Best Running Shoes for Beginners (2024)

The Best Running Shoes for Beginners: In-depth Guide to Choosing Your First Running Shoe
By the Doctors of Running Editorial Team

At Doctors of Running, we frequently get questions from new runners or those who are interested in starting running about footwear. There are so many companies and shoes that looking for a place to start can be overwhelming. Additionally, the amount of marketing jargon and advertising that is immediately thrown at any new runners can either lead to decision paralysis or choosing an inappropriate shoe that causes the person to end up in one of our offices.

Best Carbon Plated Running Shoes (2024)

Carbon Plated Running Shoe Resource Page

The current trend in racing shoes has been toward super foams and carbon fiber plates. Although plates have been used in the past, their popularity has surged. A new age of fast shoes has come about and now a variety of companies have released their products (some in small batches). For the first time (almost ever) there is an interest from the general public (and not just the competitive runners) in finding the fastest shoe to get them across the finish line. We at Doctors of Running thought it would be helpful to have a guide to all the current models to help you choose if and which one may be right for you.

Best Affordable Running Shoes Under $100 (September 2024)

The Best Affordable Running Shoes Under $100
By Bach Pham, Content Manager

There is an age old saying that the best thing about running is that you just need a pair of shoes. Well, the reality is that running shoes are expensive. That's just a fact no matter where you are. Especially as you get more and more into mileage, the cost of shoes and rotating shoes is starts adding up fast. There are a lot of ways to help navigate this though, and in this guide we offer a few strategies and get into some of the best finds available now.

ASICS GT-2000 13 Review (2024)

ASICS GT-2000 13 Review
By Matthew Klein

The ASICS GT-2000 series has been a staple moderate stability running and walking shoe for years. It was popular when I was working in running stores (back when the dinosaurs were around) and it has continued that trend to the present day. Version 12 shifted from prior versions as the medial post was removed and replaced with internal guidance, the weight dropped and a real heel bevel finally emerged. This continued the GT-2000's trend of being an excellent stability shoe but added a smoother and slightly faster ride along with the addition of current concepts of stability. Version 13 continues this trend with some careful modifications that build on the prior version. A new upper, new outsole, and slight sidewall redesigns are some of the few things this version brings to the table. Whether this is enough to upgrade or stay with version 12 is what we will try to answer. 

Brooks Ghost Max 2 Review (2024)

Brooks Ghost Max 2 Review
By Matthew Klein and Nathan Brown

Brooks has consistently put shoes onto the market that have become popular for reasons beyond running, particularly in the healthcare field circles that we are in. Many folks are using Brooks for walking, jobs that require lots of standing and time on the feet, and then also recreational running. We've had previous conversations with Brooks about their mission, and it's clear that they want to reach people with any activity goals. The Ghost Max 2 is the second iteration of a shoe that aims more specifically at the running community. The original Ghost Max showed some promise, so we were excited to see how this shoe evolved. Let's dig in.

Monday Shakeout: Do I Need Insoles? What Shoes Should I Use With Them?

The Monday Shakeout: Do I Need Insoles and What Shoes Should I Use With Them?
By Matt Klein

In this week's Monday Shakeout, Matt discusses a common question we get about the general use of insoles. We offer our thoughts on them and best practice tips.

Our Top Stable Neutral Shoes of 2024 | DOR Podcast #205

 

Our Top Stable Neutral Shoes of 2024
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 205

If you know DOR, you know we love talking about stable neutral shoes. On this episode, Nathan and Matt take a look at some of their favorite stability shoes of 2024. They start at the basics, defining "stable neutral" and giving some guidance how to know whether you could benefit stability in a shoe. Then, they pair up shoes like the Brooks Ghost Max 2, ASICS Superblast 2, New Balance More v5 and more for some compare/contrast

HOKA Rincon 4 Review (2024)

HOKA Rincon 4 Review
By David Salas

The HOKA Rincon series has always shined bright with its cushion to weight ratio. The Rincon has grabbed the hearts of many for its seemingly minimalist design and maximal feel. The HOKA Rincon 4 builds upon this with a slightly updated foam, rubberized EVA outsole, and geometry. 

Brooks Revel 7 Review (2024)

 

Brooks Revel 7 Review
By Bach Pham

The Brooks Revel series has been a gateway shoe to running for its price point and performance. When shoes were lower stack in general, the Revel not only presented value but also very comparable performance to the market. Today as shoes grow taller and taller in stack height, the Revel remains constant to its original core as a lower stack height trainer built for all-around use from running to walking and daily errands.

Adidas Ultraboost 5X Review (2024)

Adidas Ultraboost 5X Review
By Matthew Klein

The Ultraboost series' evolution has been confusing over the last several years. While previously a lifestyle shoe that attempted to portray itself as a running shoe, the last several years have slowly lowered the weight, greatly increased stiffness and improved the inherent stability. The rebrand of the Ultraboost has tried to paint it as an uptempo or performance training, but the higher weight has mostly prevented this, especially compared to true performance trainers like the Adizero Boston. The newest Ultraboost 5X (which does not have a midfoot cage as the Ultraboost 5 does) finally drops under 10 oz, adds a snappier sole and a solid use of a mono Primeknit upper. This finally moves this series into the performance training realm, although not without some things that still need to be worked on. 

Monday Shakeout: Why Two Shoes are Greater than One

The Monday Shakeout: Why Two Shoes are Greater Than One
By Matthew Klein

In this week's Monday Shakeout Matt discusses the benefits of having at least a two shoe rotation in their lineup, and shares some typical rotations one might have.

All About the Long Run: Benefits and RISKS of Long Runs, How to Pick Your Shoes, and Return from Injury | DOR Podcast #204

 

All About the Long Run: Benefits and RISKS of Long Runs, How to Pick Your Shoes, and Return from Injury
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 204

Today's episode is all about the long run, one of the most critical, and most fretted over, parts of a runner's training. David and Matt get together to share their expertise on surviving and thriving on those long days. They discuss the physiological and mental benefits you gain over a long run, as well as the risks as you build up to it. Of course they share their favorite shoes and give guidance on how to pick what to put on your feet. Finally they give strategies on adjusting your runs in extreme heat or cold, and how to build back to a long run after dealing with an injury.

New Balance FuelCell SC Pacer v2 (2024)

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer v2 Review
By Andrea Myers and Matthew Klein

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer v2 is the long-awaited update to the original Pacer, which was New Balance's first plated 5k/10k racer. I (Andrea) enjoyed v1 for workouts but found it didn't quite have the snap to use it for any races. Version 2 is a complete redesign, with a 100% PEBA FuelCell midsole, 10mm higher stack in both the heel and forefoot, and the same carbon plate as the SC Elite v4. After seeing Emily Sisson run the 2023 Chicago Marathon in the SC Pacer v2, I could not wait to test it out. 

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 Review (2024)

New Balance Fresh Foam X More V5 Review
By David Salas

The New Balance Fresh Foam X More series is all about premium cushion. The Fresh Foam X midsole has been a go to for the company when they are looking for a durable and soft experience underfoot. The 5th version of the More plays with the upper and midsole shaping to make for a more stable experience. 

ASICS GlideRide Max Review (2024)

 

ASICS Glideride Max Review
By Matthew Klein 

Prior to its supposed discontinuation, the ASICS Glideride series was a go-to recommendation from us for those with toe mobility deficits or hallux rigidus. The large aggressive forefoot rocker easily dumped runners forward off the front, requiring next to no motion at the toes. It was also a great shoe for taking pressure off the Achilles tendon and calf muscles as long as the rocker lined up with your mechanics. Like the Saucony Endorphin Shift series, the discontinuation left both customers and us scrambling to find a replacement. When rumors began to circulate that the Glideride was returning, it came with a breath of relief and apprehension at the same time. Would the new Glideride maintain what made the series so unique, or would it go in a different direction? In line with current market trends, the Glideride Max has a taller stack height and softer underfoot feel than prior versions. While it maintains its large forefoot rocker, it is less aggressive and more comfortable. Whether it will still work for those with toe mobility deficits is a question we will try to answer. 

Monday Shakeout: How Running Shoes Should Fit Lengthwise and Toe Pathology

The Monday Shakeout: How Running Shoes Should Fit and Toe Pathology
By Matthew Klein

Happy Monday! In this week's Monday Shakeout we talk about the importance of appropriate shoe length and toe health. What is a good length actually mean to a runner and why? Matt discusses that and much more.

The Best NON-Plated Workout Shoes Right Now, and the Pros and Cons to Using them Over Carbon | DOR Podcast #203

 

The Best NON-Plated Workout Shoes Right Now, and the Pros and Cons to Using them Over Carbon
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 203

Between super racing shoes and super trainers, it seems like half the shoes on the market have super foams and/or carbon plates. But, what if spending too much time in these maximally performing, fun shoes, might be doing us a disservice? Matt and David look into the research and share anecdotes from their own training on how super shoes have affected them. Then they take a look at some of the excellent non-plated, lightweight trainer options like the New Balance Rebel v4, Topo Cyclone 2, and more.

Guide to Super Trainers (2024)

 
Super Trainers!
By DOR Editorial Team

While carbon plated running shoes become an essential fixture of every brand, super trainers have suddenly become the next wave of footwear that each brand feels the need to deliver on. Super trainers are shoes that take the key elements of a super shoe - stiffener (carbon plate or similar feel), Peba foam, and aggressive rocker. The major difference is that they are a bit more relaxed often (heavier, more stable for daily use) and can break convention by adding a stack height over 40mm - the maximum legal stack height for professional marathon road racing shoes. The trend as we know it broke open with the Adidas Prime X which completely shattered convention in 2021 with a massive 50mm stack height and somewhat scary platform that many adored. Today, super trainers have become a bit more refined for stability while providing the intended comfort for long run training, and for some, a wildly cushioned race day shoe.

Adidas Supernova Prima Review (2024)

Adidas Supernova Prima Review
By Matthew Klein

After years of heavy, clunky and somewhat confusing trainers, Adidas has debuted a clear group of shoes while revitalizing the Supernova line. The Supernova Rise was the first as the standard neutral training shoe, debuting the new Dreamstrike+ midsole. Although not the first shoe to debut a more superfoam type midsole (Boston), it was the first of their training shoes to feature a PEBA-based foam. The Supernova Solution was next, providing a stability option within the group. The most recent debut is the Supernova Prima, the higher stack, slightly more cushioned and slightly lower drop version that is meant to be the most comfortable everyday trainer of the group. With subtle tweaks compared to the Rise, it does that well and rounds on the first solid line of Adidas daily training shoes in years. 

rabbit Dream Chaser Review (2024)

rabbit Dream Chaser Review
By David Salas

Founded in Santa Barbara, CA, rabbit has really made a name for themselves in the running industry via apparel. We've reviewed several of their apparel pieces at Doctors of Running and have admittedly been long time fans of their EZ collection (so soft). The Dream Chaser is a debut shoe for the company and is aimed to be a comfortable daily training shoe and workhorse trainer. 

Topo Athletic Specter 2 Review (2024)

Topo Athletic Specter 2 Review
By Andrea Myers and Matthew Klein

The Topo Specter 2 is the long awaited update to the original Specter, which we tested in 2022. The Specter was Topo's first shoe to feature Pebax in the midsole, although it was a combination Pebax core within an EVA frame. The original Specter was a firmer riding uptempo trainer that I (Andrea) found best for 10k-marathon paces. After the release of all-around DOR favorite Cyclone 2, we were excited to see what a 100% Pebax Specter would bring, which is what we have in v2. Specter 2 maintains its firm ride and gets a redesigned outsole, with 2mm additional midsole stack and a more aggressive rocker profile.

Monday Shakeout: The Top (Dorsum) of Your Foot and Common Issues Runner's Face

 

The Monday Shakeout: Common Runner's Problems at the Top (Dorsum) of Your Foot
By Matt Klein PT DPT PhD FAAOMPT

This week we talk about the anatomy of the top of the foot and how that relates to footwear. An area often forgotten but nonetheless important, Matt talks about what structures sit on the top of the foot, what happens when they get irritated and what components of the shoe can either be modified or may influence the development of certain irritations in this area. 

We RANK Shoes By Fit and Talk About the Differences from Runner to Runner in Fit | DOR Podcast #202

More Toebox Please: We Rank Shoes By Uppers and Talk About the Differences from Runner to Runner in Fit
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 202

This episode is all about uppers. Often the more overlooked part of running shoes, uppers can make or break the running experience. Nathan and David get together to rank ten shoes from Hoka, Altra, Saucony, ASICS, Topo, and more from 10-1 on upper fit for them. They also explore what components make an upper and how to find the best fit for you.

Saucony Kinvara 15 Review (2024)

Saucony Kinvara 15 Review
By Matthew Klein and David Salas

The Kinvara series began as a transitional shoe meant to blend popular minimal characteristics of the time (lightweight, flexibility, lower drop) with more traditional shoe cushioning. It quickly became a popular shoe for those wanting a shoe that could wear many hats. Many used it for workouts and long-distance racing while others trained full-time in this newer (at the time) shoe type. 15 years later, the Kinvara has maintained this place despite ever-increasing stack heights. Version 15 takes a different approach from most shoes in this current era as it has lost weight and the stack height has been reduced. For those concerned the Kinvara might have been going the maximal route, this version takes things back in a direction many long-time Kinvara fans will appreciate while also being the lightest Kinvara ever. 

HOKA Speedgoat 6 Review (2024)

HOKA Speedgoat 6 Review
By David Salas

The HOKA Speedgoat 6 continues the lineage of the fan favorite shoe lineup. The Speedgoat has always been classified as a trail running shoe that has a lot of cushion, traction, and ability to be a workhorse trail running shoe. The HOKA Speedgoat is a favorite for many at ultra distances as well. The Speedgoat 6 tweaks the compressed molded EVA midsole a tad to make a more responsive and nimble experience.