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Everything You Need to Know to Find the Best Men’s Running Shoes in 2024

The right pair of shoes can help you run faster, farther and more comfortably. Here's how to choose.
Best Running Shoes for Men

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Whether you are an avid runner looking to shave seconds off your PR, a beginner using a running app to guide your training or someone who just wants to be comfortable while running everyday errands, a good pair of men’s running shoes is a must-have. You can get shoes that are specialized for just about every running style and terrain including long-distance running shoes, trail running shoes, racing shoes and more. Running shoes vary in support, stability, cushioning and fit, so finding the right pair for you comes down to your own personal preferences and purpose for the shoes. This 2024 guide will walk you through our picks for the best running shoes for men to help you find the ones that are right for your fitness and everyday needs. 

Our Picks for the Best Running Shoes for Men of 2024:

Best Overall Running Shoes for Men: adidas Ultraboost Light

adidas ultraboost light

Key Facts:

  • Price: $190
  • Weight: 10.6 ounces (0.66 pounds)

Looking for a shoe that can help you handle long miles on paved roads and treadmills comfortably? Try the adidas Ultraboost Light. This shoe is designed to make every step feel springy and responsive, thanks to its Boost midsole construction. That Boost foam is made up of tiny thermoplastic polyurethane particles that are expanded to form closed cells around pockets of air. The idea is that this construction will return kinetic energy, so that you’re not losing momentum in your stride.

Reviewers rave about the comfort and support of these shoes. “If you like walking on clouds and having a plushy ride with a little pep in your step then these are the shoes for you!” writes one reviewer on the adidas website.

Pros:

  • Yarn in upper contains at least 50 percent ocean plastic and 50 percent recycled polyester
  • Excellent energy return

Cons:

  • More expensive than many other models

Most Comfortable Running Shoes: Allbirds Men’s Tree Dasher 2

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2

Key Facts:

  • Price: $135
  • Weight: 10.23 ounces (0.64 pounds)

The Allbirds Men’s Tree Dasher 2 is made for every day running thanks to its cushioned, breathable and most importantly, comfy construction.

The sustainably sourced sugarcane-derived midsole adds both give-and-take and stability to your stride. And if you need gift ideas, one reviewer wrote, “I bought them for my boyfriend and he loves them. They are lightweight, comfortable and can be put in the wash.”

The shoe is featured in an array of staple (including white, gray, and black) and trendy colors (like pink, azure, and rust), and has a seven millimeter heel drop.

Pros:

  • Designed for a variety of terrains
  • Good for long distances
  • Soft, light, and cushy

Cons:

  • Not waterproof
  • Some reviewers say midsole wears out after consistent use

Best Road Running Shoes for Men: Nike InfinityRN 4

Nike InfinityRN 4 Men’s

Key Facts:

  • Price: $160
  • Weight: 353 grams

If you love to pound the pavement, check out our pick for the best road running shoes for men, Nike InfinityRN 4. This is the fourth version of the popular running shoe, redesigned to offer more energy return and support. The curved outsole helps improve your natural stride and the extra cushioning underfoot reduces the impact on your joints as you strike the road. We love the water-repellent liner so you don’t have to worry about dodging puddles, plus the added rubber on the outsole helps you navigate uneven terrain. This version of the InfinityRN includes a new Flyknit upper, which Nike says acts like a rubber band around your foot creating flexible, yet secure support.

The InfinityRN earned 4.5/5 stars on Nike’s website with users praising the comfort, design and new ReactX foam. One reviewer wrote “it creates a bouncy feel that makes running easier and lighter. If you are someone who enjoys going for long runs this shoe is for you.” Another said “the durability of the outsole is also commendable, offering good traction on various surfaces.”

Pros:

  • Supportive cushioning
  • Lightweight
  • New ReactX foam provides more energy return

Cons:

  • Runs slightly small 

Best Cushioned Running Shoes for Men: Hoka Clifton 9

Hoka clifton 9

Key Facts:

  • Price: $259
  • Weight: 8.70 ounces (0.54 pounds)

If you are looking for a good all-around shoe for everyday walking and running, the Hoka Men’s Clifton 9 is an Australian Podiatry Association(APodA) approved option. This shoe has received the APodA Seal of Acceptance which means it was found to be beneficial to foot health by APodA-member podiatrists.

The Men’s Clifton 9 features an upper made from breathable engineered knit and a cushioned compression-molded EVA midsole. EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam provides a soft, lightweight responsive design that helps offer shock absorption, while the early-stage meta-rocker creates a smooth ride for your step. The high-abrasion rubber gusseted tongue provides padding and comfort for the top of your foot and the extended Achilles pull tab helps make these shoes easy to put on and take off.

Reviewers on the Hoka website comment that their favorite things about the shoe are how light, comfortable and cushioned this shoe is. 

The Clifton 9 is vegan and made from recycled materials, features a five-millimeter drop from heel to forefoot and is available in wide sizes.

Check out our Hoka Clifton 9 review for more information on this popular shoe. 

Pros:

  • Soft and lightweight vegan-friendly design
  • Received Australian Podiatry Association(APodA) Seal of Acceptance
  • Good for everyday running and walking

Cons:

  • Regular sizes run narrow. If your feet run wide, check out the wide size options

Best Trail Running Shoes for Men: Allbirds Men's Trail Runners SWT

Allbirds Trail Runners SWT

Key Facts:

  • Price: $140
  • Weight: 11.96 ounces (0.75 pounds)

If you love the visual splendor of the wild outdoors while you run, it’s key to lace up in the best trail running shoes made to handle rougher terrain.

The Allbirds Trail Runners SWT has a rugged outsole for good traction on trails, and a tear-resistant ripstop mudguard. One reviewer, a soccer referee, wrote that the shoes weathered a season “without a scratch”—an unusual footwear feat. Another reviewer described the fit: “Comfortable, flexible, breathable and a unique design. I like that the fabric is flexible, but fits like a glove.”

Part of that snugness comes from the shoe’s sock-like collar, to help block the elements from sneaking into your shoes.

Pros:

  • Water-resistant finish
  • Good for short and long distances
  • Comfortable and stylish for everyday wear and trail running

Cons:

  • No half sizes available for purchase
  • May not fit wider feet

Best Running Shoes for Men: adidas 4DFWD Running Shoes

adidas-4dfwd-running-shoes

Key Facts:

  • Price: $200
  • Weight: 12.5 ounces (0.78 pounds)

With over 450+ four-star reviews on both the adidas and the Dicks Sporting Goods websites, the adidas 4DFWD Running Shoes are a customer favorite. Both sites rank the shoes with a 4.6-star overall rating. The durable, comfortable and fashionable design helped propel the shoes to be an adidas best-seller for running shoes.

The 4DFWD Running Shoes have an adidas PRIMEKNIT textile upper which makes the shoe breathable and supportive. The 4D midsole features cushioning that absorbs the impact of your foot strike. Additionally, the Continental™ Rubber outsole contributes to the durability of this shoe.

Reviews of the 4DFWD Running Shoes frequently say that this shoe is a comfortable everyday shoe that’s a solid choice for a variety of activities including walking, running, working out at the gym, or wearing while on the job. Some reviewers share that these are great shoes for those who are on their feet all day for work. For example, one reviewer said that the 4DFWD Running Shoes are “Excellent shoes for running, walking, and work. Relieves a lot of the foot pain I had.”

The 4DFWD Running Shoes are available in 12 colorways on the adidas website.

Pros:

  • Charged cushioning provides comfort
  • Good for long runs
  • Good shoe to wear on the job

Cons:

  • Several reviewers say the sizing of the shoe can be confusing 

Best Racing Shoes for Men: Nike Men's Vaporfly 3

Nike vaporfly 3

Key Facts:

  • Price: $250.00
  • Weight: N/A

Looking for a shoe that’s going to help you take your racing to the next level? Nike designed its VaporFly 3 to be the ideal combination of support and responsiveness you need from a racing shoe. The overall construction is designed to stay light, from the mesh upper to the carbon fiber support plate underfoot.

Related Post: The Best Nike Shoes for Men

ZoomX foam pods under each heel are designed to help spring you forward while keeping you comfortable, even during longer races. The shoe also has an updated thin outsole which decreases the overall weight of the shoe and allows more room for cushioning that will keep you comfortable even on your longest races.

Pros:

  • Engineered for racing
  • Lightweight design
  • Foam and carbon foot plate assist with a responsive feel

Cons:

  • Increased cushioning and heel stack may be too much for some runners
  • Elevated price point

Best Running Shoes for Men with Flat Feet: Hoka Arahi 6

hoka arahi

Key Facts:

  • Price: $159.99
  • Weight: 9.88 ounces (0.62 pounds)

Between 19 and 26.5 percent of people have flat feet, a condition that occurs when there is a reduced arch of the foot, according to research. When this happens the arch either touches the ground or is close to contacting the ground. According to health experts, rigid shoes with high density foam are best for flat-footed runners.

The Hoka Arahi 6 are our pick for the best running shoes for men with flat feet because they are designed to fight overpronation thanks to the stabilizing J-Frame technology in the midsole. In fact, these shoes have been granted a Seal of Acceptance by the American Podiatric Medical Association for being beneficial to foot health. We love the Arahi 6 as a running shoe because it offers maximum stabilization and moderate cushioning with minimal added weight.

Related Post: Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet

Pros:

  • Available in regular and wide sizes
  • Designed to fight overpronation
  • Mesh upper offers breathability

Cons:

  • Expensive compared to other shoes on our list

Best Running Shoes for Men with Plantar Fasciitis: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13

Key Facts:

  • Price: $139.99
  • Weight: 10.6 ounces (0.66 pounds)

Plantar fasciitis, the most common cause of heel pain in adults, is commonly seen in runners. While pain from plantar fasciitis can improve with activity, a prolonged workout can make it worse. The right pair of running shoes may help provide plantar fasciitis relief, reducing aches and pains during daily use.

What makes the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13 shoes unique is their use of Fresh Foam X, a material that New Balance employs to cushion high-impact foot strikes. This soft foam was developed with data from 3D motion collected pressure mapping, along with real-world intel from athletes. For this shoe style, Soft Foam X gives wearers a soft heel strike and a plush dual-layer midsole offers enhanced comfort. A double layer of breathable mesh for the upper lends support without sacrificing flexibility.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13 comes in ten color choices and is available in both standard and wide fit.

Pros:

  • Light supportive fit with soft, cushioned heel
  • Features Fresh Foam X

Cons:

  • Heavier weight

Best Stability Running Shoes for Men: adidas Ultra 4D

adidas ultra 4d

Key Facts:

  • Price: $220.00
  • Weight: 12.9 ounces (0.81 pounds)

Frankie Ruiz, chief running officer at national athletic events brand Life Time and co-founder of the Miami Marathon, shares that shoe technology has evolved quite a bit when it comes to stability features. While in the past some shoes with technical specs that added stability were not always the most comfortable, today you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for function. He particularly recommends stability shoes for beginner runners, heavier runners and those with flat feet or low arches.

The adidas Ultra 4D running shoes are made with both support and comfort in mind. The 4D midsole helps with impact absorption as well as foot support so that no matter the surface, the shoes protect your feet. The PRIMEKNIT upper and lace closure also provide foot protection because of the tight hold surrounding the ankle. 

The adidas Ultra 4D running shoes are not only great for your feet, but also for the environment. The upper uses a minimum of 50 percent recycled content in its materials. As a company, adidas is working hard to make both high-quality shoes and a cleaner environment by being intentional about the materials they use to create their products.

Pros:

  • Strong ankle support
  • Lightweight construction
  • Sold in a variety of colors 

Cons:

  • Some reviewers say that the shoe runs narrow 

Best Running Shoes for Men with Wide Feet: Asics Gel Cumulus 24 

Asics Gel Cumulus

Key Facts:

  • Price: $130
  • Weight: 10.1 ounces (0.63 pounds)

The Asics Gel Cumulus is designed to be a smooth everyday trainer that can be used for a variety of runs and distances. To improve on comfort, the shoe features a breathable engineered mesh upper and a variety of cushion-enhancing materials. Flytefoam cushioning, a light shock absorbing foam, is used in the midsole along with FF Blast cushioning, a lightweight impact-absorbing padding that helps ensure a soft landing and energized lift off. OrthoLite (a light foam insole material) X-30 sockliner, also adds to the comfort of the shoe.

You’ll find Asics Lite outsole rubber in the forefoot of the Gel Cumulus shoes for lightweight strength that offers resistance against wear. Meanwhile, AHARPLUS outsole rubber improves durability in the heel of the shoe. A reflective pattern on the outside of the shoe will help keep you visible to vehicles in low light situations.

Lastly, while some of the shoes of this list run narrow, the Gel Cumulus 24 is available in wide and extra wide options. Several reviewers on the Asics website raved about how comfortable this shoe is in extra wide and one reviewer said it “instantly cured” that person’s ball-of-foot pain.

Gel Cumulus 24 features an eight millimeter heel drop and is best suited for underpronation (high arches) or a neutral foot type. It’s available in two colorways for wide sizes and one colorway for extra wide sizes on the Asics.com website. 

Pros:

  • Versatile everyday shoe for a variety of running distances
  • Features soft foam cushioning including Flytefoam and FF Blast for comfort
  • Available in wide and extra wide fits

Cons:

  • Limited colorway options for wide and extra wide sizes

Best Running Shoes for Heavy Men: Nike Pegasus 40

SI_Nike-Pegasus-40

Key Facts:

  • Price: $130
  • Weight: 10.1 ounces

For heavier runners, Ruiz recommends more cushioned running shoes, which is why Nike’s Pegasus 40 clocks in as our pick for the best running shoes for heavy men. The Pegasus 40 is designed to help you hit the road in cushioned comfort. With extra padding in the tongue and a midfoot band, the Nike Pegasus 40 is built to provide ultimate foot support. The underfoot cushioning has two Zoom Air units which allow for each step to be energized and light. The rubber outsole helps with traction so the runner can feel safe on any terrain.

With 4.7/5 stars from more 250 reviews on Nike's website, customers seem to agree that the shoe is great for running. One reviewer wrote, "I love the new structure of the shoe and (they) offer more stability for my feet and more durability.  Looking forward to wear them for my marathon."

Pros:

  • The tongue is apart from the upper which accommodates many different foot shapes
  • Flexible mesh upper
  • Supportive underfoot cushioning

Cons:

  • Some customers say the shoes worn down quickly 

How to Choose Men’s Running Shoes

“The most important thing to look for in a running shoe is comfort,” says Frankie Ruiz, chief running officer at national athletic events brand Life Time and co-founder of the Miami Marathon.

Ruiz says that the best way to get the right fit is to have your measurements taken by a trained shoe fitting specialist at a traditional running shoe store or running specialty retailer. 

“I’ve seen some shoe fitting sessions take longer than an hour. And that’s perfectly fine and acceptable. You want to take your time, especially with your first pair as you enter the sport,” says Ruiz.

Ruiz says that once people find a brand and model they like, they often stick with it. “Do keep in mind that most shoe brands keep the same model, but much like cars they update them every year with minor and sometimes major modifications,” he explains.

If you are shopping online, Ruiz recommends looking for retailers with a generous return policy so that you are able to test out the shoes to see if you like them. He suggests trying them out on a treadmill with the same socks you’ll be running with on a regular basis.

“Give yourself about half a size of room between the toe and the shoe. You shouldn’t be sliding around in the toe box, but you should have room to wiggle the toes freely,” says Ruiz.

What Kinds of Men’s Running Shoes Are There?

There are many kinds of running shoes designed for different purposes and with different features prioritized. Men’s running shoe options include trail running shoes, distance running shoes, road running shoes, racing shoes, stability shoes, barefoot shoes and more.

What to Look for in Running Shoes

Intended Use

Based on your intended use, the features you should look for will vary. For instance, if you plan to run long distances on a variety of terrains, you might need a grippy shoe designed for multiple surfaces. You also might want to consider a more cushioned shoe. On the other hand, if you are looking for a shoe for light walking or jogging, you might not need as much support.

If you are looking for speed, you’ll want to look for features that enhance your ability to go faster.

Ruiz says one common mistake people make is buying a trail shoe when all they need is a road shoe. “Trail shoes look like they will last longer and often their tread does, but they can be slower on the roads than a normal shoe,” says Ruiz. 

Keep in mind, running shoes aren’t just for running but can also be a good choice to wear while at work. “It shouldn’t surprise you that jobs that require a lot of standing or walking often have most of their workforce wearing running shoes,” says Ruiz.

Related Post: The Best Walking Shoes for Men to Buy

Fit

Choosing a correctly fitting shoe for your intended purpose will help you be more comfortable throughout your activities.

If possible, Ruiz recommends getting fitted by a trained shoe fitting specialist at a traditional brick and motor running shoe store. “A good tip when getting fitted is to consider going right after a run or later in the day. This increases the likelihood your measurement will be accurate,” says Ruiz. 

Cushioning

Many brands have their own technological innovations when it comes to cushioning.

Ruiz cautions that you should be careful choosing a shoe solely based on cushion. “Softer isn’t always more comfortable. You may feel great standing or walking in the shoes because of all the cushion, but when it comes to running for several miles you realize that the comfort dissipates because of the lack of responsiveness of the shoe,” says Ruiz. The wrong cushioning can result in you needing greater force and energy to push off the ground.

Stability

Ruiz shares that you’ll find most of the stability improvements in the midsole which is where brands insert their stability mechanisms and materials such as midsole foam.

“The more rigid material creates the most stability. There are varying degrees of hardness in the foam or medial post device to provide the desired stability. Again, the driver here is comfort,” says Ruiz.

Ruiz warns that too much correction can make things uncomfortable and may eventually lead to injury.

“My experience has shown me that runners when they first start out need more stability, and then later on as they get faster and more efficient with their stride they need less stability,” says Ruiz. He recommends more stability for beginners, heavier runners, those with flat feet and those with low arches. Shoes with stability are also beneficial for those with overpronation (which can cause flat feet). 

Related Post: 10 Best Shoes for Flat Feet

Support

Depending on your feet, gait and your running experience, the type of support you’ll need will vary.

Ruiz shares that most people getting into running should have general support to assist them with any collapse of the ankles and as they land and ready for the push-off of the next stride. It’s also important that those with high arches get a shoe with arch support that gently fills the gap so no part of the foot is floating.

“The idea behind the amount of support that a running shoe provides is to reduce the impact of each stride. The reduction of that impact will provide for a more comfortable run and ideally reduce some of the fatigue that can be associated with the pounding of each step,” says Ruiz.

Most beginners will need support near the midfoot and heel.

Weight

Weight of shoes may impact the runner’s performance. The shoes on this list range between around 6.6 and 10.5 ounces.

Ruiz says that the perception of the shoe’s weight is also important. “There are shoes that are considered light, yet when you run in them they feel clunky or maybe even heavy. So, the actual weight might be less than another model you are considering, yet the shoe just doesn’t feel as fast,” says Ruiz.

Cost

You can find running shoes for just about any budget. The prices of the shoes on this list range from around $38.46 to $160.

Ruiz shares that the most expensive running shoe isn’t always going to be what necessarily works best for you.

Here’s Ruiz’s secret when it comes to pricing: If it is a new running shoe (and current year/season model) and you are paying less than $100, there is a chance it is a lower end model. These models most likely aren’t going to last long or have advanced technology features. “Don’t make the mistake and buy these. They tend to have some cool colors and they seem stylish,” says Ruiz.

Running Shoes for Men FAQs

Do I need two pairs of running shoes?

If you are running regularly, many experts recommend at least two pairs of running shoes, allowing you to rotate between pairs. Benefits of multiple shoes may include:

  • Reducing injuries
  • Helping with shoe longevity
  • Gives you an option for different runs/needs
  • Can provide different color/style options

What is the difference between sneakers and running shoes?

Many shoes get confused with running shoes. Remember, running shoes are specifically designed for running, though they may be used for a variety of other activities due to their comfort and versatility.

Running shoes usually have a heel to toe drop, rather than a flat rubber sole. Shoes that are not designed for running could result in injuries, discomfort and blisters.

Though some people may use sneakers for running, they may not include all the latest running innovations. “There are shoes that almost look exactly the same as specific running shoe models, but don’t have all the technology that truly makes them an effective running shoe,” says Ruiz.

Can I wear running shoes for walking?

Yes. Running shoes are often great choices for other activities, like training in the gym, using an elliptical machine or even walking during your workday on an under-desk treadmill

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.