Running is a great sport. Not only is it extremely fun and helps you stay in shape, but it is also a great way to enjoy the great outdoors.

While running does seem easy enough, it really is not. As a new runner, you have a lot to learn. But one of the first things you’ll realize is just how important running shoes actually are.

And finding the right pair of running shoes for yourself is actually a complicated task. Shoe size, design, flexibility, comfort, material, foam and cushioning types… there are a lot of things to consider.

To make things even more complicated, there is no one shoe that’s right for every runner. Instead, what makes a pair of shoes work for you depends on your biomechanics, the way you run, your feet size and shape, and the surface you’re running on.

If you’re a new runner looking for the right pair of running shoes in 2021, here are a few things you need to check first:

• Comfort: Always try on shoes before buying them, and if you can, take them for a short walk or a jog. If they don’t feel comfortable now, they won’t even when you’re running.
• Ride: If a pair of shoes make you feel wobbly or unsteady when you try them, they’re probably not for you. Different midsole foams and designs have different stability levels, so it’s important to find a design that suits you.
• Fit: Always double check the length and width of a shoe before buying it. Your new shoes shouldn’t feel too tight or too loose, and there should always be a thumb’s worth of space between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.

Find out more in our running shoe fit guide!

However, despite these guidelines, deciding on a certain brand or design can be a challenging task. Especially if you don’t know what to look for. To give you a place to start, let’s take a look at some of the best running shoes for beginners.

Best Running Shoes for Beginners

1. Saucony Ride 13

If this is your first time buying a pair of running shoes, you need a design that does everything well. And the Saucony Ride 13 does just that.

Built for an easy fit, the Ride 13 accommodates a wide range of foot shapes, has a full length PWRRUN foam for consistent cushioning and maintains a light weight that is easy on your legs. Plus, the design also incorporates Saucony’s latest FORMFIT technology, which uses three layers of cushioning for a more dynamic fit.

Put simply, the shoe is perfect for beginners as it finds the right balance of comfort, and performance.

2. Mizuno Wave Rider 24

A classic and consistent shoe that is great for new runners, the Mizuno Wave Rider 24 will make your runs seamless and enjoyable.

Containing Mizuno’s newest foam technology (the Mizuno Enerzy), and a reinforced Wave Plate in the midsole, the Wave Rider 24 offers runners superior cushioning, soft landings, and a smooth heel to toe transition. New Runners particularly like the design because it has a generous fit that suits a wide range of foot shapes and offers great stability.

It is also one of best selling running shoes every year, so you can be sure that you’re making a good choice with the Mizuno Wave Rider 24.

3. HOKA Clifton 7

Looking for something with tons of cushioning? Well, you don’t need to look any further, for the HOKA Clifton 7 is here to take care of your running needs.

Containing a stack of HOKA’s signature EVA underfoam in its underfoot, the Clifton 7 guarantees an extremely soft landing, and a smooth transition to takeoff.

And even with the ridiculous amount of cushioning, the Clifton 7 is a lightweight shoe. The thin mesh upper doesn’t feature any extra designs, and ensures a comfortable fit.

4. Brooks Ghost 13

There are numerous good running shoes for beginners in the market, but few shoes can match the levels of comfort, performance, and of the Brooks Ghost 13.

Designed for beginners and professionals alike, Ghost 13 boasts Brooks latest foam design technology – the DNA Loft foam. This gives the shoe a super soft, underfoot feel which ensures even smoother transitions. The accompanying toe box is also quite roomy, and accommodates most foot shapes.

Overall, the comfort, and versatility of Brooks Ghost 13 makes it one of the best running shoes for beginners.

5. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37

No one does running shoes like Nike. And the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37 is perhaps the best running shoes for beginners and veterans alike.

Featuring a low profile silhouette, a neutral ride, and a Nike React foam in the midsole, the Pegasus 37 is perfect for new runners who want a smooth, no-nonsense experience.

6. ASICS GEL-Cumulus 23

What makes the ASICS GEL-Cumulus 23 a great running shoe for new runners is its consistency.

Lightweight and sturdy, the Cumulus 23 is a good, everyday trainer that offers great shock absorption and is well suited for the road, trail, and treadmill tracks. The shoe features ASICS FlyteFoam technology, combined with a soft mesh upper and a padded heel collar that gives it a plush, step-in feel.

7. New Balance Fresh Foam 880V10

The New Balance Fresh Foam 880V10 is truly a beginner friendly pair of running shoes.

Now with a new mesh upper and a refined shape, this update to the classic 880 model delivers reliable performance with a no-fuss fit and feel. Its Fresh Foam midsole provides heavily cushioned landings and a super-bouncy response, and the accommodating works with a variety of foot shapes.

From your first few miles to full marathons, the New Balance Fresh Foam 880V10 will stick with you as you advance.

8. Altra Torin 4.0

An easy riding, neutral shoe that runners simply fall in love with, the Altra Torin 4.0 is the perfect running shoe for beginners.

Incorporating Altra’s latest FootShape design, the Torin 4.0 has a wider forefoot and a rectangular toe box, mimicking the shape of your foot. This allows your foot to land and splay naturally, before using the high energy return to push off with power.

Lightweight and natural-feeling, Altra Torin 4.0 delivers a comfortable ride and is perfect for beginners looking to build up their mileage.