Análisis basado en datos de fuentes expertas. Top-rated running shoes for beginners in 2026, ranked by expert data.
We analyzed 5 shoes for this list, ranking them by aggregated expert scores, real-world specs, and value for money. Overall scores range from 90-91/100 and prices from $140 to $165. Here's what stood out — and why the ranking order matters.
**91/100** · $140 · 256g · 8mm drop The ASICS Novablast 5 stands out for its flexibility (88/100) and cushioning (90/100). It bends easily through the toe-off phase for a natural stride. The trade-off: stability scores 72/100 — it lets your foot move naturally, which works best for efficient, neutral gaits. Best for: daily training, easy runs.
**91/100** · $155 · 283g · 5mm drop The Hoka Speedgoat 6 stands out for its traction (94/100). It grips confidently on wet and dry surfaces. The trade-off: weight scores 72/100 — it carries extra weight that you'll notice in faster efforts. Best for: trail.
**90/100** · $165 · 305g · 8mm drop The ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27 stands out for its cushioning (93/100). It absorbs impact exceptionally well, ideal for long distances and joint protection. The trade-off: weight scores 72/100 — it carries extra weight that you'll notice in faster efforts. Best for: long runs, easy runs.
**90/100** · $165 · 289g · 10mm drop The Brooks Glycerin 22 stands out for its cushioning (92/100). It absorbs impact exceptionally well, ideal for long distances and joint protection. The trade-off: weight scores 72/100 — it carries extra weight that you'll notice in faster efforts. Best for: long runs, easy runs.
**90/100** · $155 · 278g · 8mm drop The Hoka Clifton 10 stands out for its weight (84/100) and value for money (90/100). It is impressively light, reducing fatigue over long distances. Best for: daily training, easy runs.
Here's how all the shoes compare on the metrics that matter most:
**ASICS Novablast 5** — 91/100 overall · Cushioning 90 · Durability 82 · Value 88 · $140 **Hoka Speedgoat 6** — 91/100 overall · Cushioning 82 · Durability 84 · Value 86 · $155 **ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27** — 90/100 overall · Cushioning 93 · Durability 86 · Value 85 · $165 **Brooks Glycerin 22** — 90/100 overall · Cushioning 92 · Durability 86 · Value 84 · $165 **Hoka Clifton 10** — 90/100 overall · Cushioning 88 · Durability 80 · Value 90 · $155
Our top pick is the **ASICS Novablast 5** with a 91/100 overall score, but the **Hoka Clifton 10** offers the best value for money at $155.
Our scores are aggregated from expert review sources including Runner's World, Believe in the Run, Road Trail Run, Doctors of Running, and other trusted publications. We normalize scores to a 0-100 scale and weight them equally. Specs are sourced from manufacturer data. Prices reflect MSRP at time of writing.
