Finding the best running shoes can feel like a marathon; the sheer volume of options can turn a simple search into an endurance test. Whether you're building mileage, prepping for race day, or just looking for everyday comfort, narrowing it down to the right pair can be tricky. But once you know your priorities, whether that's cushioning, stability, or energy return, it gets much easier to find the right fit.
We've tested over 50 models, and below are our recommendations for the best running shoes men can buy. You can also check out our overall picks for the best running shoes for even more options.
We've recently started buying and testing running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes for team members to be able to log in miles. This real-world testing is done at various paces and conditions, and with different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.
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Best Running Shoes For Men For Long-Distance Racing
Marathon Racing8.75K/10K Racing8.6Energy Return8.8Cushioning8.0Lateral Stability7.4Weight:197.5 g (6.97 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:7.0 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:Carbon Fiber RodsThe adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 are the best men's running shoes for long-distance events like a marathon race, where efficiency and cushioning are key. The Pro 4 pairs adidas' premium foam with carbon energy rods to deliver a bouncy, energetic ride, while its light weight ensures efficiency and responsiveness. It's an excellent choice for runners who want a lively, performance-driven shoe, ideally suited for long-distance races, that keeps your legs fresh, deep into the run.
If you prefer an even softer and more cushioned experience, the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is a strong alternative. It offers one of the most plush rides among super shoes but retains enough snap at marathon paces to feel quite energetic. The Saucony shoe leans more toward max softness and deeper cushioning, while the adidas provides slightly better energy return and a firmer feel underfoot. That said, both of these elite-level super shoes focus heavily on maximizing race-day performance at the expense of stability and long-term durability. They're best reserved for race day rather than daily training.
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Best Running Shoes For Men For Short-Distance Racing
Marathon Racing7.45K/10K Racing9.0Energy Return8.4Cushioning6.3Lateral Stability7.1Weight:160.5 g (5.66 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:8.8 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:Carbon FiberThe Nike Vaporfly 4 is an amazing choice for runners targeting shorter races, from a 5K up to a half-marathon. It delivers a snappy, efficient ride by pairing Nike's premium foam with a full-length carbon plate, all housed in one of the lightest super shoe designs currently available. Its lower stack height and grounded feel help create a quicker, more aggressive feel during toe-off, making it especially well-suited for race distances where every second counts.
However, the lighter, firmer design comes with tradeoffs. The forefoot offers a precise, snappy feel that's ideal for short to mid-distance racing but can feel quite harsh if you stretch into longer efforts. Compared to the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4, which provides more cushioning and protection for the marathon distance, the Vaporfly 4 prioritizes raw efficiency and direct ground feedback at the cost of long-haul comfort.
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Most Versatile Running Shoes For Men
Marathon Racing7.75K/10K Racing7.4Energy Return8.3Cushioning8.1Lateral Stability7.2Weight:220.0 g (7.76 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:6.7 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:Plastic ShankIf you want a shoe that can handle almost everything you throw at it, the adidas Adizero Evo SL is hard to beat. It's a light weight, versatile shoe that suits a broad range of runners, and blurs the line between a trainer and racing shoe. Although it fits in the daily trainer category, it has some super shoe features like adidas' premium foam, offering snappy energy return and a dynamic ride that shines, especially during faster intervals or tempo sessions. The feel underfoot can be less forgiving at easy paces, so while it can handle almost any workout, it's not necessarily great for recovery runs.
Another versatile option is the ASICS NOVABLAST 5, a plush trainer that strikes a balance between comfort and bounce. The excellent cushioning makes the NOVABLAST 5 better-suited for easy recovery runs than the Evo SL, but the ASICS shoe is still capable of picking up the pace during long runs. Neither of these unplated trainers matches the sheer racing efficiency of true carbon-plated super shoes like the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4. Still, both are capable enough to toe the line at local events, especially if you value a shoe that's accompanied you through training runs up to race day. -
Most Cushioned Running Shoes For Men
Marathon Racing7.25K/10K Racing6.6Energy Return5.7Cushioning9.1Lateral Stability6.9Weight:263.4 g (9.29 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:9.8 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:PlasticThe Mizuno Neo Vista 2 is the shoe to reach for when you need pure underfoot protection above everything else. The extremely plush cushioning creates a soft, protective feel that's perfect for easy daily runs and recovery sessions when your legs are beat up. Thanks to its high stack of soft foam, it delivers a premium, forgiving ride that keeps impact stress to a minimum. However, the thick midsole and more relaxed geometry make it feel too clunky and disconnected for uptempo efforts.
For runners wanting a max-cushioned shoe that can still pick up the pace, the HOKA Mach X 2 is a strong alternative. As a plated super trainer, it blends plush cushioning with better responsiveness, offering more versatility for days when you want to move faster. If maximum comfort at easier paces is your priority, the Mizuno is the safer bet, but if you want the option to push the pace in a cushioned package, the HOKA is the better fit.
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Best Running Shoes For Men For Long Runs
Marathon Racing7.45K/10K Racing6.1Energy Return7.4Cushioning8.7Lateral Stability7.1Weight:247.5 g (8.73 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:9.1 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 is the kind of shoe that feels better the longer you run. Thanks to its soft yet responsive midsole, the ride feels smooth, and as the distance piles up, the consistent cushioning keeps your legs feeling fresher than you'd expect. There's just enough bounce to help you pick up the pace when needed without feeling too unstable. It's a perfect match for those steady Sunday long runs where comfort and reliable protection make all the difference.
While the Mizuno Neo Vista 2 offers a similarly cushioned ride, it comes with some compromises for long efforts. Its sock-like upper cuts weight but sacrifices lockdown, which can feel wobbly as fatigue sets in. The ASICS shoe's more traditional structure gives better lateral stability, helping you stay confident and efficient even when your form starts to fade.
Compared to a long-distance racing shoe like the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4, the ASICS prioritizes comfort, stability, and durability for training runs, whereas the Adios Pro 4 sacrifices everyday usefulness in the pursuit of pure speed and maximum efficiency. The SUPERBLAST 2 is the shoe you can trust when the runs get long and the legs get heavy.
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Best Running Shoes For Men For Stability
Marathon Racing5.35K/10K Racing7.2Energy Return5.9Cushioning5.9Lateral Stability8.7Weight:214.7 g (7.57 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:7.3 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 stands out as a stable daily trainer that doesn't feel like one. Its unusually wide platform and lower stack height deliver natural stability without relying on traditional support features, making it a great choice for runners who want to stay grounded without sacrificing too much performance. This design helps you minimize lateral movements when fatigue sets in or when form starts to break down, yet the shoe stays light and responsive enough for uptempo efforts. However, it won't feel as energetic as the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2. It's also available in extra wide, making it a more accommodating option for runners with broader feet. While the cushioning isn't maximal, there's enough comfort for daily runs and a touch of bounce that keeps it fun.
If you need more active guidance, the ASICS GEL-KAYANO 32 is a purpose-built stability shoe that uses structured support and arch-correcting geometry to counter overpronation. It's effective but way heavier than the Rebel v4, and the ride feels dull, which makes it a less convenient option for faster paces or longer runs. A more cushioned and forgiving model like the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 might be a better match for those extended sessions, especially if stability isn't your top priority.
Notable Mentions
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Nike Streakfly 2:
The Nike Streakfly 2 is a fun, featherweight option for short-distance racing. Its stripped-down build and snappy midsole make it a strong pick for 5Ks and can stretch to 10Ks for runners with strong form and efficient mechanics. It has a very aggressive and narrow build and lacks the cushioning and structure needed for longer efforts. Unlike the Nike Vaporfly 4 or adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4, which can cover a broader range of distances, the Streakfly 2 is best reserved for all-out efforts over short races. Still, the innovation and its clear focus on speed and simplicity are appreciated.
See our review -
Brooks Glycerin Max:
The Brooks Glycerin Max isn't trying to be flashy or fast; it just nails comfort in a way few shoes do. There's a smooth, almost effortless feel to it that makes it perfect for recovery days when your legs need a break. With its high stack, plush underfoot feel, and ultra-forgiving ride, it's the kind of shoe you reach for without thinking. It won't quite match the impact absorption, softness, and light weight build of the Mizuno Neo Zen, but for pure cruising comfort, it's the Cadillac of recovery shoes.
See our review -
Nike Vomero 18:
The Nike Vomero 18 is a no-fuss, traditional daily trainer that gets the job done. It doesn't rely on flashy design or exotic components; instead, it offers a well-cushioned, protective ride that holds steady across daily runs. It's an ideal pick for runners who want a reliable workhorse that prioritizes comfort and stability over speed. However, it's heavier, firmer, and less bouncy than the ASICS NOVABLAST 5, which remains a favorite for longer runs.
See our review -
On Cloudboom Zone:
The On Cloudboom Zone is a light weight, unplated, uptempo trainer that's great for intervals and faster workouts. It offers a naturally firm ride with a snappy toe-off, delivering speed without the stiffness that usually comes from a carbon plate. That said, while it's a fun and responsive option, its midsole isn't quite as energetic or cushioned as the adidas Adizero Evo SL, which remains a more versatile choice across a wider range of efforts.
See our review
Recent Updates
Aug 12, 2025:
Given its wider range of usages, we changed our recommendation for the 'Most Versatile' shoe from the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 to the adidas Adizero Evo SL. The SUPERBLAST 2 has now replaced the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 as the best shoe for long runs, as the former's rocker and stiffer geometry allow for better transitions on long runs. We updated our pick for 'Most Cushioned Shoe' from the Mizuno Neo Zen to the Mizuno Neo Vista 2, the brand's newer, more cushioned shoe.
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.