Best Running Shoes for Beginners

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6

New Balance once again brings its singular approach to the max-cushion category with the plushly stacked, ultra-protective, yet surprisingly stable Fresh Foam X More v6. Made to soak up miles, it’s an approachable update with a slightly less squishy and more consistently smooth and controlled ride.

The Pros are clear: Fresh Foam X remains one of the top-performing midsole foams in the category; it’s good for new runners and longtime athletes looking for a comfortable ride; and the overall package is the gold standard for max-cushion daily trainers. The Cons are unsurprising in that this isn’t a shoe meant for anything other than easy cruising, and the New Balance aesthetic may not be for everyone. But in a market full of super foams and max-cushion behemoths, New Balance reminds everyone why it’s king of the high-stack shoes with the phenomenal Fresh Foam X More v6. It’s a great shoe for new runners needing a training partner that can help them develop both physical and mental fortitude. And veteran runners will appreciate the More v6 for its comfort and cruisy nature on those easy and long-run days when discipline needs to overcome a lack of motivation. It’s also a rare max-stack shoe in that it’s stable enough to further function as a walking shoe.

All in all, the $155 price may well be a bit of a steal, and the true-to-size, standard fit is even wide-foot friendly. There are also additional Wide and X-Wide options in both men’s and women’s sizing. For more details on the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6, read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 4mm, Price: $155

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

Puma Velocity Nitro 4

The Puma Velocity NITRO 4 is a versatile, responsive daily trainer that provides comfort and durability that make it easily worth the $140 price.

Among its many Pros are: its versatility for all types of runs; a comfortable, peppy NITROFOAM midsole; an elite PUMAGRIP outsole; nice breathability; and an upper that conforms to the foot. The Cons are: a pointy toebox in general and a fit that isn’t wide-foot friendly (though is true-to-size in length). We’re hoping Puma adds a wide option in future so those who need more room don’t have to miss out on this stellar performer. While it doesn’t feature a super high stack by today’s standards, the Velocity NITRO 4 is in a sweet spot that can handle a voluminous and varied workload of anything from easy and recovery miles, to some speedwork, to even long runs. Its versatility not only secures its value proposition at $140, it even allows it to compete well with many shoes priced in the $150 to $160 range.

It’s not a great option for our wide-footed friends, but everyone else will be able to enjoy this cool-looking, high-performing daily running shoe. For more details on the Puma Velocity NITRO 4, read the full review.

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

Nike Vomero 18

The Nike Vomero 18 is the first entry in Nike’s new Maximum Cushioning pillar. In fact, its 46mm heel/36mm forefoot gives it the highest stack ever in a Vomero. The combination of a thin ZoomX layer on top and a beefy hunk of ReactX foam underneath make for a ride that feels more like a hybrid of the Vomero 17 and the InfinityRN 4 rather than a true Vomero (minus the InfinityRN’s polarizingly prominent arch); the Vomero 18 loses some of the uptempo versatility of Vomeros of yore as a side effect. While all that extra cushion also means a significant weight increase that won’t escape notice, performance doesn’t actually suffer. The Vomero 18 successfully resists feeling at all clompy or bulky thanks to the improved rocker geometry and smooth ride. The result is a shoe that may be less inclined toward pacy stuff but that’s highly capable of keeping you turning over in comfort through even your longest of marathon training runs.

While lacing and the mesh upper are different from the Vomero 17, the added heel tab is the only significant upgrade regarding the upper. As for the outsole, there’s thick durable, waffle-patterned rubber where it counts and a less dense, boxy pattern in less high-wear areas to save a bit of weight. The waffle pattern gripped well on multiple surfaces, and, while durability may not be at the quite same (extremely high) level of the Vomero 17’s outsole, it should be in the typical 300-500 mile range. The fit is true-to-size in length; however, we’d suggest most wide footers opt for the wide version, as the standard Vomero 18 isn’t particularly accommodating. Ultimately, the Vomero 18 may sacrifice some speed in favor of cushion, but it’s a reliable, easy day and long-distance cruiser with a smooth, efficient ride – and it comes in at a surprisingly competitive price. See the full review. Price: $150

Fit: True to size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $150

Asics Novablast 5

The Asics Novablast 5 has (to many) been the epitome of a daily trainer for a few years running now. While we at WearTesters enjoyed the added support and durability that the Novablast 4 brought, we felt it lacked the pop of the Novablast 3. We were thrilled to find that the Novablast 5 seems to marry the best parts of each to create a highly successful, do-it-all daily trainer that’s sure to be a hit with fans of the Novablast line – and it does so with a new midsole compound, FF BLAST MAX.

We first saw this new foam in the top layer of the Asics GlideRide Max, and it’s a squishier, softer foam than the FF BLAST PLUS ECO of last year’s Novablast 4. Luckily, its implementation here in the Novablast 5 gave us all the sink-in comfort we could want without blunting the hoped-for response when we took it through faster paces. While it may not be quite as speedy as the Novablast 3, it unequivocally feels faster and more versatile than the Novablast 4. It also offers great comfort, stability, and durability (thanks to the deeper pattern of the AHAR LO outsole rubber). The comfy tongue is even gusseted now, which should put an end to the slippery tongue issues of previous Novablasts. Asics has swapped the engineered woven upper for an engineered jacquard mesh that poofs a bit at the forefoot, which is perhaps our only cause for disappointment. But, seeing as that sacrifices aesthetics more than performance – and seeing as the upper swap may be in part responsible for keeping the price at an extremely competitive $140 – we can’t argue with the result. Its accommodating, true-to-size fit (plus availability of a wide version), excellent price, protective comfort, and incredible versatility make the Novablast 5 an easy shoe to point to for those looking for “one affordable shoe to rule them all.” Full review.

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

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5

The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 is in many ways a continuation of and improvement upon what worked so well in one of our favorite shoes of 2024, the Rebel v4. But there are some key differences worth noting for fans of the line.

Its many Pros include: a chameleon-like ability to perform well at any pace; a bouncy and versatile PEBA/EVA midsole that’s less likely to bottom out for bigger, taller runners; a comfy upper with gussetted tongue; durable, effective traction; nice breathability; and a lightweight experience. Cons include: lower-than-average midsole durability; a slight sacrifice in groundfeel and snappiness; and a standard fit that isn’t as wide-foot friendly as the previous version. Luckily, New Balance will be offering wide options in both men’s and women’s sizing, which we recommend wide-footers select for better comfort over longer efforts. The fit is otherwise true-to-size.

The New Balance Rebel v5 provides a lovely ride across speedy, easy, and long runs, keeping its place alongside shoes like the Asics Novablast 5 as one of the most versatile running shoes on the market as well as one of the best values for its price. For more details, read the full review.

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

Reebok Floatzig 2

The Reebok FloatZig 2 gets a new midsole foam and ascends to a new level even as the price drops from $130 to $120. Pros are as follows: it’s a top-of-the-line budget trainer; the SuperFloat+ midsole foam is a big upgrade; it has a smooth ride for easy runs; and it sports an awesome, vintage 90s Reebok aesthetic. Cons include: trick-or-treat traction and not being ideal for speedy or long-distance runs. The Reebok FloatZig 2 fits true-to-size and has a very accommodating but secure fit that should work for narrow, average, and even wide-footers. It’s a shoe that’s best used for daily miles at an easy or recovery pace, jogging, or general use. Our reviewers would like to further point out that it’s also useful for looking good. So. The Reebok FloatZig 2 ultimately packs a better midsole, improved upper/fit, and weighs less than its predecessor—and it does all of that for $10 less. In the budget market for quality running shoes, the FloatZig 2 is the only $120 option that truly maximizes value. For more details, read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $120

Mizuno Wave Rider 29

The Mizuno Wave Rider 29 and its supercritical midsole deliver the best all-around Wave Rider in an already illustrious history, continuing Mizuno’s recent hot streak.

Its Cons are found in its sort of generic aesthetic and the fact that it may not be able to take everyone through long-distance or speedy miles. But the Wave Rider 29 is a viable option for a large cross section of runners and non-runners alike, and its Pros are indeed closely connected to how widely approachable this shoe is. Thanks to a TPU WAVE plate and a nitrogen-infused, entirely EVA version of ENERZY NXT midsole foam, its balanced and supportive ride (short of full-on stability) offers a different type of versatility. The midsole foam is great for new runners and for those who simply want a moderate amount of cushioning with some impact protection and without the trending marshmallowy underfoot feel of many modern running shoes. The Wave Rider 29 also doubles as a great walking or working shoe—just firm enough to keep the feet grounded and just soft enough to keep your body feeling good throughout a long day on your feet. Add to all that an accommodating, true-to-size standard fit as well as wide versions in both men’s and women’s sizing, and the Wave Rider 29 further becomes a great choice for those with wide and/or flat feet who need a thoughtful platform underfoot.

The Wave Rider 29 is a reasonably priced, durable daily trainer with a firm-ish yet protective midsole that’s best used for soaking up miles on easy or recovery runs. For more details, read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $150

Nike Structure 26

The Nike Structure 26 is a fantastic-looking, stability-focused daily running shoe that provides unobtrusive support and a smooth ride.

Pros: a helpful but not overbearing stability system; a comfortable and great-looking upper with superior midfoot lockdown (thanks to the lacing system and integrated midfoot bands); and an approachable price point without a Swoosh tax. Cons: a firmer underfoot feel; below-average outsole durability at the forefoot; and a puffy, bulky tongue. The Nike Structure 26 fits true-to-size lengthwise, but wide-footers should opt for the extra wide men’s and women’s versions once available on the Nike site. The Nike Structure 26 is best used as a stability-focused daily trainer for easy and recovery runs; it does have the ability to occasionally pick up speed and can likely handle medium-long runs (depending on the runner’s size/build). At $145, most people will get their money’s worth in usage.

Though it has a few subpar characteristics, the Nike Structure 26 is, on the balance, an above-average option that shows Nike still cares about creating a solid stability shoe for those who need the extra support. For more details, read the full review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $145

Hoka Bondi 9

Hoka has given the Bondi 9 a supercritical EVA midsole (with an additional 2mm of stack) that has considerably more life in it than previous versions. The upper, which Hoka describes as an engineered mesh, feels like a higher-end knit material, and the shoe has a plush and premium feel overall.

While you’re not going to be able to pick up the pace in it, the Bondi 9 is super comfortable for easy runs, recovery runs, some long runs, walking, and/or standing all day. The MetaRocker and upgraded foam allow this max-cushion, hulk-of-a-shoe to somewhat belie its bulk, making for a surprisingly smooth and stable ride.

We ultimately felt this foam and overall setup outperforms that of the recently-debuted Hoka Skyflow. Testers were split on whether the Bondi 9 truly earns its slightly higher, $170 price point compared to other strong performers in its category in the $160-$165 range. But one thing is certain: the Bondi 9 is easily the best-running Bondi that Hoka has made. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $170

Nike Vomero Plus

The Nike Vomero Plus is both a Vomero 18 upgrade and a replacement for the beloved Nike Invincible series that’s softer, plusher, and lighter. With a 45mm heel and a 35mm forefoot, the Vomero Plus’ most obvious Pro is its plush impact protection. And while it’s definitely not as supportive as the Vomero 18 and so shines best on the run rather than standing or walking all day, it is surprisingly stable for a shoe with a full-length ZoomX midsole, making it a more viable option for those needing more confidence underfoot than the Invincible series offered. As for Cons, the Vomero Plus has an oddly poofy and crinkly tongue (especially given how well-constructed the rest of the upper is); and the outsole rubber, while grippy, appears to have slightly below-average durability. The Vomero Plus fits true-to-size and, for a Nike shoe (and versus the Vomero 18), provides some extra room in the forefoot and midfoot. That’s helpful, but most wide-footers will want to opt for the extra wide versions that are available in both men’s and women’s sizing on the Nike site.

The Nike Vomero Plus is best used for easy, recovery, and long runs. The max-cushion build optimizes impact protection and helps insulate legs from taking too much pounding on normal, everyday runs. Even though the Vomero Plus is not particularly versatile, both the amount and type of cushion present are exactly what’s expected from a $180 shoe. If you view it as the spiritual successor to the Invincible line, it’s further comforting to note that the price point has been $180 ever since its launch in 2021, a rarity in today’s sneaker market. And with Nike absolutely nailing the aesthetics, we’ll undoubtedly see a lot more people than just runners rocking the Vomero Plus. For more details, read the full review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $180

Hoka Clifton 10

Despite the shift from a 5mm drop to an 8mm drop and SEVERAL millimeters of added stack height to bring it more in-line with modern midsole offerings, the Clifton 10 still remains pretty much as Clifton-y as its predecessors. It’s the sort of shoe that doesn’t pack much in the way of flash or excitement, but it delivers on Hoka’s promise of being “a trusted trainer for daily maintenance miles”.

The shift in heel-to-toe drop was detectable but not overly dramatic to our testers, as the CMEVA midsole foam compresses fairly easily so as to even out some of the extra heel cushioning. The Durabrasion outsole has a good amount of rubber that seems to provide average durability and performance. But the exposed foam at the midfoot may take a significant beating, depending on your high-wear areas.

The upper is nothing special, but it’s solidly comfortable and does the job, even without a gusseted tongue. While the upper’s material closely resembles that of the Clifton 9, the Clifton 10 appears to be built on a different last. Wide-footers will want to opt for one of the additional widths Hoka will have available.

All-in-all, the Clifton 10 is a solid option for those looking for a trusty daily trainer with some long-run range, and the $150 price point seems mostly appropriate for how this latest Clifton now stacks up to its competition. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $150

adidas Ultraboost 5X

It’s a return to everything that made the Ultraboost iconic in the first place. The adidas Ultraboost 5X channels true Ultraboost ethos with a combo of running performance and casual appeal. It’s the best Ultraboost since the Ultraboost 19. It easily transitions from being a solid running shoe to a great looking casual shoe. When the Ultraboost line is at its best, as it is here, it’s equal parts casual banger and capable performer. Read the full performance review.

Fits: Typical adidas, Drop: 10mm, Price: $140

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 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