The Best BEGINNER Running Shoes in 2024

Looking for the perfect running shoes as a beginner runner? These are my top picks for beginner-friendly running shoes at 3 different price points, tested for comfort, durability, and value!

⭐️Check out the best running hats and apparel with worldwide shipping now:

🎥 Watch this video next:

🧢 Kit from the video with fast worldwide shipping:

Follow my training on Strava

My second channel

My Instagram

All My Links

Want help with your running to become a better, faster, stronger, happier runner?

▶️ Links mentioned:

⏰ Timecodes ⏰
0:00 Intro
0:43 Your first pair of running shoes
0:58 Neutral or stability?
1:36 How should running shoes fit?
2:06 Running shoe jargon explained
2:52 Low price point recommendation 1
4:11 Low price point recommendation 2
5:20 Mid price point recommendation 1
6:24 Mid price point recommendation 2
7:29 High price point recommendation 1
8:52 High price point recommendation 2
10:08 Bonus best stability option
10:52 Bonus best trail option
12:43 Best overall

About this video: As a new runner, finding the perfect pair of running shoes can be overwhelming. In this video, we simplify the process by reviewing 8 different running shoes suitable for beginner runners. We discuss various options, from budget-friendly choices to mid and high-price point shoes, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your running needs! We cover essential features like comfort, durability, and versatility, providing insights from personal testing. Whether you run on roads, treadmills, or trails, this guide has something for everyone. We have shoes from Asics, New Balance, Hoka, Brooks, Reebok & Puma!

This video is NOT sponsored. All products mentioned have been bought 100% by Ben and the channel. Our mission here is to help runners of all abilities improve and enjoy running to their full potential. Showcasing the best running tips and advice, while reviewing the latest gear and taking your round some of the best races in the world!

[silviustanciu]

I just bougth the Novablast 4 yesterday, ran a 14km recovery run today and I ran on clouds. I learned about these from you and went ahead and purchased it. Don't regret it for a moment! Thanks, Ben!

[rapssss]

From amateur to amateur advice. I've tested many shoes but for me if I'd need to buy only one pair I'd go with puma deviate nitro 2. Great shoe, very versatile and I've run it on concrete and also on trails in the woods(no crazy ones, just flat forest).

[missingmimic]

I absolutely love asics anything for beginners, i started in novablast, and recommend them to my partner who wanted to start running and the gel nimbus. Love the Asics and love them for recommendations

[ia]

i got the novablast 4 in green as my first shoe and i'm loving it. I don't really run but i speed walk for 10 km every day.

[st]

My daughter has started running, and having moved past 'is it a fad' we've discussed shoes. She went to local stores but there isn't a decent running shop nearby. So I bought her 3 pairs of new sale shoes (on-line) from last season to try. Saucony Guide 16 (£50) Saucony ES3 (£65) and Asics Trabuco Max 2 for off-road (£65). I took the view that getting 3 pairs for the price of one was a great way for her to find out what works for her, and she can sell the ones she doesn't like.

[Prisoner-]

Don't forget about the TR version of the Novablasts. Not a real trail shoe but the added grip makes them a much better option if you live somewhere where it rains regularly or you are running on paths/light trails

[JacobHatesRunning]

I got the gel-nimbus 25s about a month ago for my first shoe and my girlfriend is getting annoyed with how much a talk about them and how much I love them.

[rfezzie]

Started running recently and the shoe buying process stressed me out. Luckily I have a great running store near me that allows 30 day returns even if you’ve run in shoes. After trying four pairs, finally settled on the New Balance 1080v13 and they’re perfect for me.

[martinweston]

Yep Novablast 4 and Hoka Speedgoats 5 are both in my rotation. add a pair of Saucony Exodus Ultras if you want some cheap comfy trail shoes that are also comfy on the road ( models 1 & 2 £70-80)

[jt.]

Mate, I just went with what felt comfortable. KNOWING I'm not going to a race in a while. Just needed to be comfortable while slowly building up the miles. KEEP IT SIMPLE and TRY ON DIFFERENT PAIRS FROM DIFFERENT BRANDS.

[yassineelharchi]

I highly recommend Noosa tri 15 low price, great performance

[RunAllTheMiles]

I started running in my work boots during my daily walks back in 2006, when no one was around I would run a little further than the day before then go back to walking, can’t say I would recommend it lol

[JordanSwailes]

Asics gel-nimbus hands down. Pick up the 25 instead of 26 for a lot less money!

[JA-gewn]

If you're really on a tight budget, you can try the 361 Degrees Fierce 3.0. i got mine for like USD55 and I love it. Super soft, true to size, great beginner shoes. You can train and you can even race in it (if you're a beginner).

[the_different_dad]

The hardest part is working out if you prefer firm or soft. It isn't something you can work out in a shop or with a quick run. I have been using the novablast 3's and speed 3's. Got a pair of more v4's and don't really like them. They are good for walking. I don't like to run in them. Definitely going to stick to a firmer shoe from now on. The blast being as soft as i would go.

[jt.]

Every foot and Gait is different. So YouTube "advice" is just "taken under consideration". AT THE END OF THE DAY. you're wearing what feels right to you.

[wongfit]

Newbie runner here with advice to newbies. (A) Go to a runner shoe store, I was stunned to figure out I was wearing 1 size too small for like 25 years of my life! (B) Start slow and slowly add on the miles per week. (3) You don't need to worry about speed, just slowly stack on mileage around Zone 2 style (learn to hold yourself back!) (C) Novafoam 4 vs Gel Nimbus 26s I tried on and bought the Novafoam 4s for the occasional speed runs, but I am heavier person, I would 1, 000% recommend the Gel Nimbus 26s for a lot of slow running and/or work shoe. Absolutely like walking on clouds. The con of the 4's is the rubber, which I will pray will last a long time (1 shoe to do it all)

[drewman]

I love my Novablast 3’s. I have two pairs, so I probably won’t need to buy the 4’s until hopefully they go on sale. I would add a Brooks Glycerin to this list. I have a pair of 20’s and I absolutely love them. My two favorite daily trainers are my Novablast 3’s and my Glycerin 20’s.

[Mesomorphik]

If anyone puts a new runner in anything plated, leave that store immediately.

[cloudstrife]

I'm so glad I watched your video before looking into the invincible 3. Almost every other channel praised it but your criticism of the heel counter was 100% true when I tried them on. Now I'm enjoying my Novablast 4 for my daily training plus life style and will get the superblast 2 next. I've become a big fan of Asics thanks to your channel