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Best Running Shoes for Beginners 2026, Plus Picks Around $100
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items First running shoes picked from Runner's World's beginner testing, RunRepeat's 2026 budget lab tests, and beginner picks from Fleet Feet and Wirecutter. Start with comfort, then pick by what matters to you: support, bad knees, wide feet or price. I m...
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Safe first picks
If you're worried about your knees or need support
Wide feet or a natural feel
Around $100 or less
Popular all-rounders
Safe first picks
Comfortable, forgiving shoes that work for most new runners.
Start here if you just want something soft and steady that works. It is a neutral trainer that suits most new runners, from first jogs to regular weekly miles.
Brooks Ghost 18
Pick this if you want a friendly first shoe that doesn't cost a fortune. The bouncy Fresh Foam X midsole gives easy runs a gentle push forward.
New Balance Ellipse
If you're worried about your knees or need support
Extra cushion or guidance for injury-cautious new runners.
Pick this if your knees ache after runs. The tall, cushioned stack softens each landing, and the wider base keeps it feeling steady rather than wobbly.
Nike Vomero 18
Go for this if your feet roll in or your form fades when you get tired. GuideRails on both sides help keep your feet and knees lined up.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
Wide feet or a natural feel
Roomier fits and low-drop options.
The pick for wide feet that want plush comfort. The soft, comfy ride makes easy miles feel gentle, and the broader fit gives your feet room to spread.
Brooks Glycerin 23
Pick this if you want more ground feel without giving up softness. It is zero drop, so build up your mileage gradually while your calves adjust to the flatter heel.
Altra Torin 9
Want to try trails without buying a clunky trail boot? This feels like a road shoe, and Altra's wide toebox gives your toes room to spread out.
Altra Experience Wild 3
Around $100 or less
Lab-tested value picks that don't feel cheap.
At around $80, pick this if you want a forgiving ride on a tight budget. The durable outsole keeps going through plenty of beginner miles.
ASICS Versablast 4
Choose this if you want one pair that lasts. The grippy outsole is hard to wear down, and the price stays low enough for anyone just starting out.
Brooks Revel 9
Pick this if you want steady arch support without paying premium prices. It sits just over the $100 line, but the stability is worth the small stretch.
ASICS GT-1000 15
Popular all-rounders
The everyday trainers most running stores hand new runners first.
Pick this if you want a light, soft shoe that carries you from your first miles to your first race. It feels especially good on relaxed and recovery runs.
HOKA Clifton 10
Pick this if you prefer a firmer, flexible ride that feels reliable. It suits new runners doing short jogs and steady runs a few times a week.
New Balance 880v15
A balanced neutral trainer for runners who want a bit of bounce. It comes in standard and wide, so it is an easy pick if your feet need extra room.
Saucony Ride 19
A safe bet if you want a proven, do-it-all trainer you can try on almost anywhere. It handles easy jogs, longer runs and everything in between.
Nike Pegasus 42
Pick this if you want mid-level cushion that feels calm and familiar. The Cumulus line has been a dependable beginner workhorse for years, so it rarely surprises anyone.
ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28