New runners tend to ask me, “What’s the best running shoe?” But there’s truly not one trainer that outperforms them all. Instead of recommending one single shoe, I consider the runner’s experience level and what they’re training for. Maybe you’re a new runner training for your first 5K or a more experienced runner setting your sights on training for your first marathon. Or maybe you’re trying to get faster or just want a new pair of kicks to start run/walking. From beginner to vet, road to trail, neutral to stability, there’s a shoe out there for every runner.
Men kind of have the upper hand in terms of running shoes because most models are designed for men’s feet by default. Even on unisex racing shoes, runners with smaller ankles often need to use special tricks like the heel lock lacing technique to tighten the fit because they were built based on a men’s last with a wider collar.
That doesn’t mean you can check out when it comes to finding the best fit. We have a handy guide to help you find your approximate size before shopping. There’s also width to consider, not to mention intention: Do you want a grippy, durable trail shoe or a lightweight trainer for tempo runs?
Here, we break it down for you by naming our top 10 running shoes for men and providing guidance on what features to consider.
Best Running Shoes for Men Preview
- Best Overall: Nike Pegasus 42
- Best Value: New Balance Ellipse v1
- Best Daily Trainer: Brooks Ghost 18
- Best Value Speedwork Trainer: Adidas Adizero Evo SL
- Best for Stability: Saucony Guide 19
How We Selected
I’ve chosen to highlight each of these shoes based on feedback from the men on our editorial team, as well as the Runner’s World wear-tester program. We frequently update the lineup to ensure we're giving you the best, most up-to-date recommendations for every type of run—and runner.
Please note: While we’re experts at vetting the best footwear and update these lists often, retailer prices and stock fluctuate constantly. Our recommendations may not always be available in a given size or color. We’ll do our best to update our links to make sure you can get every pick as often as possible.
Full Reviews
Nike Pegasus 42
Pros
- Smooth ride
- Full-length Air Zoom unit lends more energy return
- Wide toebox provides ample toe room
Cons
- Thick upper
| Weight | 10.6 oz |
| Type | Neutral Road |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Heel Stack | 37 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 27 mm |
The Peg is back—and our testing proves it was worth the wait. The newest iteration is snappier and more responsive. It’s a major improvement compared to the Pegasus 41, which wasn’t necessarily bad; the ride was just a little lackluster according to our testers’ feedback.
“I usually love the Pegasus, but this version felt like a little step back,” commented RW Director of Content Operations Brian Dalek after testing the Peg 41. “Ran with it mostly on roads and running paths, and I just noticed the shoe didn’t have the pep I usually expect from it for a daily trainer.”
Nike stepped in to make sure the Pegasus 42 would be more responsive than its predecessor. The shoe has a full-length Air Zoom unit to ensure high energy return. The last is modified to accommodate wider feet.
“The Nike Pegasus 42 is a solid and stable everyday trainer. Back in 1990 when I was running cross country in high school, my very first shoe was the Nike Air Pegasus and they have made some excellent changes over the past 35 years,” said tester Steven Blasi.
“The Pegasus 42 is nothing like my Pegasus from my high school days,” he continued. “The shoe is not too hard, not too soft, it is just right. The slight rocker bottom of the shoe made for a nice and smooth transition from heel to forefoot and the [Air Zoom unit] added the extra push.”
Pros
- Bouncy ride
- Plush feel
- Available in multiple widths
Cons
- Bulky and heavy
- Not meant for speedwork
| Weight | 9.6 oz |
| Type | Neutral Road |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Heel Stack | 38 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 30 mm |
With the Ellipse you get an affordable model that packs incredible comfort and bounce. New Balance Senior Global Project Manager Paul Zielinski explained to Runner’s World how the brand set out to capture the communal aspect of our sport in a shoe. Think of the Ellipse as your “running group model,” the shoe’s ride meant to embody the rush of going on a fun run with friends.
The shoe has a retooled version of the brand’s Fresh Foam X; it has new geometry to make it springier. Though the shoe feels slightly bulky—it’s not intended for speedwork—its midsole produces a trampoline-like bounce that energizes your run.
“I like the foam,” said shoe tester and Director of News Andrew Daniels. “Some of the shoes I ran in most recently feel more firm than these, like a gym mat. This isn’t *super* sponge-y, but more in that sweet spot of just-right firm and just-right squishy, where it stays pretty bouncy for most of the run and provides good cushioning on the landings.”
Pros
- Supportive foam
- Comfy fit
- Available in wider widths
Cons
- Not as responsive as competitors’
- Slightly narrow in the toebox
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.2 oz |
| Type | Neutral Road |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Heel Stack | 36 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 26 mm |
Our men and women testers were split on the Ghost 18. Men liked the shoe’s ride and comfy fit, saying that even though the foam isn’t as responsive as other daily trainers they’ve tested, the Ghost 18 is a reliable shoe for logging easy workouts.
“[The Ghost 18] is well-cushioned, especially in the heel,” said Photo Director John Hamilton. “Really noticed it on a long downhill at the end of a longer run. The foam was supportive and adequate especially for slower paces but lacked a ‘pop’ when picking up the pace.”
Hamilton also noted the toe area felt slightly narrow and that a wider width would remedy this stitch (the shoe is available in wide and extra wide, as well as narrow widths).
On the other end, the air mesh upper was uncomfortable for our women testers, who complained they got hot spots under the big toe area. It’s funny to say an iteration of shoe works better for men’s feet, but that seems to be the case with our testing—which is why the Ghost 18 made this list as Best Daily Trainer.
“I really like easy cruising, when I lay back on my heel and float,” said Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate. “I think that’s where this shoe works best, and probably why it’s going to work for newer runners and the majority of us who heel strike.”
Adidas Adizero Evo SL Running Shoe
Pros
- Versatile
- Good shock absorption
- Responsive for fast paces
Cons
- Midfoot fit can be a little loose
- Tongue can shift around while running
Key Specs
| Weight | 7.9 oz |
| Type | Neutral road |
| Drop | 7 mm |
| Heel Stack | 39 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 32 mm |
Dengate said in February 2025 that the Adizero Evo SL was the shoe of the year, and that he’d feast on it if something better came along. What would lead him to make such a bold claim? For starters, the Lightstrike Pro foam in its midsole is the same cushioning Adidas used in its incredibly effective competition-grade marathon shoe, the Adios Pro 4 (also on this list). The Evo SL drops the Pro 4’s carbon-fiber plate in favor of a nylon shank, lending stability in a more affordable way. Because of its best value attributes (you get a heckuva lot for just $150) and dynamic construction, the shoe has been a mainstay on our lists. Dengate is definitely saved from snacking on shoelaces.
The shoe has some minor drawbacks: The tongue tends to go askew mid-run, and the fit was narrow for some of our testers. These were, by the testers’ admissions, pet peeves, though. They all said they’d continue running in the shoe, especially for speedy efforts.
“I like the lightweight feel of these sneakers,” said tester Ahmad Norman. “This helps me glide and turnover my stride at a rapid pace. I can see that training in these sneakers will most certainly increase my tempo and bring down my splits per mile.”
Saucony Guide 19
Pros
- Soft feel, cushioned ride
- Unobtrusive stability features
- Available in multiple widths
Cons
- Runs long in the toes
Features at a Glance
| Weight | 9.7 oz |
| Type | Stability road |
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Heel Stack | 35 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 29 mm |
The Guide 19 is basically the same—thank goodness!—as its predecessor. It features the brand’s CenterPath technology, which adds a broader base and higher sidewalls to create a more cradled fit that provides support without constriction. Wide-footed testers love how this feature also creates an accommodating fit in the midfoot.
Pwrrun foam provides max-cushioning, making the shoe suitable for long runs and recovery days. The shoe’s rocker profile promotes fast turnover.
“Like its predecessor, this shoe made me feel good before even starting my runs,” said tester Dave Block. “I just love the comfort and feel! The shoe is very soft and slips on easily. I can’t think of any other shoe that feels this great, with the possible exception of the Adidas Pureboost, but that’s going back several years.”
Pros
- Jazzy and responsive
- Roomy and comfortable
- Cushioning holds up over long miles
Cons
- Could have more of a rocker profile
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.8 oz |
| Type | Road running |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Heel Stack | 43 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 33 mm |
The Triumph 24 is a true triumph for Saucony. The max-cushioned shoe is a mere 8.8 ounces, men’s size 9. That’s lighter than our favorite daily trainer, the Ghost 18. The shoe’s new IncrediLux foam provides an incredibly soft—but supportive—platform.
The foam also delivers high rebound, resulting in runs that start off slow then gradually go uptempo because of the shoe’s blend of comfort and high energy return.
Testers loved the fit and feel of the trainer. For runner Phil Nicolosi, it was all about the journey and not about the stats on his watch.
“I rated the Saucony Triumph 24 very highly overall because it was one of the most comfortable max-cushioned shoes I have worn,” he said. “The fit was excellent, the upper was comfortable, and the cushioning made it easy on my aging body. It was especially good for scenic, easy runs when I was not worried about pace and just wanted to enjoy being out there.”
Pros
- Meta-Rocker geometry helps with turnover
- Soft, supportive CMEVA midsole provides high rebound
- Comfy upper with accommodating fit in the midfoot and secure fit around the heel
Cons
- Not as responsive as other trainers with supercritical foams
Key Specs
| Weight | 10 oz |
| Type | Road running |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Heel Stack | 42 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 34 mm |
The Clifton is the epitome of a Hoka trainer: soft and supportive cushioning; padded, comfy upper; rocker geometry that smooths heel-to-toe transitions. Known for its max-cushioned models, Hoka released two Cliftons this year. The Clifton Pro is an amped-up version of the Clifton 11. But in terms of recommending the best men’s shoes, I’m sticking with the original Clifton.
The Clifton 11 is like running with an old friend. The daily trainer’s rep is up there with the Nike Peg and Brooks Ghost for its overall comfort and responsive ride. The shoe has a compression-molded EVA midsole (CMEVA). Even though it’s comparatively not as bouncy as other trainers with superior foams, you still get high-energy return for daily miles and excellent support running long. It’s also a favorite for run/walking.
Asics Metaspeed Edge Tokyo
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Responsive, bouncy A-TPU FF Leap foam
- More stability compared to other super shoes
Cons
- Angled plate causes some soreness in forefoot over long distances
Key Specs
| Weight | 6 oz |
| Type | Road racing |
| Drop | 5 mm |
| Heel Stack | 39.5 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 34.5 mm |
I have a soft spot for the Asics Metaspeed shoes. Both the Edge and Metaspeed Sky Tokyo helped me on the path to PR’ing the marathon and half marathon this year. Turns out men love racing in this shoe too.
“I think that the Metaspeeds are my all-time favorite super shoe,” said shoe tester Anthony Cataloni. “I have worn over 10 different pairs at this point and still find these to be the best feeling all around.”
The shoe has a layer of FF Leap foam, which is composed of A-TPU. The foam is known for delivering a punchier bounce compared to the popular PEBA, the usual essential super shoe ingredient.
The Metaspeed Edge Tokyo has a more slanted plate in its midsole. The shoe is intended for cadence runners, or runners with short, quick strides. The Sky version’s plate has even cushioning on the top and bottom of the forefoot area; it’s designed for power runners who have a longer stride length.
Some testers noted how your forefoot area can feel slightly sore because of the placement of the Metaspeed Edge’s plate, but others who ran in the previous version noticed improvement in this area.
“I think the increased padding on your foot is the biggest improvement from previous models,” said Cataloni. “The old shoe you could feel the plate and the hardness was real, especially in a marathon. These have definitely improved in that area and you can feel it in most steps.”
Asics Metaspeed Edge Tokyo Review
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
Pros
- Bouncy ride
- Lightweight
- Soft, supportive midsole foam
Cons
- Runs long
- Narrow toebox
Features at a Glance
| Weight | 6.9 oz |
| Type | Neutral road |
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Heel Stack | 39 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 33 mm |
The shoe worn by the fastest man, Sabastian Sawe, was the Adidas Adios Pro Evo 3. That shoe sold out in record time—at a pretty penny for $500. The next best thing? The Adidas Adios Pro 4, which is almost half the price and in stock now.
Our 2:21 marathon PR tester, Trevor Conde, compared the ultralight Adios Pro 4 to the Nike Alphafly. “Not because of its weight or size but because of the very soft, marshmallowy feel of the cushioning underfoot,” he said.
Dengate noted it’s softer and squishier than previous iterations. This lends a more cushioned ride, which provides much-needed comfort for the span of 26.2 miles at a rocket ship pace like Conde’s—or a more modest pace, for everyone else.
Testers also grabbed the shoe for training runs when they needed some extra pop.
“Overall, the Adizero Adios Pro 4 is a great shoe,” said tester Josh Davis. “[My marathon] workouts ranged from half-mile repeats to 10-mile cut downs. For these kinds of demands, the shoe performs admirably. It’s got a great, lightweight feel and enough cushioning and snap to keep you comfortable, even on longer workouts. Even when I was starting to feel fatigued, I felt myself leaning into the shoe and getting the kind of response I need to keep my workouts going strong.”
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 Review
Altra Experience Wild 3
Pros
- Great traction over wet, loose surfaces
- Roomy midfoot and toebox
- More secure upper than previous version
Cons
- Outsole not as grippy as Vibram Megagrip
- Laces could be improved; kept bunching up
Key Specs
| Weight | 11.1 oz |
| Type | Neutral Trail |
| Drop | 4 mm |
| Heel Stack | 32 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 28 mm |
The Experience Wild 3 has supportive cushioning without limiting ground feel, 3.5mm lugs that bite into loose terrain, and a comfortable, accommodating fit that allows you to splay your toes when hitting the trail.
With a 4mm drop, it’s a good option for runners not ready to commit to zero-drop but who still want to dabble in low-drop. The upper has a protective toe sweep and gaiter attachments.
“[The Experience Wild 3] takes the shoe to the next level with a redesigned upper that fits more generously but doesn’t make you feel like you are swimming around, plusher cushioning that absorbs firmer ground yet remains stable, and a lug pattern on the MaxTrac outsole that I felt was superior to each of the previous models in terms of grip,” said tester John Mikovits.
The shoe is also available with a Vibram Megagrip outsole.
What to Consider
Men’s Running Shoes Q&A
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Cat Bowen, senior editor of commerce; reviews, is a seasoned runner with more than 20 years of distance running experience, including dozens of marathons, half marathons, and even a few ultra marathons. For over a decade, she has tested parenting, fitness, home, and running gear and written in-depth guides to help readers with their next purchase. Holding multiple advanced degrees and currently studying kinesiology, Cat Bowen brings research-backed insight to all of her guides. Passionate about women’s health and neurodivergent inclusion, she advocates for closing research gaps and helping others—especially AudHD people—find joy in running and fitness.
Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.
