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

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.5
7 Best Running Shoes For Men, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023
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There are thousands of running shoes designed for men, and picking one can be quite a struggle. We want to make your selection process a lot easier and thus, have gathered the ten best running shoes for men we’ve tried ourselves. 

They all come from five different categories, and we’ve chosen two top picks for each, catering to all types of runners.

Best overall
PUMA Deviate Nitro 2 PUMA Deviate Nitro 2
$160 $120 From Amazon
Best road
Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 Mizuno Wave Horizon 6
$170 $138 From Amazon
Best trail shoe
Hoka Tecton X Hoka Tecton X
$200 $140 From Running Warehouse
Best for overpronation
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
$140 $112 From Amazon
Best for race
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0 Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0
$220 $114 From Amazon
Best value
ASICS Novablast 3 ASICS Novablast 3
$140 From Zappos
Most popular
Hoka Clifton 8 Hoka Clifton 8
$130 $112 From Zappos
See all 1916 men's running shoes
Table of contents How we test running shoesBest overallBest roadBest trail shoeBest for overpronationBest for raceBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview

How we test running shoes

As testament to how dedicated we are in finding the GOATs among all running shoes for men, we’ve invested in our own shoe testing lab. We also buy the shoes we examine with our own money to avoid brand loyalty. 

Before we decide on anything, we also strictly follow these: 

  • Log a minimum of 30-50 miles in each running shoe to assess performance and durability
  • Slice them into bits to assess what’s inside
  • Gather data on breathability, flexibility, softness, etc through our calipers, durometers, scales, and custom-made smoke machine
  • Generate their CoreScore via expert and user feedback to see how they fare against other running shoes for men

Best running shoes overall for men

PUMA Deviate Nitro 2
PUMA Deviate Nitro 2
$120
See deal  
$160
See deal  
$160
See deal  
$160
See deal  

Corescore

93
Superb!
4.7 / 5 from 52 users
90 / 100 from 10 experts

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

What makes it the best overall?

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.
Read our full review of PUMA Deviate Nitro 2 here
puma deviate nitro 2 test
puma deviate nitro 2 lab test

Best road running shoes for men

Mizuno Wave Horizon 6
Mizuno Wave Horizon 6
$138
See deal  
$170
See deal  
$170
See deal  
$170
See deal  

Corescore

92
Superb!
4.8 / 5 from 79 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

What makes it the best road?

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.
Read our full review of Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 here
Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 main image
Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 lab view
Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 outdoor run

Best trail running shoes for men

Hoka Tecton X
Hoka Tecton X
$140
See deal  
$146
See deal  
$150
See deal  
$160
See deal  

Corescore

92
Superb!
4.7 / 5 from 593 users
89 / 100 from 24 experts

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

What makes it the best trail shoe?

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.
Read our full review of Hoka Tecton X here
hoka tecton x rocky terrain
hoka tecton x cut in pieces
hoka tecton x outdoor_012

Best men's running shoes for overpronation

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
$112
See deal  
$140
See deal  
$140
See deal  
$140
See deal  

Corescore

90
Superb!
4.5 / 5 from 103,083 users
90 / 100 from 12 experts

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

What makes it the best for overpronation?

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.
Read our full review of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 here
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 %2022
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 %2020

Best men's running shoes for race

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0
$114
See deal  
$165
See deal  
$220
See deal  
No stock  

Corescore

92
Superb!
4.7 / 5 from 5,285 users
90 / 100 from 13 experts

Pros

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

Cons

  • Runs narrow
  • Unstable at slow speeds

What makes it the best for race?

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.
Read our full review of Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0 here
Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Pieces

Best value

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 2,336 users
91 / 100 from 15 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

What makes it the best value?

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.
Read our full review of ASICS Novablast 3 here
Asics Novablast 3 review
Asics Novablast 3 lab measurements
Asics Novablast 3 heel stack

Most popular 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 82,150 users
90 / 100 from 27 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

What makes it the most popular?

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!
Read our full review of Hoka Clifton 8 here
Hoka Clifton 8 %20Parts
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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