The 6 Best Running Shoes For Men - Spring 2025

The 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. It pairs adidas' premium foam with carbon energy rods to deliver a super bouncy ride while maintaining a very energetic and propulsive feel. It's an excellent choice for runners who want a lively, performance-driven shoe, ideally suited for long-distance races, that keeps your legs fresher deeper 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. Compared to the adidas shoe, this one leans more into 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.

The 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 events 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, this shoe prioritizes raw efficiency and direct ground feedback at the cost of long-haul comfort.

If you want a shoe that can handle almost everything you throw at it, the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 is hard to beat. It blends comfort, stability, and responsiveness in a way few shoes manage, thanks to its dual-layer midsole setup—a soft, bouncy top layer combined with a firmer base. Without relying on a carbon plate, it can still easily shift gears between relaxed daily runs, long, steady efforts, and even faster workouts, making it one of the most well-rounded shoes we've tested.

The adidas Adizero Evo SL is another strong option for runners who want versatility but with a livelier feel. It's a lightweight uptempo trainer that borrows super shoe tech like adidas' premium foam, offering snappy energy return and a dynamic ride that shines, especially during faster intervals or tempo sessions. However, it's not quite as forgiving for easy paces or longer distances, where the ASICS' higher stack and better cushioning provide a clear comfort advantage.

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 just as ready for the next training session as it is for race day.

The Mizuno Neo Zen 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.

The ASICS NOVABLAST 5 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 Zen offers a similarly energetic ride, it comes with some compromises for long efforts. Its sock-like upper cuts weight but sacrifices lockdown and fit security, 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 everyday training rather than chasing pure speed and top-of-the-line efficiency at the cost of everyday usability. It's the shoe you can trust when the runs get long and the legs get heavy.

The 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 31 is a purpose-built stability shoe that uses structured support and arch-correcting geometry to counter overpronation. It's effective but way heavier, 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.