Best running shoes for men
Whether you’re a seasoned runner who tears up the roads on the reg. Or a rookie jogger who, like most of us mere mortals, is new to using your legs for more than, say, sprinting for a bus. You’re going to need a solid pair of men’s running shoes.
And regardless of your running ability, it’s unlikely you’ll be chasing down Eliud Kipchoge (the first bloke to run a marathon in under two hours) any time soon. But what do you have to think about when looking to buy running shoes? A good place to start is identifying your requirements.
After a pair of trainers to do your local park run? A lighter running shoe with a decent level of cushioning and support will do the trick. Training for that cross country 20k you’ve been threatening to do for donkey’s years? Go for a tough trail running shoe with a sturdy sole and grippy tread.
If you’re taking running seriously, however, or simply want to prevent injury, it’s also handy to know your running gait (how your foot makes contact with the floor when you run). Most of us overpronate (when your ankle rolls inwards causing you to land on the inside of your foot), although some runners supinate (when your ankle rolls outwards putting pressure on the outside of the foot).
If you’d like to get your gait analysed, head to an expert running shop, or if that’s not possible, look online.
Gait aside, what should you look out for when trying on a pair of runners?
“Fit is critical, so ensure there is enough room in the toe box for the forefoot to spread. Aim for bigger than your normal shoe size by a half or full size, and research to see if the shoes are considered wide or narrow to match your feet.” Davinia Catlin, Owner at The Winning Margin Sports Shop in South Croydon, explains.
Experts also suggest not being too swayed by fancy trackers inside the shoe - comfort is key when choosing a trainer, so pick the springiest with the best fit and add your tracker in after. Smart insolve NURVV Run can be added to any shoe, with 32 sensors inside each one to give you real-life coaching via an app.
What should you do if they don’t feel right after a run or two?
"Don’t panic if you think the shoe is wrong after use. Maybe you experience blisters, they don't feel snug or simply don't work for you. Many shoe brands have guarantees in place if you’ve had problems with a recently purchased shoe. The likelihood is you’ll be able to return them or seek advice from the brand as to why you didn’t get on with them.” Emma Kirk-Odunubi (@emmakirkyo), a running gait and footwear specialist, explains.
With guidance from the experts and after some light testing, we’ve put together a list of some of the best men’s running shoes on the market – from racy runners to cosy classics.
On Cloudflow
With eighteen strange looking ‘clouds’ on the tread, On don’t look like your typical men’s road running shoes (they look more like golf shoes). Nevertheless, this state-of-the-art Swiss brand, has been given the stamp of approval by former James Bond star, Pierce Brosnan, and we can see why. They’re super-light, extremely well-ventilated and offer the kind of bounce (thanks to the brand’s unique Cloudtech technology and Helion super foam combination) that inspires you to run faster and further. Ideal for regular or beginners that like to go quick but don’t want to forgo comfort. Don’t say it, don’t say it, don’t say it… it’s like running on clouds.
adidas UltraBOOST 21
The Ultraboosts have been many runners’ go-tos for a while but their latest upgrade, the 21s, promise to be the most responsive yet (you might notice similarities with Nike’s notorious Zoom Vaporflys, used by many of the pros). The sock-like shoes have been designed around energy return, with an ideal harmony of weight and cushioning offering serious levels of bounce thanks to six per cent more Boost capsules than previous editions.
A new Torsion System provides a 15 per cent boost in forefoot bending stiffness for a more responsive run, they’re gender-neutral, and super-eco friendly. Each shoe is made with Primeblue, a high-performance recycled material made in part with adidas’ famous Parley Ocean Plastic. 50 per cent of the upper is textile and 75 per cent of the textile is Primeblue yarn.
Asics Metaspeed Sky
One for the racers. Asics’ latest Metaspeed shoe is all about helping you go faster by extending your stride length. It’s all thanks to an energetic midsole and propulsive carbon plate (and the Olympic-themed Tokyo branding, obviously).
According to the scientists behind it, you’ll conserve more energy while maintaining your pace at the later stages of the race. Designed for a neutral pronation and normal size arches.
Allbirds Wool Dasher Mizzle
Allbirds is a sustainable footwear company based out of San Francisco. They recently made headlines by donating 2,000 pairs of shoes to NHS frontline workers – and judging by the reviews on the website, they did the trick. The Wool Dasher Mizzles are the brand’s weather-ready running shoe and contrary to their wool-like look, help to keep your feet dry using ZQ merino wool and high-tech Puddle Guard material to protect from the rain. They’re also exceptionally soft and itch-free, super grippy and visible for dark nights, with reflective highlights that’ll pick the shoe up in headlights.
The shoe is also carbon neutral thanks to a combination of sustainable practices, like using natural materials and carbon credits. Its footprint starts at 10.4 kg CO2e.
UA Flow Velocity Wind
After three years and 11,000 miles of road-testing, Under Armour has just unveiled its fastest performance running shoe yet and it’s one for speed machines. The rubber outsole is replaced with a single-foam compound, meaning the shoe is traction and super-lightweight, weighing in at just 241g for a men’s size 8 shoe.
A groundbreaking new upper technology acts like a seatbelt around the foot, providing tension when you need it and relaxing when you don’t. It’s also smart: the Flow’s sole contains a sensor that tracks, analyses and stores detailed running metrics to inform performance and share with the Map My Run community. A running shoe and smartwatch in one - get your orders in next month.
Vivobarefoot Primus Trail FG
If you’ve been following the nation’s P.E teacher, Joe Wicks, on YouTube recently you might have noticed him wearing Vivobarefoot men’s running shoes. The odd-looking barefoot outdoor trainers are said to ‘reawaken the muscles in your feet which have become dormant through years of wearing modern running shoes.’ If you like the idea of reverting to barefoot, as nature intended, then make sure you take your time to wear them in first. Walking in them for a few weeks initially before running âshort distances - as to not cause injury. These are lifestyle-changing, vegan-friendly running shoes made for the long-haul. Not pretty, but if they’re good enough for Joe…â
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11
Soft and plush. New Balance is usually a safe bet when it comes to men’s running shoes and the 1080 v11 is the latest iteration of the brand’s famous Fresh Foam line, designed for comfort on long runs.
It’s responsive underfoot, stretchy on top and features Ultra Heel technology that hugs the back of the foot for a snug fit. We reckon the red and black colours give off a bit of a Dennis the Menace vibe too. Just us?
Merrell MTL Skyfire Undyed
Merrell is an American outdoor footwear brand that’s been around for decades, so they know a thing or two about shoes. This lightweight model of vegan-friendly men’s trail running shoes were designed with help from renowned ultra-runner, Ragna Debats, so you needn’t worry about durability.
Made to tackle extreme terrain (and weather), they come equipped with protective tear-resistant fabric, protective rock plate and removable EVA foam insoles. A long-distance trail running shoe for those who like tearing up hills and mountains at speed. Check out the new undyed colour-way, which is now on sale for just £55.
Columbia Montrail F.K.T.
Another high-spec trail-runner that’ll look just as good off-road as in the coffee shop afterwards. The Montrail FKT is Columbia’s latest off-road running shoe and comes in a new range of fancy bold colours including blue and red.
The lightweight upper provides stability, while advanced midsole cushioning and a high-traction outsole bring a smooth feel. Your feet will feel snug even thanks to a power-mesh sock fit and a secondary lace cage.
£110, columbiasportswear.co.uk
Hoka One One Carbon X2
One for the long-distance runner. Hoka’s latest men’s running shoes pair softer, lighter foam with the same rubberised foam outsole as its predecessor, so you’ll get the same propulsive speed Hoka-lovers have come to expect. The shoe comes with a refined collar shape, a notched tongue and an engineered mesh upper with embroidered TPU yarns for extra reinforcement around the laces. Soft, stable and responsive for clocking up the miles - oh, and the new autumn/winter colourways are pretty fancy, too.
Under Armour HOVR Phantom
Fancy a pair of versatile men’s running shoes that look snazzy and perform well? Under Armour’s nifty HOVR Phantoms could well be what you’re after. With snug-fitting, stretch-knit uppers and a robust external heel counter, they offer a high standard of protection. This is a hi-spec shoe made for people who take running seriously. Bolt-ons include an in-built sensor that allows you to track and analyse data on free GPS running app, MapMyRun. While the sportswear brand’s intelligent HOVR foam tech gives you a bit of energy back.
Puma Speed 600 2
We liked this pair of Puma men’s running shoes from the moment we opened the box. Check out that futuristic, bubbly hybrid foam – a combination of NRGY bead technology and IGNITE foam. It’s both a tidy aesthetic and practical feature that runs from heel to toe, offering a praiseworthy level of support and cushioning. The Speed 600 2 weigh in at just 330 grams, less than a standard box of Coco Pops, and are Puma’s lightest running shoes to date. A solid, option for everyday runners looking to improve their pace.
Saucony Endorphin Pro
Saucony’s Endorphin Pros are a pleasure to look at, and so they should be for the price. We’re all for the fluorescent contrast finishes and smart sock-like uppers on these top-end men’s road running shoes. The well-known brand’s first carbon plated shoes come complete with speed roll geometry to propel you forward. They fit snug to your feet and have been stripped back with no seams to cause discomfort. One thing that stands out, however, is how ridiculously light (213 grams) and well-aerated they are. Worth splashing out on if you have the cash and want to shave time off your PB.
Puma LQDCELL Optic XI
The LQDCELL Optic XI has been designed for fashion-first casual runners. We were charmed by the mint green and fluorescent yellow multi-layer, multi-texture finished uppers. And let’s face it, if you only run every now and then, you want to look the part. That’s not to say they aren’t functional. Thanks to Puma’s liquid CELL hexagon technology, they come with plenty of heel and midfoot support and cushioning too. Backed by former Victoria Secret Model, Adriana Lima, and the incredibly dull speed demon, Lewis Hamilton.
Verdict
It’s hard to choose between our selections, as they all offer something different individually, but having not tried the Swiss brand out before now, we were blow away by On’s Cloudflow running shoes – floaty, airy and speedy in equal measures. Puma’s Speed 600 2 is a solid all-rounder for everyday use and UA’s Flow Velocity Wind and adidas’ latest UltraBOOSTs are both heroes if you want speed.
