7 Best Long Distance Running Shoes For Men, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023
It takes mental and physical strength to run long distances. If you don’t have what it takes to endure the discomfort and stress of clocking big miles, you can just forget about becoming a long-distance runner. You can say the same thing about the shoes on your feet.
We have tested 100+ men’s long-distance running shoes to see which ones will make our best selections. Using a rigorous process, we put each pair of shoes to road tests on various training and racing conditions, and a lab test that cuts to the minutest details of each model.
Take a quick look at our best picks in five categories and find out which one fits your specific needs.
Table of contents How we test running shoesBest overallBest trailBest neutralBest stabilityBest wideBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
How we test running shoes
You don’t have to read 1000+ reviews on running shoes at RunRepeat. We streamline everything for you to save you the time and experience the convenience of choosing the right fit for your next 21K or 100K race. We gather all the necessary data we need utilizing a proven system we’ve developed over the years, which allows us to come up with the best options available.
Our entire process involves:
- Buying the shoes with our own funds to avoid brand loyalty and bias
- Logging 30 to 50 miles in each pair both on the road and off-road paths
- Cutting the shoes into pieces (literally) to delve deeper into their essential parts
- Measuring 30+ parameters that make the shoe’s overall performance
- Collecting useful feedback from shoe experts, long-distance runners, and regular users
- Summarizing everything into comparable data
To conclude the entire process, each shoe receives a final CoreScore rating. It is a number from 0 to 100 that shows how great (or not so great) each model is against all others.
Best men's long distance running shoes overall
PUMA Deviate Nitro 2
Amazon
Free shipping
$120
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$160
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$160
Marathon Sports
Free shipping
$160
CoreScore
- Top 1% in road running shoes
- Top 2% in PUMA running shoes
- Top 5% most popular running shoes
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
Verdict
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.
Best trail long distance running shoes for men
Hoka Tecton X
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$140
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$146
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$150
Marathon Sports
Free shipping
$160
CoreScore
- Top 2% in trail running shoes
- Top 5% in Hoka running shoes
- Top 7% most popular running shoes
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
Verdict
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.
Best neutral long distance running shoes for men
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$114
Marathon Sports
Free shipping
$165
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$220
Zappos
CoreScore
- Top 1% in road running shoes
- Top 2% in Adidas running shoes
Pros
- Breathable
- Responsive
- Carbon rods
- Soft midsole
- Laces stay tight
- Price
Cons
- Runs narrow
- Unstable at slow speeds
Verdict
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.
Best stability long distance running shoes for men
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$112
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$140
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$140
Designer Shoe Warehouse
Free shipping
$140
CoreScore
- Top 6% in road running shoes
- Top 12% in Brooks running shoes
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Fits true to size
- Promising durability
- Stability for all directions
- Improved aesthetics
- Phenomenal grip
- A firmer, faster midsole
- Consistent in all conditions
- Reliable daily runner
Cons
- Very heavy
- High price point for stability aimed at beginners
- Midsole is too hard for some
Verdict
One of Brooks’ most revered and popular stability shoes gets a well-needed modern update for 2022. This daily runner is loved by many because it’s seen as the Jack of all trades running shoe thanks to a bi-directional correction for different over-pronation. With fresher looks, it’s now an even more attractive option.
Best long distance wide toebox running shoes for men
Hoka Mach 5
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$140
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$140
Hoka
Free shipping & returns
$140
Backcountry
Free shipping
$140
CoreScore
- Top 5% in road running shoes
- Top 10% in Hoka running shoes
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Super fun and energetic ride
- Velvety smooth strides
- Runs and feels light
- Comfy for easy days
- Cushioned for long runs
- Absorbs impact
- Awesome fit
- Welcomes wide feet
- Reflective
- Worth the money
Cons
- Slips on wet pavement
- Gets easily dirty
Verdict
The Mach 5 from Hoka is a performance trainer that can do a bit of everything. If you want to train with speed, it can be your trusty tempo running shoe. And if you want an easy-day or long-distance trainer, the Mach 5's cushy yet stable ride will serve you just right. Even better, it'll give you all the snappiness and energy return you need.
Best value long distance running shoes for men
Mizuno Wave Horizon 6
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$138
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$170
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$170
Mizuno
Free shipping
$170
CoreScore
- Top 1% in road running shoes
- Top 3% in Mizuno running shoes
- Top 16% most popular running shoes
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.
Most popular long distance running shoes for men
Hoka Clifton 8
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$112
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$112
Hoka
Free shipping & returns
$112
Backcountry
Free shipping
$112
CoreScore
- Top 9% in road running shoes
- Top 9% in Hoka running shoes
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
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!
