There are many beginners’ running shoes available, but only a few have the right combination of comfort, support, and cushioning. Remember, the best beginners running footwear is not the same as the one worn by experienced marathoners. Finding the right beginner running shoe means that you will be more comfortable as you start training. And with a comfortable pair, you are more likely to stick with your workout routine.
But, choosing the right running shoes for beginners can be quite overwhelming. There are several styles available, with each promising to prevent injuries, or absorb more impact and so on.
After all, the only gear you need for your first day running is the right footwear. So to get you up and running, we have prepared this review of the best running shoes for beginners.
So, let’s dive right in…
Table of Contents
The Best Running Shoes for Beginners Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Nike Men's Revolution 4 Running Shoes |  Top Pick |
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| 2. ASICS Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoes |  |
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| 3. Brooks Ghost 11 Running Shoes |  |
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| 4. Asics Gel-Kayano 24 Running Shoes |  |
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| 5. Adidas Ultraboost 19 Running Shoes |  |
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| 6. Nike React Infinity Run FK Running Shoes |  |
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1. Nike Men’s Revolution 4 Running Shoes — Best Beginner Running Shoes
Revolution 4 is a great running shoe from Nike with everything anyone needs in their first running footwear. This pair is an excellent update of Revolution 3, and it delivers the needed comfort for every stride. This cool, lightweight, and comfortable footwear is a simple running shoe that will have you running every day.
Revolution 4 features a well-designed outsole with flex-grooves rubber pods on the forefoot and heel. This outsole’s rubber pods respond correctly to the ground delivering a spongy reaction when compressed.
It has a phylon midsole that is made using EVA foam pellets. The EVA pellets have been compressed, heated, and then cooled to create a unique compressed-molded midsole. The midsole will guarantee you a comfortable and well-cushioned ride. And thanks to their unique outsole design, knit upper and midsole, Revolution 4 is lightweight footwear.
Revolution 4 is highly breathable footwear thanks to its wide-knit open mesh upper. The middle part of the upper has some synthetic outlays that lock the foot in place. The heel and tongue counters on this footwear provide ample amount of support and comfort.
The toe box provides more than enough toe space making it quite comfortable. And since its upper is made from a flexible material, it can be comfortable for any foot shape. However, most users have complained about the quality of its insole.
Specs
- Sole: Rubber
- Material: Synthetic
- Size: 3.5-18 (US)
Pros
- It is available in a wide range of color combinations
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- It is a great option for long period wear
Cons
- Some wearers have issues with the quality of this shoe’s insole
Overall Rating – 4.5 out of 5
Conclusion
Revolution 4 is an excellent option for beginners that deliver the needed comfort for all your strides. This shoe will have you enjoying your daily runs in no time.
2. ASICS Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoes
Gel-Venture 6 is one of the best beginners’ running shoes that delivers a high amount of support and traction. Loved by runners of all kinds, Gel-Venture 6 has a lot to offer, including comfort and durability. Gel-Venture 6 is an excellent upgrade of Gel-Venture 5 that comes with a new upper and midsole.
This shoe uses gel technology to cushion your feet when running. It uses its proprietary Gel technology on the heels to absorb shock from the impacts and create a smooth transition. Gel-Venture 6 comes with a unique insole that provides the needed comfortable experience.
The outsole is designed as a single piece to provide the needed tread for trail jogging. Gel-Venture 6’s outsole is made using Asics High-Abrasion Rubber (AHAR). AHAR is strategically designed to guarantee maximum flexibility and durability. Asics used multi-directional lugs to provide an enhanced grip for running on a wide range of surfaces.
Gel-Venture 6 is more breathable than its predecessor thanks to its synthetic mesh upper. With its unique design, this footwear will keep your foot dryer and cooler while you run. The synthetic mesh upper plays a key role in this pair’s durability and flexibility. And the fact that it’s available in a wide array of color combinations is a bonus. However, some users have complained about this shoe’s durability.
Specs
- Sole: Rubber
- Material: Synthetic
- Size: 4-12 (US)
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- It will keep your feet dry during your run
- Can handle a wide range of trails
- Great traction
Cons
- Some wearer have complained about this shoe’s durability
Overall Rating – 4.6 out of 5
Conclusion
Gel-Venture 6 is a great running shoe with everything you will ever need for your workouts. This breathable shoe is highly rated for shock absorption, protection, and comfort.
3. Brooks Ghost 11 Running Shoes
Brooks Ghost shoes are quite popular among runners, with Ghost 11 being a favorite for both advanced and beginner runners. Ghost 11 is a great beginner running shoe that offers the needed support and comes with removable insoles. Therefore, you can make more customized adjustments to improve comfort.
Ghost 11 features the BioMoGo DNA technology that guarantees you a unique running experience. This technology takes your terrain, weight, and pace into consideration to give you a responsive and stable ride. BioMoGo DNA technology offers 30% more cushioning that all the other midsole materials.
This shoe’s outsole is made up of two crash pads, including the DNA loft technology at the heels. This footwear also features Brooks segmented crash pad that helps with shock absorption.
For extra comfort and lightweight feel, Ghost 11 comes with a unique mesh upper. The upper mesh on this pair is stretchier than on its predecessor. Ghost 11 is available in numerous color combinations. So, you can get a pair that fits your style. However, some wearers have complained that the inner material is not as soft as expected.
Specs
- Sole: Rubber
- Material: Synthetic
- Size: 5-13 (US)
Pros
- Lightweight
- Lots of cushioning
- Great traction
- Breathable
- Absorbs shock well
Cons
- Some wearers have complained about its durability
Overall Rating – 4.7 out of 5
Conclusion
Brooks Ghost 11 is a great running shoe that is loved by all types of runners. It provides the needed support and comfort, plus it has removable insoles.
4. Asics Gel-Kayano 24 Running Shoes
Asics is known and loved for its rugged footwear that is continuously purchased by runners every time. Asics has made very few changes since they launched Gel-Kayano 23, so their fans can never find Kayano 24 unrecognizable. The main upgrade is the roomier toe box, which many wearers had complained about in Gel-Kayano 23.
It provides terrific stability to individuals with overpronation issues. Gel-Kayanos outsole features the Impact Guide System that was created for overpronators. The ankles of overpronators tend to roll inwards, which puts weight on your foot’s inner parts. But with the Impact Guide System, this shoe alters how you lift your feet.
Their midsole is made from Flyfoam, which provides extra cushioning with minimal weight. The upper part of this shoe has been branded Asics FluidFit. The upper is made from mesh, and it’s meant to fit like a pair of gloves. The mesh upper offers breathability and flexibility. However, it can be a tad heavy for some users.
Specs
- Sole: Rubber
- Material: Synthetic
- Size: 4-12 (US)
Pros
- Well-cushioned
- It can prevent overpronation
- Flexible
- Comfortable
Cons
- It can be a tad heavy for some users
Overall Rating – 4.6 out of 5
Conclusion
Compared to its predecessor, Gel-Kayano 24 has a roomier toe box. This shoe features all the classic Kayano technologies that make it a great beginner’s running shoe.
5. Adidas Ultraboost 19 Running Shoes
Ultraboost 19 is a perfect representation of all the changes Adidas has been making to this line since 2015. Adidas simplified and improved Ultraboost 19 as per their fans’ requests. This shoe comes with a unique outsole that is made from the Continental Rubber compound. Continental Rubber Compound is usually used in vehicle tire production.
Therefore, it offers excellent traction in both dry and wet surfaces. Adidas improved the traction on this shoe by adding numerous traction nodes. To provide a smooth toe-to-heel transition, Adidas linked these nodes using interstitial grooves.
Ultraboost 19 features a bouncier and firmer midsole than its predecessors. This shoe comes with a removable insole that offers additional comfort and cushioning. This shoe features a Primeknit 360 upper that gives this shoe a sock-like fit. Ultraboost 19 comes with a breathable and flexible upper. However, it’s not ideal for people with flat feet.
Specs
- Sole: Rubber
- Material: Primeknit 360
- Size: 4-13.5 (US)
Pros
- Super lightweight
- It has a breathable upper
- Well-cushioned
- Flexible
Cons
- Not the best option for runners with flat feet
Overall Rating – 4.7 out of 5
Conclusion
Ultraboost 19 is a super lightweight shoe that can provide you with the needed comfort and support.
6. Nike React Infinity Run FK Running Shoes
Nike reacts infinity is one of the latest stability running shoes from Nike that is ideal for beginners. This shoe was designed to keep you running and reduce injury. Nike React Infinity has the world’s best cushioning platform thanks to its wide shape.
Its wide design provides a stable ride that helps release all the energy with each stride. It has a low forefoot and rocker shaped midsole that helps with flexibility. The shape of this shoe’s midsole provides the needed support to both experienced and beginner runners. It provides the needed support for 3 phases of your strides:
- It creates cushioning at contact,
- smooth ride at the mid-stance
- And flexibility at toe-off.
Nike used less material when making this shoe; therefore, you are always close to the foam. And this creates a more responsive and softer experience. To provide proper traction, this shoe comes with a rubber outsole. But, for such a well-cushioned shoe, this pair is quite costly
Specs
- Sole: Rubber
- Material: Synthetic
- Size: 3.5-18 (US)
Pros
- Well-cushioned
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Comfortable
Cons
- It can be quite costly
Overall Rating – 4.6 out of 5
Conclusion
Nike React infinity has the best cushioning platform in the market that provides a soft and springy ride.
Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Running Shoes For Beginners
Running is a great workout routine that has several health benefits. Other than helping you build strong bones and muscles, running can improve your cardiovascular fitness. However, with the wrong shoes running can be quite dangerous.
You might end up spraining your ankle or stop jogging altogether. So you need the best beginner running shoes to help you adhere to your routine.
But, choosing the right pair can be quite tricky, especially with several options available. Remember, ideal footwear for beginners might not be the same as the ones worn by experienced runners. So we here are some key features to consider when buying the best beginner running shoes.
Breathability
One of the key complaints by all runners is that their feet get sweaty and wet when running. And this can result in blistered and sore feet, which can derail beginners. Therefore, look for a pair of shoes that offers superior breathability. Breathability is important in all types of climate and especially when you increase your mileage.
Breathability is determined by the construction and material used to make the shoes. Luckily, modern mesh fabric has made it possible for top brands to produce durable and breathable products. So, make sure that you get the right pair that can keep your feet dry.
Support
A well-designed shoe will cushion your steps and support your feet to prevent injury and fatigue. So, you should consider the support features of each shoe before finally buying a pair. Some shoes are designed to support certain types of arches and prevent pronation.
Shock Absorption
When jogging, every stride exposes your entire feet to a shock impact. To protect your feet and ankles, you should buy shoes with built-in cushioning and padding to help with shock distribution and absorption. This will reduce the probability of you getting injured when running.
Comfort
No footwear is worth your time and cash if it’s not comfortable. So, make sure that your shoe cushions your toes and heel supports your feet. It should also provide a snug and comfortable fit that will keep your feet positioned well when jogging.
Final Thoughts
Running is a great workout with numerous health benefits. Running can improve the overall health of your body while helping you lose weight. But, as a beginner, you must invest in the right footwear, if you plan on enjoying your workouts. However, purchasing the right pair can be tricky, especially with the numerous options available.
The best beginners’ running shoes must incorporate several unique features. These shoes must also provide the needed support if you have pronation issues. So, we have created the above list of the best 9 running shoes for beginners in the market.
From our research, we have concluded that Nike Revolution 4 is the best running shoe for beginners. Revolution 4 has everything you will need in beginner’s first running footwear.
