New to Running? We Found the Best Shoes From the Most Popular Brands (2024)

The Ultimate Guide to Running Shoe Terminology: Boost Your Footwear Vocabulary

• Our Picks

• How We Selected and Tested

• What to Look for

• FAQ

• Why Trust Verywell Fit

Brooks’ Glycerin 20 earns our top women’s overall pick thanks to its exceptional comfort, performance, and versatility. It’s a time-tested neutral running shoe that offers plenty of responsive support, Bowersock confirms.

When we tested the Glycerin 20, we immediately noticed how comfortable it was. The flexible, breathable upper locked our feet into the shoe, creating a secure fit and preventing any irritation or blisters. We also appreciated the shoe’s midsole—designed with neutral support, the Glycerin stabilized our ankles and helped us feel sure-footed while running on the treadmill in the Lab.

Brooks’ latest version of this sneaker features nitrogen-infused foam cushioning, which we found delivers a bouncy ride. The additional cushioning under the heel is ideal for new runners because it provides great shock absorption and impact protection for long runs. In fact, we ran for longer than the allotted testing period because these shoes made it that much easier. But even with this generous padding, we noticed that the shoe still feels lightweight, so you can wear it for short-track workouts, too.

We did find that the toe box runs a bit small. However, the Glycerin 20 is available in three widths, and there’s plenty of room inside if you need to use custom orthotics or insoles. Versatile and durable, it’s one of our favorite shoes for beginner runners because you can wear it straight from your run to the office (and everywhere in between).

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Brooks.

^{Key Specs:
Best for: Road and track running | Type: Neutral | Weight: 9.1 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole}

New Balance’s Fresh Foam 880 v13 offers the comfort, support, and dependability you need as a new runner, making it our best men’s overall pick. Beginners will appreciate the full-length Fresh Foam midsole, which provides a soft, smooth ride without feeling too squishy or bulky underfoot.

The light mesh upper provides a snug fit that accommodates most feet. However, the thin material may not be protective or warm enough in cold temperatures.

Designed for neutral runners, this shoe comes in four widths, so it’s a solid option whether you have wide or narrow feet. We love that New Balance also added rubber in high-wear areas on the outsole, so you can get more miles out of your shoes. And while some New Balance shoes have a reputation for being a bit heavy and clunky, the 880v13 has a sleek, modern silhouette that sets it apart.

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and New Balance.

^{Key Specs:
Best for: Daily training | Type: Neutral | Weight: 10.6 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole}

Don’t want to invest a lot in a sneaker upfront? Saucony’s Cohesion 16 is a high-quality, budget-friendly running shoe that costs half of what some other pairs on our list do. Although it’s less expensive, it doesn’t skimp on comfort or support.

This shoe boasts excellent shock absorption and smooth transitions, thanks to its plush cushioning. We also like that the 12-millimeter heel-to-toe drop prevents you from feeling the pavement through the shoe, for a more comfortable stride.

With a durable, grippy outsole, the Cohesion 16 can handle running on roads for many miles, even in wet conditions. It’s not too heavy or bulky, making it a solid choice for shorter, faster workouts or casual wear, too. Meanwhile, the light, breathable upper mesh keeps your feet dry and cool as you run in the heat. We only wish it came in narrow widths.

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, DSW, and Saucony.

^{Key Specs:
Best for: Daily training | Type: Neutral | Weight: 9.1 ounces | Drop: 12 millimeters | Materials: Textile and synthetic upper, textile lining and insole, foam midsole, synthetic outsole}

Asics’ Gel-Kayano 29 provides support and stability for runners with flat feet who tend to overpronate, or roll their feet inward, while running. They’re equipped with firm foam on the inside of the midsole to support and gently correct your feet and ankles, promoting a natural stride. Additional gel underneath your heel helps absorb shock, so you can run longer distances comfortably.

We like that this updated version of the Kayano offers more cushioning, but weighs less than its predecessors. It also has a low-profile heel counter at the back, which helps cradle your foot for a better fit and more support.

Plus, the Kayano comes in three widths and is deep enough to fit inserts or custom orthotics. Just note that, if you’re a neutral runner, you may find that the Kayano is too stiff and restricting. However, it’s a reliable, durable Asics favorite for runners who need some extra support.

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Asics.

^{Key Specs:
Best for: Daily training | Type: Stability | Weight: 10.5 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters | Materials: Mesh upper, foam and gel midsole, rubber outsole}

After testing plenty of pairs in the Lab, Asics’ GT-2000 10 was our favorite running shoe for new runners with bad knees. The cushioning felt soft underfoot, but not too bulky. We also liked the firm foam on the inside of the midsole, which gently aligned our feet to prevent overpronation.

The brand’s latest version of the GT-2000 retains many of the features we loved, plus some additional bonuses. It boasts super soft but responsive cushioning in the midsole for an energetic, springy stride. Gel cushioning in the rear and forefoot helps dissipate shock and force impact with each landing, protecting your joints.

The jacquard upper provides a snug fit and feel. However, some wearers have found that the GT-2000 initially feels stiff, so you may need to run in them a few times to adjust to the support. Overall, we recommend it for beginners with knee pain who need a stability shoe with superior impact protection.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Asics.

^{Key Specs:
Best for: Road, track, or paved trail running | Type: Stability | Weight: 8.3 ounces | Drop: 8 millimeters | Materials: Mesh upper with recycled polyester, foam and gel midsole, rubber and cellulose nanofiber outsole}

With one of the best cushion-to-weight ratios on the market, Hoka’s Rincon 3 delivers remarkable comfort and responsiveness in a sneaker that’s easy to wear. At around 7 ounces, it’s one of the lightest pairs on our list—but we love that it doesn’t compromise on support.

It features the brand’s signature midsole that protects your joints from the impact of hitting the track or pavement. Made for neutral runners, the Rincon 3 also comes equipped with Hoka’s Meta-Rocker sole that encourages a quicker, more efficient stride and smooth landings. We love that it’s light and speedy for race day, but still performs just as well for distance walks or long days on your feet at work.

Made with 100% vegan materials, the shoe’s mesh upper offers a close fit, while the asymmetrical tongue gives you added comfort and provides locked-in feel. This most recent version of the Rincon has additional rubber on the outsole for increased durability.

Being one of the lightest shoes on our list, the Rincon is not as plush or stable as some other options, meaning it may not be the best choice for long-distance runs. However, we still think it’s a good value and an excellent entry-level shoe for new runners.

Also available in women’s sizes at Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI, and Hoka.

^{Key Specs:
Best for: Road and track running | Type: Neutral | Weight: 7.7 ounces | Drop: 5 millimeters | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole}

Saucony’s Triumph 20 is a highly-cushioned running shoe that delivers excellent shock absorption and reliable traction, making it our top recommendation for road running. We like that this neutral trainer provides soft landings with a lighter-than-air feel.

The cushioning is plush and supportive, without a tall stack height (eliminating any additional bulk on the bottom of the shoe). The rocker-like shaped soles help propel you forward, for an efficient stride.

This updated version of the Triumph is lighter than its predecessors and also features a revamped upper, so it’s more secure and supportive around the heel. We also like that the shoe performs well for fitness walking, a plus if you like using the run/walk method to build up your endurance.

Some long-time fans of the Triumph note that this version is not as durable as previous models, possibly due to its lighter materials. However, we still think it’s a good option for beginners who want a well-cushioned shoe for daily runs on roads and paths.

Also available in men’s sizes at Dick’s Sporting Goods and Saucony.

^{Key Specs:
Best for: Daily training | Type: Neutral | Weight: 8.8 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole}

Blending comfort, support, and responsiveness, Adidas’ Adistar is our favorite shoe for beginner runners who are working on increasing their mileage. Its dual-density foam midsole feels soft and comfortable underfoot, while the firmer, more responsive foam in the rearfoot protects and stabilizes your heel.

The shoe’s mesh upper offers a foot-hugging fit, for a locked-in feel. We also like the shoe’s rocker shape that helps push you forward, promoting smooth, efficient transitions.

Plus, a padded collar enhances the shoe’s support, especially around the ankle. A durable rubber outsole provides reliable grip on roads in wet or dry conditions—a huge benefit when running outdoors in unpredictable weather.

All that support and comfort adds some weight, so we don’t recommend the Adistar if you’re looking for a lightweight racing shoe (try Hoka’s Rincon 3 instead). Although it can feel slightly bulky and heavy, we think this shoe is a solid performer when your training schedule calls for a long-distance run.

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

^{Key Specs:
Best for: Long-distance running | Type: Neutral | Weight: 11.3 ounces | Drop: 6 millimeters | Materials: Recycled polyester upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole}

If you’re just getting into treadmill running, On’s Cloudflow is our top pick for conquering indoor miles. This streamlined shoe delivers comfortable, responsive cushioning while weighing just 7 ounces, for a light and bouncy stride.

Made with 70% recycled materials, the Cloudflow’s upper is smooth, seamless, and offers excellent breathability. In terms of fit, it’s snug through the heel and midfoot where you need it, but still offers plenty of room in the toe box. The shoe’s heel collar also locks your foot into place as you run for a secure feel.

While the light and speedy Cloudflow is perfect for treadmill or short outdoor runs, its cushioning may not be sufficient for running longer distances, especially on pavement. However, it does have enough support for cross-training to supplement your running program. And with its minimalist, eye-catching design, it’s also an attractive option for all-day wear.

Also available in men’s sizes at REI, Nordstrom, and On Running.

^{Key Specs:
Best for: Treadmill or pavement running | Type: Neutral | Weight: 7 ounces | Drop: 6 millimeter | Materials: Recycled polyester upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole}

While we love the Glycerin 20, the toe box does run narrow. If you have wider feet, we recommend the brand’s Ghost 15. It's a versatile daily trainer that's comfortable for easy jogs, responsive and springy for tempo runs, and also durable and grippy for running on light trails. The shoe offers responsive cushioning for a high-energy ride, as well as the shock absorption and support you need for long-distance running.

When we tested the previous version of this shoe, we loved all the room in the toe box. They were also extremely stabilizing—we noticed that we could change our pace on different types of terrain without any issues or pain in our knees and ankles. The Ghost 15 builds on these features, with new design elements that beginners will appreciate.

With a 12-millimeter drop, the Ghost 15 is ideal for midfoot or heel strikers who don’t want to feel the pavement beneath their feet. And the soft mesh upper helps promote airflow, to stop sweat and odors from building up.

We love that the Ghost comes in four different widths, making it a good option for runners with very narrow or wide feet. However, the mesh upper isn’t waterproof, so we wouldn’t recommend wearing them while running on muddy trails or through wet grass.

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Brooks.

^{Key Specs:
Best for: Daily training | Type: Neutral | Weight: 9.8 ounces | Drop: 12 millimeters | Materials: Mesh upper, nylon lining, foam midsole, rubber outsole}

If our top overall pick, New Balance’s Fresh Foam X 880v13, is too heavy for you, try this lighter sneaker instead. Designed for neutral runners, the Fresh Foam X 1080v12 is well-cushioned but still flexible, making it suitable for both short and long distances.

When we tested this shoe, we noticed the stellar cushioning and fit right away. The 1080v12 provides cloud-like comfort without feeling too heavy or bulky and is still very responsive. It’s also one of our favorite sneakers for runners with plantar fasciitis—one of our testers with the condition credited this pair with speeding up her recovery.

We were also impressed by the snug, supportive fit. The smooth upper stretched to accommodate the shape and size of our feet, making this sneaker a solid choice if you’ve had issues with blisters or bunions. However, the upper is thin, so the 1080v12 may not offer enough protection during very cold runs.

Like many of New Balance’s other models, the 1080v12 comes in four different widths, so you can get a precise fit. We also like the wide range of color options, especially since the shoe is comfortable enough for all-day casual wear. But it may not be supportive for runners with flat feet—if that’s you, we recommend New Balance’s Fresh Foam X 860v13 because the midsole provides better stability.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and New Balance.

^{Key Specs:
Best for: Road and track running | Type: Neutral | Weight: 8.3 ounces | Drop: 8 millimeters | Materials: Synthetic and mesh upper, synthetic and mesh lining, foam midsole, rubber outsole}

Hoka’s Bondi 8 provides beginner runners with reliable support and comfort that can help prevent injuries. When we tested these sneakers, we loved that they fit like a glove right out of the box. We also noticed how wide the toe box was, providing plenty of room for our toes to splay out.

The mesh upper is light and airy, while the extended heel tab in the back allowed us to pull the shoes on easily. The Bondi’s ample cushioning also provides excellent shock absorption, and the outsole’s extended heel adds another layer of protection.

We love that the Bondi 8 earned the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptence, meaning a panel of podiatrists has determined that these sneakers promote healthy feet. It’s also available in regular and wide widths, so you can find the right fit.

With its thick, wide sole, this sneaker is undoubtedly chunky, and it may take some time to get used to the extra bulk. It’s also more expensive than many of our other top picks. Even so, we think the Bondi is a dependable option for new runners that’s worth investing in.

Also available in men’s sizes at Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI, and Hoka.

^{Key Specs:
Best for: Road running and walking | Type: Neutral | Weight: 8.9 ounces | Drop: 4 millimeters | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole}

If you’re searching for a sneaker from Nike, the Air Zoom Pegasus 40 is our top pick. The shoe’s energetic cushioning and dependable traction make it a favorite for road runners, both new and experienced.

When we tested the Pegasus 39, the midsole felt plush but responsive underfoot. This most recent update of the shoe features additional cushioning in the heel and forefoot, putting even more spring in each step. The shoe is also cushier than its predecessors, with more plush foam around the ankle collar.

We also liked the Pegasus 39’s tapered rearfoot and deep heel cup, which the Pegasus 40 also delivers. Plus, the lightweight, breathable mesh upper conforms to the foot, for a snug, secure fit. And if you need some extra space, the shoe is available in wide sizes, although we did find that the 39 ran wide.

The Pegasus 40 is an all-around performer that’s suitable for all types of runs and even gym workouts. We also like its sleek, streamlined style that makes it a go-to for casual wear.

Also available in women’s sizes at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Nordstrom, and Nike.

^{Key Specs:
Best for: Road running and cross-training | Type: Neutral | Weight: 9.4 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole}

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do you need running shoes to start running?

  If you’re just getting started with running, it’s a smart idea to invest in a pair of high-quality, comfortable, and supportive running shoes. Getting the right shoes for your feet, gait, and the type of running you’ll be doing will not only improve your overall comfort and performance, but it will also help prevent injuries.

  A pair of walking shoes may not be the best option for running—they’re typically heavier and may not be as breathable or shock-absorbent. However, most running shoes can be used for walking, which is helpful when you’re taking breaks to walk during your runs.

• How should running shoes fit?

  A well-fitting running shoe should feel secure in the heel and midfoot, but have enough space in the forefoot so your toes aren’t cramped. Check that you have at least a thumbnail’s width of space between your longest toe and the end of the toe box, Bowersock says. You should also make sure that your heel doesn’t slide or ride up in the back of the shoe, to prevent blisters and other discomfort.

• How long does it take to break in running shoes?

  A good pair of running shoes should feel comfortable right out of the box, with no extensive break-in period necessary. Shoes that are too tight and feel like they need to be broken in can lead to painful issues such as corns, calluses, blisters, blood under the toenails and ingrown toenails, Castiello explains. When you first get a pair of new shoes, walk around the house in them or try them out for a short run or walk on the treadmill first. If you have to talk yourself into a shoe, it’s not the best one for you, says Starrett. Most running shoe stores will allow you to return your shoes if they haven’t been worn outside.

• What else do you need to start running?

  Beyond running shoes, you may want to invest in high-quality running socks that stay in place and have sweat-wicking qualities, to help with blister prevention. In terms of apparel, choose running shorts, shirts, and pants or leggings made of technical materials that are lightweight and quick-drying. Avoid running in cotton clothes or socks, which don’t wick moisture away easily. A running-friendly sports bra with extra support is also important, especially for those with larger breasts, while a fitness tracker can help you check your progress. And you may want to try using a running belt or a phone holder to keep your essentials close by.

We Put 24 Sneakers to the Test—These 12 Are the Absolute Best From Each Brand