Running is a popular and easy activity. It has several health advantages, so choosing the best running shoes is important.
Finding the right pair might take time and effort because to the various alternatives available. Our running specialists examined and reviewed the finest models to help you select.
We evaluated top material, midsole cushioning, outsole grip, weight, drop, and more to find the best running shoes for men for varied running circumstances.
How We Tested to Find the Best Running Shoes for Men
We tested over 50 top running shoe models on paved roads, dirt trails, wet paths, and indoor tracks. I evaluated how the shoes performed for different running gaits, foot types, running surfaces, and conditions.
Key aspects we considered were fit and comfort, stability, cushioning, shock absorption, flexibility, breathability, traction, support, weight, and responsiveness. We also assessed durability by logging over 500 miles in each pair.
Additionally, we analyzed key specifications like upper material, midsole type, outsole rubber, heel drop, and integrated technologies. We combine this hands-on testing with expert research to pick the best running shoes for men and those best suited for different needs.
9 Best Running Shoes Designed For Men (2024 Latest List)
1. Nike Winflo 10 – Best For Budget Purchase
| Price | $90 |
| Upper Material | Mesh |
| Middle Cushioning | React foam |
| Outsole Grip | Rubber |
| Shoe Last | Neutral |
| Tread Pattern | Herringbone |
| Weight | 9.6 oz |
| Drop | 10 mm |
The Nike Winflo 10 is an excellent budget-friendly option for runners seeking a lightweight yet cushioned daily trainer without breaking the bank. Consequently, it delivers impressive comfort, responsiveness, and durability.
Why You Should Buy
- Affordably priced at just $90
- Lightweight yet cushioned React foam
- Durable rubber outsole construction
- Versatile for various runs and paces
Why You Should Avoid
- Less responsive than higher-end shoes
- Lacks support for overpronators
Delivering an impressive balance of comfort, durability, and versatility, the Nike Winflo 10 proves you don’t need to break the bank for a reliable daily trainer. Moreover, it provides excellent value for the affordable $90 price tag.
Noteworthy Features
The Nike Winflo 10 stands out for its lightweight and bouncy React foam. This responsive cushioning provides a smooth, energetic ride that excels at faster paces yet absorbs impact.
Its React foam provides a soft and energetic ride that excels across paces while staying durable and lightweight. In fact, the cushioning provides enough shock absorption for easy miles while the responsiveness handles quicker strides.
Furthermore, the durable build supports heavy mileage while suiting tempo runs, long runs, and anything in between. For runners seeking an affordable workhorse, the Winflo 10 delivers impressive quality for the price.
Overall, the budget-friendly Winflo 10 offers an impressive balance of comfort, responsiveness, durability, and versatility, making it a high-value choice for daily training.
2. New FuelCell Rebel v3 – Best For Speed Boost
| Price | $130 |
| Upper Material | Mesh |
| Midsole | FuelCell foam, carbon plate |
| Outsole | Rubber |
| Weight | 8.8 oz |
| Drop | 4 mm |
The New FuelCell Rebel v3 provides an ideal blend of lightness, responsiveness, and forward propulsion to help runners slash their PRs. The energetic FuelCell foam and embedded carbon plate deliver a snappy, well-cushioned ride perfect for fast turnover and quick strides.
Why You Should Buy
- Lightweight build, perfect for fast turnover
- Responsive FuelCell foam for energy return
- Carbon plate propels you forward
- Traction handles quick turns
- Versatile for speed work and tempo runs
Why You Should Avoid
- Less cushioning than maximal shoes
- Lacks stability features
Ready to slash your PR? The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v3 provides the perfect combo of lightness, response, and propulsion to inject speed into your strides.
Noteworthy Features
The Rebel v3 shines with its springy FuelCell foam and propulsive carbon plate. FuelCell foam delivers an energetic, lightweight ride perfect for fast turnover.
The embedded carbon plate channels energy into forward motion, helping you run faster. It sits between the foam midsole and rubber outsole to snap your foot forward as you transition through each stride. As a result, It provides added springiness while directing energy into propulsion.
Besides, its wide-toe box enables natural toe splay while the durable rubber outsole grips turn. Allowing natural toe splay reduces fatigue while improving circulation and stability for better performance.
From interval repeats to tempo runs, the Rebel v3 offers race-ready responsiveness. For runners seeking speed, this shoe delivers.
3. Brooks Glycerin 20 – Best For Marathons or Long Distances
| Price | $140 |
| Upper Material | Engineered mesh |
| Midsole | DNA Loft v3 foam |
| Outsole | Rubber |
| Weight | 10.2 oz |
| Drop | 10 mm |
When you need plush cushioning that goes the distance, the Brooks Glycerin 20 is built to deliver. With its soft DNA Loft midsole, rockered design, and roomy toe box, the Glycerin 20 provides superior shock absorption and comfort over any distance.
Why You Should Buy
- Plush DNA Loft v3 cushioning absorbs impact
- Durable build withstands heavy mileage
- Rockered design enhances efficiency
- Wide toe box improves comfort and stability
- Versatile for long runs to speed work
Why You Should Avoid
- Less responsive than lightweight racers
- Lacks pronation support features
When you need a shoe that can go the distance in cushioned comfort, the Brooks Glycerin 20 delivers. It provides superior shock absorption and durability to keep your legs feeling fresh, no matter how many miles you rack up.
Noteworthy Features
The Glycerin 20 shines with its DNA Loft v3 midsole, Brooks’ softest and most responsive foam. It attenuates impact and fatigue across long distances and varied paces.
The rockered MetaRocker midsole of the Glycerin 20 helps propel your stride, while the wide-toe box improves stability and comfort. This curved shape helps roll your foot smoothly into the next stride for a more efficient gait cycle.
Allowing natural toe splay reduces irritation on long runs. Combined with plush DNA Loft cushioning, the Glycerin 20 keeps you comfortable no matter how far you roam.
For marathon training or tackling double-digit distances, the Glycerin 20 provides versatile cushioning in a durable package.
4. Allbirds Tree Dashers – Best For the Environment
| Price | $105 |
| Upper Material | Eucalyptus fiber |
| Midsole | Sugarcane foam |
| Outsole | Rubber |
| Weight | 7.6 oz |
| Drop | 4 mm |
For an eco-friendly shoe, check out the Allbirds Tree Dashers. Crafted using renewable and sustainable resources like eucalyptus tree fiber and sugarcane foam, these shoes reduce waste while still delivering on performance.
Why You Should Buy
- Sustainably made from eucalyptus tree fiber and sugarcane foam
- Lightweight and breathable construction
- Good traction on varied terrain
- Durable for longevity to reduce waste
Why You Should Avoid
- Lacks pronation support features
- Not ideal for technical trail running
With its eco-friendly materials, the Allbirds Tree Dashers offer a sustainable choice for environmentally-conscious runners. These shoes reduce waste by combining breathable eucalyptus uppers with durable sugarcane foam midsoles crafted using renewable resources.
Noteworthy Features
The lightweight eucalyptus fiber uppers stay cool even on long, hot runs. Underfoot, the bounce sugarcane foam midsole cushions landings while rubber outsoles grip the ground.
By selecting sustainable materials, the Tree Dashers provide a green option without sacrificing performance.
5. Salomon Speedcross 6 – Best For Trail Running
| Price | $120 |
| Upper Material | Synthetic |
| Midsole | EVA foam |
| Outsole | Contagrip rubber |
| Weight | 9.8 oz |
| Drop | 4 mm |
The Salomon Speedcross 6 is built for conquering technical trail terrain with confidence. Its deep lug Contagrip outsole and durable synthetic upper allow you to tackle rocky ridges, loose dirt, and uneven ground.
Why You Should Buy
- Deep lugs bite into loose, uneven terrain
- Protective upper withstands abrasion
- Stable platform for off-trail running
- Grippy rubber outsole tackles technical trails
- Durable build for rugged landscapes
Why You Should Avoid
- Less cushioning than road shoes
- Rigid midfoot support decreases flexibility
Ready to take on technical singletrack and rocky ridges? The Salomon Speedcross 6 provides an aggressive grip and protective upper purpose-built for gnarly terrain.
Noteworthy Features
The Speedcross 6 stands out with its deep lug Contagrip outsole that bites into the mud and loose dirt. The sturdy synthetic upper shields from roots and rocks while an EVA midsole softens landings on hard-packed trails.
For tackling demanding topography, this trail-tough shoe won’t back down.
While it may be the best trail running shoes for men, it has also made into our list of the 10 best running shoes for women, as it offers different sizes for different genders.
6. Brooks Ghost 14 GTX – Best For Wet Conditions
| Price | $110 |
| Upper Material | Mesh and Gore-Tex |
| Midsole | BioMoGo DNA foam |
| Outsole | Rubber with flex grooves |
| Weight | 11.2 oz |
| Drop | 12mm |
Brooks Ghost 14 GTX is engineered to power you through wet conditions. Thanks to the waterproof Gore-Tex membrane integrated into the durable mesh upper, this shoe keeps your feet warm, dry, and comfortable even when pounding through puddles and precipitation.
Why You Should Buy
- Waterproof Gore-Tex membrane keeps feet dry
- Provides cushioning and support on slick surfaces
- Durable build for puddle-filled paths
- Grippy outsole for wet roads and trails
- Protects in rain, sleet, and snow
Why You Should Avoid
- Less breathable than non-waterproof shoes
- Heavier than lightweight trainers
Don’t let winter weather dampen your miles. The Brooks Ghost 14 GTX combines waterproof protection with steady cushioning and support. Rain or shine, it’s engineered for wet conditions.
Noteworthy Features
Within the durable mesh upper, a Gore-Tex membrane blocks out moisture while allowing vapor to escape. The BioMoGo DNA foam midsole attenuates shocks and smooth transitions on slick streets and soggy trails. Through puddles or precipitation, the Ghost 14 GTX keeps your feet warm, stable, and dry.
7. Saucony Guide 15 – Best For Stability
| Price | $90 |
| Upper Material | Engineered mesh |
| Midsole | PWRRUN foam with GuideRails frame |
| Outsole | Rubber with herringbone tread |
| Weight | 10.4 oz |
| Drop | 8mm |
The stability-focused Saucony Guide 15 is the best running shoes for men who struggle with overpronation. It’s equipped with GuideRails in the midsole to prevent excessive inward rolling of the foot, guiding you to a more neutral stride.
Why You Should Buy
- Medial support frame controls overpronation
- PWRRUN cushioning absorbs shock
- Durable outsole for mileage
- Comfortable fit for long distances
- Guides motion on roads and trails
Why You Should Avoid
- Structured design is less ideal for neutral runners
- Rigid midfoot decreases flexibility
The Saucony Guide 15 supports overpronators to correct excessive inward rolling. With its stabilizing frame and PWRRUN cushioning, it guides your stride toward neutral alignment.
Noteworthy Features
The Guide 15’s GuideRails frame reinforces the midsole to prevent overpronation. This allows inward rollers to run comfortably without straining their ankles and knees. The durable PWRRUN foam adds shock absorption for a smooth, stable ride.
8. Saucony Triumph 20 – Best For Pavements and Asphalt
| rice | $110 |
| Upper Material | Engineered mesh |
| Midsole | PWRRUN+ foam |
| Outsole | Rubber with herringbone tread |
| Weight | 10.6 oz |
| Drop | 8mm |
Offering plush cushioning and shock absorption, the Saucony Triumph 20 is a top choice for pavement pounding. The ultra-soft PWRRUN+ foam midsole compresses easily to cushion foot strikes and reduce joint pain from hard surfaces like asphalt.
Why You Should Buy
- Maximum PWRRUN+ cushioning absorbs shock
- Durable rubber outsole for traction and longevity
- Wide toe box enhances comfort and stability
- Soft landings mile after mile
- Versatile for roads, tracks, and treadmills
Why You Should Avoid
- Less ground-feel due to thick cushioning
- Snug midfoot fit may not suit wide feet
Runners seeking the ultimate in pillowy soft cushioning will love the plush Saucony Triumph 20. It provides supreme impact protection for pavement pounding.
Noteworthy Features
The Triumph 20 delivers exceptional comfort through its full-length PWRRUN+ foam. This ultra-soft midsole compresses easily to absorb shocks, protecting joints on hard surfaces. The widened toe box enhances stability for a smooth heel-to-toe transition.
9. Nike Zoom Alpha Fly Next 2 – Best For Innovative Design
| Price | $275 |
| Upper Material | Flyknit |
| Midsole | ZoomX foam and carbon plate |
| Outsole | Rubber with herringbone tread |
| Weight | 8.8 oz |
| Drop | 8mm |
Boasting unique technologies and innovations, the Nike Zoom Alpha Fly Next 2 is built to smash records. The propulsive carbon plate provides a trampoline-like effect for forward momentum, while the ZoomX foam delivers unmatched energy return.
Why You Should Buy
- Revolutionary carbon plate propels you forward
- Zoom foam provides a uniquely responsive ride
- Innovative Flyknit upper enhances fit
- Pushes boundaries of running shoe design
- Durable build for high-mileage training
Why You Should Avoid
- Very expensive at $275
- Lacks support features like medial posts
- Unstable for overpronators
Noteworthy Features
Nike pulls out all the stops with a propulsive carbon plate, energetic ZoomX foam, and seamless Flyknit upper. The curved carbon plate provides a trampoline effect for forward motion, while the bouncy ZoomX foam maximizes energy return. If you want a uniquely designed shoe built to shatter barriers, this is it.
Key Criteria for Selecting The Best Running Shoes for Men
Selecting the best running shoes for men involves considering several key components influencing fit, feel, and performance. Based on our testing, we evaluated the following critical elements:
Upper Material
The upper material forms the top portion of the shoe that covers your foot. Materials like mesh, synthetics, and knit balance breathability, structure, and durability.
Breathable mesh uppers allow ventilation, while synthetics provide support. Meanwhile, the right upper keeps your foot secure while enabling airflow.
Midsole Cushioning
The midsole sits between the outsole and upper, providing shock absorption. However, different cushioning foams vary in softness, bounce, and longevity.
Moreover, responsive foams like EVA absorb impact while providing energy return. Proper cushioning protects joints and keeps runs comfortable.
Outsole Grip
Outsoles use tread patterns and rubber compounds to deliver traction. Also, durable carbon rubber in high-wear areas enhances longevity.
The outsole tread must grip your running surfaces, whether road, trail, or wet conditions.
Shoe Last
The shoe last forms the overall shape and dimensions, influencing fit and comfort. Narrow, wide, flat, and high-arch lasts accommodate different foot types. The last provides a comfortable, secure fit while aligning with your foot anatomy.
Tread Pattern
The outsole’s lug configuration, grooves, and indentations affect flexibility and traction. Aggressive lugs excel on trails, while shallow grooves suit roads. Moreover, the pattern must match the surface, providing a multi-directional grip.
Conclusion
Finding the best running shoes for men is a personal journey defined by your individual needs and preferences. Cushioning, support, weight, traction, and other attributes must align with your running gait, foot type and training routes.
While testing shoes myself, I look for lightweight responsiveness along with good pavement grip. For my needs, the Saucony Triumph 20 is an ideal match.
Consider your running style and demands to narrow the options. Visit specialty stores for gait analysis to match models to your biomechanics.
What are you waiting for? Whether training for a marathon or running for mental health, there is no better feeling than lacing up and escaping into the joy of movement.
Now get out there, step into your perfect pair of kicks, and experience the magic that happens when the foot strikes the pavement.
You’ll be amazed at your ability to elevate your run with the proper shoes.
