The 2022 Men's Health Sneaker Awards

Any trail sneaker with a cult following is a good sign, but popular or not we’d give this pair an award. They are designed for everything from harsh city conditions to gnarly trails with a durable construction and stability. With anti-debris mesh, a new Gore-Tex ePE membrane, and a coated quicklace system to maximize weather coverage, they are breathable, durable and will protect your foot from the elements. They feature a downhill lug outsole with something called mud contagrip for maximum traction on loose, soft, rugged and uneven surfaces.

The North Face Vective Levitum Futurelight trail sneakers claim to feature a revolutionary breathable-waterproof technology and ripstop uppers for protection in a variety of environments. After testing, researching, and comparing to other models on the market, we can’t disagree. They are made with a responsive rocked midsole and streamlined cushioning that brings a world of energy to keep you moving fast on the trail. For a technical sneaker with a grippy lug tread, durable protection, and a soft midsole, they rank extremely light in weight. It’s rare to find an energy-inducing, waterproof shoe like this.

The versatility of Columbia’s Wildone Navigate sneaker wins us over. From city days, to dirt paths, this shoe is ready for adventure. Made with something called Techlite, it’s impressively comfortable providing superior cushioning and a high energy return. It also features Omni-Shield technology, which is a water resistant suede and mesh material for protection that doesn’t look too technical and keeps the air flowing though. Lastly, the Adapt Trax outsole will keep you from slipping on whatever surface life throws you.

We can’t sing enough praises about Hoka’s Kaha 2 hiking boots. The style is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, a true game changer is the space. The weight-to-cushion ratio make this pair extremely comfortable right out of the box, without compromising on durability, protection, or grip.

The high tops keep you locked in so you can hop, skip and jump without fear of twisting an ankle. The most impressive feature of these sneakerboots is the cushioned footbed that mimics the brand’s iconic cloud-like foam and Meta-Rocker to keep you moving without fatigue. Plus, there are tons of minor attention to detail, like the quick-lace metal hooks, abrasion resistant toe and heel caps, anatomic Achilles construction with pull tabs, and so much more. Trust us and invest in these. Your hikes will get a whole lot better.

If you’re an outdoors, ultra distance runner—we’re walking cross country trail running, you’re going to need something grippier than a traditional running sneaker and bouncier than a traditional hiker. Enter Craft’s CTM Ultra Carbon Trail sneaker. This high performance shoe is extremely lightweight with a foamy footbed for a smooth ride, soft-yet-bouncy landing, and impressive energy return. The midsole features a carbon fiber plate to keep you supported without weighing you down. The mesh upper is flexible and breathable while the lugged sole brings a world of traction to this speed shoe. It’s like your favorite foamy speed shoe, with a trail grip.

Reebok’s latest Floatride Energy sneaker is a well-rounded sneaker checking off the basics of quality cushioning, a grippy tread, light in weight, accessible price point, neutral arch support, and style. It’s especially a favorite among those that are curious about the thick foamy footbed trend without diving in entirely.

They are great for distance running, but also will hold up as an everyday trainer, making them a solid choice if you're a big outdoor workout and running type of guy. You can sprint in the grass, go for a light trail run or do lunges and lateral movements in this pair of cushy, comfy, and grippy, outdoor adventure kicks.

This technical sneaker is a top-rated style in the world of trail running. It features two BOA dials to lock your foot in with a complete control over the fit from the front to the back for when you’re switching up the swell. Each dial is made to easily loosen and tighten up throughout different points in your run, which makes a massive difference in comfort and speed. Underneath the fit, is a stack of soft springy cushions that naturally move with each stride to keep you nimble and light with full control. This is the real deal whether you’re tackling the Swiss Alps, or going for a cross country run.

When you’re running in the mountains, solid rock-protection is a must. The Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow 2 trail sneakers advances the technology for protection, durability, weight, and comfort. What you’ll find is engineered mesh for breathability, a patented Continental outsole for added grip on varying terrain, and a lightstrike EVA midsole foam that feels like a cloud. They are especially great for men with narrow to neutral feet.

Saucony meets your need for speed with a carbon-fiber plate that accelerates you for technical sprints without fatigue. This efficient sneaker is super lightweight, breathable with absorbent mesh, and moisture wicking. But more importantly it provides maximum cushioning for those that chase a cloudlike, neutral footbed (especially great for men with high arches). Lastly, the distance friendly grippy outsole is ready for any type of terrain.

Brooks is no newbie in the running space. Their latest iteration of the always-innovative Glycerin sneaker is the 20, which comes with a new impressively soft, nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushion, among an improved fit with air mesh, and a redesigned wider sole for smoother, easier transitions.

So, what does nitrogen do? It’s a special infusion process that allows them to fine tune the softness without sacrificing weight, durability, or responsiveness. The result is plush comfort with a balanced, form-fitting stride. If you’re a runner looking for a controlled, super soft cushion in your footwear, get your feet in these babies.

Allbirds are a fairly recent brand that gained popularity through their innovative use of sustainable materials and transparent business practices. Plus, they make a damn good running shoe.

The Tree Flyers are made with a bio-based SwiftFoam for a light, bounce stride. The heel counter is uniquely flared with a geometric midsole to keep you at a consistent pace, lessening foot fatigue. Its real claim to fame is the breathable eucalyptus fiber that is ultra soft and breezy. Not only do they feel great and benefit your foot health, they are tech-y, yet minimal in aesthetic. After one try, you'll get the hype.

APL sneakers are a hot ticket item right now for the fashion and fitness crowd. Not only do they have a cool, luxury-sports-car aesthetic, the tech specs of the products live up to their hype. This one is made with FutureFoam, developed to provide compression, rebound and energy return. The midsole horizontal channels were carved by the wind for a smooth stride that doesn’t slow you down.

It may be pricey, but worth it when you pay attention to the innovative details that contribute to improved speed, added comfort and a smooth overall ride. Other details include lightweight and breathable woven textile called AeroLux, an integrated lacing structure for a custom fit, and a Microfiber collar and tongue trim padding to reduce friction. The list goes on and on, meaning this bang is worth your buck.

Reviewers rave about the roomy toe box in the Skechers Max Cushioning Delta sneakers. They are among the best cushioned running shoes for bunions, Plantar Fasciitis, other foot ailments, and even back and knee pain. They are made with an Ortholite comfort foam insole that adds long-term cushioning that molds to support your foot. They also include NRT, otherwise known as Natural Rocker Technology for a smooth heel to toe transition. The outsole has a flexible traction with a padded heel for added stability.

Reviewers rave about how the extra cushioning is especially helpful to those with a bad back or knee pain. Better yet, they come in wide sizing options for a more custom (and comfortable) fit for bigger feet.

Those that wear Altra sneakers find it difficult to wear anything else. Once you experience the square toe bed, otherwise known as Footshape™ (the brand’s claim to fame), your foot will suddenly feel crammed in any other sneaker. 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 running sneakers an award.

They are also made with something called Carbitex, a carbon plate that naturally flexes with your foot to provide boost and propulsion. Additionally, the balanced cushioning platform positions your heel and forefoot at an equal distance from the ground to encourage proper alignment and form. If foot health, comfort, and speed are your goal, look no further.

High mileage trainers shall rejoice at the beauty of New Balance’s FuelCell Rebel sneakers. The shoe is very stable, while still providing you with a ton of return in every step. It uses the same FuelCell foam in the as their SuperComp line, but does not have a carbon insert. This means they have a great feel for the road, and are super comfortable when worn all day.

Wearing Vejas are an ever so subtle style flex for the cool, contemporary and progressive guy. The brand boasts the V logo on the side of the Brittany, standing for radical transparency in their business model, mixing social projects, economic justice and ecological materials.

This pair is made from vegan leather, or more specifically, recycled polyester, coming from recycled plastic bottles shredded into flakes and then transformed into fibers in a Brazilian factory. Three plastic bottles are needed to make one pair of VEJA. B-Mesh is a light, breathable and water-repellent fabric. They are comfortable kicks for everyday outings, combining thoughtful construction with a clean, sporty look.

At first glance, you’d never know this plain white pair features an anatomically shaped footbed. It’s too stylish to be a comfort shoe, but low and behold it defies the odds with the patented Fluidform technology and a durable bond between the upper and sole. This pair is water-resistant and has a removable, cushioned insole with an impressive arch support.

You don't often find these orthopedic benefits in a lifestyle shoe, making these one of the most comfortable, lightweight plain white sneakers on the market. It's a minimal, not-so-flashy, aesthetic to dress up, down, and everything in between.

AF1s might just be the most popular sneaker on the planet. If you look around in your day to day when you’re out and about, chances are you’ll see 1-3 people wearing a pair. While we love the classic, we’re an even bigger fan of this fresh take.

Nike’s Air Force 1 Crater Flyknit Next Nature sneaker is more lightweight and breathable, prioritizing comfort with the courtside flair the style is famous for. They have removable insoles with great arch support and a breathy knit that hugs the foot like a sock. Plus, they are sustainably made. They run small, so order a half size up.

Rothy’s sneakers are known for providing game-changing comfort, long lasting durability, and for being sustainably made. The way the look, fit, and feel is unique to any other sneaker we’ve seen. Instead of leather (or vegan leather), they are spun with a single thread made from recycled plastic to create a flexible knit that hugs and supports your foot like a thick sock without suffocating it. The result is a flexible yet still supportive upper that requires no break-in period.

The new RS02 sneakers are their best yet, with a contoured footbed and terry lined tongue for more support. The wide toe box and thick outsoles add even more comfort. They call it a "plain white tee" for your feet, and that's exactly how we feel. Plus, toss these babies in the washing machine when they are starting to show signs of wear, and they’ll come out as good as new.

What Nike’s AF1s are to ballers as what Slip Ons areto the skate community, meaning they are the number one style that stretches far beyond their prospective sport into a lifestyle. For style and ease-of-wear, you can’t go wrong slipping into a plain white pair of Vans. It’s one of those sneakers that will always be in style, and will always be cool, no matter what year we’re in. A pair of Vans becomes an extension of your foot, molding to provide greater comfort as they break in. They are an especially comfortable pair of sneakers for men with flat feet.

Pair them with a no-show sock or break them in bare and you have a wear-with-anything sneaker you'll never have to tie. They are an easy, affordable, stylish, and comfortable, fool-proof style statement without even trying to be.

When you’re looking to dress to impress, you’ve got to level up your sneaker game to something premium. Enter Common Projects Original Achilles Leather sneakers. It doesn’t get sleeker or more streamlined than this. These Italian-leather ooze comfort and luxe with each wear, featuring monochromatic coloring for a low key, minimalist finish.

This is the sneaker to wear when you're dressing to impress but also keeping it cool. When a pair of Common Projects enters your pants-to-shoe-ratio, you stand for understated luxury with a low key flex at over $400 a pop. If you're nervous about wearing these out and about, don't worry they are one of the easiest sneakers to clean.

Thursday Boots are known for…drum roll please…their boots, but after dipping our feet into this classic white sneaker, we’ve got to give them an honorable mention to their sneakers.

This leather is like no other, with a break in period that is well worth the wait. Just like their boots, they get softer and better with age. They are made with a buttery soft Italian leather with a cushion that nests your foot nicely. Plus, they have shock absorbent performance footbeds, a padded tongue and color and dual density rubber outsoles to keep you from slipping. They look and feel super luxurious at an accessible price.

You’d never peg these sneakers to capitalize on being vegan and sustainably-made because of how cool they look, but low and behold they are. And we’re not just talking about behind made from recycled materials or plants, the brand sources intentional plant-based materials with purpose, combining style and sustainably to provide what they call an “eco-lux” experience.

This pair of high tops provide sufficient ankle support and control. They feature a natural elastic cork footbed that feels comfortable, distributes weight evenly, and creates less impact force on the joints. The lining is made from breathable bamboo that is odor-resistant and moisture-wicking. Lastly, they use a nanotech coating for a protective and water-resistant barrier (watch the water roll right off).

The Everlane court sneaker is the epitome of classic, simple, versatile, and comfortable. It’s made with innovative, durable materials made of recycled leather scraps the brand calls Releather. Through minimal waste and water use, this reimagined leather brings a laid back, sporty feel to your everyday.

Like most leather shoes, this pair has a short break in period to get a comfortable, form-fitting stride. Once you do, you'll be happy you did because this is one pair of versatile, stylish kicks at an accessible price point.

With soft Lycra textile linings, a full cushioned (and removable) footbed, and a lightweight and durable EVA sole to reduce foot stress, what more can you ask for in a dress shoe/sneaker hybrid? Floresheim hits every nail on the head with their premier plain toe lace up sneakers. The leather is smooth, the return is bouncy, and the tread is just enough. Dress them down or up, your foot health and style will prosper.

Vionic comes highly recommended by board certified podiatrists, making this a top notch orthopedic shoe that doesn’t compromise style. You’ll get relief from foot ailments (plantars fasciitis, bunions, hammer toes) and stability which helps realign the feet back to their natural position. Research supports Vionic's Technology success in reducing over-pronation, which helps relieve associated common aches and pains that affect your knees, back and body.

At first glance, you can almost feel how soft this dress sneaker is, with a thick outsole and buttery soft leather construction. This shoe is soft and flexible, yet supportive on a mission to bring comfort to dress shoes. They are made with Cole Haan’s famous cushioned Grandfoam, which is an "if you know, you know" sort of thing. You'll get a rubber outsole for efficient traction among weather and terrain. Plus, they are made with ventilating temp-regulating materials to keep you cool and dry all day, everyday. Now that's something typical dress shoes do not prioritize.

Taft knows a thing or two about quality and comfort. With impeccable attention to detail, everything from the stitched construction, waxed laces and lavender-scented sole makes this pair extra special, oozing luxury upon unboxing. Details are what makes these shoes of excellent quality and long lasting. Once Taft hooks you as a customer, you'll keep coming back, excited to spend the $200 and change. Get ready to attract compliments, because this pair will turn heads for an elevated your pants-to-shoe-ratio.

Kizik’s are known for two things. The first is their “no break in period.” You’ll find lived-in comfort straight out of the box with Rabbit Foam outsoles that cushion your steps. More impressively, they are known for their accessibility and acting like a slip on. Kiziks use HandsFree technology that intentionally allows space for you to slip these on and off without ever bending down, laces tied and all. It's hard to believe this technology actually works until you experience how easy it is to slip them on and off ten times over. We're hooked. Other standout features are the genuine, full-grain leather, rubber traction pods for a grippy tread, and a roomy toe box that will never cram.

These lace-up low tops are a modern essential, made with the same craftsmanship and quality that goes into Allen Edmonds iconic dress shoes. Following suit (no pun intended) these sneakers are clean and classic. They are made with shock absorbing FlyForm insoles and sporty rubber outsoles for added comfort and support. This style comes in a range of sizing, including widths ranging from B to EEE to fit all foot types.

Made with premium leather, this pair of retro kicks is a history lesson in a shoe. The Harrier silhouette was originally created in 1968 and was suitable for a variety of sports and training. Today, we’ve turned this classic style into a lifestyle sneaker that pays homage to its roots in a cool, effortlessly stylish way. Not to mention the buttery soft leather and gums that compliment your foot health.

Don’t be alarmed when you see the Adidas Samba OG shoes flood the streets. This once indoor-soccer shoe (shoutout millennials) is becoming a streetwear flex, and we’re here for the throwback. It’s an icon in the category of low profile athletic sneakers with features that live up to the new found hype. With an OrthoLite sockliner, EVA outsoles with deep flex grooves, and a new Primegreen construction of high performance recycled materials this sneaker is it.

Puma keeps it classic by bringing back the iconic suede style from 1968. This shoe has stood the test of time on an effortlessly cool intersection of fashion and sport culture. With over 50 years under its belt, this sneaker is one of the greats transcending time among icons from every generation. While the design has remained nearly the same, the construction has changed with innovations of sustainability, comfort and materials.

Oliver Cabell oozes understated luxury, especially in the Low 1 Military. It’s a low top silhouette, handcrafted in Italy from buttery calfskin leather and Margom outsoles. The lining and footbed features this same leather for a top-to-bottom feel and smell of the best leather in the business. The brand’s tanneries are some of the most sought after in Italy, winning awards for quality, ethics and environmental practices.

The 80s court classic shoe never went out of style. But instead of a performance sneaker, they’ve turned into your everyday shoe. With a die-cut EVA midsole, you get super lightweight cushioning with a leather upper—simplicity and street cred at its finest. The off white coloring gives a vintage vibe, and stands them apart from a typical pair of white kicks (in the coolest way).

While some say dad shoes are back in style, we'd say they never really left. First launched in 1997, Saucony’s 3D Grid Hurricane sneaker is reimagined with updated materials and technologies for added comfort in the foot bed and control in the chunky support. The result is a retro style with the latest sneaker tech (think soft, lightweight materials and grippy treads). We can’t wait to see what comes out of Saucony’s 90s vault next.

These sneakers are made with pineapple husk leather and sourced merino wool, built for support, durability and breathability. They are ultra soft and lightweight, inspired by 90s nostalgia with a fuzzy finish. YY Nation wool is so fine it molds to your foot while maintaining support and control. All of these natural materials keep the temperature regulated and eliminate odor. It’s a unique take on a retro sneaker that will attract compliments and stand you out from the crowd.

Paying homage to the ninth interaction of the Gel-10000 series, this take on the Asics icon is reimagined. Through its design and construction, it conveys the elements of speed, weightlessness, and precision. The layered mesh makes this lighter and more breathable, while the Gel technology cushioning provides the memory foam-like footbed we all know and love. This retro pair of kicks will elevate your sneaker game while also providing a world of benefits to your foot health.

No sneaker awards would be complete without a pair of Converse. The iconic brand is a mainstay in the sneaker space. It’s one of those sneakers that will never ever go out of style. Contrary to popular belief, we like the Chuck 70 over the Chuck Taylor. The Chuck 70 has more stitching for a sturdier construction and a higher outsole and rubber. Overall these minor changes make the sneaker feel sturdier, more supportive and all around comfortable. And if you’re not a detail-oriented sneakerhead, you probably won’t notice the difference in aesthetic.

Hoka’s Bondi 8 brings in a supreme level of the foamy cush we all know and love. The brand calls it “one of the hardest working shoes in the lineup.” It’s a softer, lighter, foam compared to other models with an extended heel geometry. The rear crash pad makes every landing soft and balanced. It’s a comfort shoe for everyday running, walking, standing on your feet and more. Overall this sneaker amplifies performance features and is one of the few walking shoes to have the APMA (The American Podiatric Medical Association) seal of acceptance.

These sneakers are suitable for neutral arches, providing ultra-cushioned and resilient design. The HyperBurst cushions on the midsole create a responsive return, while the resilient foam uses a SuperCritical process through spherically shaped cells compressed into the mids. The result is resilience. Testers found these sneakers to be best for heavy set men, because the footbed does not sink. They also have a performance outsole to enhance traction, stability and durability.

APL hits fashion and function right away. The thick FutureFoam cushion is strategically angled for a smooth flow with a bouncy return. You don’t get on-the-ground comfort like other low profile sneakers, but you do feel like you’re walking on a cloud at all hours of the day. One other standout is the breathable flexible mesh in a “zip line” design that molds to whatever foot type you have. This custom fit makes you feel supported without compromising flexibility. Ther perfect sneaker doesn’t ex—...yes it does.

This Under Armour sneaker is made with an EVA sockliner and a responsive HOVR cushioning that reduces impact, returns energy and helps propel you forward. It’s great for running, but also daily walks and running errands. The channeled rubber outsole provides a grippy tread, and is mapped for durability in high-wear areas and flex zones to promote natural movement. The overall fit and feel is bouncy, breathable, and weightless—everything you want in a daily active shoe.

Cue daily walks and runs you’ll look forward to in On’s Cloudnova sneakers. The brand’s springy Cloudtec cushioning system kicks in upon landing only when you need it, without robbing power. You can have a proper cushion and balance while remaining in control. They are breathable with mesh and have a lacing system for a custom fit that eliminates pressure points. These are the perfect sneakers for everyday comfort, travel, and urban exploration.

Clove built their brand for healthcare workers that spend long hours on their feet on hard surfaces, but after gaining great popularity consumers of all industries have become fans. The brand’s core sneaker is quiet, comfy, and supportive. These shoes for standing all day in are unique for their ergo footbed, cushy bottom and particular leather/neoprene combo. They cater to people who are constantly on their feet to alleviate their pain and fatigue.