The best men’s running shoes in 2024

To help you find the best men's running shoes for you, we’ve tested hundreds of pairs in recent years, putting each through their paces with a variety of training runs to see how they handle different speeds and terrains. 

We’ve also looked at the fit and comfort of each shoe, as well as considering the level of performance and value they offer in comparison to other shoes, and then picked out the very best option in a variety of categories.

If you’re after a versatile shoe that can handle almost anything you throw at it, we think that the Nike Pegasus 40 is the perfect choice. It’s comfortable, durable, and suitable for a variety of runs, but it’s not your only option as we’ve rounded up the best men’s running shoes you can buy right now. 

Quick list

Best men's running shoes overall

If you’re a fan of the Swoosh, choosing a pair of the best Nike running shoes can be a tricky choice. That said, for a shoe to be on its 40th iteration, it must be doing something right.

The Nike Pegasus is a workhorse of a running shoe — it’s durable enough to last hundreds of miles, and the React foam is lightweight and responsive enough to cope with speedier miles when you need to pick up the pace. You can wear it for a marathon, your first 5K, and pretty much everything in between. 

Runners return to the Pegasus year after year because it’s reliable, and compared to the Nike Pegasus 39, the Pegasus 40 has some little tweaks to make it more comfortable.

Nike says they’ve changed the design of the footbed to make the shoe more secure and supportive underfoot. They say they wanted the shoe to feel like a gentle hug, and it does. It still has all of the pop of the Pegasus, but it's the best-fitting Pegasus we've tested in the past few years.

The downside with the Pegasus is that it’s not the most responsive if you are looking for a shoe to run fast in — we’ve found the best carbon-fiber running shoes for that. This is an excellent running shoe, and our favorite Pegasus in a long time. 

• Read our full Nike Pegasus 40 review

Best men’s running shoes for beginners

If you're new to running then it's best to start with a comfortable and versatile shoe that will protect your body as you get used to the sport, while being suitable for runs of any length and speed. A shoe like the Hoka Clifton 9, which is one of the most popular on the market and great for beginners because of the comfort and support it offers.

Like many Hoka shoes, the Clifton 9 has a rockered design which creates a smooth ride that rolls you onto your toes. It doesn't make running feel effortless - no shoe can do that unfortunately - but it helps it feel like less effort.

This smooth ride helps disguise the fact the midsole foam on the shoe is a little dull compared to the bounciest materials available elsewhere. However, it does a good job of muting the impact of running, which is valuable when you first start out in the sport.

There is no 'right' level of drop for a beginner running shoe, but the 5mm drop on the Clifton 9 is a little lower than average, so if you can it might be worth trying it out alongside a 10mm drop shoe like the Nike Pegasus 40 or Puma Velocity Nitro 3 to see which you prefer before buying. 

• Read our full Hoka Clifton 9 review

Best value men’s running shoes

The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is a relatively new addition to the market, especially compared to shoes like the Pegasus which has been around for four decades, but it has quickly established itself as an excellent trainer that undercuts most of the competition on price. Not only is it great value at its listed price, the Velocity Nitro 3 is often found in sales, and if you're really seeking a bargain the Puma Velocity Nitro 2 is very similar and ripe for discounts now the newer shoe is out.

Importantly, the Velocity Nitro 3 is not just a good shoe for its price, it easily matches or outdoes the performance of far more expensive shoes, and it’s been a regular in our running shoe rotation despite having access to dozens of other shoes.

The Velocity Nitro 3 has a dual-density midsole with a bouncier top layer of Puma’s Nitro foam, and a firmer layer of EVA foam beneath, which helps to increase the stability of the shoe. The ride is comfortable at any pace, and for a well-cushioned shoe the Velocity Nitro 3 is versatile.

An outstanding feature of Puma’s road running shoes in general is the grip provided by their outsoles, and this is certainly the case with the Velocity NItro 3, which delivers traction on wet and even icy pavements, and can handle runs on light trails as well as the road.

• Read our full Puma Velocity Nitro 3 review

Best cushioned men’s running shoes

The New Balance 1080v13 seems fairly similar to past models of the shoe on paper, but the Fresh Foam X material used on the new shoe is much softer than it was on the 1080v12 and 1080v11. This creates a more comfortable ride, with the squishy foam absorbing the impact of running, and the 1080v13 is perfect for cruising through daily runs at relaxed paces.

It’s also a surprisingly light shoe given how cushioned it is, which means you can do short intervals well in the 1080v13, though we found that the soft foam actually made it a little harder to hold faster paces for sustained spells, when a more responsive midsole like the one of the Brooks Glycerin 21 was better.

That said, the main reason to buy a very cushioned shoe like the 1080v13 is comfort, and that is where it excels. The softness of the foam does mean it’s not as stable as some cushioned shoes though, so if you do tend to roll your foot to the side when running then a slightly firmer cushioned shoe might be better.

• Read our full New Balance 1080v13 review

Best men’s running shoes for marathon training

The Brooks Glycerin has long been a standard-bearer for comfort in running shoes, but the latest edition is also surprisingly light and versatile for a shoe that’s focused on delivering a plush and protective ride. It’s perfect for racking up the many miles you’ll cover during marathon training, and would be good for the race itself if you’re not using a lightweight carbon plate running shoe to try and set a PB.

That’s down to the nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole foam, which is a lightweight material so the Glycerin 21 is less heavy than most cushioned shoes with its stack height. Rest assured there is still plenty of cushioning underfoot to ensure a comfortable ride over runs of any distance, and we found the Glycerin 21 excelled on long runs in particular, with the resilient midsole foam retaining its bounce.

The outsole is also durable, so you won’t wear it down with regular training, and it gripped well for us throughout a winter of marathon training on wet pavements. The upper is well-padded to increase the step-in comfort of the shoe, though this can make it feel a bit hot when running in warm conditions.

While comfortable, the Glycerin 21 is not as soft as some other options on the market, most notably the New Balance 1080v13. We found this extra firmness was welcome on long runs though, as it makes the shoe more stable and less mushy — sometimes it feels better to have a more balanced foam to push against when running, rather than sinking right into a very soft foam.

• Read our full Brooks Glycerin 21 review 

Best men’s running shoes for versatility

Once you start running regularly it’s common to have a running shoe rotation with a couple of different shoes that excel at different kinds of run, like a very cushioned shoe for easy, slow runs and a lighter, bouncier shoe for fast runs. The Endorphin Speed 4, however, is the kind of shoe that can make a rotation feel redundant, because it’s great for any type of run.

The shoe has a high stack of Saucony’s bouncy PWRRUN PB foam with a nylon plate running through the midsole. Using a nylon plate rather than a carbon one makes the shoe less stiff and more comfortable for easy runs, but it still delivers most of the propulsive benefits you expect from a plated shoe when doing fast training sessions or racing.

We’ve used the Endorphin Speed 4 for recovery runs done at very relaxed paces as well as interval sessions on the track and long tempo runs, and it always works well. It’s not as stable or comfortable as a cushioned shoe, or as flat-out fast as a carbon plate racer, but the Endorphin Speed 4 isn’t far off on either count.

It’s a shoe that can be called a ‘super-trainer’, a training shoe that uses some of the tech found in super-shoes, like the plate. If you’re seeking a similarly versatile shoe that doesn’t use a plate then the New Balance Rebel v4 is a fantastic option, and a lot cheaper too.

Best men's race running shoes

Racing shoes used to be lightweight, minimal affairs but the arrival of the Nike Vaporfly 4% in 2017 changed that, and when race day comes around you now want one of the best carbon plate running shoes on your feet. Our top pick of those is the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris, which is a perfect modern racing shoe, being both very light and very springy.

The fast ride is produced by the combination of a high stack of Asics's bouncy FF Turbo+ midsole foam and a full-length carbon plate, which creates a propulsive feeling and helps you to run more efficiently. A lightweight upper and minimal outsole helps to keep the weight down, and the Metaspeed Sky Paris comes in lighter than most carbon shoes available, including the Nike Vaporfly 3.

It's a terrific racing shoe for any distance — we’ve run 5Ks, a half marathon and set a marathon PR in the shoe — with the cushioning in the midsole helping to protect the legs over the course of longer races without adding any weight that would be unwelcome in shorter events. 

As with all carbon plate shoes, one downside of the Metaspeed Sky Paris is its high cost, and the outsole doesn’t have much rubber on it, so it won’t be the most durable shoe. Reserve it for your races and a few key training sessions to get the best out of the shoe, and it will serve you very well when chasing PRs.

• Read our Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris review

Best men’s running shoes for flat feet

The Saucony Tempus delivers a lot of arch support to runners with flat feet, indeed so much so that it can feel a little odd and intrusive when you first pull it on, but it breaks in to be comfortable after a couple runs. The shoe also has a wide base to create natural stability.

There are two foams in the midsole, with a bouncy core of Saucony’s PWRRUN PB foam surrounded by a frame of firmer PWRRUN foam, which creates a stable ride that gently guides your foot into a neutral position with each stride. This can help runners who overpronate, though the Tempus also feels supportive and enjoyable if you’re a neutral runner.

The combination of foams also helps to create a livelier and more enjoyable ride than we’ve experienced with most stability shoes, and the Tempus is also quite lightweight, which helps it to perform well for faster runs.

It’s pricier than other stability shoes including Saucony’s own Guide 17, which is another good option, but the Tempus stands out as a supportive shoe that doesn’t compromise on performance, and it’s a joy to run in.

Best men’s trail-running shoes

The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is one of the best trail-running shoes available thanks to its ability to handle almost any kind of terrain, and any length of run. It's a popular option for ultramarathon runners because of it's versatile grip and comfortable cushioning, but you don't need to be running huge distances to enjoy the Speedgoat 5, it's great for short runs too.

Given the high level of cushioning you're getting, the Speedgoat 5 is still a pretty light shoe and it feels nimble when you're navigating narrow, tricky trails or when pushing the pace on easier terrain. The lugs are comfortable and don't skid on hard tracks or even the road, but also have enough bite to keep you upright when on grass and mud.

Best men's daily trainer

The Mizuno Neo Vista is a joy to run in, with a springy ride that is comfortable for easy and long runs, but is also fast enough for your speed sessions. It’s a daily trainer that can handle whatever kind of run you have on your plan, and one that makes you look forward to your runs (even more than you do already, no doubt). 

Along with a high stack of Mizuno’s bouncy Enerzy NXT foam, the midsole also contains a full length nylon plate that helps to stabilize the soft foam and add more pop to each stride. You can see the plate through a huge cutout on the bottom of the shoe that helps to reduce its weight, but contributes to it not being the most stable option out there, so runners who overpronate will be better off with a shoe like the Saucony Tempus.

If you have no stability concerns and like a springy ride, however, the Mizuno Neo Vista is hard to beat for your daily runs, and it’s one of our favorite new shoes of the year. Just keep it off gravel tracks unless you want to spend half your run picking stones out of the cutout on the bottom of the shoe.

• Read our Mizuno Neo Vista review

Best men's sustainable running shoes

Running shoes are generally not the most sustainable product, with most of the materials used in making them ending up in landfill once a runner is done with them. To combat this, more and more shoes are being made with sustainable and recycled materials, which sometimes comes at the cost of reduced performance. Of these shoes, the Veja Condor 3 stands out as a comfortable and enjoyable running shoe that’s made from sustainable materials.

The comfort comes from the midsole, which is made from a mix of materials including sugar cane-based EVA and Amazonian rubber. Other materials used in the shoe include natural latex and recycled polyester, and the Veja Condor 3 is built to be durable, which is the best way of all to make your running shoe more eco-friendly.

It’s not the lightest shoe or the best option for speedwork, but we found it comfortable and enjoyable to use for long runs during marathon training. The less sustainable shoes on this list offer a higher level of performance, often for a lower price since the Condor 3 is expensive at $200, but if you value sustainability highly with your running shoes then the Condor 3 is the outstanding option.

• Read our Veja Condor 3 review

How to choose the best men's running shoes

When you’re looking for the best men’s running shoe, there are a few things to consider. First, how do you run? It’s always a good idea to head to your local running store to have your gait checked before investing in a pair of running shoes to ensure you’re not overpronating, as you might need a support shoe or insole. Not sure what this means? Check our guide on how to buy running shoes.

Next, you’ll need to think about the kind of miles you plan on running. If you’re looking for a fast shoe for your next road marathon, you’ll probably want to look at something lightweight, which has a responsive foam to propel you to your next PR. That said, if you’re a complete beginner, you’ll probably want to look at a more stable shoe that’ll keep you comfortable as you run and walk.

Finally, have a think about the surfaces you plan on running on. If you’re a trail runner at heart, you’ll need a shoe with a good amount of grip on the outsole to keep you from slipping on uneven terrains. On the other hand, if you do most of your miles on hard concrete, you’ll want a little more cushioning to keep you comfortable. 

How we test the best men's running shoes

We test the best running shoes on the market by running in them. We've run at least 50 miles in each of these shoes, on a number of different terrains, and in different weather conditions. 

When testing running shoes, we’re looking for a number of different factors to help us make up our minds. Obviously, how comfortable they are underfoot and how well they fit are primary concerns. However, we also look at how responsive they are at different paces during different sessions, and how well they perform on a wet sidewalk or a muddy path. 

Other factors we consider when testing the best men's running shoes include such basics as how easy they are to lace, as well as extras like carbon-fiber plates, or ultra-lightweight midsole foams. Last, we also take the price of the shoe into consideration for our final rating, relative to other shoes in its class.

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