What are the best running shoes for men?
If you’re looking for the best running shoes for men, you’ve come to the right place. Our buying guide will review the top rated men’s running shoes available today. But first, when buying a new running shoe there a number of features you should keep in mind. Let’s take a look at a few.
1. Fit
Buying a properly sized shoe is always important, but this is especially important when talking about running shoes. Because of the force and repetition involved a good fit is necessary to avoid serious injury. One of the first things you should do is get to know how different brands size their shoes. For example, Brooks running shoes run on the slightly wider side and Nike and Adidas run on the narrower side. While some shoes like New Balance will offer a number of width options.
2. Ankle Support
You also need to make sure you buy a shoe that supports the natural pronation of your foot. Running shoes can be designed for neutral, supination, and overpronation runners. A neutral runner will have a slight roll inward and then a slight roll outward as they finish their stride. If you are this type of runner you’ll see the most tread wear on the ball of the foot as well as some wear on the heel area.
Runners that over pronate will see wear on the inside edge. And runners that supinate will have most of the wear on the outer edge. A reputable running shoe manufacturer will provide an indication of who the shoe is built for. The different types of pronation can also be adjusted with an insert.
3. Arch Support
Arch support is also very important because runners with different types of arches will also have different pronations. Those with high arches will tend to be supinators and need more flexibility, while those with low arches will tend to overpronate and need more stability control.
4. Right Shoe For The Right Terrain
There are two primary types of running shoe. You’re either going to get a road running shoe or a trail running shoe. Road shoes are made for paved roads and will traditionally be a lightweight running shoe with extra cushioning. The best trail running shoes will be used on uneven surfaces, so they’ll need additional stability and shock absorption. These shoes will also tend to be a little heavier.
5. Style
Let’s get this out of the way now. These are top of the line runnings shoes. You’re buying them to perform a specific task at a high level. You can’t have everything. For the most part running shoes come in colorways that are, well, kind of ugly. If you’re looking to make a fashion statement I would definitely stay with the gray or black tones. Otherwise, you can look forward to some yellow, green, and silver combinations. Stay focused on the reason you’re buying these shoes and you’ll be better off.
6. Top Running Shoe Brands For Men
If a brand makes sneakers, they make running shoes. That doesn’t mean you should necessarily buy them. If you’re looking for a running shoe and don’t see something on our list make sure you stay with these brands and you won’t go wrong.
1. Brooks Men’s Running Shoes
2. Saucony Men’s Running Shoes
3. Asics Men’s Running Shoes
4. Hoka One-One Men’s Running Shoes
5. Mizuno Men’s Running Shoes
6. New Balance Men’s Running Shoes
7. Adidas Men’s Running Shoes
Hopefully, this introduction has helped you understand what to look for when buying a men’s running shoe. Now let’s get to our top choices.
The Best Men’s Running Shoes
Brooks Men’s Glycerin 14 Men’s Running Shoe
Best Cushioned Running Shoes. Brooks makes some of the best running shoes on the planet. The Brooks Men’s Glycerin 14 Men’s Running Shoe ($150) is no different. The Glycerin is one of the best cushioned running shoes you can find. It was built specifically for neutral to supinating runners. If you wear out the outside of your soles first these are the shoes you should be looking at. The Brooks Glycerin features a Super DNA Midsole that provides adaptable cushioning, an upper made from a 3D stretch print material for strategic stretch and structure for a perfect fit. Overall weight is 10.6 ounces with a 10mm offset.
Saucony Triumph ISO 2 Men’s Running Shoe
Best Running Shoe Under $100. The Saucony Triumph ISO 2 Men’s Running Shoe ($75) is an amazing shoe for the neutral runner. It’s so great that it’s already won Runner’s World Editor’s Choice award. One of its best features is EVERUN, a cushioning construction material that is dramatically more lively and responsive than standard cushioning materials. EVERUN is used in the Triumph top sole and in the landing zone in the heel. Additional features include an overall weight of 10.2 ounces, 8mm offset, a TRI-Flex outer sole for better ground contact, and improved upper for a more accommodating fit, and a welded bottom eyelet for added comfort. I would have to say this is one of the best running shoes for under $100.
New Balance Men’s Foam 1080v6 Running Shoe
The New Balance Men’s Foam 1080v6 ($90) is another great running shoe for under $100. This cushioned running shoe is the cruiser of running shoes. It was specifically built for runners who run at an average pace. Features include extremely generous Fresh Foam cushioning, an engineered mesh upper, and a grooved outsole for maximum flexibility. The interior of the shoe features an Ortholite sock liner for maximum comfort. Specifications include an 8mm drop, a blow rubber outsole, and bootie construction.
Brooks Ghost 9 Men’s Running Shoe
Best Neutral Running Shoes. The Brook Ghost 9 Men’s Running Shoe ($120) is one of the most well known and highly rated shoes ever. It is so respected that it was named the best buy in Runner’s World 2016 fall shoe guide. The Ghost 9 is a neutral runner that delivers a balanced and smooth ride. Features include BioMoGo DNA midsole cushioning that adapts to every step, a full-length segmented crash pad for smooth transitions, and an engineered mesh upper that enhances breathability. Overall weight is 11.3 ounces with a Midsole Offset of 12mm.
Adidas Adizero Adios 3 Men’s Running Shoe
The Adidas Adizero Adios 3 Men’s Running Shoe ($119) is a low profile neutral running shoe that features a breathable mesh upper and a full boost midsole that returns energy after every step. It is also one of the lightest running shoes around coming in a just over 8 ounces. The upper is made from a textile mesh upper that has an open weave for maximum breathability. It also has synthetic overlays that provide support. The continental rubber outsole was made to provide best in class grip for dry and wet conditions. A great shoe for those looking for a minimal running experience.
Brooks Cascadia 11 Men’s Running Shoe
Best Trail Running Shoes. The Brooks Cascadia 11 Men’s Running Shoe ($150) are the trail runner’s best friend. The upper features a Gore-Tex breathable technology that keeps feet dry in wet conditions. It is made from a lightweight microfiber and has synthetic overlays. The interior lining was specifically made to wick moisture away in order to keep your feet warm and dry. Most of the tech is in the mid and outsoles. The Full-length midsole provide dynamic, adaptive cushioning, the crash pad provides heel-to-toe transitions, and the HPR Green outsole offers the best in class traction in wet and dry conditions. And lastly, a ballistic rock shield protects soles from sharp and bumpy hazards.
Hoka One One Clifton 3 Men’s Running Shoe
Lightweight Running Shoe. The Hoka One One Clifton 3 Men’s Running Shoe ($130) is one of the lightest road running shoes you can buy. It’s a neutral runner that comes in at just 6.8 ounces and features a 5mm offset. The upper features a seamless speed frame construction which minimizes weight and provides exceptional comfort. The full-length compression molded EVA midsole is also very light and provides on of the smoothest rides around.
