gait check is free at many shops, but comfort when you first put a shoe on is a reliable guide.

How we chose these picks

We shortlisted current-generation models from major running brands, then compared manufacturer specifications (cushioning type, drop, weight, support system) with independent reviews and owner feedback patterns. We didn't wear-test these shoes, and we don't publish test scores or star ratings.

Running shoes are personal. Fit and comfort on your own feet matter more than any list, so buy where returns are easy and try them on a treadmill or indoors first.

Answers

Frequently asked questions

What are the best running shoes for beginners right now?

Our top pick is the Brooks Ghost 17 (best all-rounder), because balanced, predictable ride for most paces. The runner-up is the HOKA Clifton 11, followed by the Nike Pegasus 41.

Which of the running shoes for beginners should I buy?

It depends on what matters most to you. For all-rounder, choose the Brooks Ghost 17. For value, choose the ASICS Novablast 5.

Is the Brooks Ghost 17 worth it?

For most buyers, yes. It ranks #1 in our running shoes for beginners research, though not as soft as max-cushion shoes.

What kind of running shoe should a beginner buy?

A neutral, cushioned daily trainer such as the Brooks Ghost or HOKA Clifton. Avoid racing shoes and very low-drop shoes until you've built up mileage.

Can I use running shoes for walking and the gym?

For walking, yes. For gym lifting, the soft, tall midsole is unstable; a flatter training shoe is better.

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