Whether you’re an avid runner training for a marathon or a novice taking part in a charity fun run, shoes are always imperative. Without the right pair of shoes, you could stumble upon a whole host of problems that can lead to injury.
The key to finding the best men’s running shoes is to know what type of runner you are. The way your foot hits the ground when running is known as pronation and you’ll fall under one of three categories including neutral, underpronation or over pronation. For those who are neutral, you are lucky that most types of running shoes are suitable for your style. However, if you overpronate or underpronate then there is a higher risk of injuries such as shin splints, plantar fasciitis and ankle strain.
The average running shoe has a drop of around 8mm, but you can also get ones with a higher or lower drop depending on your preference. If you find that running barefoot is more comfortable for you, then opt for a shoe with a neutral or lower heel drop. For those who feel they need extra support and cushioning, then a higher heel drop around 10-12mm will help you stabilise your feet when running.
There are plenty of specialist running shoes on the market that have an arch tailored to your pronation, but at the end of the day it is down to comfort. We recommend taking these tips as a guideline but keep in mind that every foot is different. If you’re serious about running, then be prepared to invest in decent pair of shoes at a cost; you’ll be glad you did and they’ll stand the test of time compared to cheaper ones. Other than that, it’s down to style, so take a look at some of our top picks for the best men’s running shoes.
This lightweight shoe is great for those with neutral pronation and is guaranteed to provide a comfortable run every time. Whether you run on the road or on the treadmill, the gel cushioning system will protect your foot and will always bounce back just like memory foam after every run. These are the best men’s running shoes for everyday use and will stand the test of time.
This is an incredibly supportive shoe with an adjustable midfoot saddle that allows you to find the most secure and stable fit for your foot; making the Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 17 the best men’s running shoes for overpronation. The high heel to toes drop also adds to the support but the fabric remains breathable for a comfortable run indoors or outdoors.
If you’re a regular road runner then emphasise your speed and comfort with the Saucony Freedom running shoes. They are the best men’s running shoes for the road as they have an extremely low heel drop which gives you the feel of running barefoot. This is much more comfortable for some, but if you require more support then these shoes are not for you.
Get ready to experience your best-ever run with the Adidas Ultra Boost shoes. These running shoes have a high heel drop of 10mm and although said to be for neutral runners. They promote natural movement of the Achilles and some users have rated them highly for underpronation, despite the high heel drop because they aren’t too restrictive on the foot.
If you have severe overpronation when running then the Asics Gel Fortitude 7 will help you maintain stability and control. Users rate this shoe very highly for comfort, with no blisters or sore points after running due to the gel lining that makes running on the road lighter than air. The EVA sole has great grip which is perfect for running on the road every day.
If you’re training for a marathon or other outdoor run, the Hoka One Speed Instinct is one of the best men’s running shoes for trail runners. It has an extremely low heel drop of just 3mm, making for a natural and flexible run. You’ll benefit from improved traction and comfort with every stride as the firm forefoot cushioning allows your feet to be more responsive when they hit the ground.
Keep wrapped up warm when out running with one of out top picks for men's outdoor base layers
