Best running shoes for men in 2024, tested by an expert

Few runners enjoy being left behind by other dashers in the park. If you don’t get the best running shoe, you’re that much more likely to be a straggler, because technology and trends are always changing and improving.

After 23 years of injury-free running, I was forced out of action for a month with a knee injury recently, so I was keener than ever to find this year’s best running shoes for men (female readers should head to Rebecca Astill’s guide to running shoes for women). It was hard work, but fun: as a long-term runner and the author of The Runner’s Code and Running: Cheaper Than Therapy, I’ve long been obsessed with running shoes. I couldn’t wait to try out the latest models on the market. You can read my reviews further down but, if you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick look at my top five:

Which are the best men’s running shoes in 2024? At a glance

• Best overall – Nike Invincible 3
• Best value – Under Armour Velociti 3
• Best shoes for long distance running – On Cloudeclipse
• Best men’s trail running shoes – Merrell Agility Peak 5
• Best running shoes for training – Brooks Ghost Max

How to choose the best running shoe for you

“All running shoes are different, but they can be categorised to help make it easier for us to choose the right ones for the right purpose”, says Ben Mounsey, a 42 year old full-time athlete with over 30 years of running experience. Ben has represented Yorkshire, England and Great Britain across fell, trail and mountain running disciplines and is an executive at  sportsshoes.com.

“Generally speaking, these are the three main categories. The first are cushioned/neutral shoes, which are built for high mileage road running for the neutral runner. The second kind are support/overpronation shoes, with support suited to the over-pronator, while also offering cushioning suitable for high mileage road running. The third category is racing shoes, which are built for the faster paced runner looking for a race day shoe.”

You can read more advice from Ben, with explanations of technical terms such as pronation, in the FAQ section at the bottom of this feature. And if you’re kitting yourself out, we also have guides to the best running head torches and the best running headphones.

How I tested the best running shoes

I was looking for which shoes offered the best midsole cushioning, which is so important to protect the runner from both impact injuries and the steady creep of longer-term damage. Stability is also vital, so I was on the lookout for shoes that were designed to stop excess motion of the feet and ankles but without compromising on movement.

Those protections are important but we still all want to run well and impressively, so I wanted to find the shoes that were most responsive, meaning the one with the best ‘rebound’ effect underfoot. 

I considered heel-to-toe drop – roughly speaking the difference in the thickness of the sole from the heel to the toe. Then there are the smaller details that are still very important. Is the upper likely to bind, chafe or bunch? Do the laces lockdown well when you tie them? Are the laces likely to fray quickly?

I also considered how they faired over different distances and in different conditions. To put them through their paces, I ran on pavement, grass, concrete and hills in the dry and in the rain. It was an exhausting but fun project.

Best running shoes for men

1. Nike Invincible 3

£174.99, Nike

Best overall, 10 out of 10

We like: the transitions

We don’t like: the texture of the laces

• Heel-to-toe drop: 9mm
• Weight: 300g
• Men’s sizes available: 5.5-14

I’ve often found Nike’s running shoes to be a bit ponderous and un-dynamic, so I’ve never got along that well with this brand… until now. When I set out on a dark, wet morning to give these their first test, I could hardly believe how bouncy and fresh they were to run in, thanks to their ZoomX foam, which I could feel compacting and expanding, propelling me forward. 

Although they feel more lively than any of the brand’s predecessors I’ve ever tried, that welcome improvement hasn’t come at the expense of cushioning and stability. When I moved between concrete, grass and then gravel, I hardly noticed any difference in the terrain, so I immediately earmarked these for parkruns, which involve moving between different surfaces.

They responded well when I upped the tempo and felt strong as an ox during a prolonged sprint. I found they work well for long runs as well as 5ks, thanks in part to their Flyknit upper, which makes them breathable. They are durable and they even look amazing, which is not something I’ve ever accused a Nike running shoe of before. They’re great for treadmills as well as roads and paths.

2. Under Armour Velociti 3 

£67.97, Under Armour

Best value running shoe for men, 9/10

We like: responsive midsoles

We don’t like: the loud colouring

• Heel-to-toe drop: 0mm
• Weight: 250g
• Men’s sizes available: 6-14

My first reaction to these was that their garish colour and space-age design won’t be to everyone’s tastes. It’s all a bit ‘look at me, everyone!’ for runners, who are often introverted souls. But it only took a few runs in the park on a wet day to tone down the vibe a bit and I’m glad I stuck with them, because these really were something special. 

Sometimes shoes live up to all their hype and this is one of those times. The Velociti’s super responsive FLOW midsoles would be great for those who are new to running or ‘weekend warriors’ who don’t knock out that many miles each week but want some decent gear for those they do. 

The outsoles don’t look like they would offer you much grip, but having run around my sodden village in these, I can say that they grip rather well. As light as a feather but as bouncy as a new trampoline, if you want to run fast, fast, fast, these are the shoes you are looking for.

3. Altra Via Olympus 2

£130.49, SportsShoes.com

Best men’s running shoes for wide feet, 8/10

We like: the stability

We don’t like: the sheer vast scale of them

• Heel-to-toe drop: 0mm
• Weight: 323g
• Men’s sizes available: 7-13

Altra’s EGO™ MAX midsole foam and lofty heel means you feel safe as houses when you wear the Olympus 2, but their bulky form means they are like running in trustworthy tanks, rather than sleek submarines. That said, the cushions were squishier than I expected, and I felt covered from both ends, thanks to the efficient toe-off and a refined moulded heel collar. 

The deep flex grooves offered more bounce than I’d have expected from such a weighty model. I wouldn’t want to wear these rocker-geometry shoes for any high tempo run, but on a steady 10-miler they were nice companions. Some runners choose shoes like these for recovery runs after long runs, on the basis that you just won’t run that fast wearing these. 

The laces are a bit dull to the touch, but if you want plenty of toe splay in the forefoot to avoid issues with your toenails, these are also a good option for you.

4. On Cloudeclipse 

£170, On

Best men’s running shoe for long distance running, 9/10

We like: the Helion superfoam midfoam

We don’t like: the similarity to previous models

• Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm
• Weight: 285g
• Men’s sizes available: 6.5-13.5

Sorry to be so shallow, but these brand’s running shoes always look so cool. There’s an overall space-age vibe and little details like a tiny Swiss flag on the side and a small cloud icon on the sole. Few will notice these details, but I still think they’re fun. 

The brand recommend people go half a size up and I found that the 9.5 shoes I tested felt good for my size nine feet. I felt tall, square and comfortable in them. They supported me on my test runs but unobtrusively: I was able to convince myself it was me doing the supportive work. 

I found them good on hills, with that bouncy sole coming to the fore, and excellent for long strides. Basically, they go about their work very quietly. Apart from when I’m testing, my shoes are the last things I want to be thinking about on a run. 

The Speedboard makes them great at acceleration and transitions, so if you want to ‘give it some’ in the final 500m of your local parkrun, these will be a good friend to you. A friend is just what they felt like to me. I found myself thinking about them hours after my runs. 

5. Adidas Supernova Rise

£130, Adidas

Best men’s shoes for daily running, 9/10

We like: support rods

We don’t like: narrow forefoot 

• Heel-to-toe drop: 10mm
• Weight: 278g
• Men’s sizes available: 6-17

Adidas is the brand I’ve used most often during my 23 years of regular running. But this actually means I need more convincing than most when they bring out a new brand, because I always want to know why they’ve messed with a winning formula. 

I needn’t have worried: these are great all rounders. They’ve got support rods that solidify the forefoot and their highly rockered forefoot rolled me onwards as I ran. The Dreamstrike+ PEBA based midsole offers plenty of energy and bounce.

All in all, I had an absolute ball running in these. They have a lightweight design but as is often the case with Adidas, the narrow forefoot won’t work for everyone. Nevertheless, these gave me a stable and balanced run. 

If you’re a daily runner and you want to put a bit of spring into your outings, head for these. Adidas, I forgive you for messing round with your winning formula and knocking out these futuristic-looking wonders.

6. Merrell Agility Peak 5

£170, Merrell

Best men’s trail running shoes, 8/10

We like: the breathable upper

We don’t like: the unimaginative design and baggy upper

• Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm
• Weight : 299g
• Men’s sizes available: 6.5-11.5
• Waterproof

When these arrived, my village was recovering from a winter flood and there was a fair amount of standing water, mud and ice around. This would normally be less than ideal, but it was actually the perfect the time to try a new pair of trail running shoes. 

This latest shoe from Merrell takes the popular and respected brand to new heights, thanks to the all-new mesh upper, renovated Floatpro midsole foams and an adjusted outsole. It’s got a strong foothold and comfortable heel but it also feels lighter than previous iterations and other trail shoes on the market. 

Whether I ran across the mud, through standing water or inadvertently went over icy patches, these kept me safe and stable. With the increased rocker, even the most neurotic of runners on the most hazardous of trails would surely feel basically safe in these. Perfect for everything from an ultra, to a cross country, or just a simple trail 5K, these shoes are reassurance itself. 

7. Brooks Ghost Max

£140, Brooks Running

Best men’s running shoes for training, 8/10

We like: the effortless transitions 

We don’t like: the old fashioned feel

• Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm
• Weight: 284g
• Men’s sizes available: 6-10

Brooks have generally cornered what I call the ‘ham sandwich’ section of the running shoes market. None of your gorgonzola, pear and walnut on sourdough, or beetroot hummus in pitta, here: their no-nonsense vibe has been a model of consistency for as long as anyone can remember. 

But one man’s dependability can be another’s boring conservatism. They’ve sometimes lacked in responsivenes, but these new shoes take things up a gear by offering a cushioned experience combined with a more nimble, responsive ride, as this old-school brand dips its toes into modernity. 

The Ghost Max’s neutral cushion makes them comfortable, while the breathable mesh upper will come into its own during hot, summer runs. They gave me a versatile experience and I’d recommend them for steadier, longer runs, rather than short, speedy outings, where it might feel like the thick stack is holding you back from your best. The Trevors of the running shoe market continue to appeal to the Trevors of this world.

8. New Balance Fresh Foam x 1080

£160, New Balance

Most comfortable men’s running shoes, 8/10

We like: the snug fit

We don’t like: the dour look of them 

• Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
• Weight: 292g
• Men’s sizes available: 6.5-14.5

Running shoes are so transformative these days. They can make you feel taller, stronger and fitter than you are. Well, these made me feel smaller but more grounded. 

Their fit is on the tighter side of snug, but this didn’t make them uncomfortable. In fact, these were the most comfy of all the shoes I tested. Their responsive underfoot Fresh Foam combined with their soft, selectively stretchy knit upper, and they felt as comfortable as a pair of slippers but with the sturdiness to make me feel confident my recently-injured knee was safe. 

The blown rubber outsole gave great grip and as I ploughed along uneven terrains and in all the weather patterns that winter gives us, I was held in a steady, upright position. When I tried them at my local parkrun, I found they brake well. The foam cuts some weight off them compared to previous models. They are bouncy as a puppy and I loved every step I took in these.

9. Hoka Arahi 7

£130, Hoka

Best men’s running shoes for stability, 8/10

We like: the shock absorption 

We don’t like: the short lifespan 

• Heel-to-toe drop: 5mm
• Weight: 282g
• Men’s sizes available: 6.5-14.5

Thanks to their stable structure, I’ve always been a fan of this brand – with one significant ‘but’. On the plus side, I’ve found them supportive, comfortable and springy. On the downside, I’ve found they wear down the fastest of any brand, meaning you have to replace them quite quickly and making them more expensive in the long run.

I found this latest update to their popular Arahi brand lightweight, versatile and stable. As I ran down the pavement, I could feel the benefit of the shock absorption offered by the CMEVA midsole. The J-Frame technology worked well at supporting me without moving my feet out of their natural, essentially neutral gait. 

The main new feature is an engineered flat knit mesh upper, which added to the comfort and poshness of he model. It made me feel more confident to run fast and long. It was a rainy week when I tried these so I needed that confidence so I can happily report that these grip well, too. A final advantage: they are fairly light for such a stable option.

10. ASICS Gel Nimbus 26

£180, ASICS

Best-cushioned running shoes for men, 8/10

We like: The luxury feel

We don’t like: The slipperiness in the wet

• Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
• Weight: 304g
• Men’s sizes available: 5-15

The moment I put ASICS’ latest Gel Nimbus on, I was greeted with that reassuring and rare combination of strong solidity and plush comfort that I’ve come to associate with this brand. They are not light shoes and they don’t give the sort of bounce that some brands do, but there is a real feeling of luxury. I think newbies will enjoy setting out on short runs in these. Only those demanding plenty of cushioning should consider them for longer outings.

The upgraded outsole rubber aims to improve grip, but when I tested them on a particularly rainy day in a soaked park, I slipped and slid around like a drunken pensioner. In fairness, the conditions were shocking.

At this point I should mention ASICS’ other new shoe for this year, the Trabuco Max 3 (£160), the most comfortable trail shoes I’ve ever worn. They’re very breathable, well rockered and use something called FF BLAST PLUS foam which adds a great deal of support and balance. Well worth investigating.

But back to the Gel Nimbus. Tested in rather more humane weather conditions, these durable shoes gave me far more stability. The significantly firmer feel to the midsole foam meant I was confident to run at full pelte. Give them a go and put your feet down – as long as the ground is dry.

Running shoes FAQ

Do running trainers make a difference?

In short, yes. “It’s important to wear specific running shoes as they provide the correct amount of support, stability, cushioning and comfort that you need,” says expert Ben Mounsey. “Not only do they improve performance, but significantly reduce the risk of injury, especially if you run on a regular basis.”

How do I know my foot type for a running shoe? 

Pronation refers to the way in which our foot rolls when we strike the ground during running. It differs from person to person. There are three distinct categories that we all fall into: neutral, overpronation and underpronation.

“Neutral runners are less prone to injury as they strike the ground more efficiently, keeping feet, ankles and legs more aligned on impact with the ground,” says Mounsey. “This type of runner will generally notice more wear in the centre of the shoe and would choose a neutral shoe.”

But “most of us overpronate”, he adds, which means our feet roll inwards on impact and shoes tend to show extra wear on the inside of the heel and/or under the balls of the feet. Overpronators are “better suited to a shoe with more cushioning to help support and control the inward rolling of the foot”.

“Underpronators are the opposite and tend to wear shoes down mostly on the outside of the shoe, as their feet roll outwards on impact with the ground,” and they should head for a “well-cushioned neutral shoe”.

What is drop and why does it matter?

Drop, sometimes referred to as offset or heel-to-toe differential, is the difference in height between the heel and toe/or forefoot. “This is always measured in mm and most commonly ranges from 0 to 14mm,” says Mounsey. 

Runners who heel strike are better suited to a higher drop, ideally 8mm and above, says Mounsey. Midfoot and forefoot strikers are better suited to shoes with a low drop, below 6mm. “The lower the drop, the more calf flexibility and ankle mobility you need because it puts more pressure and stress on your lower leg,” he adds.

Why do some running shoes have pointed or extended heels?

The purpose of pointed or extended heels in running shoes is to provide additional cushioning and support for your heel. Running is a “high-impact sport and this extra material underfoot helps to reduce stress and impact”, he says.

What trainers do marathon runners wear?

There is no singular answer to this, says Mounsey, because marathon runners “train and race in different types of shoes, prioritising comfort and cushioning for daily mileage and then switching to a race day shoe for propulsion and speed”. 

What is the plate in a running shoe?

“Most running shoes now feature plate technology sandwiched somewhere inside the midsole,” he explains. These are usually made from rigid plastic or carbon fibre and they are included to enhance performance and running efficiency. 

They offer a combination of propulsion for increased speed and energy return, with stability and protection. The shape of plates differ in both road and trail shoes. 

How often should you change your running shoes?

Most runners agree that 300 miles is the minimum you should expect from a shoe and 500 miles is the maximum. 

Mounsey advises that runners monitor the condition of your shoes on a regular basis. There will be noticeable signs of wear after considerable use and any damage usually becomes visible at parts of the shoe that take the most impact, especially the outsole and uppers - where your shoe bends and stretches as you run. 

“The grip and tread on your shoes will likely deteriorate the most, and this might happen more on one side of the sole than the other, depending on what kind of runner you are,” he said. You can track the mileage of your shoes by using a platform like Strava.