5 Best Running Shoes for Newbie Runners

 

If you’re reading this, more than likely you have decided to start running and need help to find the best running shoe for you! The Running Well Store is here to help you out. What are the best running shoes for newbie runners, you ask? We have come up with a list of the 5 Best Running Shoes for Newbie Runners. 

 

Let’s talk about what shoes are great for newbie runners. Finding the right running shoes can give you the confidence you need to try something new and stick with it.

You’re more likely to want to run when your shoes fit well and feel comfortable (and look good); if your toes are squished into the front of the shoe, you won’t want to put in the miles.

We know that it can be hard to know what you need to look for in a pair of running shoes. To help you find the perfect pair to get you started, we picked a list of the 5 best running shoes for newbie runners in 2022 (not in any particular order):

 

Saucony Ride 14

The Saucony Ride 14 (women’s, men’s) is one of the best running shoes for beginners because it does everything well.

Saucony built the Ride 14 for an easy fit. The Ride accommodates a wide range of foot shapes and sizes, making it comfortable for long days on your feet, and it maintains a light weight that’s easy on your legs. A full-length PWRRUN foam midsole provides consistent cushioning and a soft, bouncy feel.

This shoe, I think finds the right balance of comfort and performance, making it great for easy cruising and up-tempo long runs alike.

 

Mizuno Wave Rider 25

 

Newbie runners will love the balance of cushion and support in the Wave Rider 25 (women’s, men’s).

A reshaped Wave plate is embedded in a stack of Mizuno’s responsive Enerzy midsole foam that promises a smooth ride and unbeatable comfort on long walks and runs.

The heel and upper of the Wave Rider are well-padded, and covered in silky knit mesh to create an instantly comfortable feel as soon as you put them on, and get a reliable cushioned feel.

HOKA Clifton 8

HOKA achieved the versatility by packing the Clifton 8 (women’s, men’s) with a lightweight foam midsole. The cushioning compound is new to this version of the Clifton, and it’s one of HOKA’s lightest and most energetic midsole’s to date.

But, despite the light weight, the midsole still feels incredibly soft and smooth beneath your feet. The soft step is perfect for newbie runners hitting the road for the first time, and also, great for anyone who’s getting back into running after some time off.

The engineered mesh upper is soft around your foot, and it breathes well on warm days to keep you comfortable.

Best of all, the Clifton 8 can handle just about any type of run you can throw at it. From your first miles to your first race, the Clifton 8 is a reliable performer that will keep pace with your training.

Brooks Ghost 14

Brooks’ award-winning Ghost 14 (women’s, men’s) is a great shoe for newbie runners. Between the immediately comfortable fit as soon as you put them on and the plush cushioning underfoot, the Ghost 14 will have you sailing through your next run.

DNA Loft foam is bouncy and plush enough to handle impact while still energizing your run. This excellent shock absorption takes the strain off your legs as you run, making it easier for your body to adjust to your new activity.

Comfort is key for beginning runners. The Ghost 14 sports a padded heel collar to prevent uncomfortable chafing and rubbing on the run. The lightweight mesh knit upper is breathable so you can feel cool as you take on mileage.

Altra Torin 5

The Altra Torin 5 (women’s, men’s) is an easy riding neutral running shoe that newbie runners will love.

Between the easy comfort and plush cushioning, the Torin 5 offers something for every runner. The lightweight knit mesh upper and smooth heel material eliminates chafing while supporting your foot where you need it most.

Thanks to Altra’s unique FootShape design, the toe box of the shoe mimics the natural shape of your foot to prevent pinching and squeezing of your toes on the run.

The Torin 5 uses Altra EgoMax midsole foam to create a smooth and responsive feel underfoot, and is durable enough to take on long walks or tough miles. The EgoMax foam keeps you feeling fresh and energized as you build up to longer mileage, making it a great shoe for newbie runners.

 

Fit Tips:

Take the guesswork out of finding running shoes. No matter what shoes you decide on, newbie runners should check their running shoes for three things:

• Comfort. Try the shoes on and take a walk or quick jog. Are the shoes comfortable? If they’re not comfortable now, they won’t get more comfortable as you start running.
• Ride. When you’re walking or jogging around, do you feel wobbly or unsteady? Different midsole foams and shapes can create more (or less) stable rides.
• Fit. You should have a thumb’s width of space between the end of your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Your heel shouldn’t slip when you walk or jog, and your foot shouldn’t be spilling over the edges of the shoe.

 

 

 

 

About TRWS GURU Hilary

Hilary started running in high school, and took some time off in her 20’s, but then went through a divorce in her 30’s and decided to get back at it and hasn’t stopped.  She has run multiple 5k’s, then moved to running a butt load of 10k’s (sweet spot distance).  After getting the long distance bug decided to run her first 1/2 Marathon, Rock the Parkway in 2013. Her first (and LAST) full marathon in Lincoln, NE in 2015. She has also run several ultra-marathon’s and a 50 miler. Over the past several years will run a destination 1/2 Marathon with her 2 sisters each year. So, far her favorite has been the Nike Women’s 1/2 Marathon in DC. She joined The Running Well Dream Team at the Barry Road location in 2019, and plans to be a “lifer,” for sure.

 

About TRWS

The Running Well Store is the premier running specialty store in Kansas City, Missouri and Mission, Kansas! We are a locally owned business that has been in operation since 2006.  Our tagline is THE PLACE FOR EVERY PACE as we want all walkers, runners, newbies, veterans, and people who work on their feet all day to feel welcome.  We know that there are a lot of options for footwear on the market and deciding what model is the right one for your needs is not easy.  We are here for you! You can come into one of our three locations (Lee’s Summit, Northland and Mission, KS) for a free stride analysis. No appointment is necessary, but if you would like to schedule an appointment, click here.  We take in-person and virtual fittings.  Want to do research online?  We have a find my fit tool that will help you narrow down footwear options.  We hope to hear from you soon!