'The Right Stuff': Running sneakers for the 'GMA' 5K
Runners, gear up: The "Good Morning America" 5K is almost here.
A good pair of running sneakers is key for a successful run, so "GMA" lifestyle contributor Lori Bergamotto and running expert and coach Elizabeth Corkum are rounding up some of the best running sneakers in the game, from those ideal for beginners to one fit for those who are more experienced.
"The perfect shoe shouldn't have you thinking about it. It should feel like an extension of your body," Corkum, aka Coach Corky, said. "We want happy feet, ankles, shins, knees and hips. Shoes can have an impact on how we load our weight through space when running."
Corkum added that a running shoe should be half a size larger than your street shoe to leave space for swelling, which can happen when we run for an extended time.
In this installment of "The Right Stuff," we're shopping the Nike Vaporfly 4, Brooks Ghost 16, Hoka Clifton 10, Saucony Ride 18 and, for a value pair under $70, the Asics Gel-Excite.
Continue below to shop them all!
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Sneakers for beginner runners
"Comfort should be the priority for new runners," Corkum said. "Running is hard, especially when we are starting out. Eliminating foot discomfort should be the priority. Once a runner feels comfortable within their routine, paces and are capable of comparing things, they can consider adding in something fun like a super shoe (carbon plated) specifically for racing. This doesn't mean a new runner shouldn't be in a carbon plated shoe, but rather the comfort should be the focus over any performance gains."
The Ghost 16 sneakers by Brooks have lightweight cushioning and an enhanced, secure upper for a comfortable run. Shop it in one of 10 color combinations below.
Bergamotto noted that according to Coach Corky, these sneakers are known for their comfort -- and that's essential for new runners.
Sneakers for new runners and joggers
"Coach Corky talked about the importance of a happy feet shoe, one that absorbs shock exactly where runners need it most," Bergamotto said. "The Hoka Clifton 10, which just launched two weeks ago, does just that. The next generation of Hoka's bestselling Hoka 9, the Clifton 10 offers refined stability and lightweight responsiveness and helps runners properly load their weight through everything from jogging to running to training for that 5K!"
Sneakers for intermediate runners
Feeling like you've upped your running game? "If you are an intermediate runner, our expert recommends replacing shoes every 200-500 miles and checking for quality materials. You won't have to worry about that with this one -- it's made from durable rubber and breathable mesh and will last through many training runs," Bergamotto said.
Sneakers for experienced runners
Prepare to run miles in the Nike Vaporfly 4 sneakers. "The Vaporfly 4 is a mile-eating machine that just got lighter," Nike's website states.
"The Nike Vaporfly 4 is built for speed," Bergamotto said. "They have a carbon fiber plate and ZoomX foam that elite runners love because it gives them that propulsive feel that runners love. Coach Corky does recommend going half a size up from your street shoe size for high performance shoes -- especially ones with a carbon fiber plate."
The value pair
A 4.5-star running sneaker under $75? Sign us up! These Asics sneakers are ideal for casual runners and come in a whopping 28 colors, including bold and bright options like orange, teal and matcha.
"At just $69.95, its AMPLIFOAM+ cushioning provides the comfort, breathability and ride that makes you feel like you're gliding," Bergamotto said.
More sneaker picks
Best trail running sneakers
The Altra Lone Peak 9 is a moderately cushioned shoe that offers enough midsole foam to feel comfortable over long distances, but not too much to affect your connection with the terrain, which is important when trail-running.
The Lone Peak uses Altra's Original FootShape Fit, which is one of the brand's roomiest. Many runners appreciate having some extra room for their toes as they run.
Best performance sneakers
Tested by some of the world's fastest runners, these marathon shoes were built to hit race-winning speeds. A full-length carbon plate adds propulsion, while rubberless UA Flow cushioning makes it light and grippy.
Sharon Lokedi, winner of the 2025 Boston Marathon, has raced in the Velociti Elite 2 in the past and clinched her Boston victory last week wearing the next version of the shoes: Velociti Elite 3, set to release later this year.
Best sneakers for comfort
The Fresh Foam Arishi V4 is a versatile athletic shoe you can wear anywhere. Featuring a soft Fresh Foam cushioned midsole, breathable mesh upper, and durable rubber outsole, this men's shoe blends next-level style with all-day comfort and performance. Hits of suede and knit, a textured logo and embroidered details result in an elevated everyday look that fits your active lifestyle.
