In the modern-day, people engage in physical exercises despite time constraints and hectic schedules. Among numerous other physical exercises running is much popular because it is cost-effective as we do not need specialized equipment. In fact, you should be in good health and physically fit, and then you are good to go. The reason that motivated you to start running could be, to stay in shape or to pursue a career as a professional runner. Moreover, there are several amazing benefits of running as well. However, despite the fact whether you are a professional athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or an amateur who just started running, definitely one thing matters; Your pair of running shoes, and the brand that suits you the most. And this matter becomes a bit serious if you are a beginner. Therefore here is an insight on what are the best running shoes for beginners in 2020. If you want to find the running club click here.
What are the running shoes?
Running shoes are the special footwear that is specifically designed to protect the feet when running while providing the maximum support for the fast movement of feet. They are designed including specific features and advanced technologies. Usually, running shoes are made to provide great ease to the runners, and to absorb shocks, while preventing injuries. Various brands and types of running shoes are available in the market yet it is a challenge to choose the best pair of shoe ideal for an individual. If a user feels comfortable in a specific pair of shoes then he would stick on to that specific shoe model as it is the best pair of running shoes for him!.
One person is distinct from another. So as his choices. Therefore a single model of running shoes cannot be the best fit for all the users. The factors which affect in selecting the best pair of running shoes are the foot shape of the user, weight, and level of experience. These factors vary from one person to another. Accordingly, the preferred shoe type changes. If it is for novice users the selection of the best fitting pair of running shoes can be quite challenging as they do not possess much experience. The newbies to running do not need to make erroneous choices and trial those shoes to figure out what is best for them. Instead, they can consider three factors for selecting a pair of running shoes that are comfortable for them. Those factors are:
- Comfort
- Ride
- Fit
Factors that would help a beginner choose a good pair of running shoes
By now, you already know what those factors are. Still, you might be wondering what they really mean. Take it easy! Let us now figure out what is meant by each of those factors.
1. Comfort
The user needs to try on the shoes and take a walk or a jog. If he feels comfortable after using those shoes, indeed, he can go for that.
2. Ride
The user has to check how he feels when running with a particular pair of shoes. If he gets wobbly and unsteady in a pair of shoes, it is sure that they are not the best for him. The texture and performance of a shoe differ with its raw materials. Therefore, even the raw materials in midsole foams have an impact on the performance of the shoe. In addition, the shape of the shoe affects too, for the steadiness and stability of rides. Hence you need to check on with available shoe types, to get to know which one gives you the best ‘ride!’.
3. Fit
Definitely, a shoe must be fit for your feet if you want to run with it. But how can you measure if it fits for you or not? Here is the easiest way to check on it. Check whether you have a thumb’s width of space between the end of your longest toe and the end of the shoe. As well your heel shouldn’t slip when you walk or jog and your foot shouldn’t spill over the edges of the shoe. Loosely fitting shoes can cause corns and calluses on the feet. Therefore pick on a shoe that fits adequately and passionately.
Get Used to the Lingo(Terminology)in ‘Running Shoe World’!
If you are an absolute beginner, to figure out what are the best running shoes, first you have to get a brief idea of terms related to the running shoe industry. This would surely help you select the best option available for you…
- Stack height: The amount of material between your foot and the ground is known as stack height
- Heel-Toe Drop: The difference of materials under the heel and the forefoot of a running shoe.
- Pronation Control: Among various types of running shoes there are two types known as stability shoes and neutral shoes. Most of the running shoes are neutral and are popular among most runners. Stability running shoes are made with technologies to handle overpronation. Overpronation is caused due to excessive rolling of the ankle inwardly, with each and every step, and it results in injuries.
Best Running Shoes for Beginners
This article will make you aware of the best options out there in the market. So let’s get to know what are the best running shoes for beginners to try on.
- Saucony Ride 13
- Mizuno Wave Rider 23
- HOKA Clifton 6
- Brooks Ghost 12
- New Balance Fresh Foam 880v10
- On Cloudswift
- Karhu Ikoi
- ASICS GEL-Cumulus 22
- Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37
- Altra Torin 4.0
A Greater Overview of the Best Running Shoes for Beginners
Of course, you know a list of running shoes for beginners by now. Still, you might be a bit confused with them. Nothing to worry about! We have lined up everything you need to know. Check the below sections for greater details about these running shoes.
1. Saucony Ride 13
One of the best running shoes for beginners to start their ‘journey’ of running. This shoe is considered highly beginner-friendly as it provides an easy fit. Available in a variety of sizes and foot shapes, to be compatible with the requirements of a wide range of users. Both the men and women version of the shoes is available. This shoe is lightweight and it is about 277g. Therefore it provides an easy feel for your legs.
Saucony Ride 13 is a maximalist shoe with cushioned and large midsoles. It has a firm, full-length midsole made from PWRRUN foam. PWRRUN is a cushioning technology that provides light-weighing foams. The foams are springy and flexible in nature. Yet they are powerful enough to offer a higher rate of durability and life-time for the shoes. Besides that, they support making powerful take-offs and easier landings. In addition, this special midsole provides a soft and bouncy feel for the feet.
More about Saucony Ride 13
The terrain of the Saucony Ride 13 is either road or treadmill. It provides neutral arch support. The shoe has an offset of 8mm. It indicates the difference between the heel height and the forefoot height of the shoe. Saucony Ride 13 provides neutral pronation to the user. Neutral pronation means the proper alignment of ankles, legs to support the body weight and absorb the shocks when the foot lands on the outside of the heel and pronate. This shoe is of high arch type. This is an every-day-wear type shoe. Which means either you can run with this or run for your everyday errands in these shoes.
The Saucony Ride 13 replaced the Saucony Ride ISO 2. With the update of Saucony shoes, the designers dropped the ISOFIT system on previous models in favor of FORM FIT. With FORM FIT, they use three layers of cushioning for a more dynamic fit. According to the Saucony Ride 13 review, According to Fleet Feet runners, the Saucony Ride 13 is able to discover the correct balance of comfort and performance. Saucony Ride 13 makes up great for easy cruisings and up-tempo long runs, alike thus making it an excellent choice for a beginner. So this is a good answer to the question, what are the best running shoes for beginners.
2. Mizuno Wave Rider 23
The Mizuno Wave Rider 23 is a classic and consistent running shoe that is great for new runners. This pair of running shoes is available for men as well as for women. The well-cushioned midsole in Mizuno Wave Rider 23, provides a much soft landing and a responsive takeoff. It is a flexible, everyday trainer. In addition, the Mizuno’s signature Wave Plate is included in this shoe to soak up more impact and to smooth out the transition from heel to toe. The Mizuno wave assures the stability of the ride. There is a more breathable mesh to control temperature and to provide more performance. In addition, it improves the durability of the shoes.
It has a U4ic and U4icX midsole, which is lightweight and uplifts the performance. Apart from that, the firmer foam helps to stabilize every step of the runner. The offset of the shoe is 12mm. The shoe weighs 290g. Mizuno Wave Rider 23 users can experience the comfort and much softer landings when running. Hence the Mizuno Wave Rider 23 has a generous fit that’s comfortable for a diverse range of foot shapes, amateur runners are more compatible with it. As it is equipped with features to facilitate runners it is among the best-selling running shoes, every year. Therefore Mizuno Wave Rider 23 is a confident fit for new runners because of its performance and durability.
3. HOKA Clifton 6
HOKA Clifton 6 is another favorite of beginners’ shoes as it has a relatively large amount of midsole cushion. Suppose you are new to running and in that case, you will like to have extra cushioning in your running shoes. It will be more comfortable on your body than slimmer shoes. Indeed HOKA Clifton 6 will be the best choice for an amateur. It is available in the market for men and as well as for women. HOKA Clifton 6 running shoe has an embroidered reinforcement. It helps to minimize the layers and facilitate the lockdown of the midfoot region of the feet. Even though it has a big stack of foam underfoot, it can be seen that the mesh upper with embroidered support maintains the feathery feel. The reinforced eyestatys of the shoe offers extra support.
HOKA Clifton 6, running shoes contain an Early stage Meta-Rocker which results in a smooth ride while offering faster transition rates when running. In addition to that, the EVA(ethyl vinyl acetate)foam midsole soaks up the repeated impacts of running. Also, there is a moderate heel bevel which provides you sound transitions. HOKA Clifton 6 running shoes have a flat waisted geometry. This particular feature contributes to maximizing the stability of the shoe. The shoe has a full ground contact design. In HOKA Clifton 6, there is a strategic high-abrasion rubber zone. This provides the advantage of less weight for the shoe. So this is another good pick for a beginner runner and it replies to your question of, what are the best running shoes for beginners.
4. Brooks Ghost 12
This is another great choice for a newcomer to commence with. Brooks Ghost 12 has many specifications that make it prominent among the other competitors. It is a neutral type shoe and has an offset of 12mm long. The weight of the shoe is about 294.8g. It is available in arch designs of medium and high. Thus this pair of running shoes provide a cushiony feel and experience for the users.
More on Brooks Ghost 12
3D Fit Print technology is used in manufacturing Brooks Ghost 12, which is an advanced screen-printing process. Segmented Crash Pads are a technology for providing smoother transitions and shock absorbance. The DNA LOFT is a mixture of EVA foams, air, and rubber to provide a soft nature to the feet while improving the durability and responsiveness of the shoes. BioMoGo DNA is a cushioning technology from which the midsole of the shoes is made and in addition, it is environmentally friendly. These technologies are used in manufacturing Brooks Ghost 12.
This is a good choice for neutral runners and a good fit for road running. You can use this as a daily trainer or as a shoe for high-mileage running. This shoe has a spacy toe box so it is compatible with a diverse range of foot sizes. High arch runners can get along with the Brooks Ghost 12, as it provides good support in that sense. As the offset of the shoe is high, the majority of the bodyweight is directed towards the forefoot and less on the plantar of the heel. This helps to relieve plantar fasciitis. This running shoe is available in two versions, for men, and for women. So Brooks Ghost 12 is a nice fit for a beginner to get his feet on for running.
5. New Balance Fresh Foam 880v10
Another attractive option in the running shoe market is New Balance Fresh Foam 880v10. It is a popular pick in the running shoe market for a long time. This is an everyday trainer shoe. The terrain of the shoe is either road or track. New Balance Fresh Foam 880v10 is a good choice for a neutral runner. The head-to-toe drop or the offset of the shoe is 10mm. This is available as two separate versions for men and women. The New Balance Fresh Foam 880v10 consists of a Hypoknit upper mesh which is breathable. The knit upper contributes to the basic structure of the shoe. This technology provides comfort and stretchiness to the shoe in order to provide more support, fit, and more movement.
The fresh foam midsole in the New Balance Fresh Foam 880v10 gives comfort to the feet of the user. It enhances the responsiveness of the ride. The shoe provides a bouncy feeling to which the beginners would love to experience. The shoe has a full ground-contacting outsole to provide smoothness in transitions in running. The outsole provides traction in tracks as well as on roads. Apart from that, it helps to handle the impact. The shoe provides a firm solid grip. It offers stability in running. The shoe is available in different sizes to be suited for a broader scope of users. New Balance Fresh Foam 880v10 is a versatile trainer in the running shoe market which would be an awesome pick for a beginner to go with.
6. On Cloudswift
A best-seller in the running shoe market which has a unique aesthetic appearance combined with a standout performance. Cloudswift provides a premium experience to the users. The terrain of this pair of shoes is mostly the road. So it is a perfect fit for road running in urban areas. The shoe is available in many sizes and colors for both men and women. The cushioning of the shoe is soft and the stability of the shoe is neutral. The weight of the shoe is 290g. Heel-to-toe drop or the offset of the shoe is 7mm.
The designers of On Cloudswift used signature ‘CloudTec’ technology to cushion the Cloudswift. It consists of Helion foam also known as ‘super foam’. It is a very light-weighing material having features of softness and durability. When running Helion cushions offer firm support for pushing-off and softness to the feet in landing. This foam composition provides both cushioned experience and responsiveness to the feet of the user.
The shoe has a spacious toe box as the mesh upper fabric is soft. The midfoot has the ability to provide a firm grip to the foot. Cloudswift provides swifty experience to the run. In the sole of the shoe, there is adorable rubber reinforcement to offer more traction. The firmness of the sole contributes to offer a smooth experience even on uneven surfaces. The firmness of the sole is a blessing in instances of longer runs. If the sole is not firm enough the kinetic energy of the runner mostly gets waisted yet that impairment is not there in Cloudswift. Due to the minimalist look and easy fit, it is a great choice for a beginner to comfortably kick on the roads. So here is another good answer for, what are the best running shoes for beginners.
7. Karhu Ikoni
A good pick in the stores for a beginner to try on with. Karhu Ikoni is compatible with a great range of users. The Karhu Ikoni shoes are improved and enhanced with the data from a growing 3D foot scan database. This means the data from 3D foot scans taken during Fleet Feet’s fit id outfitting process. It has a spacious forefoot area with a heel region that fits the foot thus making it comfortable which can be used by both newbies to running and as well as for professional runners.
Karhu Ikoni shoes have Fulcrum technology included in it to add a fluid transition hand in hand with stability. The shoe possesses an engineered mesh upper to enhance the comfort of the feet. The shoe provides a comfortable fit for the user’s feet while facilitating a smooth ride. The weight of the shoe is around 10.9g. The shoe has a midsole made from AeroFoam. This includes the category of neutral running shoes. With the latest update of the shoe, narrowed the heel for a better fit with the same degree of softness and enhanced AeroFoam midsole. Karhu Ikoni is an everyday trainer which suits for roads and as well as tracks. The versions of these shoes are available in the market for men as well as for women. This is a good choice for a beginner to gel along.
8. ASICS GEL-Cumulus 22
ASICS GEL-Cumulus 22 is one of the most consistent running shoes available in the running shoe market because of its consistency. It is a great fit for neutral runners. It is an everyday trainer. According to the latest design details, the ASICS GEL-Cumulus has two cushion units in the heel and forefoot. It helps to absorb shock and create a smooth transition from landing to toe-off. The 3D print upper provides great support for the forefoot of the user thus enhancing the comforts. In addition to that, the soft mesh upper and padded heel collar provides the shoe a plush step-in feel. In addition, the mesh upper facilitates excellent airflow and makes the feet fresh along the ride. The midsole of the shoe is much softer when compared with previous versions of the model. The midsole is made with Flytefoam propel technology to facilitate bouncy feeling to the feet.
The main contact regions in the outsole are made from Ahar rubber to make the shoe resist to worn out. As well as the feel and additional flex grooves carved into the outsole allow your foot to bend naturally. Because of these excellent occupied features, ASICS GEL-Cumulus 22 maintains its popularity even 22 years after its debut release to the market. Indeed this is a good fit for a beginner.
9. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37
Nike has made few updates to its best-selling running shoe to ensure that it is great for beginners and veterans. Due to its comfort and straightforward fit. It becomes one of the best running shoes for beginners. We can see that the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37 maintains a low-profile silhouette and neutral Ride. It is great for new runners who want practical experience. It is available in various colors to suit the choices of many users. In addition, there are two versions of the shoe available for women and men.
With the new update system, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37 used a React foam midsole. It is a proven performer. It is obvious that Nike uses react in some of its other popular running shoes because it gives a smooth, bouncy ride and lasting durability. The shoe possesses a forefoot cushioning to enhance the responsiveness in runs. It makes an excellent everyday trainer with lightweight and durability. The shoe has an upgraded Zoom Air unit which is twice as thick as the earlier versions. It is to give you maximum rebound, right where your foot takes off. So it is a nice first in the market for a new runner to try on. Therefore this is another nice option for the question of, what are the best running shoes for beginners.
10. Altra Torin 4.0
Altra Torin 4.0 is an easy-riding neutral running shoe available in the shoe market. The terrain of the shoe is mostly on the roads and tracks. Altra Torin 4.0 contributes to a faster and responsive run. The shoe has a great fit. Altra’s FootShape toe box highlights and enhances the shoe’s fit. It helps to mimic the shape of your foot. This foot shape toe box allows your foot to land and splay naturally and then push off with power. It can be seen that the Torin 4.0 is lighter than its predecessors without losing any of the cushioning. So the new runners will like the shoe because of its build-up features.
The shoe weighs about 257g. The mesh of the shoe is very lightweight. The heel-to-toe drop of the shoe is 0mm and it helps to keep a neutral stance. The upper mesh allows airflow and provides freshness to the feet throughout the ride. The upper mech is stretchy to facilitate movements of the feet. The midsole of the shoe offers a comfortable cushiony feeling and it has the capability to adapt to the movements of the foot. In addition, the shoe has a firm outsole. Altra Torin 4.0 is famous as a versatile trainer and it is certainly a good pick for a beginner.
Select the One that is Best for You!
So how did we choose the best running shoes for beginners? We considered many sources such as the wear testings, interviews with shoe designers and professional athletes, and fit id-data. These factors give good insight and ideas about the best running shoes available in the market and about their special features. Hence users can choose the shoe that works best for most runners in most situations.
Humans are unique. Thus the same running shoe would not be the best choice for every individual. Usually, the high priced shoes consist of technologies to facilitate running. Meanwhile, it is not the highest price that provides you the best satisfying experience always. It depends on your physique and your way of running. Therefore as a beginner, you have to pick up a running shoe with care. If not, the use of the wrong shoe can limit your capacity and you will end up with injured feet. Therefore it is up to you to pick up the ‘best running shoes’ that suits you the best!
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