Look good, feel good, run good. 

Buying a brand-new pair of running shoes can be one of the most exciting things in the world for a runner, but for someone who's hitting the road or trail for the first time — even for a seasoned vet — the process can also be pretty stressful. A million different companies make a million different lines of shoes, each with different characteristics, in a million different colors. Don't sweat it if that feels a bit complicated and overwhelming; we're here to help!

What follows is a cursory look at five great running shoes across a range of prices, styles, and fits. Always remember that a visit to your local running store can do wonders for landing the right pair of shoes for your feet. Also note that the prices may change higher or lower, and that sales are always going on somewhere. You can also get older models of particular shoes at a discounted price (that's what I do!).

Let's get going!

1. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus | Price varies

I'm on my second pair of Pegasus 34s, and these babies have treated me wonderfully. They're $110 in the black and white off Nike's website, but you can find them cheaper on Amazon as they're an older model of the entire Pegasus series. 

All in all, this shoe strikes a nice balance of support and cushioning, and they're very light. It's a great choice for beginners, which is where I was when I selected the shoe. Personal stamp of approval!

2. Hoka One One Bondi 6 | $120

If you easily get foot pain while running or walking, this might be the shoe for you. The Bondi 6 by the wonderful Hoka One One is an incredibly cushioned shoe that makes running feel like dancing on the clouds. While it scores high marks for comfort and still being a supportive-enough shoe for running, it might not be the most durable thing on the market. 

3. Brooks Ghost 12 | $110

The Ghost 12 is another all-around great running shoe that balances support and comfort, and this is one that should be with you for a pretty long haul. 

We should note that, even if your shoe is still together after running with it for a long time, switching shoes somewhere around the 250-400 mile mark is a wise thing to do for your feet.

4. adidas Duramo 9 | $55

If you want a cheaper option that still gets the job done, the adidas Duramo 9 is a great selection to make. It might be a little bit more training-oriented than running-specific, but you'll definitely be able to jog a few miles in this shoe. Bonus points for a very clean, very classic look.

5. Saucony Ride 13 | $130

If I were ever to leave my somewhat cheaper Pegasus 34s, the Saucony Ride 13s might be the direction I'd take. This shoe has an ideal blend of durability, comfort, and support, and will be more than enough to handle long mileage week in and week out. As one reviewer notes, this shoe "disappears" when you're on the run; you never really want to notice your running shoe, and the Ride 13 gets that done. It's another wonderfully balanced shoe and should be a solid option for a lot of foot types.

Like we said in the beginning, perhaps the most helpful thing you can do is go to your local running store and work with a salesperson who can watch your running form and look at your feet to help determine which shoe is best for you. Of course, this option isn't available for everyone, and in lieu of that, a lot of online research can go a long way. 

Once you find what works for you, I've found that sticking with that shoe is a recipe for success. Change the color up on your second pair if you want to spark some new life into your shoe game, but in this case the adage rings true: "Don't fix what ain't broke!"