11 Best Pairs of Running Shoes for Men in 2023, Tested by Fitness Editors

HOKA's latest Clifton shoe release is the ninth version of the popular and award-winning franchise. This iteration is even lighter and provides more cushioning than previous models, meaning it's ideal for more serious runners. The ultra-lightweight design was achieved this by reducing the weight of the shoe itself, while increasing the stack height by 3 mm.

Running in these babies ourselves, we found the comfort and response to top previous iterations, thanks to a new foam and improved outsole design. The brand also made changes to the shoe's upper by removing unnecessary overlays and other features. Instead, a more streamlined look with a plusher heel, reflective heel panel, and a tongue with a single side medial gusset. All of what you want, none of what you don't.

"I come back to the Clifton every year because it's such a solid shoe. The 9 is a great example of this: It's cushioned, but not overly soft; it feels snappy off the road, but it's not an overpowering energy return for an everyday running shoe," says Brett Williams, NASM, MH Senior Fitness Editor.

New Balance makes a wide range of runners, but this stability shoe series is Mendeszoon's top pick from the brand. The 860v13 offers moderate cushioning and stability with a lighter weight for a shoe in this category. "Very responsive ride," he says.

Larger guys need extra support when they're running, and these best selling runners are fit for the job. According to the brand, it can provide adequate support for guys up to 250-pounds striking the pavement.

What do buyers say? One happy customer on Amazon wrote, "I especially love the soft and stretchy heal so it never cuts in my Achilles."

Read more: Best Neutral Running Shoes

The latest version of the Brooks Adrenaline, the GTS 22, has received some massive upgrades to the midsole and upper. Brooks' GuideRail technology and Segmented Crash Pad offer stability and maximum protection while minimizing excessive inward or outward rolling, too.

Mendeszoon says the long-running Adrenaline line has been a staple bestseller in his stores. "This shoe has been our go-to shoe as it provides the perfect amount of support and cushioning. As most feet type fall into this category, the majority of customers select this shoe when they try on several pairs and the majority of customers like the smooth ride it provides."

They’re available in a slew of colors and medium and wide widths. When testing, we especially liked the GuideRails technology, which works to stave off unnecessary excess movement while you run. The cloud-like DNA Loft cushioning was also extra appreciated and felt great on long runs.

What do buyers say? "The 22 is light, with excellent support which is a hallmark of the Adrenaline GTS," said one reviewer on brooksrunning.com.

Read more: Brooks Aurora BL Review

HOKA shoes are known for their high cushion stacks—and the latest in the Bondi line doesn't disappoint. The boosted bed of soft cushioning makes the Bondi 8 a solid runner, which we feel that makes them an especially great choice if you're getting back into running, are an older adult, or just prefer a more padded stride.

"Maximum cushioning with a 4 mm heel-toe drop offset that allows a smooth transition throughout the gait cycle," says Medeszoon. He recommends the Bondi shoe series because it boasts a "well-formed arch and footbed to provide a solid fit on the foot.

An added zonal rubber placement helps with even weight distribution, and a pillowed tongue and heel provides added comfort with a secure feel.

Runners looking to log long, comfortable mileage get the best of all worlds with a wide forefoot, plush cushion, and Nike's ZoomX foam, the brand's most responsive midsole material. A rocker shape helps to make heel-to-toe transitions smoother, too.

This is one of Brett Williams' favorite shoes to run in, hands down. "The key is the foam, which is super bouncy and responsive—and the makeover from the first two iterations of the model actually make it look good off the road, too."

What do buyers say? Many reviewers on Nike's site report this model runs a half size large.

Guys with higher arches need running shoes with lace-ups that don't put too much pressure at the top of their feet, and footbeds that offer enough room to move while still offering a secure fit. This option from Brooks Running does just that. It also comes in multiple sizes that can accommodate wider feet.

The Brooks Ghost 15 comes with a few upgrade from the Ghost 14, the most significant change being the new DNA Loft v2 midsole foam. A 12 mm drop sounds a little much, but when testing the shoe, the soft foam cushioning made it feel way less extreme. We would've preferred a little higher stack out of these, but after all, that isn't really Brooks' jam.

What do buyers say? "Super cool and comfortable. Helps ease foot and back pain while running and working out. Has good arch and sole support," says one reviewer on the Brooks Running site.

Read more: Brooks Hyperion Elite Review

The latest iteration of ASICS standout shoe is not only the lightest Gel-Kayano to date, but it's also one of the most stable, and therefore versatile. New to the 29 are: Gender-specific 3D-Space Construction units under the heel and forefoot to cut down weight and a Dynamic Duomax support system to reduce inward rolling during your stride.

"This shoe provides high cushioning and stability along with optimal shock absorption and arch support," says Mendeszoon.

In our editors' experience with the shoe, we felt it worked well for different foot types, and different styles of running. Depending on your foot anatomy, these may benefit from being paired with a specific insole, but they can take you from speed training to tempo runs, no problem.

What do buyers say? "Looks great and the fit is perfect. I have flat feet and the support feels excellent," said one reviewer on the ASICS site.

Read more: Most Cushioned Running Shoes

We took this all-surface runner to the trail and weren't disappointed. Adidas’ Lightstrike cushioning provides some featherweight energy return when you're moving fast, while a ultra-grippy Continental rubber outsole helps to keep your footing.

Light, responsive, designed to handle trail and road equally well, and tough, what more could you ask for out of a trail running shoe? No matter the terrain and road condition, we found the gusseted tongue kept debris out and a TPU layer in the midsole kept feet protected during tested.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 80 reviews, buyers recommend the Adidas Terrex Trail Rider with a 4.3-star rating.

Read more: Best Trail Running Shoes for Men

Another solid performer is this super-soft pick from Saucony, a neutral shoe with plenty of cushioning to spare. "Responsive, lighter, wider and smooth and durable ride," says Mendeszoon.

He also likes that these sneakers provide “tremendous comfort and protective support.” After testing ourselves, we really dig the ultra-plush bed of PWRRUN+ cushioning, which gives a springy feel. A top sole also gives you an extra layer of long-lasting comfort and the brand’s FORMFIT tech makes for superb molding to the shape of your feet, but they perform especially well for those without extra arch support needs.

What do buyers say? "I used these shoes for all types of runs with the exception of racing. The Triumph 20s are absolutely amazing. Incredible comfort and durability," said one reviewer on the Saucony site.

Read more: Best Insoles

"I was excited to wear HOKA's reimagined super shoe, and the Rocket X2 didn't disappoint. These racers are fast," says Williams.

This new model of HOKA's well-loved racing shoe just dropped mid-March. And simply looking at this shoe makes us feel the speed and endorphin boost we got from first testing them.

The Rocket X 2 is slightly heavier than the earlier Rocket X model, which is shocking, because it's still ridiculously light. It uses an absorbent CMEVA foam midsole and a carbon fiber plate to keep you feeling comfy when racing short distances. And the curved outsole literally propels you forward with each step.

The back of this shoe is absent of any TPU heel clip, which makes them unbelievably comfortable and flexible. For those who prefer a shoe that allows for more ankle mobility, this runner is it.

Our editor's chatted with pro HOKA Northern Arizona Elite runner Stephanie Bruce, who raced in this shoe in the 2022 Boston Marathon (before it was released). Bruce, who finished the race in just under 2.5 hours, attributed her quick recovery in the days to follow to the Rocket X 2's all-time energy return and cushioning.

Right now, this is the brand's speed demon.

Read more: Best HOKA Running Shoes

Those that wear Altra sneakers find it difficult to wear anything else. Once we experienced the square toe bed, otherwise known as Footshape™ (the brand’s claim to fame), other shoes suddenly felt crammed. This design allows your foot to rest naturally, addressing the biological differences in men’s and women’s feet. But that’s only partially why we’re giving Altra’s Vanish Carbon so much love.

They are also made with something called Carbitex, a carbon plate that naturally flexes with your foot to provide boost and propulsion. Plus, we like how the balanced, zero-drop cushioning platform thoughtfully positions the heel and forefoot to encourage proper alignment and form. If foot health, comfort, and speed are your goal, this shoe from Altra is a pretty solid recipe.

What do buyers say? "Love this shoe. For marathon training, I use the regular Vanish Tempos but on race day you gotta have the carbon plate. They fit the same but the difference between the two is mostly in the pop that comes from the stiffness of the carbon sole as well as some small tweaks to bring the weight down (less cushioning in the heel and lighter material throughout)," said one reviewer on the brand's site.

Read more: Best Running Shoes to Prevent Shin Splints