7 Best Neutral Running Shoes For Men in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best Neutral Running Shoes For Men in 2023
We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us. Why trust us

Whether you’ve just started your running journey or training for your first 42K, choosing the right shoe can make a big difference in your comfort, preparation, and performance for your upcoming race.

For men with neutral pronation, there are over 1,000 shoes to choose from. Neutral running shoes are designed for runners who do not overpronate or do not have an issue with excessive inward rolling of the foot. These are very common models that have no special stabilizers or guiding features added to the shoe.

With a majority of the products on market (around 85%) being neutral running shoes, buying the right one can be confusing and time-consuming. We can help you with that. We’ve rounded up our best picks for different categories after thoroughly examining each shoe in our lab and wear tests.

How we test running shoes

At RunRepeat, we’re constantly testing the latest neutral running shoes on the feet of our team of testers and in our own lab. We aim to give you our honest reviews without any taint of bias and brand loyalty. Our entire approach includes the following:

  • We buy all the men’s neutral running shoes on this list with our own money.
  • We bring the shoes to the lab and dissect each one to see what makes them tick. This means cutting them open and reducing them to their essential parts. We then weigh 30+ parameters from cushioning, durability, ventilation, and many more.
  • Our testers log at least 30 to 50 miles to test each model in a variety of running conditions.
  • We collect useful information from experts and regular users. We put them in a summary format.

At the end of the process, we input our findings into the CoreScore system. The final rating will reflect how each pair of shoes is ranked from 0 to 100 as compared to other 1000+ men’s neutral running shoes. Our best picks make it to this list.

Best men's neutral running shoes overall

What makes it the best?

The PUMA Deviate Nitro is back with a significant update that makes an already great shoe even better. It’s really comfortable, which is not always the case for carbon-plated shoes, and it’s extremely versatile. As a result, we have a real do-it-all companion to take on the road for every run, not to mention the quality-price ratio, which basically makes it a no-brainer.

Pros

  • Great all-rounder
  • Super-smooth and responsive ride
  • Plush cushioning
  • Comfy upper
  • Grippy outsole
  • Above average durability
  • Fairly priced

Cons

  • Heavier than other similar shoes
  • Not many colors available
Full review of PUMA Deviate Nitro 2

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (37680701)
Azul (37680709)
Black (37756701)
Black (37680711)
Sunset Glow (37680703)
Gul (37680705)
Bianco (37680704)

Best men's neutral running shoes for trail

Hoka Tecton X
92
Superb!

What makes it the best?

The Hoka Tecton X is Hoka's first carbon-plated trail running shoe. To justify the name, it just might have started a tectonic shift - that's how much it is loved by runners. It's positioned as a speed-ready, racing and training companion to the Hoka Speedgoat 5. Thanks to the dual-plated design, it shines at fast paces, especially the ultra ones. On top of this, it's a max-cushioned running shoe that keeps the feet protected without weighing them down.

Pros

  • 2 carbon plates: very propulsive ride
  • Insanely stable
  • Looks fast and runs fast
  • Lightweight
  • Very cushioned & responsive
  • Worth the investment
  • Room for feet swelling
  • Grippy
  • No break-in
  • Vegan materials used

Cons

  • Not for technical terrains
  • Might accumulate mud
  • Expensive
Full review of Hoka Tecton X

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Persimmon Orange - Radiant Yellow (1123161PORY)
Thyme/Fiesta (TFST)
Blue (SBDP)

Best men's neutral running shoes with wide toebox

Brooks Revel 5
90
Superb!

What makes it the best?

An affordable trainer that's got the makings of advanced running shoes? Hello, Brooks Revel 5! It's a smooth and lively jack-of-all-trades that will keep your feet comfy and bouncing. It can push the pace, eat up half-marathon distances, and breeze through your daily runs!

Pros

  • Fits like a dream
  • Accommodating stretchy upper
  • Efficient transitions
  • Surprisingly peppy
  • Laces stay tied tightly
  • Low to the ground
  • Durable construction
  • Great deal
  • Do-it-all shoe
  • Impressive weight
  • Breathable

Cons

  • Not for long runs
  • No reflective details
Full review of Brooks Revel 5

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black/Grey/Blue (053)
Black/Ebony/Crystal Teal (091)
Ebony/Alloy/Metallic (025)
White/Oyster/India Ink (182)
White/Peacoat/Blue Shadow (153)
Titan/Peacoat/Flame (498)
Pageant Blue/True Blue/White (403)
White/Black (121)
More colors

Men's neutral running shoes with best cushioning

ASICS Novablast 3
91
Superb!

What makes it the best?

It's a comfy daily running shoe. It can go fast. It can go far. In the words of an expert, the Novablast 3 from ASICS "sets the standard for what a daily trainer should be." What's more, you can race in it in your next marathon too. Talk about versatility! And if you want a light shoe that won't drag you down, the ASICS Novablast 3 is the all-rounder you need.

Pros

  • Super bouncy
  • Cushy feel for miles
  • Breathable
  • Light AF
  • Ready for cornering
  • Locks you in
  • Tongue stays in place
  • Grippy outsole
  • Mad durable
  • Sets the bar for a do-it-all shoe

Cons

  • A tad too long
  • More expensive by $10
Full review of ASICS Novablast 3

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black/Island Blue (1011B458004)
Black/Amber (1011B458001)
Cream/Fawn (1012B288101)
White/Deep Ocean (1011B458100)
Sheet Rock/Black (1011B458021)
Black/White (1011B458002)
White/Piedmont Grey (1012B288102)
Electric Red/Midnight (1011B458600)
More colors

Best men's neutral running shoes for long distance

What makes it the best?

Top-tier race shoe from Adidas gets an update. In 2020 V1 won a ton of praise and world records with its carbon rod (and plate) design and Lightstrike Pro midsole. The super shoe category was once owned but just one brand but in 2021 there’s some serious contenders for best in show.

Pros

  • Breathable
  • Responsive
  • Carbon rods
  • Soft midsole
  • Laces stay tight
  • Price

Cons

  • Runs narrow
  • Unstable at slow speeds
Full review of Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0

Today's best price

Unisex
Any color
Sonic Ink Screaming Green Ftwr White (FY4082)
Legacy Indigo/Turbo/Sky Rush (GX3117)
Pulse Lime/Real Teal/Flash Orange (GX3124)

Best men's neutral running shoes with plush cushioning

Brooks Ghost 14
91
Superb!

What makes it the best?

The Ghost 14 from Brooks really fits the bill as the shoe for all runners. It's a workhorse that's comfy enough for easy days, responsive for tempo sessions, and is heavy-duty to handle light trails. Overall, a no-fuss daily trainer that will work for all your runs!

Pros

  • All about comfort!
  • True to size
  • Lots of padding
  • Smooth ride
  • Really stable, even on light trails
  • Great out of the box
  • Built for longevity (500 miles, easily)
  • Great grip

Cons

  • Lacks breathability for hot summer days
  • Not the best for long distances
Full review of Brooks Ghost 14

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Red (615)
Primer Grey/Black/Alloy (039)
Titan/Teal/Flame (488)
Grey/Alloy/Oyster (067)
Black/Blackened Pearl/Blue (056)
Black/Blue/Nightlife (069)
Grey/Blue/Red (078)
Green Gecko/Blue/Black (310)
More colors

Best neutral marathon running shoes for men

On Cloudmonster
91
Superb!

What makes it the best?

The On Cloudmonster is the brand's max-cushioned running shoe that "changed everyone's mind." From firm to forgiving, it's a new take that's perfect for daily training and long runs. True to its name, it has a "monstrous" amount of foam that will keep your feet protected and comfy all day. So much so that you can take it out on your walks as well.

Pros

  • All-day comfort
  • Bouncy cushion
  • Smooth heel-to-toe transitions
  • Protective for long runs
  • Stable when cornering
  • Weighs less than it looks
  • Grippy on wet roads
  • Can work on light trails
  • Perfect lockdown
  • Built to last
  • Sustainable upper

Cons

  • Firm for recovery days
  • Not for wide feet
  • Expensive
Full review of On Cloudmonster

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Frost/Cobalt (6198653)
Black (6199025)
White (6198243)
Eclipse/Turmeric (6198656)
Grey (6198244)
All White/Black (6198434)
Frost Surf (6199023)
Acai Aloe (6199027)

Comparison of the 7 best neutral running shoes for men

+ + Add a product
+ + Add a product
+ + Add a product
+ + Add a product
+ + Add a product
+ + Add a product
+ + Add a product
+ + Add a product
Best
CoreScore
Users rating
Experts
Best price
Ranking
Popularity
# of colorways
Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen

Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.