Running is one of the best ways to stay fit and improve overall wellness. The health benefits are many, and the drawbacks are few. There’s no pricey gym memberships and no coordinating schedules with teammates; it’s just you and the will to run. No matter your age or experience level, running can be a great way to get moving, invest in some quality “me time,” and see the world around you.
To get the most out of every mile, you need quality shoes. While cross-trainers and other athletic shoes are available (and usually less expensive), they typically lack the support and features needed to protect your feet and facilitate good running form. Choosing the right shoes for you will minimize soreness, make your stride more efficient, and let you focus on more important things than how your shoes feel.
We’ve done our share of running, and these shoes are some of the best you can get. Lace up and grab some water, because it’s time to hit the road.
Best Overall
Saucony Men's VERSAFOAM Cohesion 12 Road Running Shoe
Best Value
ASICS Men's Gel-Contend 5 Running Shoes
Honorable Mention
Nike Men's Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Running Shoes
Best Running Shoes for Men Reviews & Recommendations
Honorable Mention
Merrell Men's Vapor Glove 2 Trail Running Shoe
Check Latest Price
Honorable Mention
ASICS Men's Gel-Venture 7 Trail Running Shoes
Check Latest Price
Honorable Mention
Nike Men's Air Max Torch 4 Running Sneaker
Check Latest Price
Honorable Mention
Under Armour Men's Charged Assert 8 Running Shoe
Check Latest Price
Honorable Mention
Adidas Men's Lite Racer Adapt Running Shoe
Check Latest Price
Best Running Shoes for Men Buying Guide & FAQs
It doesn’t matter what type of running you do or what type of surface area you traverse, if you wear the wrong shoes, it can lead to a whole list of issues. That’s why it’s critical that you do your research and find the right pair of shoes for your particular feet. You need to consider things such as how much cushioning you want and whether you need a neutral shoe or a pair designed for overpronation.
In our buying guide below, we detail the benefits of buying the right type of running shoes and some of the features you should consider before making the investment. We also include some tips and answers to some commonly-asked questions so you can find the best possible shoes for your feet.
Benefits of Running Shoes for Men
Simply put, some running shoes are better than others. Whether you run weekly for exercise or compete in marathons on a regular basis, you need a shoe that doesn’t cause knee, leg, or foot issues. While most injuries are due to a person’s body strength and movement, the wrong shoes can be a contributing factor.
Running shoes for men are also designed for comfort. They contain various amounts of cushioning, so your legs and feet don’t get as fatigued, particularly on long-distance runs. If your shoes are uncomfortable, they can cause blisters, hot spots, and other problems, and you’ll wind up throwing them out. That’s why it’s essential to choose a pair that fits according to your particular feet.
Finally, wearing the right running shoes will enable you to run without as much exertion. According to research from Canada, those who wore comfortable shoes consumed two percent less oxygen, which boosted their performance.
- Comfort
- Prevent injury
- Achieve better results
Popular Types of Running Shoes for Men
Before you invest in a new pair of running shoes, you need to determine the type of running you plan on doing. Do you prefer running on the road, or do you like running on trails or other types of paths? There are three options: road-running, trail-running, and cross-training shoes.
Road-Running Shoes
This type of shoe is ideal if you plan on running mostly on pavement. You can also use them for occasionally running on packed surfaces that have a few irregularities. In general, they’re for people who run on the road, sidewalks, the track, and on treadmills.
Road-running shoes are flexible and lightweight. They’re designed to keep your feet stable and cushioned when you’re striding across hard, even surfaces, such as roads in your neighborhood. Compared to other types of running shoes, the soles are smoother, flatter, and consistent in texture to make running on roads more efficient.
Trail-Running Shoes
If you’re the type of runner who likes going off road, then you need a pair of good trail-running shoes. They’re made to withstand mud, rocks, roots, and anything else you may encounter in the woods. These shoes feature large lugs, which are the cleats on the outsole. They look quite different from road-running shoes.
These lugs provide more grip on uneven terrain. Sometimes trail-running shoes have extra-reinforced plates on the bottom to protect your feet from getting cut by sharp rocks and other objects. Trail-running shoes typically have stiffer midsoles for added support when you run on uneven surfaces.
Cross-Training Shoes
Cross-training shoes are designed to be all-purpose. They have flatter soles and are more flexible than the typical running shoe. You can wear them in a variety of different activities, such as basketball and weight-lifting. They are designed to accommodate multi-directional movement.
Cross-training shoes have cushioning in the forefoot to absorb impact when you land on your toes. They have wider soles for lateral movements, such as the moves you make on a basketball court. They are generally made of stronger materials, so they can withstand the types of motions people perform when cross-training.
What to Consider When Buying Running Shoes for Men
Running shoes come with a variety of different features because they’re designed for a variety of different people. A brand your friend loves may feel terrible on your feet. That’s why it’s important to consider factors such as the amount of cushioning, the type of pronation the shoes accommodate, and how much support they provide.
Fit
Fit is critical when it comes to finding the right pair of running shoes. If they don’t fit correctly, they will never feel comfortable. First, make sure there’s enough room in the toe box. It shouldn’t be too tight. Also, if the shoes have laces, make sure they provide a snug fit, but you shouldn’t have to tie the laces too much because the shoe feels loose otherwise.
If a shoe does feel a little loose, you can either look for one that is a little more narrow, or you can add a thicker insole. If a shoe feels too tight, either go up a size, get a wider option, or insert a thinner insole. You can also remove the sock liner. Don’t forget that feet can swell when you’re running, so choose a size accordingly.
Cushioning
Different runners have different opinions when it comes to the amount of cushioning they desire inside their shoes. Those who focus on speed typically choose shoes that are firm and allow them to feel the ground. In general, the less cushioning a shoe has the lighter weight it is. This can make a huge difference when it comes to a timed race.
Other people like more cushioning in their shoes to absorb impact. This is helpful if you run long distances because it minimizes foot and joint pain. Look at the shoes’ specs to determine how much cushioning they have and whether it suits your needs.
Pronation
Pronation is the way your foot strikes the ground, and some shoes are designed specifically to address the type of pronation you have. Basic or neutral pronation is when your foot rolls inward in a typical way. Overpronation is when your foot rolls excessively inward, while supination is when your foot rolls outward.
If you have overpronation, look for shoes that provide more stability. Signs of overpronation include wear marks near the big toe or inside the shoe near the ball of your feet. Supination is less common. If you do find that you have this problem, choose shoes that are particularly flexible and cushioned.
Support
Running shoes provide three levels of support: neutral, stability, and motion control. Neutral shoes are ideal for neutral runners and those whose feet roll outward (supinators). Those who have mild pronation can also wear neutral shoes. Neutral shoes don’t usually have features such as medial posts that reinforce the arch.
Stability shoes control pronation and are good for mild to moderate overpronators. They have features such as guide rails to tolerate side-to-side movement. They are less rigid than motion control shoes, which are for those who have moderate to severe overpronation. These shoes may have stiffer heels and denser foam.
Tips for Buying and Using Running Shoes for Men
If you’re serious about running, test your gait. You can do so at a variety of stores. You typically run on a treadmill or on the street, and a shoe expert will determine what you’re running style is and the type of shoe that will work best. If you’re lucky, you may get some pointers about improving your skills.
Running shoes for men are often very affordable online, but it’s a good idea to try them on before you make a purchase. That’s because the sizes vary from one brand to another. Plus, you may need to go up a size to accommodate the swelling that occurs when you run. Pay attention to any spots that slip or rub when you’re trying on running shoes because those issues can be very distracting (and even painful) on a long run.
Also, match the type of running you plan on doing with the proper shoes. Trail running and road running are very different. There’s also a big difference between the shoes you may wear for training versus racing.
- Have your gait tested by someone in the industry.
- Try the shoes on before making a purchase.
- Pick shoes based on the type of running you plan on doing.
Best Running Shoes for Men FAQs
Picking a new pair of running shoes doesn’t have to be complicated as long as you do your research. It may take some trial and error to find the perfect pair of sneakers. We answer some commonly-asked questions about running shoes below, including whether you should consider minimal shoes, no-drop shoes, and how often you need to replace your sneakers.
Q. Should I wear minimal running shoes?
Minimal shoes are fine if you’re strong enough to do a single-leg squat. Otherwise, you don’t have the hip or core strength to run properly in this type of shoe.
Q. What are no-drop shoes?
The heel and forefoot of no-drop shoes are the same height. This type of shoe is designed for efficient runners only.
Q. How long should running shoes last?
If you run regularly, a pair of running shoes should last three to four months or about 400 to 500 miles of use. You should replace them if the midsoles or outsoles wear out.
Our Top Pick
Our pick for the best running shoes for men are the Saucony Men’s VERSAFOAM running shoes. They’re great all-around shoes that are both comfortable and breathable. The rubber sole is very durable and flexible enough to provide a responsive feel. They are designed for neutral runners and are reasonably priced.
Final Thoughts
While we really like the Saucony Men’s VERSAFOAM, we also recommend the ASICS Men’s Gel-Contend 5 Running Shoes. They are cushioned to provide hours of comfort and keep your feet dry over extended periods. They are also very supportive and are great if you’re looking for a good value.