In many ways, there's never been a better time to be a man looking for running shoes. The market has exploded in recent years, with shoes for every type of run and runner. That also means now is one of the most bewildering times to shop for running shoes, as the options can seem overwhelming. We've tested over 250 models, and below are our recommendations for the best running shoes for men. Here's a quick rundown of what to look for using our lab testing and scoring:
Cushioning: How well the midsole of the shoe absorbs impact. 7.5+ is a good overall score, but if you're a heavier guy, you can see more detailed scoring of how well the cushioning performs at higher force levels by scrolling down to the Heel Cushioning and Forefoot Cushioning tests on individual shoe reviews.
Energy Return: How much energy the midsole gives back after each foot strike. A score of 7.5+ is good, while 8+ is great and means less energy is lost through the foam, helping the shoe feel livelier and more responsive underfoot.
Lateral Stability: How secure the shoe feels underfoot. 7.5+ is a good score for daily use. Max cushioned shoes often score lower due to their higher stack height. Race shoes with narrower, more streamlined platforms also tend to score lower, meaning you'll need to run with good form.
True to Size: How closely the shoe's length and volume align with a standardized true-to-size baseline. 9+ means you can confidently buy the shoe in your normal size. Shoes that score between 7.5 and 9 are generally still good, but you might want to check individual components of the score if you have specific concerns, like wide arches or tall toes.
If you want to learn more about our testing process, you can read about our lab tests.
We've bought and tested more than 250 running shoes. Every pair purchased with our own money, never supplied or sponsored by brands. Our data-driven tests are designed to go beyond marketing claims, and since every shoe goes through the exact same methodology, you can directly compare results to find the right pair for your needs.
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Best Running Shoes For Men
Cushioning9.3Energy Return8.3Stability6.7True To Size8.9Weight:229.9 g (8.11 oz)Heel Stack Height:44.6 mmHeel-To-Toe Drop:8.7 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneIf you're a guy looking for one running shoe to handle everything, the ASICS MEGABLAST is the best running shoe for men we've tested. It combines a light build with a soft, highly responsive midsole and a playful ride that works across almost any kind of run. There's plenty of bounce underfoot, and the shoe rolls smoothly through the stride. Where many max-cushion shoes resist when you pick up the pace, the MEGABLAST thrives on progressive runs and faster sessions. It's also reasonably stable despite its height, so neutral runners can trust it for pretty much all of their regular training.
Where the MEGABLAST really earns its place at the top is over longer distances. Its cushioning holds up amazingly as the miles build, making it an excellent long-run and marathon shoe. It's not perfect, however, coming with a sizable price tag, and though it can handle 5K and 10K racing decently, runners chasing short-distance PBs may still prefer a snappier, dedicated racer.
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Best Budget Running Shoes For Men
Cushioning6.6Energy Return1.2Stability7.7True To Size9.7Weight:255.0 g (8.99 oz)Heel Stack Height:36.7 mmHeel-To-Toe Drop:6.5 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneIf you're looking for the best bang for your buck, the adidas Adizero Pacer is a much more affordable option than our top pick, the ASICS MEGABLAST. It's our best budget running shoe pick for men, with a firm platform that is much more stable than the MEGABLAST, and a lower stack that's easier to trust underfoot. This also gives it the added bonus of being a great gym shoe, so if you're mixing strength training with walking and running, and only want one shoe, the adidas has got you covered.
However, it gives up a lot in running performance compared to our top pick: it's much less cushioned and efficient, so your legs will feel more beat up on long runs, and you'll have to work much harder to go faster and sustain the pace. It's also not the shoe to tackle marathons with either. However, for guys who want an affordable option that gets the job done without the bells and whistles of modern running shoes, the adidas fits the bill.
If you're looking to get the absolute most for your money, check out our picks for the best cheap running shoes.
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Best Running Shoes For Daily Training For Men
Cushioning8.5Energy Return7.2Stability7.1True To Size9.4Weight:247.7 g (8.74 oz)Heel Stack Height:41.9 mmHeel-To-Toe Drop:8.8 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneIf our budget pick, the adidas Adizero Pacer, doesn't have enough performance underfoot for you, and you want a dedicated shoe for all of your weekly miles, you can't do better than the ASICS NOVABLAST 6. It's the best daily trainer for men we've tested. Its tall stack delivers excellent impact protection underfoot, while its lively midsole adds enough rebound and bounce to make logging miles exciting. It can also handle long runs and progressive efforts decently, significantly outperforming the adidas in all of the above. It's an easy shoe to lace up and log miles in day after day, and can even serve as a satisfactory marathon companion if you want to complete the distance rather than race it.
That said, you do give up some stability compared to the adidas, and it's not snappy enough to be our first choice for intervals or short-distance racing. If you'll mostly be running fast, check out our pick at the bottom for fast workouts.
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Best Beginner Running Shoes For Men
Cushioning8.4Energy Return8.0Stability7.8True To Size9.4Weight:260.6 g (9.19 oz)Heel Stack Height:41.4 mmHeel-To-Toe Drop:7.7 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneIf you're new to running and want a pair of shoes you can trust without worrying you'll outgrow them after a few months, go with the Saucony Hurricane 26. It's a similar ride to our best daily trainer, the ASICS NOVABLAST 6, but it's significantly more stable, giving guys new to running more support as they find their feet. It works just as well for walk-run plans, too, but what makes the Saucony really stand out is how little excitement it sacrifices to be so dependable. It's livelier than the ASICS, rolls more smoothly, and has everything you need to take you from your first run to longer efforts as your mileage increases.
However, it's heavier than the ASICS and slightly less cushioned, but most runners won't notice, and it still provides impressive impact protection overall.
For more beginner-friendly options across different price ranges, check out our article on the best running shoes for beginners.
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Best Cushioned Running Shoes For Men
Cushioning9.6Energy Return7.4Stability6.7True To Size9.7Weight:329.5 g (11.62 oz)Heel Stack Height:52.7 mmHeel-To-Toe Drop:9.9 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneIf you don't need the support of our best shoe for beginners, the Saucony Hurricane 26, and want as much protection underfoot as possible, the Nike Vomero Premium is the best cushioned running shoe for men we've tested. Its plush, ultra-high stack provides an incredibly cushioned platform that does an outstanding job taking the sting out of the road. It's especially appealing to heavier runners and anyone looking for one shoe for recovery runs, easy days, or longer efforts where protecting your legs matters most.
That said, it has much more heft underfoot than the Saucony and is significantly less stable, so runners with dedicated support needs may find it too wobbly. It's also not the shoe to pick for faster sessions or racing, but if comfort and protection matter more than speed, the Nike is best in class.
For more deeply cushioned shoes, check out our recommendations for the best cushioned running shoes.
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Best Running Shoes For Racing For Men
Cushioning8.3Energy Return8.4Stability6.0True To Size7.0Weight:165.5 g (5.84 oz)Heel Stack Height:39.5 mmHeel-To-Toe Drop:4.7 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:Carbon FiberIf you want a shoe dedicated to race day instead of a shoe to do all of your runs like in our other picks, get the ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO. It's an incredibly light carbon-plated super shoe with an energetic midsole and plenty of snap, making it an excellent option whether you're lining up for your first race or chasing another PB. It's the best racing shoe for men we've tested, performing excellently over the marathon distance without feeling harsh underfoot. It's a great pick for 5K and 10K racing, too.
Of course, like most dedicated racers, it gives up stability and versatility, and it's not the pick for a one-shoe marathon training rotation, and is much too aggressive for daily training duties. Still, if you're looking for a performance beast to lace up and go all out on race day, the ASICS can't be beat.
If you're specifically looking for shoes to race a marathon, check out our recommendations for the best marathon running shoes.
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Best Running Shoes For Fast Workouts For Men
Cushioning8.4Energy Return8.2Stability7.4True To Size9.8Weight:242.0 g (8.54 oz)Heel Stack Height:40.2 mmHeel-To-Toe Drop:7.3 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneIf you're not planning to race just yet but still want a speedy shoe for training, the Saucony Endorphin Azura is the best running shoe for fast workouts for men we've tested. It's a lightweight, snappy, unplated performance trainer with a very lively and deeply forgiving ride that thrives on intervals, tempo sessions, and progressive long runs. It's also much more stable than our racing pick, the ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO, with a trustworthy platform underfoot across different paces and distances. It's a standout option for speedwork and marathon training blocks, with the bonus that, if you do decide to race, it's still a very good marathon shoe and a decent option for shorter distances.
That said, the ASICS remains the better pure racer overall. The Saucony lacks the truly phenomenal rebound and featherweight build of the pick above. It's also marginally less snappy and assistive, significantly less bouncy, and has a higher drop. These differences are small on paper, but they matter when you want to squeeze out every ounce of performance on race day.
Notable Mentions
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Kiprun Kipride Max:
The Kiprun Kipride Max is a more cushioned alternative to the Saucony Hurricane 26, with marginally better long-run performance. However, the Saucony is lighter, more stable, much livelier, and more versatile, so it's the better shoe for beginners overall.
See our review -
Dynafish Xiaonian:
The Dynafish Xiaonian is a lighter, bouncier, and more energetic alternative to the Saucony Endorphin Azura. However, the Saucony is snappier and smoother, and the Dynafish can be hard to get in Western markets.
See our review -
Li-Ning Red Hare 9 Ultra:
The Li-Ning Red Hare 9 Ultra is a much lighter alternative to the Nike Vomero Premium with similarly outstanding cushioning and a livelier ride. However, the Nike is much more stable, while the Li-Ning can run tight through the arch, and delivery can take a while in Western markets.
See our review
Recent Updates
Jul 31, 2026:
We’ve updated our picks to reflect the current market. The adidas Pacer is now our budget pick, the Nike Vomero Premium is our top cushioned option, the Saucony Hurricane 26 is our beginner pick, the ASICS NOVABLAST 6 is our daily trainer pick, the ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO is our racing pick, and the Saucony Endorphin Azura is our pick for fast workouts. We also refreshed the Notable Mentions and updated the article structure to better separate training and racing use cases.
Jun 29, 2026:
We've updated our pick for the 'Best Beginner Running Shoe' to the Kiprun Kipride Max, replacing the Brooks Glycerin Max 2, which we moved to the Notable Mentions. We've also added links to our best stability running shoes, best cushioned running shoes, and best cheap running shoes articles to the relevant category boxes.
May 22, 2026:
We've updated and expanded the structure of this article to include more recommendations based on use cases.
Apr 22, 2026:
We've updated our recommendation for the 'Best Mid-Range' shoe based on changes in pricing. We've also updated our pick for the 'Best Budget' shoe to the Mizuno Neo Zen after its price dropped.
Mar 12, 2026:
We've updated our upper mid-range pick to the newly released ASICS SUPERBLAST 3, and we've updated our lower mid-range pick to the recently reviewed Saucony Endorphin Azura.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best men's running shoes for most people. We consider factors like performance, price (a more affordable shoe wins out if the extra cost isn't justified), user feedback, and availability; we don't recommend shoes that are hard to find or nearly sold out.
If you'd rather decide for yourself, check out our full list of running shoe reviews. There's no perfect shoe for everyone: your stride, preferences, and goals will always be the most important part of the equation.