Whether you're building mileage, prepping for race day, or just looking for everyday comfort, finding the right pair of running shoes can be tricky. The sheer volume of options can be overwhelming, but it also means that there are solid choices for every runner on any budget.
We've tested and reviewed over 185 models; below are our recommendations for the best running shoes for men. If you're looking for shoes to race a marathon, check out our recommendations for the best marathon running shoes. If you're after shoes suited for long-distance training, not just racing, check out our recommendations for the best long-distance running shoes.
We buy and test 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 so team members can log in miles. This real-world testing is conducted at various paces and conditions, across 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
Marathon Racing5K/10K RacingEnergy ReturnCushioningLateral StabilityTrue To SizeWeight:229.9 g (8.11 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:8.7 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe best running shoes for men that we've tested are the ASICS MEGABLAST. In an increasingly specialized running shoe market, the MEGABLAST are one of the rare shoes that does lots of things exceptionally well: it has outstanding cushioning when you want to feel comfortable; impressive energy return when you want to run fast; and its relatively lightweight construction makes it feel nimble at all times, even as your legs fatigue.
Overall, the MEGABLAST is an incredibly versatile shoe. If you have an intense training block that includes long runs, intervals, and speed workouts, this shoe can handle all of these with panache. It's even a good shoe for running a marathon, although it's not a specialized racing shoe. If you want to invest in one shoe that will be able to cover lots of different workouts, this is it.
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Best Upper Mid-Range Running Shoes for Men
Marathon Racing5K/10K RacingEnergy ReturnCushioningLateral StabilityTrue To SizeWeight:232.6 g (8.20 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:7.1 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe best upper mid-range running shoe is the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3. It doesn't quite have the same bounce as the ASICS MEGABLAST, but its cushioning is just as remarkable, providing great impact absorption for both forefoot and heel strikers. The SUPERBLAST 3 doesn't blast off with the most energetic foam, but rather a rockered midsole that helps keep your foot rolling forward. Where the MEGABLAST feels dynamic and fun, the SUPERBLAST 3 feels consistent and reliable.
If you want a plated trainer that feels lively and propulsive, the Brooks Hyperion Max 3 is a worthy alternative. It has a plastic plate in the midsole that adds some snap, and an aggressive rocker that keeps propelling you forward even as your legs tire. But bouncy fun can become chaotic instability, so runners with over-pronation issues might find the Hyperion Max 3 too wobbly to run with confidence.
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Best Mid-Range Running Shoes for Men
Marathon Racing5K/10K RacingEnergy ReturnCushioningLateral StabilityTrue To SizeWeight:263.4 g (9.29 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:9.8 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:PlasticThe Mizuno Neo Vista 2 is the best mid-range running shoe for men. It has an incredible amount of cushioning, but it's fairly one-dimensional, lacking the versatility of the ASICS MEGABLAST or the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3. The towering midsole of the Mizuno features two different foams, stabilized by a plastic plate, which keep you protected from the impact of striking the pavement. But the lofty stack height also makes it less stable, and this combines with its sub-par energy return to discourage you from going too fast. The shoe's upper is very loose, so you might want to consider sizing down.
If you want something that feels more secure, both in terms of fit and lateral stability, consider the Saucony Hurricane 25. It's a good option for long runs, and its wide base, contoured dual-density foam, and soft sidewalls keep its ride smooth and stable. It's not as plush or deeply cushioned as the Mizuno, but it holds up better over longer distances.
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Best Lower Mid-Range Running Shoes For Men
Marathon Racing5K/10K RacingEnergy ReturnCushioningLateral StabilityTrue To SizeWeight:242.0 g (8.54 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:7.3 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneIf the previous options are a bit too expensive, the Saucony Endorphin Azura is an absolute standout in its price category. Its cushioning isn't as plush or absorbent as the recommendations above, but it holds up impressively well over long distances. The Azura's rockered midsole and very good energy return make it a great shoe for pushing the pace in speed workouts or just mixing up the tempo in your daily runs.
If you want a lighter shoe and don't need as much cushioning, the adidas Adizero Evo SL is also a great shoe for its price range. It uses the same premium foam that adidas uses in its premium racing shoes, so you get an impressive amount of energy return for a fraction of the price.
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Best Budget Running Shoes For Men
Marathon Racing5K/10K RacingEnergy ReturnCushioningLateral StabilityTrue To SizeWeight:264.8 g (9.34 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:9.6 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe best budget running shoes for men are the Saucony Triumph 23. They offer a good balance of cushioning, energy return, and lateral stability without necessarily excelling in any one. If you just want a running shoe that will smooth out the grind of regular runs, the Triumph 23 delivers. It's not without some annoyances, however: the thick padding in the upper of the shoe limits breathability, so it can become uncomfortably hot on summer days.
That said, this shoe is surprisingly lightweight for how well it's cushioned, and it ensures soft, protective landings for heel strikers. That cushioning doesn't hold up as long as the recommendations above, though: after more than 20K, the midsole becomes increasingly harsh and starts to bottom out.
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Best Cheap Running Shoes For Men
Marathon Racing5K/10K RacingEnergy ReturnCushioningLateral StabilityWeight:283.2 g (9.99 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:11.4 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe Nike Pegasus 41 is the best cheap running shoe for men you can buy. It's not a shoe that's going to do any work for you, as the energy return is poor and the geometry is flat, but it's a sturdy workhorse that can get through daily miles with minimal fuss. The midsole of the Pegasus 41 is much firmer than any of the recommendations above, which is fine if you want some ground feel, but disappointing if you want a cushy ride. The Pegasus series has endured for so long precisely because it is off-trend, focusing on classic reliability and consistency over current market trends.
Notable Mentions
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Nike Vomero Premium:
The Nike Vomero Premium is almost larger than life, sitting higher off the ground than any running shoe before it, and offering unprecedented cushioning. But all of that comes at a cost; not only a hefty price tag, but also literal heft that makes the shoe too bulky to feel fast. While the Vomero Premium has more cushioning than either the ASICS MEGABLAST or the Mizuno Neo Vista 2, it's less stable underfoot.
See our review -
Brooks Glycerin Max 2:
The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 isn't trying to be flashy or fast; its only goal is comfort and it delivers. It's nowhere near as bouncy as the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 or even the Mizuno Neo Vista 2, but it has a gentle rocker that helps keep you rolling along. Heavier runners will particularly appreciate how well the Glycerin Max 2's thick midsole absorbs impact.
See our review -
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5:
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is a plated super trainer that, as the name suggests, is built for fast workouts. It's very nimble and livelier than either the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 or Brooks Hyperion Max 3, but it's more one-dimensional, focusing on speed rather than endurance. If you're building a shoe rotation, the Saucony is a good complement to a more comfortable long run shoe.
See our review -
Salomon Aero Glide 3:
The French mountaineering brand has now made a great road running shoe in the Salomon Aero Glide 3. It has impressive cushioning and good energy return, and while it's not as lightweight or versatile as the ASICS MEGABLAST or adidas Adizero Evo SL, it can still handle a wide range of runs. Its main downside is its sizing, which runs long.
See our review
Recent Updates
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.
Jan 30, 2026:
We've revamped the structure of our article and also updated our picks to include shoes that we tested in 2025 and early 2026.
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.