The Best Running Shoes For Beginners, According To Running Experts

Weight: 8.5 ounces | Cushion: Soft to medium | Drop: 8 mm

Pros:

• Lightweight with support and cushion
• Wide toe box for natural foot splay
• Breathable
• High responsiveness 
• Built for ultra-high mileage

Cons:

• Midfoot runs a little narrow for runners with wide feet

A new contender in the running shoe market, Mount to Coast, launched three shoes in early 2024, and I, like other runners and gear testers I’ve spoken with, absolutely love this shoe. I’ve already logged nearly 300 miles on them, which is when I usually retire my shoes, but these are still going strong. 

The new shoe is somehow lightweight but durable, plush but firm enough for a snappy step and has a wide toe box without being bulky. Although we’re billing the Mount to Coast R1 as the best running shoe overall for beginners, I have been running for more than 20 years (with a half marathon PR of 1:32), and these are my new go-to shoes. In other words, this shoe takes the cake as the best trainer overall—for anyone—I’ve seen in a long time. 

The dual lacing control is helpful for long, long runs because you can more specifically adjust based on where your feet are swelling, although I haven’t used this feature yet. And although the shoe is billed for ultrarunning and multi-day events, these are through-and-through a road running shoe that will last many, many miles. 

Weight: 14.6 ounces | Cushion: Extra high | Drop: 5 mm

Pros:

• Highly cushioned for a comfortable, plush ride
• Lighter weight than previous iterations
• Rocker profile for smooth ride

Cons:

• Significantly heavier trainer than most
• Some reviews comment on poor material quality 

The Hoka Clifton made a name for itself when it launched in 2009 as a maximalist shoe high in cushion—comically so. Beginner runners turn to this shoe thanks to its comfort. The Hoka Clifton 9 is lighter than previous models (but still heavy, at 14.6 ounces) and now uses a more responsive foam. The early stage Meta rocker design helps the foot transition more smoothly. 

Many Hoka wearers also like the new Hoka Skyward X, a plush carbon-plated shoe. But because it’s not recommended to wear carbon fiber shoes (aka Super Shoes) for every run, we recommend these as part of your beginner rotation. 

Weight: 10.7 ounces | Cushion: High | Drop: 10 mm

Pros:

• Supportive and cushioned
• Lightweight for a stability shoe

Cons: 

• Asics shoes tend to run narrow

The Asics brand is long known for being an excellent introductory running shoe, thanks to its plush cushion and durable design. The Asics Gel Kayano 31 is a favorite among runners who need extra support to prevent their feet from rolling inward, or overpronating.

The Gel Kayano four-component 4D Guidance System was introduced in the previous model, and it uses four parts to help guide and support the foot during running.

What the editors say: Forbes Vetted’s audience development director, Spencer Dukoff says, “My first pair of running shoes that helped me fall in love was the Asics Gel Kayano. They provided plenty of support and were great for longer runs and short jogs. It felt like I was making an investment in a shoe without going overboard in terms of expense. I put a lot of miles on them and beat them up in all kinds of weather, but always felt like there was a springiness to my stride.” Brinda Ayer, the editorial director at Forbes Vetted, says, “Asics shoes have a good level of cushioning, especially for beginners training their muscles to absorb and withstand impact.”

Weight: 8.8 ounces | Cushion: High | Drop: 12 mm

Pros:

• High drop adds extra padding underfoot 
• Roomier shoe allows for shoe inserts
• Durable
• Lightweight considering bulk

Cons: 

• Slow ride

There’s no doubt that Brooks is a favorite among new runners. The brand is reliable, durable and its Ghost model is a great transition from walking to running. The Brooks Ghost 16 is certainly a clunky training shoe, but for those slower, longer miles, it supports your feet and keeps them comfy thanks to its cushioning. Although this isn’t a streamlined training shoe, it’s surprisingly on the lighter side. And walkers or newer runners who might use shoe inserts often find the Ghost model highly accommodating. 

 For longer runs when you’re prioritizing cushioning and support, the Brooks Ghost 16 gets the job done. Prefer higher cushion? Try the Brooks Glycerin Max, launched in September 2024.

Weight: 7.4 ounces | Cushion: Medium | Drop: 8 mm

Pros:

• Models come in wide and extra wide
• Lightweight with medium cushioning

Cons: 

• Some wearers say the sizing runs short

New Balance is known for offering a range of widths in its running shoes, from narrow to extra wide. The New Balance 880 v14 is a workhorse trainer without the sometimes-over-the-top extra features of many of today’s shoe technology. The wide and extra-wide options allow wearers’ feet to sit comfortably on the footbed with proper support and cushion. The New Balance 880 v14 is also incredibly lightweight, at under 8 ounces. 

Weight: 7.4 ounces | Cushion: Firm | Drop: 10 mm

Pros:

• Versatile
• High-quality shoe at lower price point
• Lightweight

Cons: 

• Narrow toe box
• Firmer shoe compared to other Brooks models

I tested the Brooks Launch 10 when it was released and I was blown away by the shoe’s versatility. It’s lightweight but still provides a solid underfoot feeling; it holds up over the long runs, but its firm cushioning gives you a snappy feel for quicker workouts. And, of course, at about $100, it’s a small enough investment for runners who are just trying out the sport. The only downside I experienced was a snug toe box, but my bunion is particularly needy. So your mileage may vary, but note that Brooks tends to run more narrow in the toe box. 

Weight: 9.8 ounces | Cushion: Medium | Drop: 5 mm

Pros:

• Durable, high-quality craftsmanship
• Lightweight and breathable
• New lug orientation mimics goat hooves for better traction

Cons: 

• Might lack adequate cushioning
• Shorter tongue 

Hoka launched the Speedgoat 6 earlier this summer, with the most noticeable update being the goat hoof-inspired lugs, for better traction. I tested the previous iteration on the trails of Moab, Utah, and was blown away with the support and comfort I felt in the shoe. Although Hoka is known for its cushioning, some wearers of the newly released Speedgoat 6 say it’s missing the softness from previous versions (this could be due to the lighter, more responsive foam). The Speedgoat 6 also comes in