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Brooks Ghost
Brooks Ghost 18
The safest first pick for most new runners: cushioning that sits between soft and firm, so easy miles feel comfortable without the sinking sensation of a plush shoe, and it still lets you pick up the pace when you want to. This version brings a more breathable triple-jacquard mesh upper and a plusher tongue. The drop is 10 mm and the list price $150. The toe box tapers a little, so anyone with a wide forefoot should try it on before buying.
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HOKA Clifton
HOKA Clifton 11
A deep, protective layer of foam, 43 mm under the heel, in a shoe that still weighs about 9.2 oz in a men's size, which makes long, slow runs kind to tired legs. The fit is roomy with good volume in the toe box, and the cushioning feels medium-to-firm rather than marshmallow-soft. It also works well as a walking shoe on rest days. This version adds a shorter heel tab, an updated upper and reworked top eyelets for a better hold on the foot. Drop is 8 mm; list price $155.
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Nike Pegasus
Nike Pegasus 42
The dependable all-rounder: durable ReactX foam paired with a full-length Air Zoom unit that adds a livelier, more responsive push off the toes. Its 10 mm drop and big, compressing heel cushioning favour runners who land on their heels; midfoot strikers may notice the steep angle more. At about 10.3 oz in a men's size it is on the heavy side, and the toe box is a little shallow, so try it with your usual running socks. List price $145.
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Saucony Ride
Saucony Ride 19
The pick for a new runner who wants one shoe for everything on pavement. The ride is balanced rather than springy: cushioned, but without the sink of a recovery shoe, so it feels steady from the first jog to a first 10K. The PWRRUN+ foam is a touch softer than the previous version's, the drop is 8 mm and the men's shoe weighs about 8.9 oz. It comes in regular and wide sizes, though the standard toe box is not especially roomy. List price $145.
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ASICS Gel-Cumulus
ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28
Comfortable straight out of the box, and at its best on easy miles and long runs rather than anything fast. This version switches to FF Blast Max foam, lighter and bouncier than before, adds a heel gel unit that is much softer than earlier ones, and reworks the outsole after the previous model drew complaints about grip and wear. The drop is 8 mm, the men's shoe weighs about 9.1 oz and the list price is $145. Some testers found the toe box narrow, so consider a half size up or the wide fitting.
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Mizuno Wave Rider
Mizuno Wave Rider 30
A bigger update than most: 6 mm more foam under the forefoot and 4 mm more at the heel, a drop lowered from 10 mm to 8 mm, and Mizuno's Wave plate now running the full length of the midsole, hidden inside it. The result feels plusher than earlier Wave Riders while a firmer lower layer keeps the platform stable, and it stays easy to run in at a range of paces. Mizuno shoes tend to fit on the generous side, and the padded collar is comfortable. Around 265 g; list price $150.
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New Balance Fresh Foam X 880
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15
The one to try for a hard-to-fit foot: it comes in narrow, standard, wide and extra-wide fittings for both men and women. A thick stack of firmer Fresh Foam X, 40.5 mm at the heel, gives plenty of protection without a squishy feel, and the 6 mm drop is lower than most shoes here. It is heavier than most too, at about 10.7 oz in a men's size, and the midfoot fits snugly. Testers found it softens as it wears in and works for short or long runs. List price $140.
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ASICS Novablast
ASICS Novablast 6
For anyone who wants running to feel lively, the Novablast is built around bounce, with a soft heel and a forefoot pod of FF Turbo2 foam. It is light for its cushioning at about 8.8 oz in a men's size, and new ASICSGRIP rubber makes the outsole stickier. The 8 mm drop tips you noticeably forwards and some testers found the forefoot firm, so it suits steady, moderate paces better than a slow shuffle. The fit is secure and true to size. List price $155.
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ASICS Gel-Nimbus
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28
The plush option, for anyone who wants as much softness underfoot as possible and does not mind paying the highest list price here, $170. The FF Blast Plus foam stands 43.5 mm deep at the heel of the men's shoe with an 8 mm drop, yet this version is lighter than the last, at about 9.9 oz. It fits true to size with room to wiggle the toes, and an extra eyelet helps high-volume feet; it also comes in narrow and wide fittings for women and wide and extra-wide for men. One heel-striking tester found the roll from heel to toe a little clunky.
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adidas Supernova Rise
adidas Supernova Rise 3
A versatile all-rounder that handles slow long runs and the odd quicker session equally well. This version moves to a PEBA-based Dreamstrike+ foam that testers found softer than before, though the ride stays balanced and slightly firm rather than pillowy, with plenty of protection on landing. The drop comes down from 10 mm to 8 mm and the men's shoe weighs about 9.3 oz. The fit is snug and narrow through the midfoot and toe box, so wider feet may need to size up. List price $140.
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