For novice runners, there’s no one perfect shoe—but there are five standout models in 2024–2025 that experts and real users widely recommend. Whether you prioritize plush cushioning, energy return, lightweight feel, or versatile training potential, one of these top picks has you covered. Start with one pair that matches your foot type, terrain, and running goals—and let them help you build confidence, mileage, and consistency.
1. Brooks Ghost 17 – The Goldilocks Daily Trainer
Price
About USD 150 (available on Amazon, Brooks official site, Zappos) Runner’s World+4Real Simple+4Verywell Fit+4EatingWell+4Runner’s World+4InStyle+4
Features
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DNA Loft v3 cushioning in heel and forefoot—updated foam for smoother landings and soft transitions
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36.5 mm heel stack, 10 mm drop—ideal for beginners and heel-strikers Men’s Health+12#1 Athletic Shoe Review Site+12Runner’s World+12
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Durable outsole, flexible midsole for natural stride
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Spacious toe box and padded ankle collar for comfort
Pros
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Balanced cushion: not too firm or floppy
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Very stable for daily miles and cross-training
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Flexible yet secure, adapts to natural foot motion
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Trusted by podiatrists and novice runners alike Real Simple+13#1 Athletic Shoe Review Site+13EatingWell+13RUN | Powered by Outside+3EatingWell+3Prevention+3
Cons
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Forefoot cushioning is firmer for mid-toe strikers
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Weight (~10 oz men’s) is heavier than ultra-light trainers
Expert Opinion
Five podiatrists unanimously picked the Brooks Ghost 17 as the best beginner running shoe, calling out its “exceptional shock absorption and cushioning” that helps reduce joint stress—a must for newcomers finding their stride Runner’s World+13#1 Athletic Shoe Review Site+13#1 Athletic Shoe Review Site+13Wikipedia+14EatingWell+14Real Simple+14. Running labs also praise it as an ideal daily trainer due to its resilience and easy ride Prevention+1.
Where to Buy
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Brooks Running (official store)
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Amazon & Zappos (often with discounts, e.g. Ghost 16 at ~29% off on sale) Runner’s World
👉 Call to action: Shop Brooks Ghost 17 on Brooks.com or save on Ghost 16 on Amazon.
2. Hoka Clifton 10 – Plush Cushion for Everyday Comfort
Price
Approximately USD 150 for both men’s and women’s versions irunfar.comEsquire
Features
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Extra-plush midsole cushioning with smooth rockered heel-to-toe transition
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42 mm heel / 34 mm forefoot stack (men’s); 8 mm drop
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Lightweight at under 10 oz
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Breathable jacquard knit upper, supportive heel structure irunfar.com+2Weeviews+2
Pros
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Softer, cushioned ride ideal for long & easy runs
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Durable, yet surprisingly lightweight
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Breathable upper keeps feet cool
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Versatile across pavement, gravel, and light trails
Cons
– Not built for speed or tempo sessions
– Slightly heavier than minimalist trainers
Expert Opinion
iRunFar named Clifton 10 the Best Overall Beginner Road Running Shoe, highlighting its cushion, comfort, and multi-surface adaptability RUN | Powered by Outside+9irunfar.com+9Esquire+9TechRadar. Esquire’s comparison lauded it for plush cushioning and dependable design favored by ultra-distance runners Esquire+2TechRadar+2.
Where to Buy
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iRunFar and other online retailers
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Major outlets: Amazon, Hoka direct, sporting goods stores
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Often steep discounts on Clifton 9 due to model update cycle
👉 Call to action: Buy Hoka Clifton 10 at iRunFar or search Clifton 9 for budget savings.
3. Adidas Adizero Evo SL – Race-Tech Feel for Training
Price
Retailing around USD 150 InStyle+3Esquire+3Prevention+3irunfar.com+4theruntesters.com+4Esquire+4InStyle+3irunfar.com+3Esquire+3
Features
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Lightstrike Pro foam inspired from marathon carbon shoes—but without a plate
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39 mm heel stack height, 6 mm drop, weight as low as ~7.9 oz (men’s)
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Breathable, snug race‑style knit upper; grippy Continental™ rubber outsole
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Engineered for versatility: easy runs to tempo and race days Runner’s World+1Weeviews
Pros
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Surprisingly plush for its race‑train DNA
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Highly versatile: daily trainer to local 10K
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Responsive without overdoing the stiffness
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Lightweight comfort even over moderate mileage
Cons
– Tongue can shift mid-run for some users
– Narrower fitting in the midfoot for some foot types
Expert Opinion
Many editors and reviewers consider the Evo SL a rare hybrid: race-grade foam meets daily trainer versatility Weeviews+2Runner’s World+2people.comthesun.co.ukRunner’s World+2#1 Athletic Shoe Review Site+2. As Outdoor Gear Lab and Runner’s World name it “Best Overall” and “Best Daily Trainer” in 2025, citing its balance and flexibility Runner’s World+2#1 Athletic Shoe Review Site+2.
Where to Buy
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Adidas official website
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REI, Amazon, Zappos
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Editors note often offered with friendlier discounts vs. full-priced carbon racers
👉 Call to action: Shop the Adizero Evo SL at Adidas.com or compare prices on Amazon/REI.
4. Asics Nimbus 27 – Ultra‑Plush Neutral Cushion
Price
Roughly USD 165 for both men’s and women’s models Runner’s WorldWeeviews+2Runner’s World+2
Features
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Asics GEL cushioning pods in heel paired with soft foam midsole
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43.5 mm heel / ~35.5 mm forefoot stack height; 8 mm drop
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Plush mesh upper with padded heel collar and arch support
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Stable yet forgiving platform, ideal for high-impact tolerance Wikipedia+4Verywell Fit+4Tom’s Guide+4
Pros
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Extremely comfortable and smooth ride, even on long runs
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Stable platform reduces fatigue and overuse strain
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Generously cushioned for heel strikers and recovery runs
Cons
– Heavier (approx. 10.8 oz men’s), not a speedy trainer
– Upper can feel warm in hot climates
Expert Opinion
Outside’s 2025 gear review lists Nimbus 27 as one of its main picks for beginner runners, praising its plush cushioning and stability for easy training regimen irunfar.comRUN | Powered by Outside+2Esquire+2. Runner feedback across platforms underscores its enduring comfort over mileage.
Where to Buy
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Outside Online recommended list
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Asics official site, Amazon, sporting goods stores
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Often bundled with gait-specific options for pronation control
👉 Call to action: Explore Asics Nimbus 27 on Asics.com or search Nimbus deals on Amazon.
5. Asics Novablast 5 – Bouncy Foam with Light & Springy Feel
Price
Typically USD 150–160, depending on retailer EatingWell+5Outdoor Gear Lab+5Outside Online+5Runner’s World+7theruntesters.com+7Tom’s Guide+7
Features
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Novablast high‑rebound foam for energetic toe-off
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Midstack optimized for bounce rather than max plushness
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Weighs ~8–9 oz; moderate stack height, ~6–8 mm drop
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Lightweight, breathable mesh upper; ideal for responsive pace training Verywell Fit+8Outdoor Gear Lab+8theruntesters.com+8
Pros
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High energy return—feels springy underfoot
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Extremely lightweight and agile for daily miles
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Versatile: light tempo runs, easy training, comfortable transitions
Cons
– Less plush cushioning–better suited to neutral and light runners
– May feel stiff for long runs or those needing soft support
Expert Opinion
Outdoor Gear Lab names Novablast 5 the best road shoe for nearly all runners, thanks to its lively foam and dependable softness for daily training RUN | Powered by Outside+1theruntesters.comOutdoor Gear Lab+1. Brand‑agnostic reviews also cite it among top beginner-friendly options, particularly for runners who prefer spring to plush theruntesters.com.
Where to Buy
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Outdoor Gear Lab reviews
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Asics official, Amazon, Zappos
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Alternate widths available for more tailored fit
👉 Call to action: Buy Asics Novablast 5 at Asics.com or compare price on Amazon.
📋 Quick Comparison Table
| Shoe Model | Price (USD) | Drop (mm) | Weight (men’s) | Cushion Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks Ghost 17 | ~150 | 10 | ~10 oz | Balanced DNA Loft v3 | Daily trainer, heel strikers |
| Hoka Clifton 10 | ~150 | 8 | <10 oz | Extra-plush foam | Long-easy miles, plush comfort |
| Adidas Adizero Evo SL | ~150 | 6 | ~8 oz | Lightstrike Pro foam | Tempo work, race-style training |
| Asics Nimbus 27 | ~165 | 8 | ~10.8 oz | GEL + foam combo | Maximum comfort, recovery runs |
| Asics Novablast 5 | ~150–160 | ~6–8 | ~8–9 oz | Bouncy energy foam | Light responsive training |
🧠 Choosing Your Right Beginner Shoe: Expert Tips
1. Know Your Foot & Gait
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Heel-strikers often benefit from higher stack and softer heel cushion (like Ghost or Nimbus).
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Neutral or mid‑foot runners may prefer bounce (Novablast) or moderate cushion (Adizero Evo SL).
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Flat or overpronating runners may need stability versions (e.g., Brooks GTS, Asics Kayano series).
2. Think of Terrain & Usage
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Road & treadmill runs → Ghost 17, Clifton 10, Nimbus 27 are plush and forgiving.
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Tempo and easy speed days → Adizero Evo SL and Novablast provide response and forward energy.
3. Cushion vs. Weight Balance
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Heavier but cushioned shoes (Nimbus, Clifton) suit comfort-first runners.
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Light but supportive options (Adizero, Novablast) work for runners gradually ramping speed.
4. Fit Is Key
Try shoes in-store for best fit; upper width, toe box space, and midfoot wrap vary.
Online shoppers — check return policies and size guides before buying.
5. Buy with Savings in Mind
Earlier versions (Ghost 16, Clifton 9) often drop in price when newer models arrive.
Seasonal sales (e.g. Amazon, End-of-line) can yield big discounts on classics.
🧵 Real‑World Runner Feedback
From r/BeginnersRunning on Reddit:
“Brooks Glycerin is the best shoe I have found… a bit over budget but worth it.”
“The Hoka Clifton is also really solid as a beginner shoe… Clifton 9 on sale for about $90.” EatingWell+3#1 Athletic Shoe Review Site+3Runner’s World+3Wikipedia+14Reddit+14Runner’s World+14Outdoor Gear Lab+6Runner’s World+6thesun.co.uk+6WeeviewsWikipedia#1 Athletic Shoe Review Site+1
This feedback aligns with expert picks, showing both Brooks and Hoka are highly recommended by real users who value comfort, durability, and support.
✅ Final Thoughts & Recommendations
Top All‑Rounder: Brooks Ghost 17
Ideal for novices needing stable comfort to build mileage with minimal fuss.
Ultimate Cushioned Pick: Hoka Clifton 10
Perfect for easy long runs or recovery days, and especially gentle on joints.
Versatile Racer/Trainer: Adidas Adizero Evo SL
Blends race-boot foam with training usability—great for tempo runners.
Plush Neutral Workhorse: Asics Nimbus 27
For runners who want maximum cushion and underfoot softness.
Lightweight & Energetic: Asics Novablast 5
Best for those who prefer a springy, responsive ride from day one.
🛍️ Where to Shop & How to Save
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Official brand sites (Brooks, Hoka, Adidas, Asics): Best for size options and customer service.
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Retailers: Amazon, Zappos, REI, iRunFar often have fast shipping, easy returns, and sales.
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Earlier versions: Ghost 16, Clifton 9, different editions (women’s/men’s) may save you 20–30% off the latest price.
🧪 Pro Tip: Use return policies to try 1–2 models at home, run a few short jogs to test fit, and return unwanted pairs before daily wear breaks them in.
👣 Beginner Running Tips (Beyond the Shoes)
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Start slow: Alternate between walking and running (e.g. run 1 min / walk 2 min).
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Increase gradually: Stick to the 10% rule—don’t increase mileage by more than 10% per week.
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Rest and recover: Allow at least one rest or cross-training day each week.
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Warm‑up & stretch: Especially calves, hamstrings, and hips.
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Evaluate form: Lean slightly forward, land mid-foot or heel gently, and avoid overstriding.
