BudgetBeginners
15 shoes reviewed
BudgetASICS
Excite 10
The best beginner shoe at this price: a firm heel counter, plush heel padding, a comfy upper and decent arch support.
BudgetASICS
Gel Pulse 16
The best budget max-cushion shoe for beginners: soft and very comfortable.
BudgetAction
Athleo Turbo-501
The only shoe here with a truly balanced midsole: soft yet responsive, stable and durable.
BudgetCult
Quasar
A soft, well-designed beginner shoe that covers all the basics. Only durability holds it back.
BudgetASICS
Excite 11
The Excite 11 is a plusher, more protective beginner shoe than the Excite 10, and worth it at around ₹3,000 to ₹3,500. At ₹5,000, spend a little more on a Nimbus 27 or another shoe that gives far better value.
BudgetElevar
Arc Racer
At ₹4,000 I would buy it with my eyes closed for beginners, slow runners, walking and all-day standing. Just get the size right, because the fit is its one big letdown.
BudgetRed Tape
Comfort Walk
For about ₹1,200 this is one of the best shoes I have found for beginner running, indoor sports, gym and casual wear, with a foam I really liked. Just check the forefoot width and expect the outsole to wear.
BudgetCult
Dynex
If you want something like the ASICS Novablast 5 on a budget under ₹2,000, this is the shoe. Expect it to last around 500 km rather than the 600–800 km of an international brand.
BudgetLotto
EnergeX
The EnergeX surprised me more than almost any shoe this year. For under ₹2,000 it is a top pick for beginners, heavier runners, slow runners, walkers and people on their feet all day, but not for fast running.
BudgetRed Tape
Arrow Pro
The Red Tape Arrow Pro is a well-built budget stability shoe for beginners with flat feet or overpronation who walk and jog up to 10–15 km. Under ₹1,500 it is worth the money, but it is not a springy long-run shoe.
BudgetDecathlon
Kiprun JogFlow 190.1
For a beginner running slowly at 7 to 10 min/km and building up to a half marathon, this is a soft, stable shoe worth considering. I rate it 6 at the ₹2,500 I paid, and 7 if you get it for ₹2,000.
BudgetNike
Interact Run
The Interact Run was one of the few shoes in Nike's budget series that did not disappoint me, light, breathable and soft with a stable ride. Buy it only if you get it under ₹5,000 to ₹6,000.
BudgetAdidas
Duramo SL 2
The Duramo SL 2 surprised me and is one of the budget shoes I liked most this year. Under ₹3,500 it is a great pick for beginners and also a durable walking shoe.
BudgetAdidas
Duramo Speed 2
If you want an Evo SL-like shoe under ₹5,000, this is your only option. It is an amazing, versatile trainer for beginners to marathoners, and if you find it under ₹5,000, buy it.
BudgetAdidas
Questar 3
The Questar 3 surprised me with its soft, protective ride and premium-feeling upper, a step up from the Galaxy 7. It suits beginners and heavier beginners running slowly up to 10 km, but only at ₹3,000 to ₹3,500, not at retail.