Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Adidas Supernova Rise
Best Budget PickASICS Novablast 5
Best for VersatilityPrice
$80-$110
$130-$160
Summary
The most budget-friendly option with genuine community backing, praised for comfort on shorter runs. Ideal for beginners who want to test running without a major financial commitment.
Called the best beginner shoe by multiple Reddit users, with one completing a 36-mile ultrarun in them. Tom's Guide also names it their top beginner pick for 2026.
Pros
- Explicitly praised as 'a great beginner shoe' on Reddit for comfort
- Lower price point reduces financial risk for new runners
- Comfortable for 5K and shorter distances — perfect for C25K programs
- Adidas brand availability makes it easy to find and try on
- Explicitly named 'best beginner shoe IMO' by a Reddit user who ran a 36-mile ultrarun in them
- Tom's Guide ranks it #2 overall and #1 for beginners in 2026
- Energetic, bouncy ride that makes early runs more enjoyable
- Durable enough to grow with you as fitness improves
Cons
- Best suited for shorter runs — less ideal as mileage increases
- Less cushioning and support than Ghost or Clifton for longer efforts
- Not as widely recommended as Brooks or ASICS options
- Bouncier ride may feel unstable for runners with balance issues
- Slightly higher price than entry-level options
- Less widely available for in-store fitting than Brooks
Our take
If you're not sure running will stick, the Supernova Rise lets you start without dropping $150. It's not the most advanced shoe here, but it's comfortable and won't hold back a beginner.
The Novablast 5 punches above its beginner label — it's bouncy enough to stay fun on easy runs but protective enough to handle real mileage. This is the pick if you want a shoe you won't outgrow quickly.
Buy
