The 10 Best Running Shoes for Men
New runners tend to ask me, “What’s the best running shoe?” My answer: it all depends on the runner. Maybe you’re training for a marathon, trying to get faster, or just want a new pair of kicks to start jogging. From beginner to vet, road to trail, neutral to stability, there are all kinds of shoes to choose from.
For men’s running shoes, specifically, you kind of have the upper hand in terms of construction because most running shoes 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 for Road Racing: Nike Vaporfly 4
- 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 and/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 v1 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 v1 as your “running group model,” the shoe’s ride meant to embody the rush 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.”
Nike Vaporfly 4
Pros
- Lightest Vaporfly yet
- Snappy ride for fast racing
Cons
- May not be soft enough for marathon racing
- Some testers experienced heel slipping
Key Specs
| Weight | 6 oz (M8.5) |
| Type | Neutral road racing |
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Heel Stack | 35 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 29 mm |
The original super shoe, which promised 4 percent better running economy, has undergone a series of targeted improvements in version 4.0. According to Dengate, Nike has subtly nudged its prized marathon shoe into shorter distance territory (the Alphafly is targeted for 26.2). This is because the Vaporfly 4 is now firmer and snappier. The sole is thinner, and sits at a 35mm offset instead of reaching for that just-passing World Athletic 40mm height.
The shoe also has a more accommodating fit. Nike made the Vaporfly 4 slightly wider in the midfoot, making the shoe more stable and wide-foot runner-friendly.
“Given all the changes, this shoe is really going to excel for competitive runners at a wide range of distances,” said Dengate. “It’s a shoe I’d snag for everything from a 5K on up to a half marathon (I’m probably in low-1:20s shape right now). For new runners, slower finishing times, and those who just appreciate some cushy bounce on race day, you may find yourself only ever lacing this one up for the shorter end of the spectrum.”
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.”
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 that the Adizero Evo SL was his favorite shoe of 2025, and that he’d own 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. The Evo SL drops the Pro 4’s carbon-fiber plate in favor of a nylon shank, lending stability in a more affordable way.
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.”
Pros
- Responsive PEBA foam
- SpeedVault plate in midsole
- Comfy fit
- Plush foam absorbs shock
Cons
- Heavier than Hyperion Elite
Features at a Glance
| Weight | 9.9 oz |
| Type | Neutral road |
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Heel Stack | 46 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 40 mm |
The Hyperion Elite 5 was unveiled to me in Brooks’s home city, Seattle, Washington. But prior to the PNW trip, I had been lacing up daily in the Hyperion Max 3 and favoring that trainer for long and fast efforts.
With a 46mm stack height, it packs a powerful PEBA punch on the road. The ride is propulsive; it makes you want to step harder as you go faster. Thank goodness for the high stack height’s shock absorption. The foamy midsole provides a bouncy ride that’s perfect for speed sessions but all that foam also serves as a nice buffer when you’re accruing miles on a long run at marathon pace.
“I love the Hyperion Max,” said wear-tester Ricky Snyder. “It’s a great training shoe for logging long miles with tired feet; it takes the pounding out when running on roads, and it really absorbs the impact well. Also, it feels easy to push the faster miles.”
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 |
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 softness and squishiness of the Pro 4, comparably more so 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
Pros
- Plush cushioning for everyday running and long distance
- Soft, comfy interior
- New breathable upper
Cons
- Slightly narrow for wide feet in the toe area
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.8 oz |
| Type | Neutral road |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Heel Stack | 42 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 38 mm |
Hoka revamped its tenth Clifton with a new last (the foot-shaped form that molds the shoe) to make the model have a more accommodating fit. An extended toebox and additional room over the instep had our wide-foot testers appreciate the Clifton 10’s ride without constriction. The brand also added more foam in the shoe, with a 3mm stack increase. This positions the formerly 5mm offset shoe at a new stack height of 8mm, which provides more of a buffer to support the Achilles.
We liked the Clifton 10 as a plush workhorse for racking up miles in. “The firm but ample cushioning hits the sweet spot for me,” said Dengate. “I like to have some cush underfoot, but in an age where everything has gotten bloated and pillowy, it’s nice to have a shoe that is resilient and gives you snappy feedback, but still delivers protection from the sidewalks.”
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 canceling out 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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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.
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.