We constantly test the latest running shoes in our lab and on the feet of our 280-strong test team. About half of these runners are men - and it’s an extremely diverse group. Some are quick, high-mileage runners knocking on the door of the Olympic trials; others are just running or coming back from injury. We have runners of all shapes, sizes, ages, abilities and backgrounds - from full-time English teachers and new dads to night nurses and grandfathers. The only thing they have in common is that they are passionate about running and run at least 25 miles a week in their test shoes. Chances are, there’s a shoe you’ll love as much as they do, and you can go further to find a variety of shoes that cater to different preferences in stability and cushioning.
Stability
To run shoe design, stability refers to a shoe’s ability to support good running form. This means an optimal level of pronation (read more about this here). If you’re an over-pronator (your feet curl inward excessively) and prefer stability, these shoes have features that help counteract that movement. These include firmer foams in key areas of the midsole, such as a medial post, or additional material on the edge of the sole to prevent the foot from twisting, such as the GuideRails on the Brooks Adrenaline GTS. If you don’t have excessive pronation, you’ll probably prefer a “neutral” shoe that doesn’t have extra support features and won’t interfere with your stride.
Cushioning
This is an area where opinions vary widely. Runners who focus on speed may prefer a firmer shoe that gives them a good feel for the ground. Others prefer something softer that absorbs impact forces. In the past, you usually had to sacrifice a little cushioning to find a shoe that was light enough to help you shave fractions of a second off your finish time. Thanks to a new foam technology, that’s no longer the case. The Skechers GOrun MaxRoad 5, one of the most cushioned shoes we’ve tested, weighs in at just 3.5kg for a size 9. That’s important for longer runs, as the extra cushioning can reduce pain in tired feet and joints.
How we chose
To select these shoes, we consulted Runner-in-Chief Joe Corbuzier for his recommendations on the best running shoes for men, and we also relied on feedback from hundreds of male runners on our test team. After testing countless pairs of shoes and evaluating the data, we’ve rounded up some of the best shoes that received high marks and praise from our male testers (For an even more in-depth look at our rigorous testing process, find out how we rate shoes). Looking for tips on how to get the best fit and the best price? We also tell you how to pick your next favorite pair.
1. Saucony Kinvara 13
The 12th release was a fantastic return to form for the Kinvara. After the 11 got stiffer and heavier - we got some pretty strong “daily trainer” vibes from its super plush tongue and thick upper - the 12 took the Kinvara back to its racer roots. The 13 continues that trend. This version is the lightest the Kinvara has ever been. Like the shoe’s earlier models, it features a comfortable mid-foot lockdown and a more minimalist ride for smooth starts and good ground feel. Now, Saucony’s new Pwrrun foam blend in the midsole uses a mix of EVA and polymers to improve energy return. It doesn’t have the punch of the Endorphin series, but it’s very responsive for endurance runs on dry roads and speed sessions around the oval.
Buy: Saucony Kinvara 13
2. Saucony Endorphin Speed 3
While faster runners will turn to more expensive carbon fiber running shoes like the Endorphin Pro and Nike Alphafly Next%, the Endorphin Speed is a decent running option for most of us. It’s still stiff - though the winged nylon plate is much more flexible than carbon fiber - and responsive, and the cushioning works well for short, fast runs up to marathon distance. However, it’s in everyday training that the Speed shines. For tempo runs and interval sessions, it provides all the energy you need for your workout, while saving you money compared to more expensive running models. The most notable changes in the second version of the shoe are all positive. The ride is more generous, smoother, and more stable (thanks to a new plate shape, a wider platform, a changed Pwrrun PB formulation, and more midsole foam). Saucony also opted for a more stretchy mesh upper; our wide-footed testers said the fit around the toe box is now more accommodating.
Buy: Saucony Endorphin Speed 3
3. VJ Spark
“I ran with a friend in the Adirondacks one July morning. He was wearing a shoe that had not yet been released, the Spark. We had 5,000 feet of elevation gain in the first seven miles and a 3,000-foot descent in the last three miles, and he stuck to the wet rocks of Giant Mountain like a gecko the whole time,” says Dengate, recalling his first encounter with the VJ Spark. When we received our test samples, we experienced it for ourselves. That excellent grip is because of VJ’s butyl rubber outsole. The 5mm lugs aren’t super long, and they’re not sharp like a pair of YakTrax’s, but they’re sticky and flexible to grip on slippery terrain. The Spark is super light and fast, so while you won’t get the cushioning you need for an ultra, the foam suffices for trail runs and obstacle courses. The fairly standard, dense EVA isn’t up to par with the latest nitrogen-injected TPU offerings, but you don’t buy the Spark for its cushioning. You’re buying it for its grip, which will allow you to dodge roots and rocks at high speeds, or even jump a campfire and climb a rope wall.
Buy: VJ Spark
4. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
The Adrenaline GTS is Brooks’ beloved stability shoe that has a lighter, less bulky GuideRails system, rather than a medial post, to provide support. The 22nd iteration has this same design, which places material along the edges of the sole to keep your feet in alignment. (This makes it accessible to both over-pronators and neutral runners, since the extra support only engages if you need it.) Overall, the shoe is slightly softer and more flexible than previous models, thanks to the DNA Loft foam that runs the length of the midsole. The Adrenaline still offers excellent shock absorption, and the rubber outsole provides good traction and durability for runners who put in a lot of miles.
