The Best Running Shoes for Men 2022

We’re constantly testing the latest running shoes in our lab and on the feet of our 250-runner-strong wear-test team. About half of those runners are men—and most importantly, they’re an extremely diverse group of guys. Some are seriously speedy dudes hitting sky-high mileage and knocking on the door of the Olympic Trials; others are just getting into running or coming back from injury. We have runners of all shapes, sizes, ages, abilities, and backgrounds—from full-time English teachers and new dads to night-shift nurses and grandfathers. The one thing they’ve all got in common is that they’re passionate about running, and log at least 25 miles per week in their test shoes. Chances are, there’s a shoe here that you’ll love as much as they do, and you can scroll deeper for a variety of shoes that cater to different preferences for stability and cushioning.

Best Running Shoes for Men

In terms of running shoe design, stability refers to a shoe’s ability to support good running form. Typically, that means an optimal level of pronation (more on that here). If you’re an overpronator—your feet roll inward excessively—and prefer stability, these shoes have features to help counter that movement. These include firmer foams in key areas of the midsole, like a medial post, or additional material on the edge of the sole to prevent the foot from twisting, like the GuideRails on Brooks’s Adrenaline GTS. If you don’t overpronate, you’ll likely prefer a “neutral” shoe, which doesn’t have extra support features and won’t interfere with your stride.

To select these shoes, we consulted Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate for his recommendations on the top running shoes for men, and we also relied on feedback from hundreds of male runners on our wear-test team. After putting countless pairs through the wringer and evaluating the data, we’ve rounded up some of the standouts that have received especially high marks and praise from our male testers. (For an even deeper breakdown of our rigorous testing process, check out how we evaluate shoes.) Seeking tips to get the best fit and price? We’ve got you covered there, too, on how to choose your next favorite pair.

BEST DAILY TRAINER-

Asics Gel-Cumulus 24

The Cumulus has really come of age in the last couple years. Traditionally, it’s been an affordable tank for daily training—the little brother of the Nimbus appealed with its ability to handle a season of marathon training. That sturdiness, however, made the shoe heavy and stiff. The 24th version is more fun and livelier underfoot but still delivers that protective, daily trainer feeling we’ve always loved. That’s partially because Asics lowered the heel-to-toe drop to 8mm (it was 10mm) and switched to a bouncier FlyteFoam Blast midsole. Testers unanimously praised the shoe’s bouncy, cushioned ride that delivers all the protection they need for long runs but doesn’t feel too soft.

BEST FOR LONG RUNS-

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v12

There’s a lot to love about the 880 series. A new two-layer midsole makes the 12th version softer than ever, the upper is comfortable and accommodating for wide feet, and the generous blown rubber outsole handles high-volume marathon training well (especially if the bulk of your runs are on slick roads and sidewalks). It’s not the lightest shoe, but it’s still nimble enough to keep you cruising without clunkiness through double-digit mileage. Plus, New Balance recently tweaked the durometer (a measurement of firmness) of the Fresh Foam X cushioning, which makes it feel a little softer this time around. If you regularly bounce from your daily run to long hours on your feet, this is a great candidate that can keep up for both. “The 880 takes the prize for being my favorite line of shoes,” one tester said.

BEST MARATHON RACER-

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly

One of the fastest shoes you can buy, the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 is equipped with responsive ZoomX foam and a carbon-fiber plate. This high-tech combination allows elite marathoners to race under a five-minute pace, but it’s not just for the pros. Even at slower speeds, the shoe still feels exceptionally propulsive and energetic, making every stride a little more efficient and less taxing. The Vaporweave upper has also been updated to a flexible mesh that stays comfortable late in a race. That being said, the comfort and durability of this shoe also make it great for speedy short distances, whether you’re racing or not.

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT TRAINER-

Hoka Mach 4

A cushioned road shoe that feels as light and explosive as a race shoe—but still sturdy enough for long training runs—the new Mach 4 just might be our favorite Hoka ever. To build this versatile trainer, Hoka added speedy design features from the brand’s new race-oriented Carbon X and Rocket X, like propulsive energy return and a sportier, more streamlined upper that hugs your foot, while forgoing the carbon plate and instead keeping the brand’s usual generous cushioning. The lightweight, dual-density Profly foam midsole provides plenty of zoom and bounce, while the early-stage Meta-Rocker (a curved sole shape) helps you roll through quick heel-to-toe transitions. We even loved some of the Mach 4’s simplest design features, like an oversize heel tab that makes it easy to get your feet in and out.