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.

Monday Shakeout: Shoe Rotations for Different Runners (Flat feet, Stability, Midfoot, etc)

The Monday Shakeout: Shoe Rotations for Different Runners (Flat feet, Stability, Budget, etc)
By DOR Editorial Team

In a special edition of the Monday Shakeout, we offer some unique shoe rotations for different runners using our favorite picks from both 2022-2024. Have a shoe rotation you'd like to see? Send us an email to doctorsofrunning@gmail.com for a fresh recommendation.

The Run Coach Episode - A Practical Look at Who Does and Doesn't Benefit | DOR Podcast #179

The Run Coach Episode | A Practical Look at Who Does and Doesn't Benefit, and How Tech Has Changed Coaching
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 179

As running continues to grow in popularity, so does run coaching. With the exposure social media brings, it can be hard to discern between legitimate coaches and influencers. In this episode, Andrea Myers and Megan Flynn, our very own certified coaches, bring an inside look into what it means to be and have a run coach. They'll help you decide whether a coach is right for your athletic journey, give you tips on finding coaching that's the right fit, using data to inform you training, and more.

Salomon Aero Glide 2 Review (2024)

Salomon Aero Glide 2 Review
By Matthew Klein 

The original Aero Glide, although advertised as a "maximal" shoe, gave a signal that Salomon really wanted to get serious about their road product (at least publically). A well-cushioned, simple training shoe that rolled along nicely felt more in line with normal daily trainers than true maximal shoes. That isn't a bad thing, just different. Some challenges arose, as they often do in first versions, particularly with a sliding insole. This was easily fixed by replacing it, but was a little annoying. As per tradition with most shoe companies, version 2 is primarily an upper update. With the new upper and what appears to be a better insole, this is one of the few upper updates that may be worth considering over the original. 

The Best Stable Neutral Running Shoes

 

When we put together our Guide to Stability, we also helped define a segment of running shoes that we felt existed, but wasn't amplified. We ended up coining the term "stable neutral" to help put a name to the trend. Stable neutral shoes have steadily become a growing part of the industry in recent years. Especially as maximal cushioning as gone from a corner of running to the norm, companies have been working to balance these tall stack heights with a variety of design features to create stable platforms. In this feature, we further define stable neutral shoes and offer our current favorites in the market today.

Under Armour Velociti Elite 2 Review (2024)

Under Armour Velociti Elite 2 Review
By Matthew Klein 

While Under Armour is known for many things, it has not been a massive player in the running world. It has had several running shoes over the years but nothing has stood out majorly. UA's first attempt at a super shoe debuted in 2022 with a half PEBAX, half EVA midsole. The result was a comfortable but not true super shoe. Version two returns with additional PEBAX in the midsole, an extremely low drop and a rare anatomic toe box. While the first version did not stand out, the second version has several unique things that may make it attractive for certain runners. There are still some issues (price point and weight) but UA appears to be making some progress in making a unique product.

Topo Athletic MTN Racer 3 Review (2023 Release)

Topo MTN Racer 3 Review: Low Stack Trail Running
By Matthew Klein

The Topo MTN Racer series has been a unique and rare shoe among the trail market. Although not listed as such, it provides a clear feeling of medial support, making it one of the few mild stability (if any stability) trail shoes on the market. That it also has an anatomic toe box and a moderate drop makes it even more unique. After reviewing version 2, version 3 was never sent our way. I was so interested in them that I had to buy a pair for myself to check out. Although this review is a bit tardy, it is never too late to discuss one of the rare mild stability trail shoes still on the market.

Monday Shakeout: About the 1st MTP and its Role in Running

The Monday Shakeout: All About the 1st MTP Joint
By Andrea Myers

Andrea takes on this week's Monday Shakeout to talk about a joint she refers to quite often in her reviews, the 1st MTP. She goes in-depth in this week's article, covering what the 1st MTP is and why it is important in regards to running.

This or That, Vol. 2: Speed 4 vs. Everything? Best Hoka Racer? Stretch When?? Pancakes vs. Waffles!? | DOR Podcast #178

This or That, Vol. 2: Endorphin Speed 4 vs. Everything? Best Hoka Racer? Stretch When?? Pancakes vs. Waffles!?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 178

The game is This or That? No gray areas, no "it depends". Matt and David go back and forth on shoes, training, and more. They pit the soon-to-be-released Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 against a bevvy of competitors' shoes like the Boston 12 and Mach X. They debate easy runs vs. long runs, stretching post-run or not, running in the rain vs. running in the cold, and even more. Have a debate you'd like to hear? DM us on Instagram or email us at doctorsofrunningpodcast@gmail.com.

Puma Velocity Nitro 3 Review (2024)

Puma Velocity Nitro 3 Review: Neutral Cushioning
By David Salas

Puma's Velocity series has excelled at providing a solid all-arounder that keeps things simple with a reliable moderate stack height trainer that competes with shoes like the Nike Pegasus and Asics Cumulus. Their outsole has become the stuff of legends, providing some industry-leading grip underfoot. The latest in the series continues refining the shoe with a hint of extra cushioning to add a little more comfort to those everyday miles.

Hoka Arahi 7 Review (2024)

Hoka Arahi 7 Review
By Matthew Klein, David Salas, and Bach Pham

The Hoka Arahi 7 is the long-awaited update to one of the more popular stability training shoes. Although primarily an upper update, which is slightly disappointing after a two-year wait, those wanting consistent stability will still love the J-Frame posting that wraps the lateral heel and the full-length side of the medial aspect of the shoe. The new flat knit upper will divide long-time Arahi wearers as the fit becomes more narrow but those wanting that type of fit will love the upper update.

Karhu Fusion 4.0 Review (2024)

Karhu Fusion 4.0 Review: Bringing Modern and Classic Together
By Andrea Myers & David Salas

Karhu is a Finnish shoe brand that has been making running shoes for over 100 years. With famous names like Emil Zatopek running (and winning gold medals) in their shoes, Karhu has an impressive pedigree that many in the US are not aware of. My first impression of them was in 2022 when I got to test the Karhu Ikoni, which is their stable neutral offering. I was highly impressed by the shoe's wide toe box and rockered ride. The Fusion is their neutral shoe, and version 4.0 features updates to the upper, a new nitrogen-injected midsole foam, and a deflection channel in the rearfoot and midfoot. 

On Cloudmonster 2 Review (2024)

 

On Cloudmonster 2 Review: Moving in the Right Direction
By David Salas and Matthew Klein

The On Cloudmonster was a massive turning point for the company. It was one of the first shoes that many considered actually cushioned from the "cloud" company and has continued to be an extremely popular model. While still maintaining some degree of mild firmness On is known for, it signaled a change as the On Cloudsurfer and On Cloudeclipse followed suit. As they have continued to refine their cushioning, the On Cloudmonster 2 showcases On's willingness to try things with a duel density midsole, a filled outsole gap and a slightly higher volume upper. How new these things end up in practice... is up for discussion.

Karhu Mestari Run Review (2024)

Karhu Mestari Run Review: Stable Neutral and Comfy
By Matthew Klein

A brand previously not well known in the US, Karhu has made a decent push both in their footwear and lifestyle lines. I have spotted a surprising number of my students wearing Karhu lifestyle shoes and have often wondered if they know the extensive running history of the brand they are wearing casually. Making shoes for over 100 years, the Finnish brand most recently came to the US strongly through Fleet Feet with several different training shoes and eventually a trail shoe. Things went quiet for a bit, then finally, something new emerged. Although slightly lower stack than other offerings, Karhu has made the move into a maximally cushioned training shoe. While it might be a bit lower than others it makes up for it with a plush and rockered ride that feels vastly different than prior shoes from the brand. Not only is the shoe "bear"-able, but they have quickly become a favorite for both easy runs, walking and standing.

Monday Shakeout: What is Drop in Shoes and Why it is a Deceptive Number

The Monday Shakeout: The Variability of Shoe Drop
By Matthew Klein

This week we talk about the static measurement of heel drop doesn't tell the true story and why a dynamic understanding will help runners (and walkers) best understand this commonly reported specification.

Zero Drop Science, Wide Toeboxes, and Moving the Altra "FWD" | DOR Podcast 177

We Talk with Altra Running about Zero Drop Science, Wide Toeboxes, and Moving the Company "FWD"
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 177

Over the past decade, Altra has gathered a cult following, with their signature zero drop midsoles and anatomically shaped shoes. On this episode, Nathan and Matt interview Brian Beckstead, Co-founder of Altra, and Alex Lind, Senior Product Line Manager. They discuss the history of Altra and how it was formed from the ground up. They explore the place for zero-drop, "natural" shoes in the current world of max cushion everything. They also take a look at the future of the brand with the introduction of the FWD Experience (their first non-zero drop offering) and their new racing options like the Vanish Carbon and Mont Blanc.

Hoka Clifton 9 and Clifton 9 GTX Review (2023)

Hoka Clifton 9 and Clifton 9 GTX Review: A Refined Workhorse
By David Salas, Nathan Brown, and Bach Pham

The Hoka Clifton series has always been the neutral workhorse for the brand. One of the best-selling shoes in the marketplace, it's become a legacy series not only for runners, but also everyday people who are on their feet for much of the day due to its consistent comfort. The shoe itself is iconic for helping usher in the maximalist movement that's reshaped running as we know it. The new Clifton 9 continues its lineage with a few updates, including a change to the midsole foam, 2mm of stack height, and a new upper that is more accommodating. The shoe continues to be the lightweight, rockered daily trainer that people have come to love and expect when putting on a Clifton. 

ASICS GEL-Cumulus 26 (2024): Surprisingly Big Changes

ASICS GEL-Cumulus 26: Surprisingly Big Changes
By Matthew Klein and Andrea Myers

The ASICS Cumulus series has been a standard neutral daily training shoe for years. It remained fairly consistent until it was completely redone in version 25. A brand new midsole, upper geometry, and far lighter weight brought the shoe into the modern age. Some changes, like the excessively flared rearfoot, may have gone a bit too far, making for a clunky rearfoot. The newest version presents some dramatic changes, a rarity in today's usual two-year turn around (with upper updates on the odd year). Coming in at a similar weight with the outsole flare turned down, a new snappy and rolling ride comes to the Cumulus 26, giving it a rare uptempo capacity in the continued evolution of this series.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 Review (2024): More Aggressive

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 Review: Traction Town
By Matthew Klein and David Salas

Born from research that reported that different people responded best to different levels of stiffness, the Saucony Endorphin Speed series has been an incredibly popular line. From a daily training shoe to a racing shoe, people have used it for all kinds of purposes. This earned the shoe a reputation as being a do it all model that could handle training and racing. Version 3 seemed to depart from the series a bit, turning a little less aggressive and more trainer-like. Version 4 redirects that course, increasing in aggressiveness and returning the series to a more workout/racer purpose. Those who have loved this series should not fear as it now feels like a cross between Versions 2 and 3. How exactly that feels... read on to find out. 

Monday Shakeout: The Science of Sole Width and Why it's So Popular in Footwear Today

The Monday Shakeout: The Science of Sole Width and Why it's So Popular in Footwear Today
By Matthew Klein

It's one of the defining characteristics of running shoe footwear in recent years. With the rise of stack height has also come in the rise of sole width as the go-to mechanic to balance this characteristic out. Matt discusses in today's Monday Shakeout why sole width is so impactful in today's shoes.

Hoka Cielo X1 Review (2024)

Hoka Cielo X1 Review
By David Salas, Andrea Myers and Matthew Klein

The Hoka Rocket X2 was a welcome release from the brand signaling they finally understood what a super racing shoe actually was. It was one of our favorites for 2023 and is one of the more stable racers due to large sidewalls and a wider base in typical Hoka fashion. In line with other companies, while a super shoe is the norm, having another racing shoe a step up has become more common plate (the Saucony Endorphin Elite to the Endorphin Pro, the Alphafly to the Vaporfly and so on). Rumors have circled for quite some time as to whether this shoe would actually come into existence and to everyone's excitement, it finally has. The Hoka Cielo X1 doubles down on everything from the Rocket X2 featuring a duel-layer PEBA midsole, a highly rockered geometry, and an aggressive rocker that constantly keeps you forward. A sight to behold, the Cielo X1 may turn some heads with its unique look.