What are the top-rated running shoes for beginners?
| Product ⇅ | Price ⇅ | Size (US Men's / Women's) ⇅ | Weight (oz) ⇅ | Cushioning (mm) ⇅ | Drop (mm) ⇅ | Stack Height (mm) ⇅ | Midsole Material ⇅ | Outsole Material ⇅ |
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Mizuno Wave Rider 29
US
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£74.45 ≈ | 7-16 US (men) | 9.3 oz (258 g) | Moderate (Nitrogen-infused MIZUNO ENERZY NXT) | 10 mm | Heel 39 mm / Forefoot 29 mm | MIZUNO ENERZY NXT nitrogen-infused EVA | X10 durable carbon rubber |
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A daily trainer with moderate cushioning and a stable Mizuno Wave plate, using nitrogen-infused ENERZY NXT for a softer, responsive ride. Suits runners seeking a durable, everyday shoe that balances cushioning and propulsion.
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HOKA Clifton 10
US
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£92.33 ≈ | — | 9.8 oz | Plush | 8 mm | 42-34 mm (men), 38-30 mm (women) | Compression molded EVA | Durabrasion rubber |
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The Clifton 10 is a light, highly cushioned everyday trainer with increased stack height and a higher heel-to-toe drop for smoother, more forgiving rides. It suits runners seeking plush daily-mile comfort and stability rather than a responsive race shoe. |
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Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 41
US
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£80.36 ≈ | US 6-18 (varies by retailer) | 10.4 oz (men's pair) / 8.8 oz (women's pair) | Responsive | 10 mm | 37 mm heel / 27 mm forefoot | ReactX foam with Air Zoom units | Rubber (waffle-inspired / regrind rubber) |
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A versatile daily trainer with a responsive ReactX midsole plus embedded Air Zoom units, a 10 mm drop and 37/27 mm stack heights. Suited to runners seeking a durable, traditional-feeling shoe for everyday runs, tempo work and gym use.
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New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v15
US
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£104.24 ≈ | — | 10.5 oz (299 g) | Fresh Foam X | 6 mm | 40.5 mm/34.5 mm | Fresh Foam X | rubber |
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The Fresh Foam 880 v15 is a highly cushioned daily trainer with a plush Fresh Foam X midsole and a breathable engineered mesh upper. It offers a high-stack, comfortable ride suited to neutral runners and those seeking long-run comfort or all-day wear.
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Brooks Ghost 18
US
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£111.65 ≈ | — | 10.2 oz / 289.2 g | Balanced (DNA LOFT v3) | 10 mm | 36 mm heel / 26 mm forefoot | DNA LOFT v3 | RoadTack rubber |
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The Ghost 18 is a neutral daily trainer with balanced, moderate cushioning and a stable, grounded ride. It features a breathable engineered mesh upper and durable RoadTack outsole, suited for runners seeking a reliable everyday road shoe.
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ASICS Novablast 5
US
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£96.76 ≈ | — | 255 g/9 oz | FF BLAST™ MAX | 8 mm | 40.9 mm | FF BLAST™ MAX | AHAR LO rubber |
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A highly cushioned, bouncy neutral daily trainer with a soft FF Blast Max midsole and a partially covered AHAR LO outsole. Suited for runners seeking plush, responsive cushioning for long runs and everyday training.
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Saucony Ride 19
US
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£107.93 ≈ | Available US sizes 7-15 (men), various widths including M and wide | 9.8 oz (278 g) (men) / 7.7 oz (women) | PWRRUN+ (reformulated) | 8 mm | Heel 36 mm / Forefoot 28 mm | PWRRUN+ foam | XT-900 carbon rubber (high-wear areas) |
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The Ride 19 is a neutral daily trainer with a softer, more responsive PWRRUN+ midsole, revised outsole for improved durability, and an engineered mesh upper for breathability. It suits runners seeking a stable, versatile everyday trainer with moderate cushioning and an 8 mm drop.
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New Balance Fresh Foam 880v15
US
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£104.24 ≈ | — | 299 grams | Fresh Foam X | 6 mm | 40.5 mm heel / 34.5 mm forefoot | Fresh Foam X midsole foam (approximately 3% bio-based content) | Durable rubber |
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Plush, highly cushioned daily trainer with a Fresh Foam X midsole and a high stack height that suits long runs, recovery runs, and all-day walking. It's aimed at neutral runners seeking soft cushioning and comfort rather than speed work.
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Nike Pegasus 42
US
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£107.97 ≈ | — | 300g/10.59oz (Men's US 10); 243g/8.6oz (Women's US 8) | ReactX foam with full-length curved Air Zoom unit | 10mm | — | ReactX foam with full-length Air Zoom unit | Waffle rubber outsole |
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The Pegasus 42 is a neutral daily trainer with a curved full-length Air Zoom unit and ReactX foam for responsive, propulsive cushioning. It suits runners wanting a versatile, energetic daily trainer for a range of paces.
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