Matt also thought these had good arch support and the heel clip was nice and snug. Matt, husband of GGR writer and product tester Lauren Strong, was our guinea pig for these shoes. Additionally, these shoes feature a wide toe box and wide crash pad, plus the MIZUNO WAVE® plate which aims to more evenly disperse the energy from impact. The Ghosts have slightly less cushioning and motion control than the Adrenalines, since they feature a thinner midsole and lack the GuideRails. Like the Adrenaline GTS, the Ghosts are made with 100% DNA LOFT cushioning in the midsole.
If you want more pop underfoot, there are livelier options in Asics’ lineup. The ride is soft without being overly squishy, and while it’s not built for pace, it soaks up long, easy runs with minimal fuss. This is Asics’ flagship comfort cruiser — built for plush miles, easy days, and the kind of steady reliability you can take for granted. Coming off the lightweight, versatile feel of the Topo Specter 2, the Nimbus 27 shifts us firmly back into max-cushion territory.
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There are hundreds of running shoes on the market from dozens of big brands. If your goal is shorter distances and you want something fun, the New Balance Rebel v5 is one of the best non-plated running shoes available. Its H-Frame design keeps you centred without forcing your foot into position, and it’s impressively lightweight for a stability shoe. Importantly, it’s stable without being a stability shoe, which makes it ideal for beginners who don’t yet know how their feet move. We also reached out to a Doctor of Physical Therapy for his advice on the best running shoes for beginners. On average, most running shoes last between 200 and 350 miles, depending on factors such as your weight, running style, and the terrain on which you run.
The engineered mesh upper is breathable yet supportive, with overlays in the right spots to lock down the fit. Gone is the forefoot air bag, which helps smooth out the heel-to-toe transition, and the mix of blown rubber up front with durable rubber at the heel gives it both grip and longevity. Stability shoes rarely get the spotlight, but the Structure 26 makes a case for why they still matter.
For a max-cushioned shoe, it’s also quite versatile because of the responsiveness of the ZoomX foam — it squishes when you land, but then rebounds back rapidly to help bounce you on your way. The Nike Vomero Plus is a max-cushioned shoe with a brilliantly bouncy and fun ride thanks to the huge stack of ZoomX foam in its midsole. We do think it’s worth trying a couple of shoes out if you can, just to get an idea of the kind of things you like in terms of a shoe’s geometry.
Best lightweight running shoes for beginners: Brooks Ghost 16
For runners who want reliable stability that can handle everyday mileage without feeling clunky, the Structure 26 offers a lot of shoe for $145. The compression-molded EVA midsole balances cushioning with mild responsiveness, and the new 8 mm drop smooths out the transition without changing the shoe’s signature feel. At $140, it’s a well-rounded choice for runners who like a touch of stability in a neutral shoe. The padded collar and gusseted tongue hold the foot securely, and the firmer Fresh Foam X midsole delivers a steady ride with just enough give to keep easy miles comfortable. Its DNA Tuned midsole uses different foam setups in the heel and forefoot to create a soft landing followed by a quick, responsive push-off.
For running outside, consider bringing a running belt, a running hat and sunscreen. Whether you’re training for a marathon or taking a jog down the street, ensure you are taking care of your body with the proper equipment and stretching before you begin. Another started running during the pandemic and just completed the New York City Marathon. One trained for a Couch to 5K program and began by running laps around a pond near their apartment. Additionally, make sure you have the right socks — compression or otherwise — to help avoid discomfort (and blisters).
I had a pair back in college that were part of an Outdoor Voices collaboration, but I was not a runner back then. The Nike Pegasus is a solid option for those who want to feel grounded but not weighted down. While the platform is taller than that of the New Balance 880, I still felt grounded in this pair, both indoors and outdoors. I feel like this type of design gives me more momentum with each stride. It felt as if I were running on top of a tight trampoline at one point, slightly bouncy but without sinking into the material too much.
Prioritize Fit and Comfort
- The Wave Rider 29 provides a reliable ride and cushioned feel that will put a spring in your step.
- Despite Altra’s reputation for zero-drop shoes, this model uses a 4mm drop, making it far more approachable for beginners.
- This represents a substantial increase over the Early Decision applications for the Class of 2018.
- I tested every pair of running shoes indoors and outdoors, noting how they felt across various terrain.
- “If you can’t move your toes at all then the shoes are too tight and will eventually become painful.
If a shoe can’t support a healthy, consistent start in running — whether that’s comfort, injury prevention, or value over time — it doesn’t make the cut here. So with that being the case, we wanted to do a roundup of the best beginner running shoes right now. Of course, Nike will tell you that they’re all great road running shoes; after all, they got units to move and tariffs to tackle. We got talking and my brother mentioned that he just got new running shoes. As someone who is slightly obsessed with all things running shoes, the above list reads like my love language.
Best Stability Running Shoes for Beginners: Mizuno Wave Horizon 6
The average uni acceptance rate in the U.S. varies widely, from around 4% at Ivy League universities to over 60% at many public colleges. If you are an outstanding candidate, no record low acceptance rates should stop you from getting into the top schools! The newest acceptance rates should act as an extra motivator for you to buckle down and excel in all areas of your application. When you Google searched for the 2019 college acceptance rates, you were probably shocked by the results. In the same vein, for liberal arts colleges, Colby College, which previously had an acceptance rate of 16%, is now at 9.5%. As you can see, rankings and reputation don’t always determine competitiveness, and this year’s acceptance rates show just that.
Before we get started, let’s establish a baseline for what constitutes a good beginner running shoe. Brooks Ghost 17, the shoe that 95% of running stores will put you in as your first shoe But we do want to get you in a shoe that will inspire you to love running as much as we do. But every once in a while I am reminded that I may be the outlier when it comes to the average consumer looking for a decent running shoe.
Nike Vomero Plus
It delivers dependable performance as you scale up your running, too. From your first miles to your first race, this shoe is a reliable performer that will keep pace with your training. The Wave Rider 29 provides a reliable ride and cushioned feel that will put a spring in your step. Complete your perfect running kit with the best running socks, best running insoles, and best running clothes. While reporting this piece, she went from barely running five minutes before needing to walk to running a mile and a half nonstop. Additionally, wearing a fitness tracker or smartwatch can help you keep track of your vitals and count your steps.
Many models may look similar, but even subtle design differences can significantly impact how a shoe feels on your foot. The plush comfort continues up top with an engineered mesh upper generously padded around the heel and tongue, giving the Vomero 18 a luxurious feel from every angle. It takes a bit of getting used to at first, but once dialed in, it creates a comfortable, secure feel while providing plenty of room for natural toe splay. Whereas most beginner-friendly shoes tend to be relatively heavy, the R1 is refreshingly lightweight, giving it a fast feel. Up top, the engineered air mesh upper offers a breathable, true-to-size fit that keeps your feet comfortably locked in, mile after mile. Goodyear outsole rubber provides confident grip in all conditions, and the fit is generally comfortable with a breathable engineered mesh upper.
Understanding the psychological effects of running
Some of our tester’s favorite features include the PWRRUN-cushioned sockliner, low heel-to-toe drop of 4 millimeters, flexible upper construction, and PWRTRAC vegas casino apk download outsole, which helps you dig into any terrain. The Peregrine 12 is a lightweight trail shoe for those looking to speed through trails as fast as possible. Together, these features help prevent pronation and support a more neutral stride.
- But every once in a while I am reminded that I may be the outlier when it comes to the average consumer looking for a decent running shoe.
- You might be surprised to see Duke rank third in terms of competitiveness, or Boston University have such a low acceptance rate.
- Like most Hoka shoes the Clifton 10 has a smooth rocker, and is naturally stable without having extra stability elements in its design.
Avoid Cheap Models
The SuperFloat Plus foam keeps it light and cushioned, and at $120, it’s one of the best-priced daily trainers around — just make sure the fit works for your foot. With a huge slab of bouncy ZoomX foam in the midsole, this is a true max cushion running shoe and quite possibly the best one of 2025. It’s not designed for workouts or quick turnover—Nike has other shoes for that—but as a comfort-first trainer, it’s their most capable yet.
With a 36/30 mm stack and HyperBurst Ice midsole, it’s soft without being mushy, bouncy enough to keep runs lively, and light enough to handle a range of paces. The stack height is barely more than the Vomero 18 and it’s somehow lighter, but the comfort level is off the charts. The ReactX base keeps the ZoomX from feeling too squishy, giving the shoe a flow that’s easy to trust mile after mile. Step-in feel is pure luxury—soft underfoot, cushioned at every angle, and surprisingly breathable for how built-up it is. A 10 mm drop and full-length rubber outsole keep transitions steady, while a generously padded engineered mesh upper locks in the foot with a half-bootie fit, gusseted tongue, and roomy toe box. The result is a ride that’s plush without feeling unstable, and smoother than you’d expect from a shoe pushing 12 ounces.
Brooks actually has four great running shoes for beginners in its range, all of which are worth including in this round-up. The latest version of the Pegasus has a softer midsole made from ReactX foam, with a little pop added to the ride thanks to the Air Zoom pods under the heel and forefoot. With its 8mm drop, balanced and stable ride and high level of cushioning, there aren’t many runners that won’t get on well with the Novablast 5, so it’s well worth checking out if you’re just starting out with the sport. A huge stack of FF Blast Max foam is used in the midsole, and with the Novablast 5 standing 41.5mm tall at the heel you can be sure it will be cushioned enough to protect your legs while they get used to the demands of running.
It does feel firmer underfoot and doesn’t provide pronounced arch support. The Hoka Arahi 8 is one of the best stability shoes for beginners. For heavier runners, the cushioning may also feel insufficient once mileage increases. However, it’s still a neutral shoe, so it’s not ideal if you need guidance underfoot. If comfort is your number-one priority, the New Balance 1080 v14 is the shoe most beginner runners fall in love with immediately.
However, the Vomero 18 ride is surprisingly stable for such a tall shoe. As the most cushioned option listed here, the Nike Vomero 18 takes cozy, soft comfort to the next level. If the thought of running on a plush bed of pillows sounds appealing, look no further. One unique feature is the independent dual lacing system, which allows you to adjust the lower and upper sections separately for a more personalized fit.
This small rubber plate cradles the arch of your foot and prevents inward rolling so your arches don’t flatten out upon contact with the ground. Pronation can range from very mild to very severe to the point where it’s affecting your hip and spinal alignment. Interestingly, the shoe weight for the 14 is listed as 9 ounces even, while the weight for the 15 is listed as 9.1 ounces.
As I am inclined to gravitate toward more-cushioned shoes, these were one of the pairs I felt the most comfortable in (and also a contender to be a top pick). There’s slightly more cushioning on these shoes than other New Balance options, and it helps provide even more comfort while running. What was a clear-cut difference a few years ago is now less distinguishable, meaning neutral and stability shoes can offer a similar feel and support. Neutral shoes carry the same foam on all sides of the shoes, while stability shoes will have different support in some areas.
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