Buying guide for best men’s running shoes
While you can technically run wearing any kind of sneakers, it’s best to wear shoes designed for running or jogging, especially if you’re an athlete. Running shoes are versatile enough for everyday wear but fundamentally designed to provide superior comfort, support, traction and flexibility while running.
There are several things to consider before buying a new pair of running shoes, but fit and comfort trump everything else. Shoes that don’t fit right or feel uncomfortable can affect your performance and lead to injury. Once you’ve found a pair of running shoes that fit well, it’s time to consider other factors such as durability, air ventilation, grip and cushioning.
To narrow our recommendations, we researched and checked out high-quality running shoes in the BestReviews Testing Lab. Our top pick, the Brooks Men's Run USA Ghost 15 Running Shoes, are the way to go for experienced runners. They’re advanced-engineered to provide top-notch comfort and breathability over extended periods and offer excellent energy transfer for smoother strides.
Our list: The best men’s running shoes
Although Brooks isn’t as famous as other athletic wear brands such as Nike or Adidas, we must give credit where it’s due. These are hands down among the best running shoes you’ll find, and we love them for several reasons.
The construction offers a balanced combination of durability and breathability so your feet stay cool and comfortable during runs. 3D print technology creates a sturdy feel and provides a secure fit, and DNA Loft v2 midsole technology promotes efficient energy transfer for smooth strides. Plus, the star-spangled design and American colors are perfect for showing your love for the USA.
Although these running shoes aren’t as durable as some of our other favorites, we recommend them as a solid value pick or for novice track runners. They work well for those who want lightweight shoes for maximum mobility and speed, and they boast a streamlined look that makes them versatile enough for everyday wear.
They have a mesh upper for increased air ventilation, a Bounce and Boost midsole for a more responsive feel as you move, a textile lining for a lightweight feel and reflective stripe details on the sides so others can see you under various light conditions.
Nike shoes are built to last, and that’s precisely what you’ll get with these high-end running shoes. They offer a balance of durability and comfort, and they’re engineered with the latest technology to provide superior comfort for joggers and runners.
They have a mesh upper for improved airflow and a midfoot band with flywire technology that helps keep your foot in place as you move. The tongue is separate from the rest of the shoe, which means it can accommodate different foot shapes, and the heel is designed to minimize impact during landing. The groove on the rubber sole offers good traction, and the Air Zoom unit offers a responsive feel.
Those prioritizing comfort and performance over brand recognition should seriously consider these Hoka running shoes. Few running shoes offer the same durability and high-level performance, and they’re available in 11 stylish colors.
The high-abrasion rubber outsole makes them suitable for indoor and outdoor running, and you’ll feel reduced impact upon landing. They have a soft, gusseted tongue, a mesh upper for increased comfort and breathability and a compression-molded cushioned midsole for superior stability. The heel tab makes them easy to put on and take off, and they’ve earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance for products promoting good foot health.
Although these shoes have a durable build, they’re surprisingly lightweight, making them solid for beginners or anyone who wants comfort for casual wear. The upper has a seamless construction for a secure fit and feel, and they have a plastic insert for increased momentum.
The best thing about these shoes is that they’re embedded with FuelCell foam, which facilitates increased energy transfer for a smoother ride and provides long-lasting comfort so your feet don’t get too tired on long-distance runs. The rubber outsole has fantastic tread, making them suitable for running on various surfaces, and you can get them in white, black or grey.
These running shoes are a customer favorite for several reasons, but none more chiefly than their support and eco-friendly construction. More than 75% of this shoe’s upper is made from recycled materials, and the sockliner is engineered using a method that significantly reduces water usage and carbon emissions.
They’re designed for comfort and provide a flexible fit for a secure feel. The Ortholite X-55 sockliner offers step-in comfort, and Pure Gel technology in the midsole provides increased stability and responsiveness on strides. The rubber outsole is engineered for maximum traction on various surfaces.
If you’re working with a budget, you won’t find better running shoes than these. They have a streamlined look that makes them suitable for all-day wear and they offer a wonderful balance of cushioning and flexibility that's appropriate for all runners.
The lightweight mesh upper has a three-color digital print for improved airflow and breathability, an EVA sockliner for step-in comfort and durable leather overlays that give your foot a locked-down feel and a secure fit. The midsole is packed with compression-molded foam for efficient energy transfer, and the rubber outsole is designed to minimize shock impact.
These running shoes are a safe bet for runners who want high-end support and stability during mid- or long-distance runs. They have a Tri-Flex sole for elite performance and traction over rugged terrain, and the cushioning is evenly distributed between the heel and forefoot with an 8-millimeter offset, giving you a more balanced and neutral landing position after each step.
The mesh upper is designed for optimal breathability, and you’ll get plenty of support thanks to the innovative Everun cushioning, which softens the shock impact on each stride. They’re a smart choice for runners who tend to overpronate as they run and don’t take long to break in.
We thoroughly tested these running shoes, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. We love these shoes for their lightweight build and super arch support. Although not engineered with advanced technology like some of our other favorite shoes, we found that they get the job done and are suitable for activities besides running, such as light weightlifting.
They’re machine-washable and constructed with all-natural materials, effectively reducing odor buildup. Unlike other sturdier running shoes, they don’t take too long to break in. They’re terrific for running on flat surfaces such as cement, and the streamlined, minimalist design makes them comfortable enough to wear while running errands.
How we tested
After considering a wide range of men’s running shoes, we tested the Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2 Running Shoes.
Preparation and use
- Secure lace closure: The tester secured the shoes to their feet by traditionally tying the laces.
- Versatility: We tested their performance by doing various activities such as running outdoors, running on a treadmill, hiking and lifting.
Quality
- Comfort: Our tester ran 36 miles over the course of a month to determine comfort and durability.
- Materials: The testers analyzed the knit material in the upper, the cushioning in the midsole and the rubber outsole’s traction.
Other features
- Odor-reducing properties: Testers noted how much odor buildup there was after wearing them.
- Arch support and stability: We tested how much arch support and stability they provided when worn for extended periods.
What to consider before buying running shoes
Size and fit
The size and fit are the most crucial considerations of any shoes you wear. Knowing your shoe size makes shopping for running shoes much easier, but it’s important to note that not all shoes will fit you comfortably, even if you have the correct size. It can help if you account for foot shape and shoe build. For example, those with wide feet may find shoes with a narrow build constricting, which can cause swelling or pain.
Components of a running shoe
- Heel: A slight movement of your heel is normal as you take your running strides. However, irritation and blisters may occur if the heel of the shoe fits too tightly against the back of your foot.
- Length: Length represents the natural starting point for a shoe fitting. Because your feet may swell while running, a little extra room in the shoe is a good idea.
- Toe box: The area that holds your toes needs to allow for some lateral movement. For a proper fit, you should be able to wiggle your toes inside the shoe’s toe box.
- Top of the foot: The middle part of your foot, near the top, needs a snug fit within the running shoe.
Foot strike
- Toes and forefoot: If the front of your foot or toes hits the ground first, you run with a forefoot strike. Those with a forefoot or toe foot strike need more cushioning in the front of the shoe.
- Midfoot: Those with an equally balanced foot strike between the front, back and middle of the foot use a midfoot strike. No particular type of running shoe caters specifically to midfoot strike runners, but you should look for a shoe that provides balanced cushioning throughout.
- Heel or rear: Those whose back part of the foot or heel strikes the ground first have a heel type of foot strike. Heel strikes cause stress on the knees but relieve those with painful ankles. Look for a shoe with plenty of cushioning in the heel area for this type of foot strike.
Features to look for in quality running shoes
Materials
The best running shoes are made with high-quality materials built to last. You don’t want your shoes to show signs of wear and tear after only a few running or jogging sessions. The upper should be made with durable mesh for breathability, and the outsole should be made with tough rubber for consistent traction.
Lightweight build
You want your running shoes to be durable but also lightweight. Heavier shoes affect your performance and tire you out more quickly, while lightweight shoes help increase your mobility and flexibility, allowing you to run faster and longer distances.
Cushioning
The last thing you want is for the heel and sole of your foot to hurt after a running session, so choose running shoes with plenty of cushioning in the midsole. Those with soft foam cushioning facilitate efficient energy transfer and reduce shock impact. It helps you move with increased flexibility and provides stability as you run.
FAQ
Q. How much should I expect to spend on running shoes?
A. You can find reliable running shoes for $40 to $100. However, they’re not as durable as premium running shoes with advanced technology and materials costing up to $160.
Q. What are some common mistakes when choosing men’s running shoes?
A. The biggest mistake runners make when buying shoes involves choosing a shoe based on looks alone. A shoe must fit properly and support your foot to reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, people tend to get running shoes that are too small, especially in width. Your feet swell a little bit as you run, meaning your shoes need to accommodate this swelling.
Q. What’s the difference between traditional and trail running shoes?
A. A traditional running shoe performs best on pavement or indoor surfaces. Running shoes feature a lightweight design for distance running, sacrificing some support, while trail running shoes offer thicker soles and sturdier materials to provide increased support on uneven surfaces.
Q. How do I tell what kind of arches my feet have?
A. Step in a pan of water with your bare foot and then take a few steps on cement or multiple paper towel segments. A medium or average arch yields a traditional foot shape with a slight curve in the middle, while a flat arch results in a print with little to no curve in the middle, leaving flat sides.
Q. What’s the difference between men’s and women’s running shoes?
A. Men’s running shoes are typically a little wider than women’s and offer less impact support than men’s shoes because of their average weight difference.
