7 Best Road Running Shoes For Men, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.5
7 Best Road Running Shoes For Men, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

With tens of brands to choose from, getting the perfect pair of road running shoes for men can be a challenge. 

And if you don’t want to go through the lengthy process of trial-and-error, we’ve tested and selected the ten best men’s road running shoes.

Whether you’re competing, training, or a beginner, this list has got you covered. All the shoes you see here come from five different categories, accommodating all types of runners.

Best overall
NOBULL Knit Runner NOBULL Knit Runner
$159 From NOBULL
Best Nike
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2 Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2
$250 From Running Warehouse
Best ASICS
ASICS Novablast 3 ASICS Novablast 3
$140 From Zappos
Best Adidas
Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA
$180 $69 From Amazon
Best neutral
Under Armour HOVR Sonic 4 Under Armour HOVR Sonic 4
$110 $55 From Amazon
Best value
Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 Mizuno Wave Horizon 6
$170 $130 From Amazon
Most popular
Hoka Clifton 8 Hoka Clifton 8
$130 $112 From Zappos
See all 1333 men's road running shoes
Table of contents How we test road running shoesBest overallBest NikeBest ASICSBest AdidasBest neutralBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview

How we test road running shoes

Before earning a spot on this list, our selection of the greatest road running shoes for men goes through a tedious process. 

To keep everything bias-free, we: 

  • Buy each shoe with our own money
  • Wear test them for at least 30-50 miles
  • Cut them open in our shoe testing lab 
  • Measure each of their parts using our calipers, durometers, weighing scales, etc. 

And to see how they stack up against other running shoes, we calculate their CoreScore. Through multiple expert and user reviews, we generate a rating that goes from 0-100, determining how good or bad a shoe is. 

Best men's road running shoes overall

NOBULL Knit Runner
NOBULL Knit Runner
$159
See deal  
No stock  
No stock  
No stock  

CoreScore

93
Superb!
4.9 / 5 from 46,210 users
84 / 100 from 7 experts

Pros

  • Well-cushioned
  • Works for all-day wear
  • Stretchy sock-like upper
  • Long-lasting outsole
  • Simple yet attractive design
  • Grippy outsole
  • Reflective elements

Cons

  • Lacks stability
  • Not for wide feet
  • Quite expensive

Verdict

The NOBULL Knit Runner proves itself as a comfy athleisure /jogging option with an eye-catching design. It may be struggling with competition in the performance running shoe segment, but you can still expect a cozy ride for your shorter daily miles and walks. If unique looks and comfort are a priority for you, this could be a worthy investment.
NOBULL Knit Runner full review

Best Nike road running shoes for men

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2
$250
See deal  
$250
See deal  
$250
See deal  
$250
See deal  

CoreScore

89
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 709 users
90 / 100 from 21 experts

Pros

  • Insanely lightweight
  • Very breathable
  • Bouncy
  • Responsive
  • FAST
  • No break-in period needed
  • Good grip on dry surfaces

Cons

  • Not ideal for wide feet
  • Unstable
  • Forefoot strikers only

Verdict

The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2 is probably one of the fastest shoes on the market, but it has some problems that the majority of runners agree with. It’s unstable, a bit too narrow still, looks ridiculous, and hits the pocketbook hard. If your job is to run fast, or you’re a sponsored athlete I think these shoes may be the tool to help you win, but for the average joe who wants to drop two minutes off their 5K time, it may be too much tech in a shoe designed for the 1% club.
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2 full review

Best ASICS road running shoes for men

ASICS Novablast 3
ASICS Novablast 3
$140
See deal  
$140
See deal  
$140
See deal  
$140
See deal  

CoreScore

92
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 1,371 users
91 / 100 from 14 experts

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

Verdict

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.
ASICS Novablast 3 full review

Best Adidas road running shoes for men

Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA
Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA
$69
See deal  
$125
See deal  
$140
See deal  
$143
See deal  

CoreScore

90
Superb!
4.7 / 5 from 38,762 users
92 / 100 from 3 experts

Pros

  • True to size
  • Cushioned
  • Very comfortable
  • Nice fit
  • Superb grip even on wet surfaces
  • Versatile enough for casual walks
  • Eco-friendly

Cons

  • For short runs only
  • Needs to dial in lacing
  • Not propulsive in any way

Verdict

The Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA shares the same design with the Adidas Ultraboost. It delivers all-day comfort, plush cushioning, and superb grip. With the design that is more casual, the Ultraboost 5.0 DNA performs well on slow, short runs, making it ideal for beginners and casual runners.
Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA full review

Best neutral road running shoes for men

Under Armour HOVR Sonic 4
Under Armour HOVR Sonic 4
$55
See deal  
$75
See deal  
$100
See deal  
No stock  

CoreScore

93
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 8,482 users
95 / 100 from 5 experts

Pros

  • Versatile daily trainer
  • Comfortable
  • Breathable
  • Durable outsole
  • Integrated tech provides coaching

Cons

  • Not for long distances
  • Clunky for speedwork
  • Lacks structure for stability
  • Too much toe room

Verdict

Under Armour HOVR Sonic 4 is a durable daily trainer for beginners who want a shoe that can transition from walking to running to the gym very easily. It is a simple, neutral running shoe that is not going to break any speed records or help you run a marathon.
Under Armour HOVR Sonic 4 full review

Best value road running shoes for men

Mizuno Wave Horizon 6
Mizuno Wave Horizon 6
$130
See deal  
$170
See deal  
$170
See deal  
$170
See deal  

CoreScore

93
Superb!
4.8 / 5 from 60 users
86 / 100 from 6 experts

Pros

  • Support that's not harsh
  • Impact-absorbing
  • Gives your stride a boost
  • Very comfy for recovery runs
  • Stable when cornering
  • Breathable
  • Keeps the foot in place
  • Grip that sticks

Cons

  • Long break-in period
  • Comes with a hefty tag

Verdict

The Wave Horizon 6 from Mizuno is a stability running shoe that's built ready for cruising long miles and giving your feet and legs the rest day they deserve during recovery sessions. Unlike other stability shoes, the Horizon 6 doesn't feel harsh. As a matter of fact, it's a very comfy shoe that will give you all the cushioning you crave.
Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 full review

Most popular road running shoes for men

Hoka Clifton 8
Hoka Clifton 8
$112
See deal  
$112
See deal  
$112
See deal  
$112
See deal  

CoreScore

90
Superb!
4.5 / 5 from 60,269 users
90 / 100 from 26 experts

Pros

  • Comfy, comfy comfy
  • Fits true to size
  • Smooth rockered ride
  • Great durability
  • Grippy outsole
  • Lightweight for a daily trainer
  • Great lockdown

Cons

  • Runs warm
  • Doesn’t love to go fast

Verdict

Whether it's a long-distance or recovery shoe you're after, the Clifton 8 comes highly recommended. It's a literal couch to the foot, keeping it cozy and stable. The ride is also buttery smooth, you will roll through seamlessly. And with all the cushion it gives, it's not at all heavy (a shocker really). Overall, the Clifton is a literal bag of treats that comes at a moderate price!
Hoka Clifton 8 full review
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.

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