The buyer question · week of Nov 2 – 8

Best Running Shoes for Beginners Ranking

Picked by AI, checked by people.

The weekly chart ?

The top 20 products brands right now.

Product chart

Current race ?

This week ?

Hoka Bondi 9 holds #1.

#1 in 3 of the last 25 weeks

2 back2 out

All 20 moves ↓

Tap a card for each AI’s place and the monthly check.

#ProductPlace by weekLast weekWeeks in top 20Top-20 weeks
  1. #1same place as last weekBondi 9HokaAlso #1 Running Shoes · #1 Best Running Shoes for Knee Pain · +3Last week #1 · 17 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#11
    2. Claude#8
    3. Gemini#12
    4. AI Mode#3
    5. Grok#8
    6. Perplexity#17

    named by 6/6

    The card’s #1 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Score read from review videos4.0/5read from 5 videos · Jul 2026 ? 123
    • Press0/3outlets recommend · 0 with more cons than pros · Jul 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Press · 3 publications
    • GearLabMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • Treeline ReviewMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • Switchback TravelMixed · Date not savedOriginal

    Watch · YouTube and TikTok ?

    Hoka Bondi 9 (completely unbiased review)YouTube: Ben Parkes · 188K views · Jan 2025

    4 TikTok clips · 838K views

    705K75.4K54.2K

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Hoka Bondi 9
  2. #2same place as last weekPegasus 42NikeLast week #2 · 19 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#5
    2. Claude#11
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#3

    named by 3/6

    The card’s #2 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.8261 ratings · Jul 2026
    • Score read from review videos4.0/5read from 5 videos · Aug 2026 ? 123

    Watch · YouTube and TikTok ?

    Nike Pegasus 42 100% Honest Review (buy these instead)YouTube: Ben Parkes - Road Running Reviews · 103K views · Apr 2026

    3 TikTok clips · 242K views

    236K3.9K1.9K
    Search Google for Nike Pegasus 42
  3. #3same place as last weekGhost 18BrooksAlso #5 Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet · #9 Running ShoesLast week #3 · 20 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#2

    named by 1/6

    The card’s #3 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.4682 ratings · Oct 2026
    • Score read from review videos4.0/5read from 5 videos · Oct 2026 ? 123

    Watch · YouTube ?

    I bought the Brooks Ghost 18. Here’s my 100% honest review!YouTube: 52.1K views · Jun 2026

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Brooks Ghost 18
  4. #4same place as last weekGel-Nimbus 28ASICSAlso #2 Best Running Shoes for Knee Pain · #5 Running Shoes · +1Last week #4 · 12 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#7
    2. Claude#2
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#6

    named by 3/6

    The card’s #4 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.52,239 ratings · Oct 2026

    Watch · YouTube ?

    MOST COMFY SHOE OF THE YEAR! Asics Gel Nimbus 28 review (100% honest!)YouTube: Ben Parkes · 97.1K views · Jan 2026

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28
  5. #5same place as last weekGhost 17BrooksAlso #9 Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet · #11 Running Shoes · +1Last week #5 · 20 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#1
    2. Claude#1
    3. Gemini#1
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#2
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 4/6

    The card’s #5 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.34,175 ratings · Oct 2026
    • Score read from review videos4.2/5read from 5 videos · Jul 2026 ? 123

    Watch · YouTube ?

    Brooks Ghost 17 Review: The Beloved, Do-It-All Daily Trainer Is Back and Better Than EverYouTube: Road Runner Sports · 655K views · Jul 2025

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Brooks Ghost 17
  6. #6same place as last weekFresh Foam X 1080v15New BalanceAlso #3 Running Shoes · #3 Best Running Shoes for Knee Pain · +2Last week #6 · 12 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#9
    2. Claude#10
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#5
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 3/6

    The card’s #6 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.31,526 ratings · Oct 2026
    • Press1/3outlets recommend · 0 with more cons than pros · Jul 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Press · 3 publications
    • GearLabMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • Good HousekeepingRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • RTINGS.comMixed · Date not savedOriginal

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15
  7. #7same place as last weekRide 18SauconyLast week #7 · 20 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#4
    2. Claude#5
    3. Gemini#14
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#4
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 4/6

    The card’s #7 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.6603 ratings · Oct 2026
    • Score read from review videos3.8/5read from 5 videos · Jul 2026 ? 123
    • Owners’ threads: widespread, serious failures0serious failures · 4 threads read · Oct 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Owners

    4 threads read · 0 serious failure themes

    Watch · YouTube ?

    Saucony Ride 18 Review: Highly Versatile, and More Comfortable Than EverYouTube: Road Runner Sports · 444K views · Jul 2025
    Search Google for Saucony Ride 18
  8. #8same place as last weekGEL-Cumulus 28ASICSnot checkedLast week #8 · 3 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#2
    2. Claude#14
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#12

    named by 3/6

    The card’s #8 is the 4-week average.

    Not in the October 2026 check ?

    Watch · YouTube ?

    ASICS Gel Cumulus 28 Review: Simple, Reliable… and ExcellentYouTube: FORDY RUNS · 16.5K views · Mar 2026
    Search Google for ASICS GEL-Cumulus 28
  9. #9same place as last weekFresh Foam X 880v15New BalanceAlso #7 Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet · #19 Running ShoesLast week #9 · 9 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#3
    2. Claude#9
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#12
    6. Perplexity#7

    named by 4/6

    The card’s #9 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.42,141 ratings · Oct 2026

    Watch · YouTube ?

    New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15 Review! Incredible Daily Runner!YouTube: Hes Kicks · 30.8K views · Aug 2025

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15
  10. #10up 2 places since last weekVomero 18NikeMonthly check: Passes the checkLast week #12 · 15 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claude#12
    3. Gemini#7
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#11
    6. Perplexity#18

    named by 4/6

    The card’s #10 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Passes the check · buyers rate it highly ?
    • Buyers’ rating4.7779 ratings · Oct 2026
    • Score read from review videos4.2/5read from 5 videos · Aug 2026 ? 123
    Search Google for Nike Vomero 18
  11. #11same place as last weekClifton 10HokaAlso #9 Best Running Shoes for Knee Pain · #10 Running Shoes · +2Last week #11 · 20 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#6
    2. Claude#7
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#3
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 3/6

    The card’s #11 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.67,649 ratings · Jun 2026
    • Score read from review videos3.7/5read from 5 videos · Jul 2026 ? 123

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Hoka Clifton 10
  12. #12up 8 places since last weekTriumph 23SauconyAlso #5 Best Running Shoes for Knee Pain · #8 Running Shoes · +2Last week #20 · 2 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#10
    2. Claude#6
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#10
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 3/6

    The card’s #12 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Score read from review videos4.0/5read from 4 videos · Jul 2026 ? 123

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Saucony Triumph 23
  13. #13up 4 places since last weekGlycerin 22BrooksAlso #6 Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet · #12 Best Running Shoes for Knee Pain · +1Last week #17 · 19 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claude#16
    3. Gemini#3
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#9
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 3/6

    The card’s #13 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.81,868 ratings · Oct 2026
    • Score read from review videos4.0/5read from 5 videos · Jul 2026 ? 123

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Brooks Glycerin 22
  14. #14down 4 places since last weekRide 19SauconyLast week #10 · 19 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#14

    named by 1/6

    The card’s #14 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Score read from review videos4.3/5read from 5 videos · Oct 2026 ? 123
    Search Google for Saucony Ride 19
  15. #15up 1 place since last weekNovablast 6ASICSLast week #16 · 6 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Mode#2
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#1

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #15 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Score read from review videos4.0/5read from 5 videos · Oct 2026 ? 123
    Search Google for ASICS Novablast 6
  16. #16down 1 place since last weekClifton 11Hokanot checkedLast week #15 · 5 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#5

    named by 1/6

    The card’s #16 is the 4-week average.

    Not in the October 2026 check ?

    Search Google for Hoka Clifton 11
  17. #17up 5 places since last weekGlycerin 23BrooksRe-entryAlso #10 Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet · #11 Best Running Shoes for Knee Pain · +1Last week #22 · 5 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#8
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#13

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #17 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.6408 ratings · Oct 2026
    • Score read from review videos3.8/5read from 5 videos · Jul 2026 ? 123

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Brooks Glycerin 23
  18. #18down 5 places since last weekWave Rider 29MizunoMonthly check: Passes the checkLast week #13 · 14 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#18
    2. Claude#26
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #18 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Passes the check · buyers rate it highly ?
    • Buyers’ rating4.81,041 ratings · Oct 2026
    • Owners’ threads: widespread, serious failures0serious failures · 5 threads read · Oct 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Owners

    5 threads read · 0 serious failure themes

    Search Google for Mizuno Wave Rider 29
  19. #19down 1 place since last weekAdrenaline GTS 25BrooksAlso #1 Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet · #2 Running Shoes · +3Last week #18 · 9 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#12
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#20

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #19 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.61,347 ratings · Jun 2026
    • Score read from review videos4.0/5read from 5 videos · Jul 2026 ? 123

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
  20. #20up 1 place since last weekSupernova Rise 3AdidasRe-entrynot checkedLast week #21 · 5 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#10

    named by 1/6

    The card’s #20 is the 4-week average.

    Not in the October 2026 check ?

    Search Google for Adidas Supernova Rise 3

Dropped out of the top 20 ?

Show places 21–100Hide places 21–100
  1. #21Ghost Max 2Brooks · last wk #24 8 wks in top 20
  2. #22GEL-Cumulus 27ASICS · last wk #14 19 wks in top 20
  3. #23Supernova Rise 2Adidas · last wk #19 18 wks in top 20
  4. #24Gel-Kayano 32ASICS · last wk #25 9 wks in top 20
  5. #25Clifton 9Hoka · last wk #27 8 wks in top 20
  6. #26Fresh Foam X 1080v14New Balance · last wk #23 17 wks in top 20
  7. #27Structure 26Nike · last wk #38 0 wks in top 20
  8. #28Paradigm 8Altra · last wk #36 0 wks in top 20
  9. #29Adrenaline GTS 24Brooks · last wk #28 9 wks in top 20Passes the check
  10. #30Guide 18Saucony · last wk #26 1 wk in top 20Passes the check
  11. #31Velocity Nitro 4Puma · last wk #30 8 wks in top 20
  12. #32Wave Rider 28Mizuno · last wk #35 0 wks in top 20
  13. #33Arahi 8Hoka · last wk #40 1 wk in top 20
  14. #34Velocity Nitro 5Puma · last wk #39 0 wks in top 20
  15. #35GEL-Kayano 33ASICS · last wk #33 0 wks in top 20
  16. #36Fresh Foam X More v5New Balance · last wk #32 0 wks in top 20
  17. #37Pegasus 41Nike · last wk #50 3 wks in top 20
  18. #38Guide 19Saucony · last wk #43 0 wks in top 20
  19. #39Triumph 24Saucony · last wk #42 0 wks in top 20
  20. #40Triumph 22Saucony · last wk #29 8 wks in top 20
  21. #41Cloudmonster 2On · last wk #37 0 wks in top 20
  22. #42Gel-Nimbus 27ASICS · last wk #31 18 wks in top 20Passes the check
  23. #43860v15New Balance · last wk #44 0 wks in top 20
  24. #44Pegasus 44Nike · last wk #48 0 wks in top 20
  25. #45Launch 11Brooks · last wk #41 0 wks in top 20
  26. #46GT-2000 15ASICS · last wk #47 0 wks in top 20
  27. #47Torin 8Altra · last wk #34 3 wks in top 20
  28. #48GT-2000 14ASICS · last wk #46 0 wks in top 20
  29. #49EllipseNew Balance · last wk #87 0 wks in top 20
  30. #50Pegasus 43Nike · last wk #49 2 wks in top 20
  31. #51Ultraboost 26Adidas · last wk #80 0 wks in top 20
  32. #52Gel-Kayano 31ASICS · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  33. #53Invincible 3Nike · last wk #81 0 wks in top 20
  34. #541080v15New Balance · last wk #93 0 wks in top 20
  35. #55Winflo 12Nike · last wk #56 0 wks in top 20
  36. #56Novablast 5ASICS · last wk #57 8 wks in top 20
  37. #57Guide 17Saucony · last wk #60 0 wks in top 20
  38. #58GO RUN Ride 11Skechers · last wk #52 0 wks in top 20
  39. #59Deviate Nitro 3Puma · last wk #45 0 wks in top 20
  40. #60Velocity Nitro 3Puma · last wk #51 0 wks in top 20
  41. #61Revolution 8Nike · last wk #62 0 wks in top 20
  42. #62Cloudsurfer 2On · last wk #85 0 wks in top 20
  43. #63Adizero SL2Adidas · last wk #84 0 wks in top 20
  44. #64Aero Glide 3Salomon · last wk #58 0 wks in top 20
  45. #65Cloudsurfer 8On · last wk #66 0 wks in top 20
  46. #66Kaiha Road v2New Balance · last wk #65 0 wks in top 20
  47. #67HOVR Infinite 6Under Armour · last wk #55 0 wks in top 20
  48. #68Infinite 4Under Armour · last wk #95 0 wks in top 20
  49. #69Supernova Solution 3Adidas · last wk #68 0 wks in top 20
  50. #70Duramo SL 2Adidas · last wk #69 0 wks in top 20
  51. #71880v15New Balance · last wk #54 0 wks in top 20
  52. #72Ghost 16Brooks · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  53. #73Air Zoom Pegasus 42Nike · last wk #72 0 wks in top 20
  54. #74Ellipse v1New Balance · last wk #76 0 wks in top 20
  55. #75Air Zoom Pegasus 43Nike · last wk #78 0 wks in top 20
  56. #76Invincible 4Nike · last wk #82 0 wks in top 20
  57. #77Invincible Run 4Nike · last wk #79 0 wks in top 20
  58. #78Supernova RiseAdidas · last wk #83 0 wks in top 20
  59. #79Trace 4Brooks · last wk #88 0 wks in top 20
  60. #80Fresh Foam 680v9New Balance · last wk #89 0 wks in top 20
  61. #81Arahi 7Hoka · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  62. #82GEL-Cumulus 26ASICS · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  63. #83Ghost Max 4Brooks · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  64. #84Wave Inspire 21Mizuno · last wk #63 0 wks in top 20
  65. #85Cloudmonster 3On · last wk #53 0 wks in top 20
  66. #86Gel-Excite 11ASICS · last wk #97 0 wks in top 20
  67. #87Cloudsurfer NextOn · last wk #61 0 wks in top 20
  68. #88Cloudrunner 2On · last wk #94 0 wks in top 20
  69. #89Axon 4Saucony · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  70. #90HOVR Sonic 6Under Armour · last wk #98 0 wks in top 20
  71. #91Fresh Foam X More v6New Balance · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  72. #92Nimbus 27ASICS · last wk #100 0 wks in top 20
  73. #93Questar 4Adidas · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  74. #94Wave Inspire 22Mizuno · last wk — 0 wks in top 20Passes the check
  75. #95Topo Athletic Atmos 3Topo Athletic · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  76. #96Fresh Foam X 860v14New Balance · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  77. #97Launch 12Brooks · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  78. #98Alva Paradigm 8Alva · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  79. #99GT-1000 15ASICS · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  80. #100Phantom 3Topo Athletic · last wk #96 0 wks in top 20

Brand chart

Current race ?

This week ?

Brooks holds #1.

#1 in 20 of the last 25 weeks

2 back2 out

All 18 moves ↓

Tap a card for its products here, its price tier and other charts.

#BrandPlace by weekLast weekWeeks in top 20Top-20 weeks
  1. #1same place as last weekBrooksModels here: #3 Ghost 18 · #5 Ghost 17 · +10Last week #1 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Brooks products here ?

    12 products in the top 100 · 5 in the top 20

    1. #3 Ghost 18Buyers’ rating 4.4 · 682 ratings · Oct 2026
    2. #5 Ghost 17Buyers’ rating 4.3 · 4.2K ratings · Oct 2026
    3. #13 Glycerin 22Buyers’ rating 4.8 · 1.9K ratings · Oct 2026
    4. #17 Glycerin 23Buyers’ rating 4.6 · 408 ratings · Oct 2026
    5. #19 Adrenaline GTS 25Buyers’ rating 4.6 · 1.3K ratings · Jun 2026

    Where Brooks is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Brooks running shoes for beginners
  2. #2same place as last weekNikeModels here: #2 Pegasus 42 · #10 Vomero 18 · +11Last week #2 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Nike products here ?

    13 products in the top 100 · 2 in the top 20

    1. #2 Pegasus 42Buyers’ rating 4.8 · 261 ratings · Jul 2026
    2. #10 Vomero 18Passes the check: buyers 4.7★
    3. #27 Structure 26below the top 20
    4. #37 Pegasus 41below the top 20
    5. #44 Pegasus 44below the top 20

    Where Nike is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Nike running shoes for beginners
  3. #3same place as last weekASICSModels here: #4 Gel-Nimbus 28 · #8 GEL-Cumulus 28 · +13Last week #3 · 25 weeks in top 20

    ASICS products here ?

    15 products in the top 100 · 3 in the top 20

    1. #4 Gel-Nimbus 28Buyers’ rating 4.5 · 2.2K ratings · Oct 2026
    2. #8 GEL-Cumulus 28not checked
    3. #15 Novablast 6Score read from review videos: 4.0/5 from video
    4. #22 GEL-Cumulus 27below the top 20
    5. #24 Gel-Kayano 32below the top 20

    Where ASICS is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for ASICS running shoes for beginners
  4. #4same place as last weekNew BalanceModels here: #6 Fresh Foam X 1080v15 · #9 Fresh Foam X 880v15 · +11Last week #4 · 25 weeks in top 20

    New Balance products here ?

    13 products in the top 100 · 2 in the top 20

    1. #6 Fresh Foam X 1080v15Buyers’ rating 4.3 · 1.5K ratings · Oct 2026
    2. #9 Fresh Foam X 880v15Buyers’ rating 4.4 · 2.1K ratings · Oct 2026
    3. #26 Fresh Foam X 1080v14below the top 20
    4. #36 Fresh Foam X More v5below the top 20
    5. #43 860v15below the top 20

    Where New Balance is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for New Balance running shoes for beginners
  5. #5same place as last weekHokaModels here: #1 Bondi 9 · #11 Clifton 10 · +4Last week #5 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Hoka products here ?

    6 products in the top 100 · 3 in the top 20

    1. #1 Bondi 9Score read from review videos: 4.0/5 from video
    2. #11 Clifton 10Buyers’ rating 4.6 · 7.6K ratings · Jun 2026
    3. #16 Clifton 11not checked
    4. #25 Clifton 9below the top 20
    5. #33 Arahi 8below the top 20

    Where Hoka is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Hoka running shoes for beginners
  6. #6same place as last weekSauconyModels here: #7 Ride 18 · #12 Triumph 23 · +7Last week #6 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Saucony products here ?

    9 products in the top 100 · 3 in the top 20

    1. #7 Ride 18Buyers’ rating 4.6 · 603 ratings · Oct 2026
    2. #12 Triumph 23Score read from review videos: 4.0/5 from video
    3. #14 Ride 19Score read from review videos: 4.3/5 from video
    4. #30 Guide 18below the top 20
    5. #38 Guide 19below the top 20

    Where Saucony is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Saucony running shoes for beginners
  7. #7same place as last weekAdidasModels here: #20 Supernova Rise 3 · #23 Supernova Rise 2 · +6Last week #7 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Adidas products here ?

    8 products in the top 100 · 1 in the top 20

    1. #20 Supernova Rise 3not checked
    2. #23 Supernova Rise 2below the top 20
    3. #51 Ultraboost 26below the top 20
    4. #63 Adizero SL2below the top 20
    5. #69 Supernova Solution 3below the top 20

    Where Adidas is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Adidas running shoes for beginners
  8. #8same place as last weekMizunoModels here: #18 Wave Rider 29 · #32 Wave Rider 28 · +2Last week #8 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Mizuno products here ?

    4 products in the top 100 · 1 in the top 20

    1. #18 Wave Rider 29Passes the check: buyers 4.8★
    2. #32 Wave Rider 28below the top 20
    3. #84 Wave Inspire 21below the top 20
    4. #94 Wave Inspire 22below the top 20

    Where Mizuno is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Mizuno running shoes for beginners
  9. #9same place as last weekPumaModels here: #31 Velocity Nitro 4 · #34 Velocity Nitro 5 · +2Last week #9 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Puma products here ?

    4 products in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #31 Velocity Nitro 4below the top 20
    2. #34 Velocity Nitro 5below the top 20
    3. #59 Deviate Nitro 3below the top 20
    4. #60 Velocity Nitro 3below the top 20

    Where Puma is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Puma running shoes for beginners
  10. #10up 1 place since last weekAltraModels here: #28 Paradigm 8 · #47 Torin 8Last week #11 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Altra products here ?

    2 products in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #28 Paradigm 8below the top 20
    2. #47 Torin 8below the top 20

    Where Altra is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Altra running shoes for beginners
  11. #11down 1 place since last weekOnModels here: #41 Cloudmonster 2 · #62 Cloudsurfer 2 · +4Last week #10 · 25 weeks in top 20

    On products here ?

    6 products in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #41 Cloudmonster 2below the top 20
    2. #62 Cloudsurfer 2below the top 20
    3. #65 Cloudsurfer 8below the top 20
    4. #85 Cloudmonster 3below the top 20
    5. #87 Cloudsurfer Nextbelow the top 20

    Where On is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for On running shoes for beginners
  12. #12same place as last weekUnder ArmourModels here: #67 HOVR Infinite 6 · #68 Infinite 4 · +1Last week #12 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Under Armour products here ?

    3 products in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #67 HOVR Infinite 6below the top 20
    2. #68 Infinite 4below the top 20
    3. #90 HOVR Sonic 6below the top 20

    Where Under Armour is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Under Armour running shoes for beginners
  13. #13same place as last weekSkechersModels here: #58 GO RUN Ride 11Last week #13 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Skechers products here ?

    1 product in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #58 GO RUN Ride 11below the top 20

    Where Skechers is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Skechers running shoes for beginners
  14. #14up 1 place since last weekTopo AthleticModels here: #95 Topo Athletic Atmos 3 · #100 Phantom 3Last week #15 · 22 weeks in top 20

    Topo Athletic products here ?

    2 products in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #95 Topo Athletic Atmos 3below the top 20
    2. #100 Phantom 3below the top 20

    Where Topo Athletic is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Topo Athletic running shoes for beginners
  15. #15down 1 place since last weekSalomonModels here: #64 Aero Glide 3Last week #14 · 20 weeks in top 20

    Salomon products here ?

    1 product in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #64 Aero Glide 3below the top 20

    Where Salomon is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Salomon running shoes for beginners
  16. #16up 1 place since last weekReebokLast week #17 · 23 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#25
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 1/6

    Where each AI put its first product. The card’s #16 is the 4-week average.

    Search Google for Reebok running shoes for beginners
  17. #17up 1 place since last weekAlvaModels here: #98 Alva Paradigm 8Last week #18 · 3 weeks in top 20

    Alva products here ?

    1 product in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #98 Alva Paradigm 8below the top 20

    Where Alva is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Alva running shoes for beginners
  18. #18up 1 place since last weekDiadoraAlso #16 Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet · #18 Best Running Shoes for Knee PainLast week #19 · 10 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 0/6

    Where each AI put its first product. The card’s #18 is the 4-week average.

    Where Diadora is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Diadora running shoes for beginners
  19. #19up 2 places since last weekMerrellRe-entryAlso #1 Hiking Shoes · #1 Best Hiking Boots for Winter · +4Last week #21 · 10 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 0/6

    Where each AI put its first product. The card’s #19 is the 4-week average.

    Where Merrell is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Merrell running shoes for beginners
  20. #20up 3 places since last week361 DegreesRe-entryAlso #19 Best Running Shoes for Flat FeetLast week #23 · 2 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 0/6

    Where each AI put its first product. The card’s #20 is the 4-week average.

    Where 361 Degrees is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for 361 Degrees running shoes for beginners

Dropped out of the top 20 ?

  • NOBULL was #16, now below #100 4 weeks in the top 20
  • Topo was #20, now below #100 8 weeks in the top 20
Show places 21–26Hide places 21–26
  1. #21Newtonlast wk #24 0 wks in top 20
  2. #22Craftlast wk #27 0 wks in top 20
  3. #23Brandblacklast wk #26 0 wks in top 20
  4. #24Cotopaxilast wk #25 0 wks in top 20
  5. #25Decathlonlast wk #29 0 wks in top 20
  6. #26Jomalast wk #31 0 wks in top 20

The monthly check covers products; a brand is marked “Passes the check” only when its products here pass. See the product check → ?

The AI panel ?

Where the AIs disagree.

Each AI’s place for the top 10 and each AI’s own #1, in its own answer this week. Rows in chart order; an empty cell: not named this week.well above the other AIs well below not named this week ?
Place on this chartProductChatGPTClaudeGeminiAI ModeGrokPerplexityNamed by
#1Bondi 9118123, well above the others817, well below the others6/6
#2Pegasus 42511, well below the others33/6
#3Ghost 1821/6
#4Gel-Nimbus 287263/6
#5Ghost 1711124/6
#6Fresh Foam X 1080v1591053/6
#7Ride 184514, well below the others44/6
#8GEL-Cumulus 282, well above the others14123/6
#9Fresh Foam X 880v153, well above the others912, well below the others74/6
#10Vomero 18127, well above the others1118, well below the others4/6
Each AI’s #1 further down this chart
#15Novablast 6, Perplexity’s #1212/6

Further down: Grok’s #1 Pegasus 44 (#44 on this chart)AI Mode’s #1 Ghost 16 (#72 on this chart)

The AI panel ?

Where the AIs disagree.

Each AI’s place for the top 10 brands: where it put the brand’s highest-placed product this week. Rows in chart order; an empty cell: not named this week.well above the other AIs well below not named this week ?
Place on this chartBrandChatGPTClaudeGeminiAI ModeGrokPerplexityNamed by
#1Brooks1111226/6
#2Nike511, well below the others541, well above the others36/6
#3ASICS2282616/6
#4New Balance3, well above the others917, well below the others575/6
#5Hoka67113356/6
#6Saucony4514, well below the others414, well below the others5/6
#7Adidas2022207, well above the others10, well above the others5/6
#8Mizuno18, well above the others262416, well above the others265/6
#9Puma19, well above the others30, well below the others26, well below the others4, well above the others4/6
#10Altra22, well above the others2529, well below the others15, well above the others255/6

The monthly check · October 2026 ?

Where people agree with AI.

17 of the top 20 checked · No product in the top 20 fails the check, and none sits much lower with people than with the AI.

  1. Nike Vomero 18Passes the checkAI saysChart place#10named by 4 of 6People sayBuyers4.7/5779 ratingsVideo reviews4.2/55 videos123
  2. Mizuno Wave Rider 29Passes the checkAI saysChart place#18named by 2 of 6People sayBuyers4.8/51,041 ratings

See all checked products in the chart ↓ ?

Reviews by people · YouTube and TikTok ?

The reviews behind the chart.

83 review videos · one shown per product

4 more reviewsFewer reviews

Short clips TikTok

7 clips · 1.1M views

3 more clips0 more clipsFewer clips

The data behind this chart ?

What this ranking stands on.

From the AI panel 139 AI answers over 28 weeks from 6 assistants

From people

  • Buyer ratings113,351
  • Review videos219
  • Owner threads79
  • Press outlets6
  • Recall checks65

Before you buy

Questions buyers ask.

  • Who is #1 for “Best Running Shoes for Beginners”, and for how long?

    Hoka Bondi 9 is the #1 product this week, and has been #1 for 3 of the last 25 weeks. Brooks is the #1 brand, #1 for 20 of those weeks.

  • What changed on this chart in the last four weeks?

    5 of the top 20 products were not in the top 20 four weeks ago. The #1 then was Brooks Ghost 17; it is #5 now. Among brands, 3 new names joined the top 20.

  • Do buyers, reviewers, owners and the press agree with the AI?

    17 of the top 20 were checked in October 2026: none fails the check, and people place none much lower than the AI does. 2 pass the check: people back them.

Data as of November 2 ?

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New #1s, debuts and the picks that fail the check, from every chart. We will write only when there is news.