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You can take your first steps in your everyday trainers but investing in a pair of beginner running shoes will make your new hobby more comfortable and enjoyable in the long-term, as well as reduce your risk of injury.
We've selected the following pairs from the pink camouflage shoe Nike sneaker shoes black boots on the market, based on three key factors that are important for beginners: versatility, durability and price. Keep scrolling to read our full reviews.
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What to look for in a pair of running shoes
Choosing running shoes doesn’t have to be complicated. Although there are a huge variety of styles and price points, all of them basically consist of a foam sole unit (known as the midsole) of varying thicknesses, designed to cushion impact, combined with a pink shoe Nike zoom hyperdunk 2017 to hold the foot securely, without being too tight, and giving your toes room to move.
There is no one ‘best shoe’, as everyone has different needs. All sorts of factors – your biomechanics, weight and the shape of your feet – mean one person’s ideal option might not work as well for someone else.
If you’re buying for the first time, it’s a good idea to go to a dedicated running store to get a gait analysis. This will help to determine the level of comfort and support you need.
If this isn’t an option, though, here are a few guide rules:
You might need to go bigger than normal
Common sense would dictate that if you wear size nine in regular shoes, then you’ll be a size nine in running shoes, but this might not be the case. When you run, the foot spreads inside the shoe more than when you’re walking, and is also likely to swell, so you might need to go up half a size. Check out this guide on fitting a running shoe correctly.
Be guided by comfort
If your new shoes aren’t comfortable then you won’t enjoy running in them. Try on a few different pairs to work out what feels best.
Use the rule of thumb
This will help you determine if a shoe is too small and that’s a good place to start when it comes to comfort on the run. With the shoe laced up and your heel against the back of it, there should be a thumb’s width of space between the tip of your big toe and the front of the shoe.
Types of running shoes
There are lots of types of running shoe, but those designed for running on pavements (road shoes) can be divided into two main categories:
Neutral: These shoes are designed for runners with a normal range of pronation – the natural inward rolling of the foot when it hits the ground – and can vary in cushioning. At one end there are performance (or ‘minimalist’) shoes, designed for racing or running fast, which are very light. At the other there are very cushioned (or ‘maximal’) shoes, with thicker midsoles designed for comfort across very long distances or those with heavier frames.
Support: These shoes, sometimes off to as stability, structured or motion control shoes, are designed for those who overpronate when they run – where the foot rolls inwards a lot when it hits the ground. These runners may need shoes with good cushioning, along with some kind of support to moderate pronation – generally a firmer insert on the inside of the midsole.
What type of running shoe is best for beginners?
People who've been running for some time often have what's called a shoe rotation, whereby they rotate 2-4 pairs of shoes, depending on the type of run. For example, you could use a very plush, cushioned shoe for slow, recovery runs, and a carbon-plated super shoe for interval sessions and race day.
However, if you're just starting out, your best bet is to opt for a versatile all-rounder, commonly off to as a daily trainer. This is a shoe that can handle a wide range of distances and paces. All of the options below have been selected for this purpose, so if you're after a more specific shoe for a specific type of run, check out our guide to the nike polka dot sole sneakers boutique dress.
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To make this guide as helpful as possible, we studied the footwear line-ups from major running brands like Nike, Adidas, and Saucony, then spoke to representatives from each brand to learn more about what models might work for running beginners. All of the models have then been extensively tested over hundreds of miles, with feedback from RW shoe Nike women air max 90 fiberglass pipe prices chart.
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Runner’s World UK has been vetting and reviewing running gear and tech since 1983. Our essential recommendations, including all kinds of running shoes, are selected based on data and insights gathered by our editors, who put the latest and greatest running shoes and gear through their paces day in and day out. In 2025, the Runner’s World test team is led by e-commerce editor Ali Ball, an 12-time marathoner and ultramarathoner who has over seven years experience testing fitness gear, including more than 100 different running shoes.
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Pros
- Breathable upper
- Secure midfoot band
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- Affordable, daily workhorse
Cons
- May be too spacious for narrow feet
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- Not nimble enough for speed work
| Type | Neutral/road |
|---|---|
| Weight | 251g (M), 297g (W) |
| Stack height | 34mm (heel), 24mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 10mm |
Read our full shoe Nike Pegasus 41 review
A true staple, the shoe Nike Pegasus is a great all-rounder for both beginners starting out on their running journey and marathoners looking for a reliable workhorse. This classic daily trainer is now on its 41st iteration, which gives you an idea of its pedigree.
The Peg's stack height is still moderate compared with some of the max-cushioned running shoes on the market in 2024, but this lends it well to pretty much every kind of run – long and short, easy and hard – and every kind of runner. The only thing it can't really handle is very speedy intervals. New ReactX foam debuts in the v41 and it offers a springier feel than the previous iteration, with shoe Nike's double Air unit in the midsole making for a bouncy ride.
Like the v40, the forefoot is wider to make more space for your toes – although those with narrow feet may struggle to get a good lockdown – while the upper, with its new engineered breathable mesh, is big on comfort.
At just a pinch under £130, it's also a good price if you don't want to commit to a more premium priced trainer.
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Pros
- Very versatile
- New, more breathable upper
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Cons
- You want a modern, rockered ride
| Weight | 247g (UK 9) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 36mm (heel), 26mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 10mm |
| Type | Neutral/road |
Read our full Puma Velocity Nitro 4 review
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The Velocity Nitro is the most versatile shoe in Puma’s line-up, designed to work at a variety of paces and distances; whether that’s tempo days, recovery days or anything else in between.
The latest version runs true to size, with a good amount of width in the toe box. However, like a lot of Puma shoes, it is slightly narrower in the midfoot. Testers didn't find it unstable by any means, but it’s worth bearing in mind if you’re someone with wider feet. The heel collar is plush and the reengineered upper feels more breathable than the previous iteration. In fact, with the previous shoe, the narrower profile paired with the heavier upper often made the shoe feel quite stuffy on long runs, so the Velocity Nitro 4 is a big improvement.
In comparison to some of the more gently rockered daily trainers on the market, the Velocity Nitro 4 has a slightly flatter, more traditional ride. If this sounds like a negative thing, it’s not – there's something quite refreshing about that more natural, snappier ride and it's one that feels very connected.
The Pumagrip outsole is also the best on the market. ‘If it’s raining or wet, especially during faster sessions, I’ll wear a Puma shoe, because I know that I won’t slip or feel like I’m aquaplaning,’ said one tester.
A couple of things to bear in mind: the heel bevel is less rounded than some of the options in this guide, which may cater less towards heel strikers. Some runners may also want something snappier and firmer for speedier sessions.
All in all, though, it's an absolutely excellent daily trainer — and, at £110, probably one of the best value ones out there.
Pros
- Works for most runners
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Cons
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- May be too thick and stiff for some runners
| Weight | 283g (M), 223g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 40.5mm (heel), 34.5mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 6mm |
Read our full New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 review
The 880 is best described by one word: workhorse. It’s long been a shoe we typically recommend to new runners because it works for most people, most of the time, and is on the lower end of the price spectrum. It may not be exciting, but it gets the job done.
Last year’s shoe was lowered to an 8mm offset, and v15 goes even further to 6mm. That lower drop didn’t cause any issues for those of us with sensitive Achilles tendons.
nike roshe run black sail women New Balance packing even more foam under the forefoot, as it increased overall sole thickness. The shoe now tops out at just over 40mm thick, putting it in max-cushion territory.
But don’t make the mistake of thinking this shoe is pillowy soft. In fact, our testers used all sorts of other words to describe it: adequate, noticeable, appropriate, enough, supportive. There’s a lot of foam there, but it’s relatively firm and stiff, which, combined with the broad footprint, contributes strongly to make the shoe stable — though it’s not a traditional stability shoe.
If you’re the type of runner who wants a more responsive shoe and better ground feel, you’ll find the 880 to be too thick. But for runners who want a big slab of foam and don’t mind carrying around a couple extra grams, this one is for you.
Pros
- More accommodating in the forefoot and midfoot
- Balanced cushioning
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- Secure foothold and wraparound fit
Cons
- Not built for faster efforts
- Not the liveliest ride
| Weight | 278g (M), 227g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 42mm (heel), 34mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 8mm |
Read our full Hoka Clifton 10 review
The Clifton is one of Hoka’s most popular running shoes. Designed for everyday miles, it’s a max-cushioned running shoe offering a supremely comfortable and easy-going ride for high mileage days.
The 10th anniversary edition impressed our testers, particularly thanks to the improved fit. Having heard from consumers that previous iterations were slightly too narrow, causing rubbing where the midsole met the upper, Hoka has added more space to key areas of the shoe — namely the midfoot and forefoot — to make it more accommodating for a lot more runners. The result is one that is able to carry for you for longer distances, without any discomfort.
The compression moulded EVA midsole isn't too squishy or too firm; rather a balanced ride that finds a comfortable middle ground for easy cruising and longer mileage. When it comes to energy return, it's not got as much bounce as the Bondi 9 or the Skyflow, both of which use a supercritical foam, but it's certainly not dull and there's enough there to try your hand at the odd bit of tempo if you feel the urge.
The jacquard upper is supportive yet breathable and with the help of the swoop-back heel counter, it wraps around the foot to provide a snug fit without any hot spots or points of irritation.
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| Weight | 277g (M), 230g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 31mm (heel), 21mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 10mm |
| Type | Mild stability |
Read our full On Cloudrunner 2 review
The Cloudrunner 2 is a rare mild stability shoe, for runners who need a bit of extra support. Our testers found the stability tech very subtle — in fact, you wouldn’t necessarily know this is a stability shoe except for the heel clip, wider platform, and some extra cushioning around the heel collar to lock you into place.
The Cloudrunner 2 is designed for new and casual road runners, with the aim being to help you build your confidence to run further, push the pace or a try a new route. To help you with this, you've got On's signature CloudTec (hollow pods) in the midsole, along with its Helion superfoam. It’s not pillowy soft, yet it’s not overly firm or harsh either; it just creates this lovely, smooth ride that lends itself to a variety of paces and distances.
In terms of fit, there’s plenty of space in the midfoot and forefoot – in fact, this is a fairly wide shoe overall, which might be something to bear in mind if you’ve got narrower feet. You’ve also got lots of plush padding around the heel collar and tongue to keep you comfortable, without weighing the shoe down.
Pros
- Softer underfoot than v4
- Smooth transitions
- Excellent versatility
- Bouncy and responsive
Cons
- Fits a little wide for narrow feet
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| Weight | 255g (UK 8) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 40.5mm (heel), 32.5mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Best for | Easy runs, long runs, uptempo efforts |
Read our full Asics Novablast 5 review
Bouncy, versatile and hard-wearing, the Novablast's blend of cushioning and zip makes it an ideal daily trainer for easy runs, long runs, tempo runs and pretty much anything in between.
The latest version features a brand new midsole foam, known as FF Blast Max. Asics claims that it helps to increase the shoe’s ‘bounce properties’ by 8.5% compared with the v4’s FF Blast Plus Eco foam and after testing it, we have to agree. It's noticeably softer underfoot than the previous version, however, that doesn’t mean that you’re sacrificing responsiveness here. In fact, our tester found the shoe felt smooth and at home running at easy paces, but it was also capable of handling pacier efforts, too.
As well as the bouncy cushioning, you get a rocker profile and a toe spring in the forefoot which helps to create noticeable momentum at toe-off. Beneath the shoe are deep parallel grooves running along the full length on either side, with a central diamond-shaped pod in the forefoot, and this 'trampoline-inspired' outsole design works with the cushioning to create even more energy return.
Up top, there's a new engineered Jacquard mesh and a gusseted, lightly padded tongue. We found the Novablast 5 fits a little on the wide side, particularly around the midfoot. This is great if you’re someone with wider feet, higher volume feet or even higher arches, but bear in mind that those with narrow feet may struggle to get the required foot-hugging fit they’re after. The outsole also falls a little short in wet and slippy conditions compared with other brands or Asics' superior Asicsgrip technology used on the Superblast.
That said, the Novablast 5 is still a comfortable versatile daily trainer that offers excellent value for those who don't want to fork out for a ton of different shoes for different sessions.
Pros
- Lightweight for a stability shoe
- Responsive midsole with good firmness and energy return
- Effective arch support
Cons
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| Weight | 315g (UK men’s size 11) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 33mm (heel), 25mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 8mm |
Read our full Saucony Tempus 2 review
nike air commercial athletes air quality nike lebron xiii youth jersey black pants suit and a top stability shoe, thanks to its lightweight design and agile feel. The most recent version tacks on a bit of weight, but we still think it’s a compelling choice for new runners who want a stable, planted feel in their shoes.
The Tempus 2 has Saucony’s Pwrrun PB cushioning in the midsole, which is made with polyether block amide (PEBA) foam for a supremely bouncy step. Saucony pairs it with a ‘frame’ of more firm EVA cushioning to stabilise your foot and, more specifically, support your arches. The sole curves up at the heel and toe for smooth transitions, and it’s topped with a revised mesh upper with plenty of padding on the collar and tongue, so you get a snug fit.
One tester described the Tempus 2 as ‘a joy to cruise around in’. The shoe delivers a nice pop in both the forefoot and heel, and the contoured footbed keeps your feet cradled and comfortable.
Pros
- Available in a variety of widths
- Fairly versatile
- Soft underfoot feel
Cons
- Can feel snug
- Lacks some 'pop' for speedier sessions
| Weight | 292g (M), 240g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 36.5mm (heel), 26.5mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 10mm |
| Type | Neutral |
Read our full Brooks Ghost 17 review
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If there’s one shoe we find ourselves recommending time and again to new runners, it’s the Brooks Ghost. Dependable, comfortable, and endlessly wearable, it’s long been a standout in the daily trainer category — and Brooks’s best-selling model for good reason.
In the v17, Brooks has added 3mm of nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam to the heel and 1mm to the forefoot, positioning the offset at 10mm. The cushioning feels balanced and supportive, and there's a nice smooth transition from the landing phase to push off.
The fit is excellent, too. The length and width of the shoe are spot on. Tester experienced no hot spots, the tongue sits neatly and the padding strikes just-right balance — not too minimal, but not overly built-up like more max-cushioned offers from the brand.
There are no bells or whistles here, but as long as you take into account what this shoe is meant for — sans carbon plate or super foams — you’ll reap all those ‘Run Happy’ miles as Brooks’s slogan always intended.
Pros
- Extremely comfortable
- Ideal for easy and long runs
- Impressive support and stability
Cons
- Design is a little dated, but an improvement
- You want a snappier ride
| Weight | 258g (W), 289g (M) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 38mm (heel), 28mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 10mm |
Read our full Brooks Glycerin 22 review here
nike dunk janoski black team red sail shoes sale Brooks, theGlycerin 22’s specialism is recovery runs on the road. In other words, those easy efforts where you could run with someone else and have a good chat along the way, or where you’re keeping the legs ticking over vortex and after a hard session or race.
The advantage of this model is that it comes in a neutral and support version (GTS), so runners who tend to overpronate and roll inwards when their foot strikes the ground get GuideRail tech to keep excess movement in check.
The latest iteration impressed our runners, thanks to its new DNA Tuned midsole. This consists of larger cells of foam in the heel to cushion you on landing — great for heel strikers — and small cells in the forefoot to promote a responsive toe-off as you transition smoothly through your gait. To add stability to the shoe, it's built on a slightly wider platform.
One tester described it as ‘a shoe that's working with you, gently encouraging you along rather than demanding you to run faster’. There’s no denying that it sits at the upper end for a daily trainer, but what you're getting for the price is excellent – and that includes plenty of longevity.
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Pros
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- Good sense of ground feel
- Light and nimble
- Reliable
Cons
- Heavier runners might want a wider platform
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| Weight | 270g (women’s UK 8.5) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 35.5mm (heel), 25.5mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 10mm |
| Type | Neutral/road |
Read our full Adidas Supernova Rise 2 review
Adidas have really been missing a do-it-all daily training shoe for some years now – something that offers up comfort and consistency when tackling a variety of training runs. The Supernova Rise changes that.
A jack of all trades and a master of none, this shoe will most likely satisfy all running needs for those looking for something they can throw on regardless of the session that awaits.
The ride isn’t very soft nor too hard, and there is a nicely balanced sensation of cushioning and responsiveness that offers up feedback and a sense of ground feel whilst keeping things smooth and supple. Easy miles tick by, the shoe can handle a long, slow run too and faster tempo feels very manageable.
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