Finding the best running shoe for men of all shapes, sizes, and fitness goals is a bit like falling in love. It doesn’t happen all at once and may take a bit of trial and error before you find a good fit. Plus, even after you think everything is going just fine, a relationship (or your ankles) can take a sudden and painful turn. This – we’re talking about shoes here – is especially true for men with specific needs, like extra ankle support or those who only run on a treadmill.

But finding the perfect shoe doesn’t have to be difficult. Fitness professionals and athletes who train for a number of sports are intimately familiar with the intricacies of running shoes and know firsthand why some are best for a given need or preference. From extra support to the feeling of running on clouds, check out the seven sneakers they picked as the best running shoes for men below.


Best Running Shoes for Men Overall

The most stable shoe of all

Whether you’re dealing with overpronation, need extra support for your joints, or just want a pair of trainers that will last more than a few months (and feel great to boot), this pair of stable and supportive trainers from Brooks tick all the boxes. .

Running sneakers typically differentiate themselves by offering different types of stability, says April Gatlin, ACE, CPT and Master Coach at Stride Fitness, such as for those with “normal arches that only need light control” , motion control for “flat and heavy feet”. runners who tend to overpronate” and high cushioning for “runners with high arches who tend to underpronate.”

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 meets all of these needs with cushioned material in the sole and around the opening to add stability and control to every part of the foot. It is softer than previous models thanks to the foam called DNA Loft and the shock absorption in the rubber sole is unmatched.

  • Benefits: Arch support and a patented “GuideRails” system means everything from your feet to your ankles, knees and hips is secure.
  • The inconvenients: The pad may feel a little heavy for speed runners.

Best Nike Running Shoes for Men

The best Nike choice by a marathon runner

It’s no surprise that Nike is the sneaker of choice for Jevitty Life Science Corp CEO Jerry Kroll. Kroll is a five-time Boston Marathon runner-up and is currently training for his sixth. This particular sneaker was designed with racing in mind and is “backed by data,” says Kroll, to help runners stay comfortable and energized for long and short runs.

“The new Nike Alphafly Next% has a carbon fiber sole, which does an amazing job of both energy return and cushioning,” says Kroll. “It’s the biggest step in running shoes in 20 years and it’s my weapon of choice.”

This sole is specially designed so that each run is fluid and responds to the movement of the user, providing that boost of energy with each step and when it is needed most.

  • Benefits: Responsive design helps conserve energy during long runs.
  • The inconvenients: The lightweight fit and feel is not particularly cushioned for runners who need extra support.

Best Running Shoes for Heavy Men

A sneaker for athletes of all shapes and sizes

For heavier runners, finding a sneaker designed to support them through their workouts can be tricky, and knowing what to look for before making a purchase can be a mystery. But that shouldn’t be the case. “Heavier runners should look for a shoe with more cushioning and a bit more bounce,” says Jennifer Conroyd, founder of Fluid Running, ACE-certified trainer and Team USA track coach who has completed 15 marathons. Boston. “Finding a running shoe with a wide toe box and a breathable mesh upper will be much more comfortable.”

This Hoka was created to suit runners of all shapes, sizes, and abilities and has even received the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance, which “recognizes products that have been shown to benefit foot health.”

  • Benefits: Premium stability and smoothness for a cushioned ride.
  • The inconvenients: A tight fit may be uncomfortable for some runners.

Best Waterproof Running Shoes

An all-weather superstar

Marathon runners (and anyone who doesn’t like buying new sneakers every six months) should appreciate the durability of the Cumulus 23 GTX, built for all-weather racing. “Outdoor running requires more cushioning,” Kroll says, and given the wet and potentially slippery conditions, sneakers “should have more knobby soles for better traction.”

The sneaker’s thick cushioning and deep treads on the sneaker’s grippy outsole resist slipping and slipping on any surface in wet conditions and the Gore-Tex lining and mesh exterior keep feet comfortably dry .

  • Benefits: A generous cushion and deep tread and grippy outsole prevent slipping, plus a Gore-Tex lining and mesh upper to keep feet dry.
  • The inconvenients: Thick materials are warm all year round.

Best Road Running Shoes

The techie option

The latest iteration of this runner’s favorite shoe, the Ghost 14 is even more advanced than its predecessor thanks to what the brand calls “DNA Loft” cushioning. This is designed to keep the feet stable while absorbing the shock that comes from hitting the pavement. After you put them on, the cushion responds to your unique stride and the cushioning adjusts to fit your foot, giving you support where you need it most. In addition, the outsole is particularly durable and thick to withstand the elements well.

“The Brooks Ghost is just a great all-around running shoe,” says Conroyd. “They’re comfortable and have just the right amount of cushioning to rack up the miles. It has a decently sized toe box and a breathable mesh upper as well.

  • Benefits: Cushioned sole and shock absorption designed for outdoor runs.
  • The inconvenients: Runs warm.

Best Cushioned Running Shoes

The Cushion of Heaven

New Balance’s Fresh Foam line offers industry-leading cushioning, and the 1080v11 is the brand’s flagship model. “New Balance is probably my favorite brand,” says Zack Nagle, performance director and professional running coach at TrueForm Running. “The 1080v11 is often my recommended running shoe because it offers good heel drop to the ground and enough material underfoot for most runners to feel comfortable running.”

The brand’s signature Fresh Foam cushioning technology is lighter than you’d expect in a super-cushioned shoe for a cloud-running feel that’s both breathable and supportive.

  • Benefits: Ultra-cushioned throughout to make any runner comfortable.
  • The inconvenients: A snug fit in the heel might rub some runners the wrong way.

Best Running Shoes With Ankle Support

Those who hug your ankles

The Asics GT-2000 10’s gel cushion extends to the top opening for a level of support that runners with wobbly ankles or past injuries should really appreciate. Asics’ FlyteFoam Propel is extremely lightweight, especially considering the level of support it offers, so it won’t weigh you down during runs. All that extra ankle support doubles as protection against underpronation and overpronation.

“People who protrude, which means their feet roll lightly, will want to find a running shoe with more stability and arch support,” says Conroyd, pointing out the benefit of ankle support here.

  • Benefits: Ankle support and enhanced cushioning for runners with flat feet or low arches.
  • The inconvenients: A thinner sole may wear out faster with continued use.