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Best Running Shoes for Men to Buy Online
Finding the best running shoes for your body and routine is crucial. When I first pursued running almost 15 years ago, I used a crappy pair of trainers that quickly led to shin splints, ankle pain, and a sense that the sport wasn’t for me. Luckily, I sought help from a local running store, which soon hooked me up with the right pair of sneakers for my gait (plus some custom insoles) — transforming my performance and my attitude towards running as a whole. In short, the best running shoes for men can make you fall in love with running, as they did for me: going so far as to change your life and not just your physique or endurance levels.
That being said, finding the right running shoes is no easy task, whether you’re a beginner shopping for your first-ever style or a seasoned pro seeking to switch things up. With the sport’s popularity reaching a fever pitch, propelled by A-list talents from Cynthia Erivo to Harry Styles, a new generation of running shoes has joined established, tried-and-true brands, likely furthering your analysis paralysis when deciding which ones to grab online.
We’re here to make your shoe-buying journey (and pace) a little faster and easier this year, by rounding up six of the best running shoes for men below. These hot picks from brands like Adidas, Nike, and On — representing running shoe categories like everyday trainers, race shoes, and speed shoes — cater to all sorts of occasions and needs, no matter if you have flat feet and are training for your first marathon or simply want to get more active this season.
Either way, your toes (and arches, and ankles) will thank you.
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Best Overall
Adidas Adizero Evo SL Shoe
It’s rare for thousands of consumers to all give their votes of confidence to a single product, and that’s why we consider Adidas’ Adizero Evo SL a full-fledged unicorn. The versatile package has been named the best running shoe, overall, by several reputable outlets, and we’re the latest to join the chorus. Much of the runner’s greatness can be attributed to its Lightstrike Pro foam, which it shares with the label’s high-performance Adios Pro marathon shoe — yes, the one that just broke a world record at the London Marathon. This super-lightweight foam is ideally balanced for stability, cushioning, and energy return, making it suitable for daily jaunts, long runs, and speed work alike.
Price upon publish date of this article: $150
Best for Races
Nike Vaporfly 4 Shoe
The carbon plate–equipped Nike Vaporfly 4 changed the game after launching in 2017 and immediately prompting Nike athletes to break through finish line ribbons en masse. Although other brands have released similar carbon-plate “super shoes,” the Vaporfly 4 is still the champion for anyone looking to put up some serious(ly low) numbers on race day. The high-propulsion plate and Nike’s featherlight ZoomX foam come together to guarantee a uniquely explosive toe-off that’s bound to break almost anyone’s PR.
Price upon publish date of this article: $270
Best for Flat Feet
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Shoe
Runners with flat feet often suffer from overpronation (the ankle rolling inward), which can cause a host of issues for your knees and hips. If you identify with this crowd, Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS 25 shoes are a great — and under-$200 — way to correct your stride. They offer exceptional stability and cushioning to keep overpronation in check without making the ride feel stiff or overbuilt.
Price upon publish date of this article: $155
Best Daily Trainer
Nike Vomero 18 Shoe
A truly worth-it daily trainer needs to strike the right balance between comfort, responsiveness, and support. Our top pick in this article (the Adidas Adizero Evo SL) is a solid choice, but Nike’s Vomero 18 also checks every last one of those boxes. Built with a plush-yet-responsive cushioning setup, it’s designed to handle everything from easy recovery miles to steady mid-distance runs. The new model’s updated foam feels softer underfoot than previous versions but still delivers enough pop to keep things from feeling sluggish. Add in a secure, breathable upper, and you’ve got a reliable go-to sneaker that earns its place in your weekly rotation.
Price upon publish date of this article: $155
Best for speed work
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 Shoe
If your routine involves speed work, you’ll want a dedicated shoe that’s up to the task. Saucony’s Endorphin Speed 5 is more than ready to take the call: featuring a plate that sits between layers of responsive PWRRUN PB foam and creates a snappy, forward-rolling ride that feels tailored to your training regimen. It’s lighter and more forgiving than a full carbon racer, which makes the silhouette a match made in heaven for tempo runs, intervals, and other activities where speed takes priority. At the end of the day, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is not too aggressive, offering exceptional versatility at a reasonable price.
Price upon publish date of this article: $175
Best for Cushioning
On Cloudmonster 3 Shoe
If maximum cushioning is on your wishlist, check out On’s Cloudmonster 2 steppers. They feature a triple-layer CloudTec midsole that delivers a ride as plush as they come, making long runs feel noticeably less taxing. Despite that stacked design, the shoes are still reactive, not mushy. They’re a standout option for runners who prioritize comfort above all else: logging high mileage or just trying to make each run a little easier on the body.
Price upon publish date of this article: $190
Why Trust Footwear News
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
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Meet the Author
Oscar Hartzog is a Managing Commerce Editor at Penske Media Corporation, overseeing lifestyle and commerce content across WWD, Rolling Stone, The Hollywood Reporter, and Billboard. After a decade in the space, Hartzog has reviewed thousands of products across several categories, including fashion, fitness, spirits, and travel. He is passionate about helping people spend their hard-earned dollars on purchases that live up to their hype, whether it’s a T-shirt, a bottle of whiskey, or a gift for a loved one. Hartzog graduated from The American University of Paris with a bachelor’s degree in comparative literature and philosophy.
