Best running shoes for beginners 2026
Your first proper running shoe should be comfortable, forgiving and durable. These are the current models reviewers most often recommend to new runners.
15 current models, newest first. Updated October 2026. Want a personal pick? Try the shoe finder.
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Brooks
Cascadia 20
Brooks' trusty trail workhorse: stable, protective and confidence-inspiring on rough ground.
310 g6 mm dropprotectivestable -
HOKA
Clifton 11
HOKA's best-seller evolves gently: soft, light-for-its-size and rolling, with a slightly more conventional drop.
270 g8 mm dropsoftsmooth -
ASICS
Novablast 6
Trampoline energy at a sensible price. The Novablast stays one of the most fun daily trainers going, with a little more polish this time.
255 g8 mm dropbouncyfun -
Brooks
Ghost Amp
A more energetic take on the Ghost, with extra foam and extra pep for runners who want comfort with a bit of fun.
285 g8 mm dropbouncysoft -
Nike
Pegasus 42
The workhorse gets a full-length Air Zoom unit and extra forefoot foam: a lively, dependable everyday trainer that handles easy runs and the odd tempo without fuss.
285 g10 mm dropbouncybalanced -
New Balance
Ellipse
Runner's World's best-value pick for 2026: a smooth, dependable daily trainer at a friendly price.
270 g8 mm dropbalancedsmooth -
ASICS
Gel-Cumulus 28
The Nimbus's lighter, lower sibling: soft, comfortable and easy to live with for everyday running.
270 g8 mm dropsoftbalanced -
ASICS
GT-1000 15
Budget-friendly support that doesn't feel cheap. A solid first stability shoe.
275 g8 mm dropbalancedstable -
Brooks
Ghost 18
The everyman's daily trainer, refined again: soft, smooth and ultra-dependable, in four widths.
285 g10 mm dropsoftbalanced -
Kiprun
Kipride
A straightforward ETPU daily trainer for everyday miles, with a roomy toe box and a secure heel.
250 g6 mm dropbalancedcushioned -
Mizuno
Wave Rider 30
Outside's 2026 best-value pick: a soft, stable, smooth-rolling everyday shoe.
280 g12 mm dropsmoothbalanced -
New Balance
880v15
A durable, traditional daily trainer in every width imaginable.
290 g10 mm dropbalancedfirm -
PUMA
Velocity Nitro 4
Marathon Handbook's best-value pick: lively NITRO foam and grippy PUMAGRIP at a great price.
260 g10 mm dropbouncybalanced -
Saucony
Ride 19
A softer, roomier everyday trainer that does everything well and nothing badly. A true generalist.
265 g8 mm dropsoftbalanced
Not sure which one is right for you?
The shoe finder checks every current shoe against how you run and shows your two best matches.