Not all workout shoes are made the same. The best training shoes can make you more grounded and stable while lifting heavy weights. The best running shoes are made to make a marathon feel more like a mile. Pickleball shoes… you get the idea.
The team at NBC Select has raced in 5K, 10Ks, half-marathons and marathons. To find the best men’s running shoes on the market, I spoke with fitness and medical professionals to better understand what to look for. Then, I ran all over New York City in dozens of the top models.
SKIP AHEAD The best running shoes for men in 2024 | The best cushioned running shoes | The best supportive running shoes | The best daily trainers | The best tempo running shoes | The best race day shoes | How to shop for men’s running shoes
How we picked the best men’s running shoes
There are hundreds of running shoes on the market from dozens of big brands. We spoke with experts to help narrow down what goes into the perfect pair.
- Size: Fit is the most important part of any pair of running shoes, according to our experts. That’s why we highlighted shoes with inclusive size and width options, and included sizing information below each recommendation.
- Cushioning: A comfortable footbed, with a supportive insole and midsole, is another essential, says Dr. Miguel Cunha, podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare. The insole and midsole are between the upper and lower section of the shoe. Insoles made with memory foam or a shock-absorbing EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) can help to support the arch and reduce impact on your joints.
- Price: Running shoes can be expensive. We include options across a range of price points between $75 and $260.
How I tried men’s running shoes
I have been running regularly as part of my fitness routine for the past five years. I live in New York City and typically run outside on pavement two to three times a week. My distance ranges between three and seven miles, and I use a fitness tracker to help guide my pace. I wear a size 10 shoe in a medium width, and generally prefer cushioned shoes with neutral support, as they mitigate knee pains more than other shoes I’ve tried.
To try new running shoes, I wear them for at least a week and follow my usual routine. I do at least one normal run, one tempo run and one long run to see how the shoes handle different speeds and distances.
The best running shoes for men in 2024
Our recommendations come from a mix of expert, NBC Select staff and personal recommendations from brands like Asics, Brooks, Hoka and Saucony. Each brand offers dozens of different models — this is not an all-inclusive list of every shoe you may (or may not) enjoy from these brands.
All our recommendations are road running shoes. You can find shoes for rough terrain in our guides to trail running shoes and hiking shoes.
The best cushioned running shoes
Editor’s pick: Brooks Ghost Max
We reviewed the Brooks Ghost Max when they launched in 2023, and they have been my go-to running shoes since.
Like the original Ghost, these have neutral support with ample space around the toes. The Ghost Max stands out with its lightweight cushioning — it is one of the brand’s most padded shoes, but weighs about 3 grams less than the original Ghost. It also has a slight rocker shape that helps propel me forward with each step compared to Brooks’ other cushioned models.
These aren’t fast shoes — my mile times were similar to other shoes in my collection. But I always felt comfortable and relaxed wearing these shoes. And with a solid double-knot, the laces never accidently came loose during a run.
Sizes: 7-15 | Widths: Medium, wide, extra wide | Heel drop: 6 mm | Weight: 10.0 oz (283 g)
Best for maximum cushioning: Asics Gel-Nimbus 25
I rarely felt joint or knee pain running in these max cushion shoes, regardless of the distance. They are very comfortable at every touch point thanks to the stretchy tongue, soft knit lining around the upper and extra padding around the ankle. Plus, there is an exterior loop near the heel that makes them easy to take on and off.
These are the heaviest shoes on our list. I wouldn’t recommend them for setting any personal records during a race, but for cushioned daily training, these are a great option.
Asics has since released the Gel-Nimbus 26, meaning you can find the 25s on sale while supplies last.
Sizes offered: 7-15 | Widths offered: Medium, wide, extra wide | Heel drop: 8 mm | Weight: 10.5 oz (299g)
The best supportive running shoes
Best for wide feet and bunions: Hoka Clifton 9
These shoes come recommended by Cunha and are a winner from the 2023 NBC Select Wellness Awards. They are cushioned, chunky shoes with a spacious and wide toe box — Cunha recommends them for people with wide feet or bunions. The seamless elastic upper mesh reduces pressure and friction on bunions during runs, says Cunha.
While I do not have wide feet, the spacious toe-box was roomy and never scrunched my toes. They also weigh less than cushioned shoes like the Brooks Ghost Max and Asics Gel-Nimbus 25.
Sizes offered: 7-16 | Widths offered: Medium, wide | Heel drop: 5mm | Weight: 8.7 oz (246.6g)
Best for arch support: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
Cunha recommends the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 for best-in-class arch support. He points to the shoes’ EVA foam midsole, running from the heel to the front of the shoe. This midsole increases cushioning and adds pronation control, says Cunha. If you tend to roll your foot inward (overpronate) or outward (underpronate), this pronation control can help guide and balance your stride.
All Brooks GTS shoes have extra support around the rear of the shoe to reduce excess movement and help keep your stride natural and neutral, according to the brand. Having worn both Adrenaline and Adrenaline GTS shoes in years past, I found the GTS version did help me keep a more natural stride.
Sizes offered: 7-16 | Widths offered: Narrow, medium, wide, extra wide | Heel drop: 12mm | Weight: 10.1 oz (286.3g)
The best daily trainers
Grippy and durable: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13
These cushioned everyday trainers were some of the most durable I tried. After a full week of use, they looked the least worn-in compared to every other new shoe I ran with. The slightly knobby rubber tread on the bottom of the shoe gave me added confidence and traction while running on uneven surfaces. They also have some of the most inclusive size and width options of our recommendations.
Compared to the v12, the v13 is lighter (by 1.1 ounces), but with a slightly shorter toe-box — my big toe occasionally rubbed against the mesh lining.
4Sizes offered: 7-16 | Widths offered: Narrow, medium, wide, extra wide | Heel drop: 8mm | Weight: 10.3 oz (292g)
NBC Select pick: Brooks Revel 6
Another NBC Select Wellness Awards winner, these shoes are lighter, faster and more breathable than Brooks’ cushioned models. They are supportive enough to feel padded, but not so padded that you can’t feel the nuances of the ground beneath your feet, in my experience.
While I did not prefer them over other Brooks shoes on our list, they are priced much lower than options like the Brooks Ghost and Ghost Max. They are only available in a medium width, however.
Sizes offered: 7-15 | Widths offered: Medium | Heel drop: 10mm | Weight: 8.8 oz (249.5g)
For training in style: Nike Pegasus 40
If you are looking for a pair of running shoes that don’t look out of place in the office, consider this pair from Nike. The mesh texture, wide tongue, long shoe laces and flatter design are more subtle than other shoes on our list — I’ve worn them to the office without any hesitation.
They are also capable running shoes, with neutral support, a springy feel and flat, knobby tread. While they were comfortable to run in, my favorite part of the shoe was aesthetics, not performance.
Sizes offered: 6-15 | Widths offered: Medium, wide | Heel drop: 10mm | Weight: 9.4oz (266g)
Best budget: Saucony Cohesion 17
If you are looking for a more affordable running shoe, Cunha recommends the Cohesion line from Saucony. They are comfortable, supportive, durable and provide great shock-absorption for every day running, says Cunha. They are the most affordable of all our top picks at around $75.
Sizes offered: 7-15 | Widths offered: Medium, wide | Heel drop: 12mm | Weight: 8.5 oz (240g)
The best tempo running shoes
Editor’s pick: Saucony Endorphin Speed 3
These speedy running shoes are one of the best running shoes for women, so naturally, I had to try them out. They are the lightest non-race shoes on our list. Doing my usual routine, I noticed a huge difference between these shoes and my favorite cushioned shoes — these were lighter, faster and bouncier. They naturally rolled from step to step, encouraging a speedy pace — standing still or running slowly felt unnatural.
Saucony has since released the Endorphin Speed 4, meaning you can find the Speed 3s on sale while supplies last.
Sizes offered: 7-15 | Widths offered: Medium, wide | Heel drop: 8mm | Weight: 8.1 oz (229g)
Runner-up: Hoka Mach 6
The Mach 6 is one of Hoka’s latest speed shoes, and has a new foam midsole and redesigned collar and tongue area. The tongue is thin and light, and connected in such a way that it wraps around your foot, helping it stay in place during bursts of speed.
These shoes strike a great balance between cushion and responsiveness — I feel fast, but not so connected to the pavement that every nook and cranny is a surprise. They seem a little more durable than the Endorphin Speed 3s, but have a relatively low heel drop of 5 millimeters that might not be for everyone.
Sizes offered: 7-14 | Widths offered: Medium, wide | Heel drop: 5mm | Weight: 8.2 oz (232g)
The best race day shoes
Expert pick: Nike Vaporfly 3
If you want to splurge on marathon-day running shoes, Cunha recommends these Nike Vaporfly 3. They are the lightest shoes on our list by far at 7.1 ounces, but don’t sacrifice durability and have a comfortable, responsive foam midsole, says Cunha. Inside is a full length carbon fiber plate, a common addition to race shoes that helps propel you forward and feels a bit stiffer underfoot.
Sizes offered: 7-15 | Widths offered: Medium | Heel drop: 8mm | Weight: 7.1 oz (200g)
NBC Select pick: Brooks Hyperion Elite 4
These NBC Select Wellness Awards winners are fast but still manage to feel supportive. They have a full carbon fiber plate built into the midsole, which propels you forward more than traditional running shoes, in our experience. This does make the shoes stiffer than typically trainers — it took us a few runs to get used to the fit and feel.
The materials are stiff, breathable and durable. The upper is largely open mesh with excellent ventilation for hot weather — just don’t expect them to protect you from the rain.
Sizes offered: 6-15 | Widths offered: Medium | Heel drop: 8mm | Weight: 7.8 oz (221.1g)
How to shop for men’s running shoes
There are hundreds of running shoes to choose from in the men’s section alone. Our experts highlighted a few essential things to keep in mind as you shop for your next favorite pair.
Try them on in-person
Both Cunha and Zach Moxham, a certified personal trainer at Physical Equilibrium in New York City, recommend going to a local running shoe store for the best fit possible. Specialty running shoe stores tend to have knowledgeable staff who can better inform you about running shoe options and recommendations, says Cunha. They also typically have more measuring tools to take advantage of, including foot scans, gait analysis and treadmill analysis — try everything and anything, says Moxham.
Fit is crucial
A poor-fitting running shoe isn’t going to be comfortable, no matter how stylish it may look.
If you plan to buy shoes in person, buy them at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen, says Cunha. That’s because if they feel comfortable when your feet are most swollen, they will likely feel comfortable throughout the day.
Cunha also says to try on at least three different models of shoe, even two different models at the same time, one on each foot, to get a good feel for the fit.
Pay special attention to the toe box — the area around your toes, says Cunha and Moxham.
“Make sure there is enough room to slightly wiggle your toes,” says Cunha. “If you can’t move your toes at all then the shoes are too tight and will eventually become painful. The tip of your thumb should fit between the end of the shoe and the end of your longest toe.”
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Miguel Cunha is a podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York.
- Zach Moxham is a certified personal trainer at Physical Equilibrium in New York City and a certified training and running coach for Road Runners Club of America and New York Road Runners.
Why trust NBC Select?
Harry Rabinowitz is a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology and fitness including guides to fitness trackers, workout earbuds, cycling shoes and more. To better understand running shoes and their complexities, he spoke with fitness experts and medical professionals. He also tried over a dozen running shoes, incorporating them into his weekly fitness routine.
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