Best Running Shoes for Men
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Responsiveness
Responsiveness has to deal with the bounce created by the design of the shoe. Some shoes are manufactured to propel you through your runs, and they have a good energy return. A responsive shoe will help you run faster, and they make running easier as well.
When it comes to your run, there is something called a ride. And ride simply refers to the experience you have while running in your shoes. A ‘plush ride’ refers to a shoe that was designed to be ultra soft. These shoes may not offer the most responsiveness.
A ‘responsive ride’ means that the shoes have been created to respond quickly to the ground, and they give energy back to you. Whereas a more plush shoe will tend to feel more like material under your feet. Whether you want a shoe that is very cushioned or more responsive is purely up to you and your personal preferences.
Comfort
Comfort is usually dictated by the type of cushioning in the shoe, but personal preference comes into play here as well. While some people want a lot of cushioning, others want as little as possible for their comfort. Consider what you feel you need, and make your decision from there.
It’s important to remember that the comfort of the runners needs to translate out of the store and into your run. This means that a shoe can be very cushy and cozy in the store, but on a run, they may not provide adequate stability. When you are choosing your shoes, have a talk with a professional about how you naturally tend to move, because you want to find a pair that works with your natural gait and not against it.
One way to look at this is that you want a pair of runners that allow you to propel forward with the least amount of muscular work as possible. This isn’t to say that you don’t need any effort in running, but it’s that you want shoes that will not only provide cushion, but that will support you in all the right places, too. If you are unsure about how you run specifically, it’s worth heading into a store and talking to a qualified expert to get some advice.
Durability
Lightweight shoes tend to not offer as much durability as other types of shoes. However, many of the brands on our list actually have designed other features into these shoes to make them last longer. So what goes into making a shoe durable?
Most damage that is visible on a pair of runners occurs on the upper fabric of the shoes. It also tends to occur on the bottom rubber area of the shoes. With this in mind, it is important to find a pair of running shoes that are built with solid traction and rubber along the bottom, so that it doesn’t wear out too quickly. With the fabric, you want it to be breathable, but it should also be strong enough to withstand abrasions for a time – of course, some damage will always occur.
When you are looking at the mid-sole of your runners, many will be made of thick foam for shock absorption. Often, this foam is white and is called EVA. This foam tends to be quite durable; however, not every shoe is made with an equal EVA foam, and in general, it will break down over time, regardless of its quality. Take some time, to look into the shock absorption system in a pair of runners to see if it suits your needs.
Value
Value is important, and when we discussed value, we took a look at price, durability, and the features the shoes offered. You don’t always need to spend the most money on a pair of running shoes to ensure that they are quality. Often, shoes will go on sale when a new version comes out. It’s a nice way to save some money and still, get a pair of fantastic runners when you buy a pair of shoes that have gone on sale to make room for the next generation.
In general, you may find that the least expensive runners on any list or in any store are not always the most durable or supportive for the long haul.
Buying Guide
1. On Cloud
On Cloud’s Running Shoes bring you a very innovative design here with their shoes. These shoes are made to be quite lightweight and will bring you a lot of effective responsiveness on your runs as well. With a nice cushioning system that features Zero Gravity EVA foam technology, you’ll love how these shoes give you bounce and a great energy return. The speed lacing system is also unique and makes it quite easy to get these shoes on and off. Plus, with an affordable price, you get a nice overall design.
Read moreResponsiveness
On Cloud’s Running Shoes offer a superior responsiveness system that we feel is one of the shoe’s best features. With a lot of firm EVA cushioning, called Zero Gravity foam by the manufacturer, the cushioning is stable and will give you an extra spring in your step. So, you’ll get a lot of effective energy return with the design of the cushioning. And yet, the shoes are still flexible mostly because of their great overall design.
Comfort
On Cloud’s Running Shoes have a well-designed cushioning system that features an EVA foam midsole for responsiveness. That foam midsole is also made to help absorb shock while you run, and the nice rubber outsoles on these shoes also help absorb impact to prevent your joints and muscles from feeling that. You’ll get a landing that feels very cushioned each time you hit the ground, and you’ll get decent heel protection as well.
Durability
On Cloud’s Running Shoes offer a lot of durabilities, especially considering these shoes are so lightweight. Generally, you wind up trading off some durability the lighter your shoes are, but these shoes seem to have a nice design to help balance that out. The synthetic mesh upper is made to resist abrasions on the trails, which is a nice bonus. Plus, the outsole is made out of a durable rubber that also has carbon rubber features in higher wear areas to help extend the life of the shoe.
Value
On Cloud’s Running Shoes come with an inexpensive price tag, which makes them a nice option if you are shopping on a budget. With the nice, responsive cushioning system, the padding on the interior will bounce back and retain its ability to help you with each step. Also, the durability of the upper and the outsole design with carbon rubber features helps to extend the life of these shoes.
2. Brooks Ghost 11
Brooks is no stranger the world of running shoes. Their team of dedicated designers self-test each product to assess its functionality and comfort. The Ghost 11 is a great new show that features DNA loft and BioMoGo DNA technologies for cushion, comfort, and responsiveness. The shoes are available in 13 different color combinations, combined with many different widths and sizes.
Read moreResponsiveness
These shoes will keep you going. One of the most attractive features of the Ghost 11 is the full-length crash pad that absorbs shock on any surface and provides you with a smooth heel to toe transition. The heel crash pad also takes stress and impact away from your joints and helps you to run more smoothly. This shoe is also outfitted with Omega Flex grooves that bend and stretch with your foot for natural foot movements. Depending on the size, each shoe weighs about 10-ounces each.
Comfort
The upper mesh of this shoe provides the user with a lot of breathability and stretch. The stretchiness of the material hugs your foot while keeping it comfortable and well-supported. The collar and tongue of the shoe are cushioned as well.
There is a removable foam insole that offers medium to high arch support. High energizing cushion. Even though these are sold as men’s shoes, Brooks has designed the cushion to be gender friendly and comfortable for any foot. The floor of the shoe features DNA loft cushion technology, along with BioMoGo DNA for optimal responsiveness.
Durability
This shoe provides you with a great balance of firmness and softness. Even though it is flexible, the sole of the shoe is made from synthetic materials and has shown no signs of deteriorating. There have not been many complaints about the longevity of this running shoe.
Value
These shoes are on the expensive end of the spectrum, but worth it. The integrated technologies, smooth ride, and comfortable fit make the Ghost 11 one of the most impressive running shoes on our list.
3. Hoka One One’s Arahi
Hoka One One’s Arahi Running Shoes are made with a maximalist design that is typical of this excellent brand name. This manufacturer has paved the way in maximalist running shoes meant to give lots of cushioning and support for very long runs, and these shoes fit that bill perfectly. You’ll get plenty of cushioning in the design and a design that will compliment your natural gait while you run. You get a nice EVA midsole with these shoes that offers a lot of great padding for your runs. Also, these shoes are quite affordable considering the comfort they’ll bring you.
Read moreResponsiveness
Hoka One One’s Arahi Running Shoes have a lot of great responsiveness in their stable design that will give you plenty of cushioning and support to help you complete all of your runs. One of the best features about this shoe is the J-Frame guidance structure that helps make the impact of the landing be evenly distributed. Also, the EVA foam midsole helps promote this effect, and also promotes significant energy return each time you land.
Comfort
Hoka One One’s Arahi Running Shoes don’t disappoint their manufacturer with their high-quality, maximalist design. With so much cushioning, you’ll feel like you are walking on clouds as you run. While it may take some time to get used to this well-cushioned, responsive shoe if you haven’t used a maximalist shoe before, you’ll feel like you are getting plenty of protection against impact so that your muscles and joints stay happy. Also, the heels provide a lot of support and you’ll feel comfortable even if you run for many hours.
Durability
Hoka One One’s Arahi Running Shoes are made to be a lightweight shoe, which means there is a bit of a trade-off with durability. However, the manufacturer has a few nice design features that help make this shoe last long considering its lightweight. One nice feature is the 3D puff upper, which adds a lot of protection to the shoe so it can take more abuse on the trails. Also, the outsole design helps extend the life of the shoe with its zonal rubber features.
Value
Hoka One One’s Arahi Running Shoes are a cost-effective option if you are shopping on a budget and looking to save a bit of money. With these shoes, you’ll get a lot of stability and a comfortable cushioning system that provides a nice energy return. Also, although the shoes are lightweight, they do have a lot of features on them, including their upper and outsole, that helps extend the life of these shoes.
4. Saucony’s Hurricane ISO 3
Saucony’s Hurricane ISO 3 offers a lot of comforts when you land, and also comes with a nice, cushioned upper that helps protect your feet. You’ll get plenty of stability, too, even with this very cushioned shoe. The tongue and collar offer a lot of padding and comfort, and you’ll get plenty of balance and breathability with these shoes, too. While these shoes run on the heavier side of things, they do offer a lot of durability in their design and will last you a long time.
Read moreResponsiveness
Saucony’s Hurricane ISO 3 are some of the most responsive running shoes on our list, so if responsiveness is a primary concern, these shoes might be for you. They feature a nice EVA foam midsole that is designed for stability and offers a lot of cushioning as well as responsiveness each time your feet hit the ground. Also, the extra stability designed into this shoe, like the heel counter and medial posts, also adds support and responsiveness to the shoe’s design. So, these shoes have a nice energy return that you’ll enjoy on your runs.
Comfort
Saucony’s Hurricane ISO 3 offers a lot of comfort because of their responsive design and nice cushioning system. You’ll get an EVA foam midsole that can absorb shock while you are on the go and an effective outsole that will also help absorb impact so that your body won’t feel the strain. These shoes offer plenty of arch support and ample padding to help keep your feet happy while you are on the go. You’ll get a lot of stability as well, which helps to boost the overall comfort level of these shoes.
Durability
Saucony’s Hurricane ISO 3 are designed for stability, and while the shoes are a bit heavier than some of the other options on our list, what you do get with the design of these shoes is some great durability. You get a nice Tri-Flex technology design on the outside that helps resist abrasions and makes the shoes last longer. Also, these shoes feature carbon rubber in high-wear areas and a very durable outsole that also helps protect the outer area of the shoes.
Value
Saucony’s Hurricane ISO 3 run on the more expensive end of the spectrum but are still a great shoe if you want something that is made for stability. You’ll get ample support with these shoes and a great traction system that will give you both balance and comfort while you run. Plus, while these shoes do cost a bit more, they are some of the most durable shoes we’ve got on our list here, and that means you’ll get a lot of use out of them before you’ll need to worry about replacing them.
5. Mizuno Wave Inspire15
The Mizuno Wave Inspire is the 15th shoe in a long line of Wave Inspires. While we are shocked each time that a newer version comes out, Mizuno somehow always finds a way to improve the seemingly perfect model before it. The 15 features wave groove technology for ultimate comfort, stability, and support.
Read moreResponsiveness
These shoes offer an average responsiveness. They have plenty of technologies built into them, but most of them give way to the overall comfort of the shoes. These shoes are very stable and will help you to continue with a smooth gate and are a great option for over-pronators. However, the lack of responsiveness technology will force you to use your body a bit more and rely less on the springiness of the shoe. The patented wave groove technology provides support, responsiveness, and cushion.
Comfort
The Wave Inspire 15 offers specially placed mesh windows for optimal breathability, stretch, and comfort. Some reviewers have claimed they are so soft that they feel they are “walking on a cloud.” There is also an integrated sock liner for extra comfort. Each shoe weighs about 10.3-ounces, making them fairly lightweight. The midsole of the shoe uses U4IC technology with U4ICX technology in the heel, providing you with a dynamic ride and ultimate comfort.
Durability
So far, there have not been many durability issues with these running shoes. We are always happy to see a shoe with a rubber sole. Rubber can sometimes add more weight to a shoe, but there’s just nothing more reliable or durable than a rubber sole. The toe area of the shoe is also reinforced. The only small issue we have seen is that the mesh areas of the shoe can’t stand up to as much torture as the rest of the shoe.
Value
These running shoes are slightly expensive but seem to be very reliable thus far. This is not only a great, light, and comfortable running shoe but it is also a great running shoe for those who over-pronate. While we wouldn’t mind a bit more responsiveness and color options, we still believe this shoe is a great option for any man looking for a new running shoe.
6. Adidas Adizero Boston 6
Adidas’s Adizero Boston 6 Running Shoes offer you a neutral, traditional option in running shoes that is quite simple by design. You get a lot of nice design features with these shoes, and they also come with an affordable price tag. Designed to be lightweight, you’ll get decent responsiveness and a nice, comfortable feel with the great cushioning system that these shoes offer. With very effective shock absorption built-into these shoes, you’ll love how great these shoes feel when you run.
Read moreResponsiveness
Adidas’s Adizero Boston 6 Running Shoes have a lot of responsiveness considering their design. These shoes are lightweight racing shoes, and that type of design doesn’t typically pack in a lot of responsiveness. However, these shoes do a nice job of being responsive because they offer the Torsion System technology that makes these shoes stable and the midsole in these shoes is also cushioned and provides a bounce. So, you will get a nice spring in your step with these shoes.
Comfort
Adidas’s Adizero Boston 6 Running Shoes offer a lot of effective impact protection, which helps to prevent you from feeling the strain of running. They have ample amounts of padding placed in them and a nice, cushioned toe box. You’ll also get support at your heels, and a very soft landing while you run. The rubber outsole on these shoes also helps provide a lot of traction, and can also do a great job of absorbing the shock you would otherwise feel while you run.
Durability
Adidas’s Adizero Boston 6 Running Shoes offer decent durability considering these shoes are made to be lightweight, and many comparable products won’t last as long as these. You’ll get a few seasons of use out of them, and they will handle the trails well. The durable rubber outsole on these shoes will keep the rest of the shoes well-protected, and that will help to extend the life of the shoes.
Value
Adidas’s Adizero Boston 6 Running Shoes come with a nice price tag that makes them very budget-friendly if you need something that won’t burn a hole in your wallet. These shoes offer a lot of great cushioning and comfort while you are on the go, and you’ll feel great when you run in them. Plus, they also provide a lot of durability in their design, and even though they are lightweight, you’ll be able to use them for some time.
7. Newton’s Running Distance VI
Newton’s Running Distance VI shoes are designed to be very lightweight and well-cushioned, and the innovation offered here is neat. You’ll get a nice, fashionable design that has a lot of great all-around features. The landing platform on these shoes helps to balance out your landing while you are on the go and is also designed to absorb shock as well. You’ll also get a nice, cushioned midsole that can effectively absorb impact and a shoe that has a lot of good traction overall. These shoes are a bit expensive in price, but they do offer a lot that is worth considering.
Read moreResponsiveness
Newton’s Running Distance VI offer decent responsiveness overall because of the design of the landing platform. The landing on these shoes is made to help propel you upwards and works moderately well. You also get a nice, firm midsole in these shoes with good cushioning that helps to propel you through your runs. The cushioning is designed to bounce back and retain its shape, which helps keep you going while you are actively running.
Comfort
Newton’s Running Distance VI gives you a nice feeling each time you land, and offers a lot of stability and support each time you hit the ground. With the landing platform design, you get a nice, bouncy effect that, when combined with the firm EVA foam midsole works well to put a spring in your step. The EVA midsoles in these shoes are made to be high-rebound and help absorb shock while you run, making the shoes comfortable overall. Combined with the nice rubber outsole, you’ll get plenty of protection from shock when you run.
Durability
Newton’s Running Distance VI is made to be a lightweight racing flat shoe, which means shoes like these ones often sacrifice durability for their light design. However, they are still decently durable, and the mesh upper provides some protection against abuse on the trails. You also get a shoe that has a durable outsole with rubber that is made to resist abrasions and protect the outer areas of the shoe. So, these shoes will last you for some time.
Value
Newton’s Running Distance VI is priced on the expensive end of things, but these shoes still offer a lot for that price. With there nice, springy feel, you’ll get a lot of responsiveness as well as a great cushioning system that will help absorb shock while you are on the go. On top of that, these shoes are decently durable, and that is well worth the price.
8. Saucony Kinvara 8
Saucony’s Kinvara 8 Running Shoes offer you a nice, padded racing shoe equipped to give you what you need on all of your runs. They are designed to be both fast and lightweight, and they also feature an affordable price tag, which makes them a nice option if you are shopping on a budget. We like the plush tongue and comfort in the midsole, and you also get nice shock absorption with the Everun heel insert inside of these shoes. You’ll get a lot of great support with these shoes, and you’ll love how they feel when you run.
Read moreResponsiveness
Saucony’s Kinvara 8 Running Shoes have a good deal of responsiveness designed into them since they feature both an EVA midsole and an EVERUN top sole. The EVA midsole in these shoes offers a lot of stability and a superior cushioning system that bounces back each time you hit the ground. Also, the EVERRUN top sole helps provide a lot of stability that works with the midsole to bring you a nice amount of effective energy return overall.
Comfort
Saucony’s Kinvara 8 Running Shoes are very comfortable when you run, and have a solid cushioning system that makes you feel like you are landing on air while you run. We like the smoothness developed into this shoe, which will feel excellent as you run. Also, you get plenty of shock absorption and protection from impact with the great cushioning system. With support through the midfoot of the shoe, you get superior landing comfort while you run.
Durability
Saucony’s Kinvara 8 Running Shoes are designed to be a lightweight running shoe with a good cushioning system and effective responsiveness. One thing that is true of many lightweight shoes is that they don’t have as much durability packed into them. These shoes could have stronger outsoles to prevent excessive wear and tear on the shoes and a more solid upper design. While these shoes won’t wear out overnight, they just aren’t as durable as some of the other products on our list.
Value
Saucony’s Kinvara 8 Running Shoes come with an affordable price tag, which makes them a good product if you are shopping on a budget. They will give you a lot of comfort each time you land, and they offer a nice, well-designed cushioning system that will absorb shock and take some of the strain off of your body as you run. While they are a great running shoe, one thing we wish they had more of was durability in the design.
9. Nike Free RN
Nike’s Free RN Running Shoes offer you a low-profile design in a shoe that has an affordable price tag for those shopping on a budget. The shoes are made to make you feel like you have plenty of freedom when you run, hence the name. What you get is a simple design that gives you a natural gait when you run, and you’ll also get a pair of shoes with a traditional design. With a nice, effective cushioning system and plenty of stability, you’ll feel great each time you complete your runs in these shoes.
Read moreResponsiveness
Nike’s Free RN Running Shoes have a nice design that makes them quite comfortable because of their effective cushioning system. What you get is a stable shoe that has firm cushioning to help give you the responsiveness you’ll want on the trail. The midsole of these shoes does take away from some of the responsiveness, but the upper is designed to give you the stability you need to get that nice bounce in your step. That means that these shoes do well propelling you toward your goals as you run.
Comfort
Nike’s Free RN Running Shoes have a good cushioning system that features a full-length midsole in the shoe and is designed to help you keep going in comfort. You’ll get shock absorption from the cushioning as well as the durable outsole on these shoes, which also are made to absorb impact while you run. With their barefoot type construction, they aren’t as comfortable as shoes with a maxi mist design, but that’s been done on purpose because these shoes are made to feel like you have a natural gait. So, there is a bit of a trade-off with these shoes.
Durability
Nike’s Free RN Running Shoes are made to feel very natural, and they are also lightweight. Since they don’t come with as many features because of their purposely simplistic design, you won’t get the same amount of durability as you would with a heavier shoe or one designed with more cushioning. What you do get is a shoe that is meant to go fast and help propel you to achieve your goals. They won’t wear out immediately, but they certainly aren’t as durable as some of the other product options on our list.
Value
Nike’s Free RN Running Shoes come with an inexpensive price that makes them a nice value product considering what they offer. You get a well-designed shoe that feels very natural while you run and still gives you enough cushioning and support to absorb impact. Plus, these shoes are very responsive as well. While we do wish these shoes packed in more durability, they are still well worth the price.
10. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 34
Nike’s Air Zoom Pegasus 34 Running Shoes are made to be affordable and offer you a nice option if you are shopping on a budget. You’ll also get shoes that are fast and offer a durable design. Coming from a popular manufacturer that is well-known for making high-quality shoes, these shoes are a very popular product on the market right now because they aren’t expensive and they last a long time. Plus, these shoes offer a lot of stability that will help you get through your runs with ease.
Read moreResponsiveness
Nike’s Air Zoom Pegasus 34 Running Shoes offer decent responsiveness for their design. Since these shoes come as racing flats, and most racing flats don’t always offer great responsiveness, these shoes are about average, which is still great considering their style. They do offer a lot of effective cushioning and stability, and they also have a nice, natural feel when you run. They are quite comfortable, but they won’t give you the great spring in your step you might want.
Comfort
Nike’s Air Zoom Pegasus 34 Running Shoes are made with comfort in mind, and these shoes have a nice, thick cushion ST Eva midsole which really helps to pad your feet and absorb shock as you land. With that, you also get some Zoom Air units throughout the forefoot and heel of the shoe that also helps pad you well, and that offers a lot of comfort and support for those hard impacts. These shoes have great technology for absorbing shock, and that will help you run longer and harder more often.
Durability
Nike’s Air Zoom Pegasus 34 Running Shoes are surprisingly durable considering their design and have a lot of great features that help extend the life of the product. You get multiple layers of mesh in the upper that is designed to resist abrasions on the trails, and you’ll also get a thick rubber outsole that helps cut back on excessive wear and tear on the shoes. With this, you get a lot of durabilities and these shoes are built to last.
Value
Nike’s Air Zoom Pegasus 34 Running Shoes come with a very affordable price, making them an excellent running shoe that won’t drain your bank account. With their massive amounts of comfort and shock absorption, you’ll feel very comfortable on all of your runs. Plus, these shoes also come with a lot of durabilities packed into them. They have a strongly developed mesh upper as well as a very strong outsole, and that means you’ll get plenty of use out of them.
Sources
- The Best Running Shoes of 2017, Informational Running Website ,
- The 7 Best Running Shoes of Spring 2017, Informational Running Website ,
- Best Running Shoes for Men 2018, Informational Running Website ,
- Best Running Shoes of 2019, Running Shoes Blog ,