The Best Running Shoes for Beginners, According to an Expert

If there’s one thing the best running shoes for beginners shouldn’t be, it’s intimidating. That’s because when you start running (or start to think about starting running), it can feel like stepping into a whole new world, especially now that running has become such a cult-like experience with the advent of run clubs, running-turned-street-style, and uber-pricey recovery gear. (Sorry, runners!) You might feel that you need to learn a whole new lingo of paces, PRs, and training blocks. But running is, and always has been, one of the most simple and accessible forms of exercise. All you really need to hit the pavement is a good pair of shoes—and probably some moisture-wicking clothing.

Even still, you’re probably overwhelmed with so many running shoe models plastered across your social feeds—not to mention jargon like “stack height,” “heel drop,” “max cushion,” and “super foams,” to name a few. Most beginners don’t need the priciest, highest-tech running shoes. You’ll want something reliable, versatile, and comfortable so that you actually enjoy your daily jogs. Here are seven shoes I’ve tested extensively that fit the bill.

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The Best Running Shoes for Beginners, According to GQ:

Best Overall: Asics Novablast 5

Oh, the sweet Novablast 5. It’s earned our top slot because it’s a well-rounded running shoe that performs well at every pace. The plush cushioning feels soft and gentle underfoot—and it also has a striking geometric design. But the foam is also responsive enough that you’ll feel a little pep in your step. I tested this shoe for the first time on a tempo run; it felt comfy as I was warming up, but once I hit my fastest miles, it snapped back with a surprising amount of energy. The upper (the fabric part) is light and breathable, and the tongue is thin and pliable so you get a precise fit without the bulkiness of more padded uppers.

Unlike many max-cushioned shoes, the Novablast feels stable because it has a relatively wide base, where the foam extends beyond the edges of the upper. It’s not the flashiest or fastest, but it’s a shoe that does it’s job well. I even wore it for a gym session that included goblet squats and reverse lunges—yes, I know running shoes aren’t ideal for lifting, but sometimes we’re all making do—and it felt stable and supportive.

The main downside I experienced was the traction. On a rainy day, the outsole felt slick compared to other models like the Adidas Adizero Evo SL. If you’re logging a lot of miles on wet pavement, you may want to skip this one. Overall, we think it’s worth it. It hasn’t been in my shoe rotation for too long, but it’s quickly become a favorite.

Best Budget: Nike Pegasus 41

The Nike Pegasus is basically the Toyota Corolla of running shoes—you see it everywhere, it’s dependable, and somehow—despite it’s ubiquity—it’s still cool. (Although I don’t know if Nike would like me describing it like that.) It looks and feels like the archetype of a classic running shoe, which is exactly why people keep coming back to it year after year. Now in it’s 41st iteration, the minimalist Pegasus sticks with a time-tested formula: moderate cushioning, a contoured fit, and a ride that feels consistent but not specialized.

I’ve tested it over the last year on short treadmill runs, long road miles, and everything in between, and it’s always no-fuss and reliable. At about $140 (and often marked down closer to $100), you’re getting a durable daily trainer that works for nearly every type of run. It’s not as cushioned as some newer models, but if you want one pair of shoes that will last, the Nike Pegasus is a safe bet.

Best for Races: Adidas Adizero EVO SL

If your goal is to get over the finish line at your first 5K or marathon, you don’t need to blow an entire paycheck on carbon-plated supershoes. The Adidas Adizero Evo SL, a peppy daily trainer that won’t fall apart after 100 miles, is a smart choice—so much so that we wrote an entire review on how versatile it is.