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Get the best out of your runs with the latest and greatest footwear from Hoka, Nike, Asics and more
In a world filled with complicated sports that require lots of expensive equipment, running is refreshingly simple and accessible. It’s great for keeping your heart healthy and improving mental health, and it’s something almost anyone, almost anywhere can do. Sure, there’s plenty of fancy kit you can spend a small fortune on if you’re so inclined, but there’s only one thing you really need in order to start racking up those miles, and that’s a good pair of purpose-made running shoes.
The right pair of running shoes will enable you to reach your fitness goals in comfort and, with any luck, injury-free. Depending on your specific needs, they can help you to go further, faster, or correct gait issues, such as overpronation where the foot rolls inwards while running.
The trouble is, unless you’re a highly experienced runner, navigating the world of running shoes can be extremely confusing. There are lots of different types of shoes out there, and not all of them will be right for you. Some are super stiff and geared towards all-out speed, while others are built for ultra-cushioned comfort over long distances; some are firm and natural feeling, while others are bouncy and lively to help propel you forward.
Choosing the best shoe for you comes down to how you intend to use it. Are you looking for a no-frills workhorse for logging steady daily runs? Do you need a high-performance carbon-plated shoe to whip out on race day? Or maybe you want to run long distances regularly and need something cushy enough to cope with big miles?
Whatever your running requirements, our guide to the best men’s running shoes has you covered. We’ve put the top models from the most reputable brands to the test – all you have to do is pick the one that best fits your personal criteria. Consider this as running shoe shopping made simple.
To get a proper feel for all the shoes listed below, our tester ran in each pair for a number of weeks. We trialled each pair on at least one long run (approximately half-marathon distance), as well as several easy runs (5ks and 10ks), tempo runs, track sessions and a bit of treadmill action too.
Every runner is different, so some of what makes a great shoe is subjective, but across the board, we were looking for shoes that were comfortable, durable, and provided good energy return while remaining stable underfoot. We also wanted to cover all budgets, so we aimed to include a range of options spanning the pricing spectrum from less than £50 up to top-of-the-line race shoes.
For a solid all-rounder that can handle everything from fast-paced efforts to slow and steady long runs, the New Balance 1080v13 is the only shoe you need. It’s not cheap, but it more than makes up for this in versatility. For something a little cheaper, Nike’s downshifter 12 men’s running shoe is a great budget option. Or, for style-conscious runners who want to cover big miles, On’s cloudeclipse is as good as it gets.
Doing a couch to 5k? Here’s a beginner’s guide to everything you need to start running