10 Best Running Shoes For Beginners in 2022
They say great things come from small beginnings. That said, don't confuse "small beginnings" for a rough start. No, you can be in your best form as a freshman if you sport the finest running shoes for beginners.
We've tested over a dozen remarkable entry-level running shoes for your perusal. So, whether you're fancying a budget-friendly pair or you're looking for something mighty formidable on the trail, this beginner-friendly selection is for you.
Overview of this guide
How we test running shoes
Assembling such an impressive selection as this is not actually a walk in the park. We do follow a set of principles, after all. To give you a clearer idea, take a look at our approach:
- We purchase beginner-friendly running shoes with our own money.
- We run in these kicks for several miles to check their comfort level, general performance (including grip), and durability.
- Our lab experts run them through a series of tests to gauge their rebound rate and breathability, among others.
- Our reviews on the best running shoes for beginners reflect opinions from hundreds of footwear critics and entry-level runners.
Combined, these elements result in what we call a CoreScore. Every reviewed kick gets one, ranging from 0 to 100. Our selection process makes use of this scoring system to help us come up with a shortlist of top picks.
Best running shoes for beginners overall
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 1% in road running shoes
- Top 3% in Brooks running shoes
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- All about comfort!
- True to size
- Lots of padding
- Smooth ride
- Really stable, even on light trails
- Breathable
- Great out of the box
- Built for longevity (500 miles, easily)
- Great grip
Cons
- Lacks breathability for hot summer days
- Not the best for long distances
Verdict
The Ghost 14 from Brooks really fits the bill as the shoe for all runners. It's a workhorse that's comfy enough for easy days, responsive for tempo sessions, and is heavy-duty to handle light trails. Overall, a no-fuss daily trainer that will work for all your runs!
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Wider than Pegasus 37
- Very stable ride
- Peppy toe-off
- Hugs your feet
- Padded upper
- Very durable (400-500miles)
- Grippy even on dirt roads
- Legit workhorse
- Doubles as a gym shoe
- A joy to run in
Cons
- Runs warm
- Above-average weight
Verdict
If there's one thing we can't take away from the Pegasus 38, it's that it's the GOAT of all workhorse shoes in our arsenal! It oozes with plushness, stability, and pop, doing it all from slow days, tempo sessions, and gym workouts even. If you want to run with fun, take the Pegasus any day!
Best beginner running shoes for flat feet
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 20% in road running shoes
- Top 28% in Saucony running shoes
- Top 6% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Mild stability
- Wide toebox
- Familiar Saucony fit
- Good grip
- Perfect midfoot lockdown
- Really durable
Cons
- Uninspired ride
- Heel slipping
- A bit heavy
Verdict
A stability shoe made for training runs, the Guide 14 from Saucony just gets the job done for us. No frills, no gimmicks, just plain support. While it may be a positive for the shoe, it also renders a negative - it's a dull ride. Whether you're an overpronator or a neutral runner in need of extra arch support, the Saucony Guide is neither obtrusive nor too harsh to not find that sweet spot in your daily running shoe roster.
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 1% in road running shoes
- Top 5% in Brooks running shoes
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- fits true to size
- secure fit
- great stability
- gusseted tongue
- soft but not mushy
- superb durability
- no lace bite
Cons
- not for speedy runs
- could be lighter
Verdict
Thanks for making our daily runs nice and stable, Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21! The upper hugged our feet well, and the midsole is balanced - it's neither mushy nor too rigid. It just kept our motions in check, preventing any excessive movements. It's certainly not a light shoe, but having tested its precursors, we can say that Brooks is heading in the right direction! Apart from support, what stood out to us also is its tank-like durability.
Best beginner running shoes for all-day wear
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 8% in road running shoes
- Top 7% in Asics running shoes
- Top 4% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Comfortable
- Lightweight for a daily trainer
- True to size
- Do-it-all shoe
- Budget-minded at $120
- Smooth ride
- No break-in period
- Durable
- Decent grip
Cons
- Not super efficient
- Runs a bit warm
- Stiffens up in the cold
Verdict
Nearing its 24th iteration, Gel Cumulus sure did something right. And we couldn't disagree. The Asics Gel Cumulus 23 is here yet again to prove that it's the most value-oriented neutral trainer out there. It's a one-shoe-fits-all kind of running shoe. It's comfortable for jogs, daily runs, and even for your first race day in 5K or marathon!
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 8% in road running shoes
- Top 16% in Saucony running shoes
- Top 4% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Durable
- Breathable
- Soft, luxurious feel
- True to size
- No break-in
- Wide feet friendly
- Do-it-all trainer
Cons
- A bit stiff underfoot
- Could be more responsive
Verdict
The Saucony Ride 14 is a daily trainer that impressed us with its utilitarian and consistent ride. It stays nice and stable from short to long-distance runs, giving us that peace of mind to run with confidence from start to finish! It's neither too soft nor too firm and can handle just about any type of run - from daily runs, recovery days, and even tempo paces.
Best trail running shoes for beginners
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 8% in trail running shoes
- Top 12% in Brooks running shoes
- Top 4% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Grippy outsole
- Wide toe box
- Great lockdown
- True to size
- Durable
- Gaiter attachments
- Rock plate
- Aggressive
- Lacing options
Cons
- On the heavier side
- A bit stiff
- Runs warm
Verdict
Brooks updates their venerable trail crusher in this 16 version of the Cascadia. If you demand stout grip, a stable platform, and bright colors take a look at the Cascadia 16. It’s true to size, durable as hell, and packed with features like a ballistic rock plate, lace loop, and enough upper lacing eyelets to ensure a custom fit. These aggressive kicks are ready for adventure!
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 7% in trail running shoes
- Top 9% in Nike running shoes
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Soft, bouncy ride
- Very comfortable
- True to size
- Wide for a Nike
- Wide loop on heel
- Built to last
- Reflective swoosh
- Killer grip on dry trails
Cons
- Not grippy in wet
- Runs warm
Verdict
The Pegasus road series just holds a special place in our feet, we just had to see it in trail action. And voila! 50 miles later, the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 won us over with its uber plush landings! Unlike other trail shoes, it's NOT dense nor dull, it's stable and comfy and will make your run cloud-like. When faced with slick surfaces, however, it shows its limitations.
Best value running shoe for beginners
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 4% most popular running shoes
Pros
- True to size
- Roomy toebox
- Great energy return
- No break-in period needed
- Impressive traction
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Breathable
Cons
- Tongue could use more padding
- Lace pressure
Verdict
The Nike Downshifter 10 is a cushioned shoe with neutral support. It is for runners who want an affordable entry-level shoe. Its design is classic, minimal, and sleek. Overall, the shoe offers good value for money. What you get for the low price point is very good in terms of performance and durability.
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 10% in road running shoes
- Top 8% in Asics running shoes
- Top 4% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Fits true to size
- Good heel lock
- Stable
- A fair amount of cushioning
- Value for money
- Durable, grippy outsole
- Guidance line keeps the foot steady
Cons
- Rubber outsole is squeaky
- Not comfortable on longer runs
- Inefficient arch support
Verdict
If you're looking for one of the best value running shoes out there, the Asics Gel Contend 7 is it. From ample cushioning for short to medium-length runs, to tough constructions the Gel Contend 7 exceeds expectations for this price bracket.
What are the most popular running shoes for beginners in 2022?
What are the cheapest running shoes for beginners in 2022?
- Reebok Lite Plus 3 - from £16
- Adidas Duramo 10 - from £25
- Reebok Energylux 3 - from £38
- Asics Trail Scout 2 - from £39
- Asics Gel Contend 7 - from £40
- Asics Gel Excite 9 - from £45
- Salomon Alphacross 3 - from £47
- Adidas Questar - from £48
- Asics Gel Pulse 13 - from £55
- Asics Gel Cumulus 23 - from £58
- Under Armour Charged Impulse 2 - from £65
- Adidas Adistar - from £67
- Reebok Floatride Energy 4 - from £73
- Nike Pegasus Trail 3 - from £81
- Salomon Supercross 3 - from £85
