Top 5 Running Shoes for Starting your Running Habit - Couch to 5k
Are you just getting into running? Below are 5 of our favorite running shoes that will help you make running a habit and keep you motivated to train for your first 5k. We will look at daily trainers like the Nike Vomero 18, comfortable recovery shoes like the Hoka Bondi 9, faster shoes like the plated Saucony Endorphin Speed 5, great workout and race shoes like the Adidas EVO SL, and even an option that works well as a gym shoe too—the Salomon Aero Blaze 3.
From couch to 5K—these are your top 5 Supwell Certified trainers. Starting a running habit? These are the shoes built to help you actually stick with it. Whether you want max comfort, an intro to plated speed, or just a reliable daily trainer that won’t beat you up— this list has something for every new runner.
Nike Vomero 18—Best for Comfort
If you’re just getting started with a running habit, the most important thing is to have a comfortable and reliable shoe (that also looks good enough to get you excited to run). The Vomero 18 checks all three of those boxes—it’s a clean, cushioned and supportive workhorse.
Nike Vomero 18
Hoka Bondi 9—Best for Bigger Runners
The Bondi 9 has a tall stack of supercritical EVA foam that lands in the Goldilocks zone—the perfect amount of soft and bouncy for bigger runners. If you’re looking for a comfortable, smooth ride and have found other max stack shoes to be overly squishy, this is a top pick.
Hoka Bondi 9
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5—Best Introduction to Plated Trainers
The Endorphin Speed series pioneered putting plastic plates into training shoes. Five generations in, this is still one of the best examples of the format—full race foam midsole, light weight and a flexible plate that allows for a relatively natural ride that’s quick but not harsh.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
Adidas EVO SL—Best for Sub-25 minute 5ks
The Evo SL is the closest thing you’ll get to a Carbon County race shoe without shelling out $250 or more—full midsole of Lightstrike Pro race foam, aggressive underfoot feel and a ride that gets better as you pick up the pace. For your first 5k, this will give you everything you need and more.
Adidas Evo SL
Salomon Aero Blaze 3—Best for Gym Rats
The Aero Blaze 3 is a great combination of speed and everyday capability. While lots of running-specific shoes have overly soft foams or aggressive geometries, the Aero Blaze has a peppy ride but retains a normal feel that make it highly capable for casual wear and gym use.
Salomon Aero Blaze 3
For Yowana's video review of the Aero Blaze 3, check out this video on the YouTube channel:
Check out this article for a recommended two-shoe rotation for your first 5k training block.
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