Top 5 Shoes for New Runners
If you are just starting your running journey or just getting back into running after some time off, we've got you covered with our list of the top 5 running shoes for beginners. Below we give some fun, soft and bouncy options like the ASICS Novablast 5, more traditional and stable options like the Hoka Clifton 10 and the Saucony Hurricane 25, more nimble up-tempo shoes like the Adidas Boston 13, and versatile and stylish choices like the On Cloudmonster 2.
Picking your first pair of running shoes is weirdly hard—so we narrowed it down. These are 5 shoes we’d recommend to just about any new runner. Some soft, some stable, mostly forgiving, but all built to grow with you as you start logging more mileage.
1. ASICS Novablast 5 - Best Overall
Weight: 8.7 oz / 247 g
Stack: 41mm in the heel with a 7mm drop
Foam: FF Blast Max
Fit: True to size
Characteristics: Soft, Bouncy, Cushioned
Who says beginners have to run in boring shoes? The Novablast 5 might be bouncy, fun and energetic, but its also inherently stable, protective and reliable. This is a great pick for new runners seeking an elevated, all-in-one daily trainer for stacking mileage.
Asics Novablast 5
2. Hoka Clifton 10 - Most Conventional
Weight: 9.1 oz / 258 g
Stack: 43mm in the heel with a 8mm drop
Foam: EVA
Fit: True to size
Characteristics: Stable, Cushioned, Conventional
The Clifton is Hoka’s entry level, traditional daily trainer with a compression-molded EVA midsole designed for impact absorption. While it’s nothing to write home about, the Clifton 10 is a solid workhorse that offers protection, traditional comfort, and a smooth ride.
Hoka Clifton 10
3. On Cloudmonster 2 - Most Stylish
Weight: 10.4 oz / 295 g
Stack: 35mm in the heel with a 6mm drop
Foam: EVA
Fit: Roomy
Characteristics: Stable, Cushioned, Versatile
On gets a lot of heat in the running community, but the Cloudmonster 2 is a rock-solid daily trainer. Thanks to the contrast between its firm, structured foam and compressive midsole pods, the Cloudmonster 2 is a capable, cushioned shoe with a balance of stability and energy return.
4. Adidas Boston 13 - Best Uptempo Option
Weight: 9.0 oz / 255 g
Stack: 35mm in the heel with a 7mm drop
Foam: Lightstrike Pro, Lightstrike 2.0
Fit: True to Size
Characteristics: Responsive, Smooth, Stable
With a spec sheet featuring race foam & carbon fiber rods, Adidas’ flagship tempo trainer sounds too advanced for new runners on paper. In practice, however, the Boston 13 is surprisingly approachable, delivering a ride that’s stable, cushioned, and fast but not harsh.
Adidas Boston 13
5. Saucony Hurricane 25 - Most Stable
Weight: 10.0 oz / 283 g
Stack: 38mm in the heel with a 6mm drop
Foam: PWRRUN PB, EVA
Fit: True to Size
Characteristics: Stable, Bouncy, Supportive
The Hurricane 25 is our top pick for new runners who require additional support and stability. Unlike classic stability shoes, however, the Hurricane 25 offers a plush, bouncy and fun ride thanks to its top layer of PEBA foam.
Saucony Hurricane 25
Check out this article about 5 options for structuring a running shoe rotation of this one for a recommended two-shoe rotation for your first 5k training block
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