Heading out for your first run shouldn’t be complicated so the very best pair of running shoes for beginners is whatever you have in your cupboard. Put them on and get out there. However, as you work towards your first 5k and start to make running a habit, you might want to invest in a specialist pair of running shoes.
Why do I need proper running shoes?
Running is a high-impact activity, so you lower body has to deal with a lot when you’re running along. A proper pair of running shoes can help lessen the impact on your joints and make running feel more comfortable. Running shoes have a lifespan of around 500 miles, so that pair of trainers in the back of your cupboard may need retiring, but you’ll get a good amount of use out of a new pair.
What to look for in a pair of running shoes for beginners
The most important thing to look for in a pair of running shoes is that they feel comfortable. What feels comfortable to you will be different to what another runner finds comfortable. Some runners like a lot of cushioning that’s soft and squishy, while other prefer a firmer, more responsive sole to their shoe.
It’s a good idea to go to a running shop where you can try a selection on before buying. Many shops will have a treadmill you can run on, but remember that treadmills are a softer surface than you’ll be running on outside, so try running up and down in the shop too. If you don’t have a local running shop, many brands offer a generous returns policy for shoes bought directly from them online.
How to get a good fit in your running shoes
When buying a pair of running shoes, you’ll probably need to go a size bigger than you wear in regular shoes. You need plenty of wiggle room in the toe box so that your feet can relax. Look for around a thumb’s width of space between your big toe and the end of the shoe. Your feet will swell a little when you’re running so you need to give them space. Some brands offer wide fit options in some models for those who need a little extra room.
Read our guide to buying the right running shoes for you.
Our pick of the best running shoes for beginners
Saucony Ride 17
Saucony Ride 17 technical details
Price:£135
Weight:238g
Drop:8mm
Stack height:35mm heel/ 27mm
What we loved about it
- Comfortable shoe to run in
- Well priced
- Good energy return
What we didn’t
- A little heavy
What our tester said
It’s a comfortable, easy shoe to run in from the off. The upgrade to the PWRRUN+ foam means there’s a good amount of energy return for a daily trainer (Saucony says the change in foam has increased energy return by 10%) and it’s a smooth shoe to run in. As far as the cushioning goes, it’s not overly squishy and there’s some responsiveness there. I think this is a great shoe for beginners and newer runners, particularly at this price point, and I would happily clock up some easy runs in it.
Read our full review.
New Balance 1080 v13
New Balance 1080 v13 technical details
Price:£160
Weight:206g
Stack height:38mm.
Drop:6mm
What we loved about it
- Really comfortable, plush shoe.
- Soft but responsive foam.
- Versatile, everyday running shoe.
What we didn’t
- Could be a little narrow for wider feet.
What our tester said
This shoe would suit anyone looking for a comfortable, cushioned road running shoe. I’d go so far as to say this is the most comfortable shoe I’ve run in this year. Despite the softness of the foam, it has a good amount of spring to it and I found it to be responsive. It felt light and bouncy rather than slow and sluggish.
Read our full review.
Asics Gel Nimbus 26
Asics Gel Nimbus 26 technical details
Price:£180
Weight:262g
Drop:8mm
Stack height:29/21mm
What we loved about them
- Supremely comfortable running shoe
- Great grip
- Excellent, snug fit
What we didn’t
- Pricey for an everyday running shoe
What our tester said
“It’s designed for comfortable, easy-paced runs and will suit beginners through to more experienced runners. It can handle longer distances but you’ll mostly want to use it for midweek easy and recovery runs. I finished my run happy with the shoe. It was comfortable and smooth when I picked up the pace.”
Read our full review.
HOKA Mach 5
HOKA Mach 5 technical details
Weight: 192g
Drop: 5mm
Sizes: UK women’s 3.5-9.5
Price: £140
What we loved about them
- Lightweight
- Responsive but versatile
- Chafe-free, comfy and relatively cushioned for a fast shoe
What we didn’t
- Fits a little snug.
What our tester said
“I wasn’t expecting nearly as much comfort from the Mach 5 and was pleasantly surprised. The foam underfoot is indeed firmer and lighter than other HOKA models, but I found it really comfortable. Don’t be put off buying these if you’re a slower runner: they can definitely be used for more gentle runs or races, and you’ll find them vital when it comes to powering your technical running, too.”
Read our full review.
Brooks Glycerin 20
Brooks Glycerin 20 technical details
Weight: 258g
Sizes: 3-10
Drop: 10mm
Price: £165
What we loved about it
- Customisation options
- A durable road-running shoe
- Comfortable cushioning
What we didn’t
- Not cheap
- Not designed for speed runs
What our tester said
“The Glycerin 20 makes for a great beginner’s shoe, with a focus on comfort and durability. If you’re a road runner who only usually owns one or two pairs of trainers at one time, it’s a great investment. I must admit they felt slightly heavy when I first put them on, but as soon as I started running I was grateful for the added weight in exchange for the sublime comfort of that sole.”
Read our full review.
Puma Magnify Nitro 2
Puma Magnify Nitro 2 Technical details
Weight: 274g
Drop: 10mm
Stack height: 30mm/40mm
Sizes: 3 to 8.5
Price: £130
What we loved about them
- Great grip.
- Comfortable shoe.
- Female-specific fit.
What we didn’t
- Upper shows the dirt quickly.
- Comes up a little big.
What our tester said
“There was a nice heel to toe motion from the shoe. It almost feels like there’s a rocker there helping your foot move forward (which there isn’t). The cushioning isn’t super squishy but isn’t firm either – it’s somewhere in the middle which did make it a little more responsive than I expected. The PUMAGRIP rubber outsole gripped the pavements well. This is the same grip that you’ll find on the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 2 which I’m a fan of.”
Read our full review.
