Our verdict

For new runners, the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 is the forgiving neutral pick; women should choose the women's version, and mild overpronators the New Balance 860.

Best for best running trainers for first-time and casual runners

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Why we chose it: Gel cushioning in the heel and forefoot, plus a wide toe box, for a forgiving ride while your joints adapt to regular mileage. Read the full reasoning →

ASICS Men's Gel-Nimbus 27 Sneaker

View ASICS Men's Gel-Nimbus 27 Sneaker on AmazonYou pay the same either way.

We synthesized thisHow we pickedUpdated Aug 21, 2026Affiliate disclosureIndependent recommendations — never pay-to-play.

Buy this if

You prioritize cushioning and ride
You prioritize gait support
You prioritize fit and last

Skip it if

Skip these road-focused trainers if you mostly run trails — a lugged trail shoe grips better off-road — or if a gait analysis shows you need strong motion control beyond a mild stability post.

Our top pick

Top pick

ASICS Men's Gel-Nimbus 27 Sneaker

CushioningGel in heel and forefoot
MidsoleFF BLAST PLUS ECO
FitWide toe box
Gait suited toNeutral or mild underpronation

Pros

Gel cushioning in the heel and forefoot gives a protective, forgiving ride while you build mileage
FF BLAST PLUS ECO midsole keeps the shoe light and returns energy step to step
Wide toe box leaves room for the foot to splay on longer runs

Cons

Built for a neutral to mild gait, not moderate-to-severe overpronation
A cushioned neutral trainer rather than a stability shoe

View ASICS Men's Gel-Nimbus 27 Sneaker on AmazonYou pay the same either way.

Alternatives

Best for women building a first routine

ASICS Women's Gel-Nimbus 27 Sneaker

CushioningGel in heel and forefoot
MidsoleFF BLAST PLUS ECO
FitWomen's-specific last and anatomical geometry
Gait suited toNeutral or mild gait

Pros

Same gel cushioning stack and structure as the men's Gel-Nimbus 27
Women's-specific last and anatomical geometry shape the fit around the foot
A protective, forgiving ride while you build a running routine

Cons

Shares the men's neutral cushioned build, so it is not a stability shoe for stronger overpronation
A cushioned neutral trainer rather than a corrective one

View ASICS Women's Gel-Nimbus 27 Sneaker on AmazonYou pay the same either way.

Best for mild overpronators

New Balance Men's 860 Sneaker

TypeMotion-control stability trainer
Support featureMedial stability post
Gait suited toMild overpronation
OutsoleDurable, made for road use

Pros

Medial stability post supports mild overpronators, helping keep the foot aligned mile after mile
Motion-control build steadies your stride on longer road runs
Durable outsole holds up to regular tarmac miles

Cons

The stability structure can feel unnecessarily rigid for neutral runners
A corrective trainer rather than a soft neutral cushioned ride

View New Balance Men's 860 Sneaker on AmazonYou pay the same either way.

How the picks compare

The picks compared for best running trainers for first-time and casual runners
Attribute	ASICS Men's Gel-Nimbus 27 SneakerBest for best running trainers for first-time and casual runners	ASICS Women's Gel-Nimbus 27 Sneaker	New Balance Men's 860 Sneaker
Cushioning and ride	ASICS Men's Gel-Nimbus 27 SneakerGel heel and forefoot, FF BLAST PLUS ECO midsole	ASICS Women's Gel-Nimbus 27 SneakerSame gel stack as the men's version	New Balance Men's 860 SneakerMotion-control build, durable road outsole
Gait support	ASICS Men's Gel-Nimbus 27 SneakerNeutral to mild, no stability post	ASICS Women's Gel-Nimbus 27 SneakerNeutral to mild, no stability post	New Balance Men's 860 SneakerMedial stability post for mild overpronation
Fit and last	ASICS Men's Gel-Nimbus 27 SneakerWide toe box, men's last	ASICS Women's Gel-Nimbus 27 SneakerWomen's-specific last and anatomical geometry	New Balance Men's 860 SneakerMen's stability last

What to look for

Cushioning and ride

New runners need a forgiving, protective ride while joints adapt to regular mileage.

Gait support

The right amount of support depends on whether your foot runs neutral or rolls inward as it lands.

Fit and last

A trainer built for your foot shape and the correct gender-specific last decides comfort over distance.

How we chose

We synthesized this

You've decided to start running, and the first question is what to put on your feet — before a single sore knee or blister talks you out of it. Your first pair has one job: to keep you comfortable and protected while your body adapts to regular mileage. That points most beginners towards a cushioned, forgiving ride, matched to how your foot lands.

We weighed each trainer on three things that matter early on: how cushioned and forgiving the ride is, how much gait support it offers, and who the last is built for. The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 wins as the neutral pick because its gel cushioning and wide toe box give a protective ride for a foot that runs roughly straight.

The alternatives exist because feet differ. Women get the same cushioning on a women's-specific last in the women's Gel-Nimbus 27. If your foot rolls inward as it lands, the New Balance 860 adds a medial stability post that a neutral shoe simply does not have.

Every assessment here is a synthesis of documented construction and intended use, not a timed wear test — you can read exactly what that means on our how-we-test page. If you can, have your gait checked before you buy; the right category matters more than the badge on the shoe.

Frequently asked questions

Neutral or stability trainers for a beginner?

If your foot lands roughly straight, a neutral cushioned trainer like the Gel-Nimbus suits you. If it rolls inward as you land, a stability trainer with a medial post such as the New Balance 860 adds support. A gait check at a running shop settles it.

Why are the men's and women's versions listed separately?

They share the same cushioning stack and forgiving ride, but the women's version is built on a women's-specific last and anatomical fit geometry, so you land on the correct sizing and shape. Choose the version that matches your foot rather than the badge.

How much cushioning does a new runner need?

Enough to feel protected while your joints adapt to regular running, without so much that the shoe feels unstable underfoot. A well-cushioned neutral trainer like the Gel-Nimbus strikes that balance, which is why it suits most people starting out. You can go firmer later as you build strength.