9 Of The Best Running Shoes For Men, Tried And Tested By Athletes

Sizes: 6 to 16 | Colors: 21 | Width: Standard and Wide | Material: Engineered stretch knit

• What’s notable: This pick is well built, breathable, comfortable and made from recycled materials.
• What could be better: Some people actually find the Kayano a little too cushion-y.

Runners are extremely loyal to the Gel Kayano for its superior cushioning and the enhanced shock absorption, which takes pressure off your joints and prevents overuse injuries. Dr. Miguel Cunha, podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City, finds these sneakers are good for men of all sizes, including taller, heavier guys. “These shoes are equipped with advanced design features,” he says. Specifically, Cunha likes the heightened heel bevel (the curve in the back of the heel) to provide a softer landing and take off; the contoured midsole that boosts foot stability; the dynamic medial foam to keep the foot in position after landing; and an expanded, sturdy sole that can support extra weight.

The latest version of this shoe—the 30—is also tricked out with eco-cushioning and a heel plug that keeps the outsole from wearing down, among other features. (And if going for a run doesn’t make you feel virtuous enough, you can feel good about the fact that 75% of the Gel Kayano’s upper material is made from recycled materials.)  

What the tester says: Michael Holland, a serious runner who lives in New Canaan, Connecticut, has run 45 marathons worldwide and run most of them in his Asics Gel Kayanos. “Shoes are the key to running. I’ve tried so many shoes and this is just a good fit and feel. They always get me to the finish line,” he says.

Sizes: 7 to 16 | Colors: 4 | Width: Regular and Wide | Material: Engineered mesh upper made with vegan and recycled materials

• What’s notable: Even with a lot of cushioning, it’s still a fast shoe.
• What could be better: Some say the heel wears out over time.

When you’re logging long distances, your feet—and legs—will grow more and more fatigued with every passing mile. This shoe has extra padding in the midsole (referred to as “Pwrrun”) to keep feet feeling fresh and bouncy, which will help you grind out those grueling last few miles. It’s also designed to cradle your foot for ultimate comfort and support, and there is a Hollow-Tech plastic plate for added stability.

What the tester says:

Darien, Connecticut resident Tom Holland, who has run over 70 marathons (including a win at the Dutchess Country Classic Marathon with a PR of 2:54) and completed 26 Ironmans, swears by the Saucony Guide 16. “My feet definitely start to get beaten up after about 10 miles, and this shoe has the cushioning and comfort I need to keep going,” says Holland, owner and founder of Team Holland and author of The Marathon Method.

Sizes: 7 to 15 | Colors: 8 | Width: Regular and Wide | Material: Flat-knit upper

• What’s notable: The advanced technology in here keeps feet from overpronating.
• What could be better: The shoe runs a little narrow.

Stability shoes can sometimes feel heavy and cumbersome. But even with all of its cushioning and a stabilizing J-frame (which prevents overpronation), the Hoka Arahi 7 still manages to be lightweight—and lightning fast. New features include a plusher tongue for added comfort and stretchy dual gusset under the laces.

What the tester says: “I would say it’s the most comfortable shoe I have ever run in, and it provides nice cushioning with good stability,” says triathlete Mark Gitlen, who lives in Jersey City, and is a member of Gold Coast Triathlon Club.

Sizes: 7 to 14 | Colors: 7 | Width: Standard | Material: Engineered mesh upper

• What’s notable: It has dependable traction thanks to the all-terrain Contagrip that can handle rocky and uneven conditions. 
• What could be better: Some testers complain that the insole slips out of place while running.

Grippy, lightweight, and comfortable, Salomon Sense Ride 5’s are a top choice for trail runners, who need enhanced traction to cling to uneven surfaces, and enough cushioning and flexibility to power across rugged, rocky terrain. But you can wear them on the street and the track too. These multi-taskers offer a moderate amount of cushioning, plus Sensifit technology (which cradles the middle of the foot, essentially offering a customized fit) to mold to your feet while you navigate both challenging and flat courses.

What the tester says: This is the favorite shoe of race director, marathoner and ultramarathoner Brian Vanderheiden. As owner of Steep Endurance in Bethel, Connecticut, which creates races all over the Northeast, he likes the Ride 5 for its versatility. “They are a great shoe for running on smooth or semi-technical trails and dirt roads, but can also be used for shorter runs on the roads.”

Sizes: 3.5 to 15 | Colors: 11 | Width: Standard | Material: Flyfit yarn

• What’s notable: The carbon plating reduces fatigue while ZoomX memory foam puts spring in your step.
• What could be better: While very breathable, this pick could be more flexible—and it’s a bit expensive.

Nike revolutionized distance running when they launched their Vaporfly carbon-plated running shoes in 2017 (a year after a handful of elite runners wore them during the 2016 Olympics in Rio.) “This shoe is incredibly lightweight and extremely comfortable,” says Cunha. “It’s engineered with full-length carbon fiber flyplate that propels you forward, in addition to Nike’s responsive memory foam that offers a bouncy feel for more energy return and increased speed.” The Nike Vaporfly 3 is latest model (and the only one now available on the Nike website). While it remains true to its origins, the Vaporfly 3 is a little lighter and more stable than the OG Nike Vaporfly Next%.

What the tester says: Colgate University assistant cross country and track and field coach Willie Moore swears by Vaperfly technology. He wore the Nike Vaporfly Next% while he was captain of the cross country/track and field team at University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, where he set a school record in the 3000-meter run. “They are designed for the utmost racing performance. It is estimated the carbon plate wears out at 75-100 miles. The foam can last another 100 to 200 miles. I only wore them for the most important races, as they can be expensive,” says Moore. “But I ran all my road personal bests in them—I have never felt anything as electric.”

Sizes: 7 to 15 | Colors: 9 | Width: Medium and Wide | Material: 59% recycled materials

• What’s notable: Many runners love the roomy fit in the toe box, and this is the most cushioning you’ll find in a running shoe.
• What could be better: The laces can come untied, so you’ll want to double knot them.

One look at the Glycerin’s thick, cushy sole and you know you’re in for a comfortable ride. The broad sole keeps feet stabilized and ensures smooth transitions, while the DNA Loft v3 adds extra cushioning. Other new updates to the popular Glycerin model include a more streamlined shape and enhanced breathability. 

What the tester says: “These were first recommended to me by an elite runner working at a small running shop in Florida. I was struggling with bunions, and he recommended the Brooks Glycerin, which comes in both men’s and women’s styles, and offers a plush fit and roomy toe box. Since I’ve been running in them, my feet feel less scrunched up, and the extra cushioning has made my knees feel less achey.” —Forbes Vetted contributor Lesley Rothford

Sizes: 6 to 18 | Colors: 24 | Width: Regular and Extra Wide | Material: Flyfit material, 20% recycled content

• What’s notable: It’s water resistant with excellent traction, and comes in a wide variety of colors.
• What could be better: The Infinity runs small, so size up, and some may find the cushioning a little thick.

The Nike RN4 is a good pick for those who run on the street. The Flyfit material has a water-resistant coating to prevent sneakers from getting soggy on rainy runs, plus ReactX foam in the midsole offers just the right amount of cushioning, and the waffle outsole provides great traction in case you come across rocks, ice or debris on your road runs.

What the tester says: Steven Beck, a Florida-based marathoner who appeared on the cover of Runner’s World, wears the Nike InfinityRN 4 on his daily runs. “I’ve long loved their Flynit technology and the comfort it provides for my foot. The upper feels like a sock. The cushioning is a little thick, but it isn’t too much, and provides ease on a long run,” he says.

Sizes: 6 to 16 | Colors: 9 | Width: Medium, Wide, Extra Wide | Materials: Engineered mush upper, made of 75% recycled content

• What’s notable: It’s a great all-around running shoe for those without foot issues who want dependable performance.
• What could be better: It’s not as grippy as expected on slippery surfaces.

This is just a good basic running shoe that works for people who don’t over-pronate or supinate. It gets you through short loops around the block, long hilly runs and everything in between, thanks to built-in gel technology that absorbs shock, extra cushioning and a sturdy Fluidride outsole.

What the tester says: “Asics always feel just right to me, and I get more mileage out of them than other brands,” says Jeffrey Brentson, a track coach in New Canaan, Connecticut. “I’m a fan of the Gel Cumulus line because they are soft, comfortable and snug without being heavy or clunky, and the mesh knit breathes well.”

Sizes: 6 to 18 | Colors: 21 colorways, plus a design-your-own option | Width: Medium and Extra Wide | Materials: Breathable engineered mesh upper

• What’s notable: It’s very lightweight which improves leg turnover speed and makes running feel easier.
• What could be better: It’s not particularly bouncy or fast, so it’s probably not the best choice for racing.

Runners are creatures of habit—they don’t like change. This is one of the reasons the Nike Pegasus remains so popular.  It’s lightweight and durable (it doesn’t seem to wear down as fast as some other shoes), and a combination of  Zoom Air units and React foam keep feet comfortable. And as New York City-based marathoner Ben Toomer points out, it doesn’t play hard to get. “It’s always on sale, and always available in your size and color preference.”

What the tester says: “In my experience, the Nike Pegasus is a dependable companion for marathon cycles—hard wearing and comfortable to go the distance,” says Toomer. “A solid performer in all kind of workouts, on all surfaces, they are the shoe you pack when you’re headed to a new place, exploring new routes and don’t know what to expect.”