The Best Running Shoes For Men
These are the top-performing racers and trainers most loved by the guys on our test team.
Editors Note: We reviewed our shoe selections on July 22, 2022 and still stand by our recommendations below, with one exception. The Hoka Mach 5 has replaced the Mach 4.
Were constantly testing the latest running shoes in our lab and on the feet of our 250-runner-strong wear-test team. About half of those runners are menand most importantly, theyre an extremely diverse group of guys. Some are seriously speedy dudes hitting sky-high mileage and knocking on the door of the Olympic Trials others are just getting into running or coming back from injury. We have runners of all shapes, sizes, ages, abilities, and backgroundsfrom full-time English teachers and new dads to night-shift nurses and grandfathers. The one thing theyve all got in common is that theyre passionate about running, and log at least 25 miles per week in their test shoes. Chances are, theres a shoe here that youll love as much as they do, and you can scroll deeper for a variety of shoes that cater to different preferences for stability and cushioning.
How To Choose The Best Running Shoe
Some runners care a lot about weight, and research shows that you expend more aerobic energy with heavier shoes. Lighter shoes typically have less cushioning, which can make them feel faster, but new midsole foams now make a plush ride possible without adding much heft to the shoe. If youre going long distances, some extra cushioning might be a better option, as it provides impact absorption.
To test softness, we go to our Shoe Lab to take individual measurements of both the heel and forefoot, since the overall experience can vary based on where a runner touches down and toes off. The cushioning scores are given on a scale of 1 to 100, with one being the firmest. In addition to those key stats, we also look at the running shoes stability features, flexibility, and energy return to help you find one youll love.
Weight: 8.9 oz. , 7.9 oz. Drop: 12 mmType: Road
Select Sizes and Colors on Sale.
Weight: 10.0 oz , 8.2 oz Drop: 10 mmType: Road
Weight: 10.9 oz , 9.1 oz Drop: 10 mmType: Road
Weight: 9.7 oz , 8.1 oz Drop: 12 mmType: Road
Weight: 10.2 oz , 9.1 oz Drop: 8 mmType: Road
Weight: 8.2 oz. , 6.8 oz. Drop: 5 mmType: Road
Weight: 10.0 oz. , 8.3 oz. Drop: 10 mmType: Road
Minimal Vs Maximal Running Shoes
In a nutshell minimal vs maximal refers to the amount of cushioning that the shoe gives to the runners.
Starting in 2009, more and more runners have been promoting a barefoot running idea: shoes are bad for you, you should run barefoot or, if that is not possible, with as little shoe as possible. Milions of runners made the switch to minimalism and quite a few got injured. As a result, companies came out with running shoes that are lightweight but with very high, soft soles that really cushion the foot.
There is not a right or wrong type of shoe here it entirely depends on the runner, their style and preferences.
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How To Shop For A Running Shoe
Generally, you should look to replace your old shoes every 300 to 500 miles. If you run 20 miles per week, that’s every four to six months.
If you’re shopping for a new shoe for the first time or looking to branch out from your go-to pair, there are a few key factors to consider when shopping for a pair of running shoes. The below certainly play into comfort, which in turn influences how likely you are to stick with the sport or hobby. But moreover, some aspects below are important to reduce your chance of injury, which can certainly happen with the wrong shoe underfoot.
Cushioning: Most standard running shoes have enough cushioning to support the average person’s foot, knee, and hips from the shock that goes through your lower limbs with every step. Cushion thickness usually differs at your heel, midfoot, and forefoot. However, some people prefer more cushioning or less .
Heel-Toe Drop: The drop of a shoe is the difference in height between the heel and the ball of your foot. This affects how force is distributed when your foot comes into contact with the pavement. Experts disagree on how exactly drop affects injury rates, but generally, you want a shoe that feels comfortable throughout an entire stride .
To Cushion Or Not To Cushion
Roads are harder on the joints than dirt roads as the surface is denser. Therefore, its more comfortable to opt for cushioning, even if its moderate.
Minimalist running and asphalt are not incompatible . Still, in the beginning, its better to favor softer surfaces such as smooth trails, sand, or grass if you plan to go running barefoot-style.
However, cushioning remains an ongoing debate with no clear answer. The only thing you need to remember is that you should avoid minimalist shoes if you weigh more than 157 lbs/71 kg.
Indeed, its the only conclusion based on a scientific study .
For the rest, its common to hear that you need more cushioned shoes if you are a heavy runner, but its more about durability than risk of injury. So, if you weigh over 176 lbs/80 kg, your shoes are more likely to last a long time if their cushioning is higher.
However, besides the stack height, you should also look at the density of the midsole foam: the denser it is and the better durability will be. Conversely, a low density midsole, like EVA foam, tends to be more fragile.
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New Balance Fuelcell Echo
Price: £70
Weight: 86g , 235g
Heel/toe drop: 6mm
Type: Road/Neutral
When New Balance launched the Fuelcell series, it claimed to have designed a range of shoes that would make every runner faster. The Fuelcell Echo is the brands crossover running shoe, mixing Fuelcell technology with fashion, but it was well received by our testers. It has a decent amount of NBs light, responsive Fuelcell foam for just about every kind of run. One tester wrote, Very stable at speed, super-light on my feet, with lots of spring off my toes it really does feel like Im running faster. The knitted upper has a sock-like feel that provides a snug fit. It rises quite high on the ankle, so its worth wearing a higher sock to avoid any rubbing. All our testers were impressed with the traction of the ribbed rubber outsole, even on wet winter roads. Its worth noting that those who used them for marathon training experienced discomfort on long runs. Best suited for runners looking for an affordable all-rounder that will take them round anything from a 5K to a half marathon.
Weight: 305g , 290g
Heel/toe drop: 5mm
Weight: 290g , 240g
Heel/Toe Drop: 7mm
Daily Training Running Shoes Vs Racing/speedwork Running Shoes
The last distinction we want to highlight is the difference between high mileage, every day shoes vs shoes for speedwork and racing.
It has become a common practice for runners all over the world to have at least two separate pair of shoes:
- A pair of traditional, highly cushioned and comfortable running shoes in which they log the majority of their training mileage. These shoes are usually heavier and with a high drop.
- A pair of lightweight, low drop shoes to be used when they train at slower distances and higher paces. Or on race day.
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How We Tested The Best Men’s Running Shoes
To help you find the right running shoe, we tasked our team of testers with taking top models out for a spin.
They put a selection of shoes, from cushioned daily sneakers to lightweight race-day runners, through their paces, racking up the miles in each pair with a range of long, short, easy and hard runs.
They then provided detailed feedback on several aspects of each shoe price and features design and technology fit, feel and comfort – before using their experiences to decide on a final score out of five stars.
Best Running Shoes In India Under 5000
Samarjit
I would say that 5000 INR is a good budget for you to buy running shoes in India.
In this research for the best running shoes in India under 5000 INR I have come across excellent pairs of running shoes that you can buy.
The most common features to look for in your perfect pair would be memory foam insole, rubber outer sole, lace up closure.
If you are lucky then you might be able to get the ASICS Gel based shoe. Users of that shoe say this is the perfect running shoe.
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New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v12
Weight: 324g , 254g
Heel/toe drop: 10mm
Type: Road / Stability
Like its v11 predecessor, the860V12 has two layers of FreshFoam in its midsole the top is soft, the bottom is speedy. New Balance tweaked the formula of the lower layer, slightly lowering the hardness, so this version feels a touch more forgiving. That much is good. But on the run, the new foams clashed with old-school stability tech a dense medial post. It controls pronation, but the extra weight slows the shoes ride. I know this shoe is designed to be firm and has a loyal fan base that praises its cushioning, but for me, it was a bit too firm after five or six miles, one tester said.
If youre in the market for stability shoes, choose the 860 if getting a close-to-perfect fit is your top priority. Thats where this trainer takes the cake. Its rare that not a single tester mentions a cramped toe in their sample pairs, but our testers raved that the 860s fit was roomy yet locked down from heel to toe.
Weight: 290g , 259g
Heel/toe drop: 8mm
Type: Road / Neutral
To deliver the comfortable-yet-stable ride, Saucony increased the angle of the beveled heel and toe spring in the Triumph 18, promoting smooth heel-to-toe roll, and this geometry is thankfully preserved here. Theres a new mono-mesh upper, which is lighter and more breathable, and it was a hit with testers who praised the roomy toebox, midfoot fit and supportive heel.
Weight: 250g , 200g (W
Heel/toe drop: 5mm
Type: Road / Neutral
How Does Extra Weight Affect Runners
Extra weight can negatively affect the body, such as dramatically increasing your heart rate and oxygen consumption. It can also strain the joints in your legs, which is why it is so important to have a supportive running shoe built for your weight category. While slimming down can help to improve your running performance, you shouldnt aim to become underweight either, as this will affect the power you can put down on the track.
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Best Running Shoes 202: Our Choice Of Men’s And Women’s Running Trainers Tested In The Lab And On The Road
We round up the best running shoes on the market
Theres no such thing as the perfect running shoe. When it comes to running, all sorts of things come into play your biomechanics, your weight, the surface you run on and the shape of your feet, meaning no one shoe will suit every kind of runner.
One of the things weve noticed over the decades of producing shoe reviews at RW is the way our network of runners express themselves when theyre filing their feedback on the shoes theyve tested. Quite often, they dont talk about the things the shoe does, but instead focus on the things it doesnt do. As in: it doesnt pinch, it doesnt feel heavy, it doesnt make their feet sweat and so on. This shows that, for many runners, the aim in choosing footwear is simply to find shoes that stay out of your way, dont intrude upon your run and just allow you to get on with it. The more experienced you become, the more you may look for a specific characteristic within a shoe which is why we give each model such a thorough inspection but its worth remembering that, at a basic level, comfort is key.
How to choose your perfect running shoe
Each shoe on the list below was chosen because of its high overall performance scores, but we also looked at three important categories that should help you find the best model for you:
Save Them For Only The Run
The experts at Running Warehouse suggest not using your running shoes for any activities besides running. This means that if you go out and mow the lawn or just play a game of cornhole, you should slip into some older sneaks instead.
The same goes for other athletic activities you might enjoy. For example, cross-training that requires a lot of side-to-side motion may wear out the soles unevenly and make your running shoes unfit for their intended purpose.
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The Best Running Shoes You Can Buy Today
If youre a fan of the Swoosh, choosing a pair of the best Nike running shoes can be a tricky choice. While were a huge fan of the Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next% for race day, we know not every runner wants to race, which is why the Pegasus 39 sneaked into the top spot here.
It was a close call between this and the Nike Invincible Run, which is also a brilliant everyday shoe, but when it comes down to it, the Pegasus was just more versatile during testing. It’s got a good amount of React foam in the midsole for a lightweight, snappy feel underfoot, without being overly springy and leaving you feeling unstable on the run. The Pegasus is a workhorse – you can wear it for a marathon, your first 5K, and pretty much everything in between.
For a shoe to be on its 39th iteration, it must be doing something right and with the Pegasus, you’re buying reliability. The Nike Pegasus 39 is a huge improvement on the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 fit-wise, it’s more true to size, and Nike has also added an extra Zoom Air unit in the heel of the foot for a more responsive feel. Whether it’s the fact the shoe is lighter than the Pegasus 38, or the fact it has a second Zoom Air unit we’re not sure, but the result is a shoe that definitely feels snappier on the run.
Finally, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 won our best running shoe award in our 2022 Tom’s Guide Health and Fitness awards as its one of the most versatile, durable shoes on the market.
Read our full Adidas Ultraboost 22 review here.
Saucony Echelon 8 Extra Wide
- Price: $$-$$$
- Pros: orthotic-friendly sockliner, wide toe box, American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Approval, orthotic-friendly
- Cons: mens extra wide is pricier than other shoes, limited color options
Simplicity and versatility play a significant role in shoe selection, which is why the Echelon 8 from Saucony is worth checking out. Balanced and stable, it meets a wide range of needs for runners looking for a neutral running shoe with a generous fit.
With a spacious toe box and wide mid-foot and forefoot, the Echelon is designed to give a comfy ride to wide feed. Plus, it has plenty of room for a full-length orthotic shoe insert.
Runners with wide feet rave about the space in these shoes, especially since they have room for an orthotic. Customers with flat and wide feet also appreciate the fit of the Echelon 8. Some people comment on the limited availability of the extra wide in certain sizes and colors, but this does not seem to be as much of an issue for the regular wide.
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What Type Of Shoe Is Good For High Arches
People with high arches will benefit the most from neutral running shoes. If you have exceptionally high arches, you could invest in orthotic inserts that help to take some of the strain off your arches, but generally, neutral shoes will suffice. On the other hand, if you have very low arches, you will do best with a stability or motion control shoe. These will help your feet move properly so that they dont suffer excessive strain when running.
Know Your Foot Strike
Understanding how your foot strikes the ground while running helps you select the right shoe for your foot. Runners typically fit into three footstrike categories.
To figure out your footstrike, look at your current pair of running shoes. They should show more wear in the area of the shoes sole that strikes the ground first.
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Veja Condor 2 X Ciele
Veja, the sustainable shoe company that can count Meghan Markle and Emma Watson as fans have released their latest foray into the running trainer market. The VEJA X Ciele Condor 2 is made in collaboration with Ciele Athletics, a Montreal sportswear company that right now, is on-brand with trendsetting runners across the globe.
The shoe lives up to its reputation and nothing is compromised, especially comfort, given theyre mostly constructed from plastic bottles.
With the uppers being made of recycled plastic, the Alveomesh uppers theyre light and breathable so that the excess heat drains away from your feet during your run.
The soles of this running shoe are crafted from a combination of sugar cane and polyester with the colours inspired by a sunset run through Paris and Montreal and both cities being home to the respective brands.
Whether if you are an athlete or adventurer of any kind, this shoe is sturdy, solid and perfect for the combination of roads or trail running under any weather conditions, the only thing you wont want to do is dirty the shoes as it can also be worn for any occasion.
