Are you training for a competitive race? Perhaps you’re trying to get your body in great shape to show it off at the beach this summer. As a beginner runner, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is choosing the right pair of running shoes.
However, choosing your first sneakers can be overwhelming, especially since there are thousands of options to choose from. That’s why we’ve made it easy for you by sharing the six absolute best running shoes for beginners.
Comparison Table of Top 3
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
TOP PICK
|
TOP PICK
|
Brooks Ghost 12
|
|
CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE |
|
BEST FIT
|
BEST FIT
|
Adidas Ultraboost 19
|
|
CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE |
|
SPEED AND DURABLILITY
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SPEED AND DURABLILITY
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Skechers Unisex GOrun Razor 3 Hyper
|
|
CHECK PRICE |
7 Best Running Shoes for Beginners
It’s important to stay informed and aware when selecting your first pair of running shoes. As you gain experience while running, you’ll realize how your shoes will be there to support you physically and emotionally. They can transform a bad day into a good one, frustration into speed, self-doubt into confidence and ice-cream into muscle. They will become a part of you.
Get your running started on the right foot by checking out the six best running shoes for beginners. You might even be surprised at some of our choices!
1. Brooks Ghost 12– Best All-Around Runner
Brooks makes durable and high-quality running shoes, that is a great first pair for any beginner. Brooks has five of the ten best-rated shoes on Amazon. The Brooks Ghost 12 is no different. It gives you the perfect balance of gliding-on-air comfort and durable responsiveness. You will notice that regardless of the sweat you build during your run, you will still have a smooth heel-to-toe transition. This shoe makes the top of our list not only for its great performance and delivery, and for its countless reviews of everyday runners. Check it out on Amazon and see for yourself
Features: BioMoGo DNA Cushioning, 3D Fit Print, and Neutral Support.
Pros
- Perfect balance of comfort and responsiveness
- Smooth and stable
- Consistently great fit
- Perfect for almost any kind of run (5k, marathon, ironman)
Cons
- Slightly bland design, but it delivers a great performance.
2. Adidas Ultraboost 19 – A Close Second
Adidas is one of the first brands that comes to mind when thinking about athletic shoes. Although they make some great shoes, you have to make sure you get ones that are actually made for serious running and not only for style. The Adidas Ultraboost 19 is definitely for serious running. What you’ll appreciate most about this pick, is how it’s form-fitting and molds to your foot. It’s achieved through the combination of an inner sock liner along with a weave-technology that allows the proper amount of stretch while still holding your foot in place
Features: Torsion Spring embedded in the midsole, Dual-Density Boost Cushioning, and a Sockliner.
Pros
- Easy to slip your feet into
- A soft pillowy, yet structured support
- Responsive and energetic
Cons
- The small opening around your ankle may take some getting used to, but it doesn’t seem to bother most people.
- Sizes tend to run smaller, so you may have to order a half-size larger than normal.
3. Skechers Unisex GOrun Razor 3 Hyper– Not Your Normal Sketchers
Did you know that Sketchers has a reputable performance running line? These shoes are legit. They have proven themselves by winning the 2019 Runner’s World® Gear of the Year Award. Not only do you get excellent performance thanks to their Hyper Burst foam, but you’ll also be able to enjoy them for a long time. The rubber outsole is strategically placed, and there is a durable ripstop mesh upper. You might also like our recommendations on the best manual treadmill for the money review guide.
Features: Ripstop mesh upper, speed lace-up construction and Hyper Burst Foam midsole.
Pros
- Responsive cushion and “springy” feel
- Very light
- Great for speedwork
Cons
- Large letting of the word SPEED. Some people love it, others don’t.
- Some say the cushioning is too soft. (For others it might be just right!)
4. HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 2– Are the trails calling you?
Do you get bored from running on asphalt and concrete? The HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 2 also feels bored from smooth and mundane surfaces. Its widened base, Vibram® MegaGrip outsole, and multi-directional lugs are ready to run over anything (loose rocks, mud, piles of money, your neighbor’s yappy dog). The Speedgoat 2 can take anything you want to throw at it. So hit them with your best shot! Hoka has been known to provide most comfortable running shoes on the market.
Features: Wide platform and Vibram® MegaGrip hi-traction outsole
Pros
- Super strong grip
- Plenty of cushion for comfort on rough terrain
- Wide base for good stability on uneven trails
- Lightweight for a trail shoe
Cons
- Better used on paths and nature trails than asphalt or concrete.
- They are a bit pricey, but most people say it’s worth the money.
5. Reebok Forever Floatride Energy p A Good Value Everyday Runner
Reebok as been known to provide some of the best workout shoes on market, but does that hold up for beginner running shoes? Well, despite its slightly underwhelming design, the Forever Floatride Energy provides great value for the money. If you’re looking for something with a simple, no-frills design that’ll give you consistent adaptability to whatever your daily run might bring, this is the shoe for you. You’ll greatly appreciate the price since it costs significantly less than some of the others on this list. Not only are they affordable, but also comfortable and durable and happen to be one of the best shoes for jumping rope.
Features: Floatride Energy Foam and full coverage carbon rubber sole.
Pros
- Adaptable to any running speed
- Excellent traction
- Great value for the money
- Durable Sole
Cons
- Shoelaces can be too short. (You can buy longer ones if it’s a problem.)
- They tend to run large, so you might want to order a half-size smaller than usual.
6. Asics Gel-Venture 6 – The Best Budget Option
If you’re strapped for cash, but need something to get you started and can take you just about anywhere, the Asics Gel-Venture 6 is your shoe. The GEL cushioning system absorbs impacts to keep your feet comfortable, even on the most rugged terrain. The durable outsole material is built to last so you will definitely get your money’s worth. You may also like our guide on the best insoles for running.
Features: GEL cushioning, Trail Specific Outsole and a budget-friendly price
Pros
- Amazing Value (Less than half of what some of the other options cost)
- Versatile (Can be used on the road or trail)
- Durable construction
Cons
- Not the best choice for long-distance running (Marathons, etc.)
- For some, the cushioning may be too firm.
- A little heavy (That means you burn more calories!)
Final Thoughts on the Best Running Shoes for Beginners
Don’t be fooled by the fact that we’re suggesting these as the 6 best running shoes for beginners. Several of these are good enough that you could use them for your first 5k and then soon after for your first marathon. Follow the links to check them out. Think about the type of running you plan to do, your running goals and then choose your shoes accordingly. You may also be interested in our recent review on forefoot running shoes possibly insoles for your feet.
Remember, your running shoes can end up being your best friend or your worst enemy, so choose wisely! Here at StayonTrails recommends you to Invest in the right pair in order to prevent injuries such as knee pain, plantar fasciitis, and you’ll have the motivation to start, the strength to endure and the resolve to finish. If you liked this post then visit the best shoes for treadmill guide here.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
TOP PICK
|
TOP PICK
|
Brooks Ghost 12
|
|
CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE |
|
BEST FIT
|
BEST FIT
|
Adidas Ultraboost 19
|
|
CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE |
|
SPEED AND DURABLILITY
|
SPEED AND DURABLILITY
|
Skechers Unisex GOrun Razor 3 Hyper
|
|
CHECK PRICE |
You may also like: How Shoes Should Actually Fit
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Austin Mills