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 over 200 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 just trying to stay comfortable, check out our recommendations for the most comfortable 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.
-
Best Running Shoes For Men
Marathon Racing7.95K/10K Racing6.2Energy Return8.3Cushioning9.4Lateral Stability6.9True To Size8.9Weight: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 is 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.
-
Best Upper Mid-Range Running Shoes for Men
Marathon Racing7.75K/10K Racing6.2Energy Return7.8Cushioning9.4Lateral Stability6.9True To Size9.1Weight:232.6 g (8.20 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:7.1 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe best upper mid-range running shoe that we've tested 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.
-
Best Mid-Range Running Shoes for Men
Marathon Racing7.25K/10K Racing6.0Energy Return7.8Cushioning8.5Lateral Stability7.1True To Size9.0Weight:280.7 g (9.90 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:9.4 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneIf you want something a bit cheaper, the Nike Vomero Plus is a max-cushioned trainer that brings bounce and comfort to everyday runs. It's noticeably heavier than the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3, and its PEBA-based ZoomX foam bottoms out faster, so it's not as well-suited to long runs. If you want a running shoe that feels comfortable on easy days, but has lively enough bounce to pick up the pace, the Vomero Plus is an excellent option.
If you want something that feels more stable and secure, 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 the ride smooth even if your running form starts to break down. It's not as plush or deeply cushioned as the Vomero Plus, but it holds up better over longer distances.
-
Best Lower Mid-Range Running Shoes For Men
Marathon Racing7.65K/10K Racing6.3Energy Return8.2Cushioning8.5Lateral Stability7.1True To Size9.8Weight: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. If you have any pronation issues, though, both the Azura and the Evo SL could get wobbly.
-
Best Budget Running Shoes For Men
Marathon Racing7.65K/10K Racing6.8Energy Return7.2Cushioning8.4Lateral Stability7.3True To Size9.3Weight:226.3 g (7.98 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:4.9 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneIf you're a man who loves a good bargain, the Mizuno Neo Zen are the running shoes for you. They can't match the energy return of the Saucony Endorphin Azura or the adidas Adizero Evo SL, but the Neo Zen does its own thing, delivering a soft, bouncy ride. The sock-like upper of the Neo Zen also helps give the shoe a snug, comfortable fit, although it could feel restrictive if you have high arches. The Neo Zen is relatively lightweight for a daily trainer but still packs great cushioning underfoot and remains very absorbent over long distances. The Mizuno Neo Zen 2 has already been released, so the original Neo Zen is now widely available at discounted prices.
-
Best Cheap Running Shoes For Men
Marathon Racing4.85K/10K Racing6.1Energy Return4.5Cushioning5.6Lateral Stability8.0True To Size9.0Weight: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. The Nike Pegasus 42 has been released, and we'll be reviewing it soon, but in the meantime, you can find deals on the Pegasus 41.
Notable Mentions
-
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
Recent Updates
Apr 22, 2026:
We've updated our recommendation for the 'Best Mid-Range' shoe based on changes in pricing. We've also updated our pick for the 'Best Budget' shoe to the Mizuno Neo Zen after its price dropped.
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.