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 confusing times to shop for running shoes, as the options can seem overwhelming. Men often need different things from a running shoe than women, especially when it comes to handling heavier body weights, accommodating wider feet, or simply wanting to run fast. We've tested over 290 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 absorbs impact. A score of 7.5+ is good overall, but if you're a heavier man, it's worth checking how the shoe performs under higher forces. You can find that in the Heel Cushioning and Forefoot Cushioning tests on individual 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. Higher scores generally mean the shoe wastes less of your effort through the foam, which can make faster running more efficient.
- Stability: How secure the shoe is underfoot. A score of 7.5+ is good for daily use. This is especially useful for new men runners who want a more trustworthy platform while they build confidence, and for bigger runners who need lots of cushioning to absorb impact but don't want the shoe to wobble underfoot.
- True to Size: How closely the shoe's length and internal shape match our standardized reference fit. A score of 9+ means you can confidently buy your normal size. If you have wider feet, a broader arch, or taller toes, it's worth checking the individual fit scores as well.
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 who's overwhelmed by all the running shoe options, the ASICS Megablast is the best running shoe for men we've tested. No matter your weight or running experience, it provides a comfortable ride that makes logging miles enjoyable. Its exceptional shock absorption protects your legs superbly, even on runs up to 40 km. The impressive rebound gives plenty back when you want to run faster, and there's enough bounce to make everyday running fun. It's also very light for such an incredibly cushioned shoe, so it never weighs you down, regardless of how fast you're running.
That said, it's a shoe that truly comes alive at faster paces. So if most of your running is slower than 6 minutes per km, the ASICS Superblast 3 is another great pick. It isn't as eager to run fast and is much happier cruising, while still giving you superb shock absorption with plenty of bounce and enough versatility to handle some fast running when needed. Neither shoe is the most secure underfoot, and neither is available in wide sizing, so men with wider feet or dedicated support needs should consider one of our picks below. However, if you want one highly cushioned shoe that works across different paces and suits a wide range of men without feeling heavy or dull, the Megablast is a standout pick.
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Best Mid-Range Running Shoes For Men
Cushioning8.0Energy Return8.3Stability6.6True To Size8.9Weight:220.0 g (7.76 oz)Heel Stack Height:36.9 mmHeel-To-Toe Drop:6.7 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:Plastic ShankIf you want to spend less than our top pick, the adidas Adizero Evo SL is the next best option. It's not as complete a package as the ASICS Megablast. It doesn't protect your legs from impact quite as well; it's less bouncy, and it's not as smooth through your stride, so it can be more tiring on longer runs. That said, its lighter, lower-profile build is still fun and more nimble than the Megablast. There's plenty of rebound to help you settle into a rhythm, too, and the cushioning still does a great job of limiting road impact, even if you're a heavier guy. It's versatile enough to handle all of your weekly miles, especially if you like to run fast.
However, like the Megablast, it's not the most stable shoe, especially for men who need extra ankle support. It also doesn't come in wide sizing, so men who need more room or a more stable ride may want to consider the Saucony Triumph 24. It's a great shoe that's more stable and better cushioned than the Evo SL overall, though it's heavier and not as well-suited to men who want to run fast. If you don't need the extra room or support, however, the Evo SL is the best pick in this price range.
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Best Budget Running Shoes For Men
Cushioning7.3Energy Return6.8Stability8.4True To Size8.9Weight:296.7 g (10.47 oz)Heel Stack Height:44.3 mmHeel-To-Toe Drop:12.5 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneIf you're looking for an even cheaper option, the Nike Winflo 12 is a much more affordable shoe than the two picks above. It gives up a lot compared to those shoes to get there: it absorbs significantly less impact, especially for heavier guys, who will notice their legs taking more of a beating the faster they run. Its extra weight also makes quicker running very hard work, and it doesn't help you settle into a rhythm as easily. What you do get in return is a very secure ride that's easy to trust, particularly if you're a bigger guy or mainly running slower. There's still enough rebound to keep daily runs from feeling dull, its cushioning does a decent job of taking the sting out of the road overall, and it's available in wide sizing, too.
For guys who don't want to give up the speed of the two picks above, however, the adidas Zenboost is worth considering. It's significantly lighter, nimbler, and better suited to faster running than the Winflo 12, while remaining very stable. However, it absorbs much less impact, and for men looking for a cheap shoe primarily for comfortable everyday running, the Winflo 12 is the better pick.
If you're looking to get the absolute most for your money, check out our other options for the best cheap running shoes.
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Best Beginner Running Shoes 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 you're new to running and want a decently secure yet still fun shoe to inspire confidence as you find your feet, go with the ASICS Novablast 6. It isn't quite as versatile as the ASICS Megablast or the adidas Adizero Evo SL, with a heavier build and less assistance through your stride. However, it's still light for a daily trainer and more stable than either shoe. Its deeply cushioned platform does an excellent job of protecting your legs from impact while you're still building the running habit, making it a great pick for heavier guys too. Though it isn't as speedy as the top two picks, it can handle faster running fairly well, so whether you start out quick or gradually pick up speed, there's just enough versatility to keep pace with your progress and enough bounce to make daily miles enjoyable. As your runs get longer, it can handle the extra distance decently. It also comes in wide sizing, too.
If you'd rather spend a little more for substantially more stability, however, the Saucony Hurricane 26 is the better option. It's much more secure, especially for men who need ankle support, and has a livelier ride despite the extra weight. However, it can feel a bit too aggressive if you're a runner who doesn't need the added support, and the heel doesn't absorb impact as well, so if you're looking for the safest, most protective bet when you're just starting and don't want to spend the extra, the Novablast 6 is still the best place to start.
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 Running Shoes For Men With Wide Feet
Cushioning7.9Energy Return7.2Stability7.6True To Size8.6Weight:250.3 g (8.83 oz)Heel Stack Height:38.4 mmHeel-To-Toe Drop:7.8 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneIf you're a guy with wide feet struggling to find a shoe that fits without compromising performance, the New Balance 1080v15 is the shoe for you. It's the only shoe on this list available in both wide and extra-wide sizing, so men who usually struggle with cramped shoes have a much better chance of finding the right fit. It isn't as lively as the ASICS Megablast, and it doesn't handle faster running or distances beyond 10 km as well. However, it's still a good daily trainer overall, and you don't give up much to get that extra room: the cushioning is very protective, it's much more stable, and the ride is still fun. If you've got wide feet and want a shoe that gives them the space they need without settling for a dull ride, the 1080v15 is the best running shoe for men with wide feet we've tested.
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Best Running Shoes For Heavier Men
Cushioning8.9Energy Return5.7Stability7.7True To Size9.5Weight:269.0 g (9.49 oz)Heel Stack Height:43.4 mmHeel-To-Toe Drop:8.8 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneIf you're a heavier guy looking for a shoe that's deeply cushioned and protective without wobbling underfoot, look no further than the HOKA Clifton PRO. Though it's less energetic than any other shoe on this list and heavier than our top pick, the ASICS Megablast, what you get in return is a much more stable platform than that shoe that still provides excellent impact protection even under the heaviest loads. That protection also remains impressive on runs up to 40 km, so bigger men don't have to sacrifice comfort on longer efforts. That combination of deep cushioning and a secure ride is a rarity in this part of the market. So, if you're a heavier man who cares more about protecting your legs and a secure platform than a bouncy ride for faster running, the Clifton PRO is the shoe to get.
Notable Mentions
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Nike Vomero Plus:
The Nike Vomero Plus is a better option for heavier men who want a livelier, more energetic ride than the HOKA Clifton PRO. However, it's more expensive and less stable, and its cushioning doesn't hold up as well over longer distances.
See our review -
HOKA Bondi 9:
The HOKA Bondi 9 is a more expensive alternative to our beginner pick, the ASICS Novablast 6, with even better cushioning for heavier men and excellent protection over long distances. However, it's much heavier, less stable, and less energetic, making it less versatile overall.
See our review -
Brooks Ghost 18:
The Brooks Ghost 18 is a cheaper, more stable alternative to our wide-feet pick, the New Balance 1080v15, and goes up to extra-wide sizing. However, it's much less protective and lively underfoot, so it suits men who prioritize a firmer, more traditional ride.
See our review
Recent Updates
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Sep 14, 2026 at 01:07 pm:
We've updated this article to change our top pick to the ASICS MEGABLAST and replaced the ASICS NOVABLAST 6 with the adidas Adizero Evo SL as our 'Best Mid-Range' pick. We moved the NOVABLAST 6 to our 'Best For Beginners' pick, replacing the Saucony Hurricane 26, and replaced the adidas Zenboost with the Nike Winflo 12 as our 'Best Budget' pick. Finally, we tweaked the text throughout the pick boxes to reflect these changes and updated the Notable Mentions accordingly.
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Sep 01, 2026 at 01:14 pm:
We updated the article to better reflect what men look for in shoes, making the Saucony Hurricane 26 our top overall pick, the Brooks Ghost Amp the 'Best For Beginners,' the New Balance 1080v15 the 'Best For Wide Feet,' and the HOKA Clifton PRO the 'Best For Heavier Men.' All pick box copy and the intro were tweaked to reflect this new structure. Finally, we refreshed the Notable Mentions in line with these changes.
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Aug 20, 2026 at 11:46 am:
We've updated this article to change our 'Best Budget Pick' from the adidas Adizero Pacer to the adidas Zenboost. We also changed our 'Best Mid-Range' pick to 'Best For Daily Training', and rewrote the box to make the trade-offs between picks clearer.
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Jul 31, 2026 at 03:29 pm:
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.
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Jun 29, 2026 at 10:18 am:
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.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we currently consider 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.