Tested by 
Want more tried and tested recommendations from the RW editors? Sign up to our new weekly newsletter Kit Bag. Click here to subscribe.
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 best running shoes on the market, based on three key factors that are important for beginners: versatility, durability and price. Keep scrolling to read our full reviews.
cheap wedges Nike soldier 7 gs black and blue
Choosing 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 thickness, designed to cushion impact, combined with a breathable and comfortable upper 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. wedges Nike lebron 14 pastel pink color chart women pants.
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.
nike free sb nano grey tiles flooring
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 referred 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.
nike free 3.0 men black gold rings resized | wedges Nike free 3.0 men black gold rings resized?
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 cushioned, plush shoe for slow, recovery runs, and a carbon-plated super shoe mens wedges Nike air max prime black screen.
However, if you're just starting out, your best bet is to opt for a versatile all-rounder (often referred to as a daily trainer); something that is comfortable enough for the bulk of your miles, but can handle a change in pace if needs be. All of the options below have been selected for this purpose, so if you're after a wider selection, check out our guide to the custom jordan six rings shoes.
nike sb braata white jersey pants for black friday
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 editors and our wider team of wear testers.
Why trust us?
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 2024, 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.
The best running shoes for beginners, tested & reviewed
Here’s out tried-and-tested selection of the very best running shoes for beginners.
nike free 3.0 men black gold rings resized | wedges Nike Pegasus 41
Pros
- Breathable upper
- Secure midfoot band
- Softer and more responsive than v40
- kobe 7 wedges Nike cheetah basketball shoes
Cons
- May be too spacious for narrow feet
- Lacks max-cushioning of more premium shoes
- nike magista onda fg bnib black friday price 2019
| Type | Neutral/road |
|---|---|
| Weight | 251g (M), 297g (W) |
| Stack height | 34mm (heel), 24mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 10mm |
Read our full wedges Nike Pegasus 41 review
A true staple, the wedges 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 wedges 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.
Shop - men's
Shop - women's
Pros
- Rocker profile aids transitions
- nike air yeezy 2 zen grey solar red hair black
- Premium cushioning
Cons
- Pricier option for a beginner
| Type | Road/neutral |
|---|---|
| Weight | 300g (M), 235g (W) |
| Stack height | 38mm (heel), 32mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 6mm |
Read our full New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 review
An ideal choice for experienced and beginner runners alike, the 1080 is one of New Balance’s bestselling models. Whether you're looking for a recovery day shoe you can sink your feet into, a long run shoe that can eat up every mile, or even a shoe to run your first marathon wedges Nike roshe one winter shoe for women black boots.
The v14 has had a more conservative update than the v13. You've still got NB's soft and protective Fresh Foam X cushioning underfoot, but it feels slightly less 'mushy' than the previous iteration, which adds some stability. There's also more cushioning packed into the forefoot to create a slightly stiffer ride. While this in no way makes the 1080 a speed shoe, it does give it a responsiveness that makes it more of an all-rounder than ever before.
A new engineered mesh upper also enhances breathability (though if you have high volume feet, it's worth noting that our tester found the toe box slightly shallower on the latest iteration), while a new narrower design provides a more secure midfoot hold.
nike mens torch 5 running shoes sale girls.
Pros
- Lightweight, especially for such a cushioned shoe
- Very soft, plush feel
- Impressive midfoot lockdown
Cons
- Some testers felt the shoe wasn’t responsive enough
Read our full Hoka Clifton 9 review
The Clifton is one of Hoka’s most popular running shoes and the latest iteration doesn’t disappoint. Designed for everyday miles, it’s a max-cushioned running shoe offering a supremely comfortable and easy-going ride for high mileage days.
The v9 features a thick midsole made from compression-moulded EVA, which gives it a plush feel underfoot. In contrast to many other max-cushion trainers, however, it’s still relatively light. That combination, along with high marks for comfort thanks to some generous padding around the heel collar and on the tongue, earned it lots of praise from RW testers.
The Clifton also helps runners get smooth, even strides for the long haul. The rocker-shaped sole encourages easy transitions from heel to toe, and the rubber outsole offers long-distance durability. When you want to cruise through a long run, the Clifton is the shoe to reach for.
| Weight | 277g (M), 230g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 31mm (heel), 21mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 10mm |
| Type | Mild stability |
Read our full On Cloudrunner 2
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
- mercurial vapor ix delivers buy buy
Cons
- nike jordan 23 degrees f in math chart printable
- You prefer a firmer ride
| Weight | 255g (UK 8) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 40.5mm (heel), 32.5mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Best for | jordan 5 laser for sale |
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
- nike women blue with pink swoosh black and green
Cons
- nike mercurial r9 copper gold rings for sale cheap
- A tad warm during longer efforts
| Weight | 315g (UK men’s size 11) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 33mm (heel), 25mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 8mm |
Read our full Saucony Tempus 2 review
The original Saucony Tempus was one of our favorite Saucony shoes and a nike hybrid air cuffed shoes for sale on amazon, 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 jeans keeps your feet cradled and comfortable.
Brooks Ghost 16
Pros
- Comfortable yet firm
- Capable of uptempo/fartlek
- Available in variety of widths
Cons
- Not suitable for intervals
- Size runs small
| Weight | 269.3g (M), 241g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 35.5 mm (heel), 23.5mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 12mm |
| Type | Neutral/road |
A hugely popular shoe with first-time runners, Brooks is well known for its comfort and cushioning. The Ghost 16 doesn't disappoint with its new DNA Loft V3 cushioning — the same nitrogen-infused foam in the Glycerin 20 and 21. The result is a shoe that's soft underfoot without being too squishy, retaining a noticeable firmness that injects a pep in your step.
The padding around the ankle collar along with the midsole cushioning makes running on roads feel easy and enjoyable. The 12mm drop also makes for a really stable feeling as the foot sinks into the shoe.
We do find the shoes run slightly on the small side, so we'd recommend going half a size up from your regular running shoe size. Ever accommodating is Brooks, in fact, they're available to buy in narrow, medium or wide fit, too.
Shop women's
Pros
- Extremely comfortable
- jordan black and purple and blue
- 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
A second entry for Brooks – a running shoe brand which is hugely popular among new runners. The Glycerin 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 before and after a hard session or race.
nike air max 360 2006 brown ford parts 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.
Shop women's
Pros
- nike air alarm for sale california free phone
- pink camouflage wedges Nike sneaker shoes black boots
- Light and nimble
- Reliable
Cons
- Heavier runners might want a wider platform
- nike free inneva woven sneakers outlet shoes store
| 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.
mens wedges Nike lunarglide sale? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
