Best Running Shoes for Men 2025

Finding the best men’s running shoes for your needs can be a challenge. There are hundreds of great running shoes to choose from, and sifting through all of them is a never-ending process.

To make it even harder, there isn't one best running shoe for all guys. The best shoe for you comes down to several factors, like your training, your foot shape and your unique gait.

We’re constantly searching for the best running shoes for men. We research, test and write about as many men’s shoes as we can to assess how well they hold up to their intended purpose: to deliver a comfortable running experience.

There are sometimes also differences between men's shoes and the best running shoes for women of the same model. If shoe designers created models for each gender, we outline how each shoe is different. Plus, for our wide-footed runners out there, we tried to pick models that come in different widths to give your dogs some more room.

Our Top Picks

After putting loads of shoes through their paces, we think these are the best men’s running shoes for every type of runner:

• Brooks Ghost 17
• New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v14
• HOKA Bondi 9
• Saucony Kinvara 16
• Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 41
• Mizuno Wave Rider 29
• On Cloudsurfer Max
• Altra Escalante 4
• Karhu Ikoni 3.0
• ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27

[This article is part of the Fleet Feet Guide for The Best Running Shoes 2025.]

How We Choose the Best Men’s Running Shoes

To start, we run in a lot of different shoes (check out all our shoe reviews). Long runs, short runs, dog walks—we do it all.

Then we layer on data from our fit id® outfitting process, which gives us millions of data points to tell us how shoes fit.

Finally, we lean on our decades of expertise in the running industry. We know what terms like "heel-to-toe drop" and "stack height" mean, and we know how those things translate into what you care about: comfort, performance and price.

Not convinced? Don't sweat it. We offer free shipping on all orders over $99, and you have 30 days to return any gear if you don’t like the way it looks, fits or feels. Plus, with our price-match guarantee, you can make sure you never pay too much for a new pair of running shoes.

What You Should Consider When Picking Men's Running Shoes

There are a lot of things you should think about when you're choosing new running shoes. Here are some of the big ones.

Your Training

Where and how you train will make a huge difference in finding the right shoes for you.

If you're new to running, you might want more cushioning to soak up the impact of pounding the pavement. If you're gunning for a PR, you'll want to find lightweight (and maybe carbon-fiber plated) shoes to shave a few seconds off your time.

The shoes we picked here are generally good for lots of different types of runs, meaning they can grow with you if you're new to the sport or they can take you through your latest marathon training cycle.

Your Feet

Got wide feet? You're not alone. High arches? We see you. So let's talk about foot shape.

Running shoe brands make shoes in narrow, standard and wide widths to accommodate lots of foot shapes. They also account for flexible arches or flat feet by adding stability components to the midsole.

If you're unsure of what you need, stop by a local Fleet Feet for a free, one-on-one outfitting experience.

Your Style

Style isn't the most important thing when it comes to finding the best men's running shoes—comfort is. But we won't pretend like looks aren't a factor!

Like soft shoes but don't want the chunky look? There are soft and low-profile options. Need stability but want to wear them to dinner? We've got shoes that look good on the move and under a white table cloth.

Comfort is paramount when you're ramping up your miles, and the men's Brooks Ghost 16 offers plenty of it, making it one of the best men's running shoes around.

In our Brooks Ghost 17 review, wear tester Heather said, “One thing I loved about the ride of the Ghost 17 is that it felt consistent from the first few steps out the door until I made my way home."

Brooks thoughtfully improved the Ghost 17 by increasing the stack height for extra comfort while reducing the heel-to-toe drop from 12 mm to 10 mm for smoother transitions. Nitrogen-injected DNA Loft v3 is lighter, softer and more durable than previous foam compositions to give you the best run possible.

The newest Ghost remains an all-around performer that brings an ideal combination of comfort, cushion, weight and price.

Read more in our Brooks Ghost 17 review.

The running shoes you use for your everyday training have to strike the right balance of cushion and weight. The men’s New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v15 nails that balance.

The 880 has long been a favorite for its comfortable fit and cushioning, and this new version is no exception.New Balance continues to refine the 880 v15 with more comfort while using an eco-friendly approach thanks to the Fresh Foam X midsole foam made with approximately 3% bio-based content. The breathable and structured engineered mesh upper improves the fit and comfort while maintaining the dependable ride you expect from the 880.

In our New Balance 880 v15 review, wear tester Heather said, “The 880 v15 is a Swiss-army-knife kind of shoe–it can do it all, from short runs to long runs, fast or slow paces.”

HOKA is known for building some of the best-cushioned running shoes on the planet and the men's Bondi 9 is a max-cushioned game-changer.

HOKA upgraded the midsole with super critical foam, added 2 mm in stack height compared to the previous model, retooled the collar with an extended heel pull for easy entry and enlisted a knit upper for a more accommodating fit.

The Bondi 9’s billowed silhouette highlights its extended heel geometry that forgives hard landings and encourages a stable and balanced ride.

The cushy midsole provides a soft, smooth ride and buttery transitions from heel to toe, which makes the Bondi one of the best men's walking shoes. Plus, it's a great choice for anyone who spends long days on their feet at work, like nurses and doctors.

When you prioritize comfort above all else, lace up the HOKA Bondi 9 for one of the most-cushioned running experiences you'll find.

Read more in our HOKA Bondi 9 review.

Few running shoes put together the same combination of weight, cushion and speed as the Saucony Kinvara 16.

The men’s Kinvara 16 is a featherlight running shoe that packs enough cushion to blur the line between racing flat and everyday trainer. The new blend of PWRRUN foam delivers more responsive cushioning with improved durability and an updated geometry features a lower sidewall and straighter medial midfoot that supports those fluid transitions we all crave.

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 41 is a lightweight and nimble running shoe perfect for men putting in daily miles or training for a race.

You want to be confident in your shoe when you lace up for your run. That’s why beginners and experienced runners alike love the reliability you get from the Nike Pegasus 41’s balanced ride and comfortable fit.

The Pegasus 41 has upgraded cushioning with a full-length layer of ReactX foam. The forefoot and heel contains Air Zoom units, giving you more responsiveness in your runs. Plus, the Pegasus 41 has an extra 4 mm in stack height, giving you more loft with the same heel-toe drop.

Few shoes offer more versatility than the Nike Pegasus, which is why it is consistently one of the best running shoes on our list. Its lightweight cushioning and dialed-in fit make the men’s Pegasus 41 an ideal choice as your go-to daily trainer.

The Wave Rider 29 provides propulsive energy and supportive cushioning thanks to next-generation NITROGEN INFUSED MIZUNO ENERZY NXT foam and the legendary MIZUNO WAVE® structure to create a ride that's both familiar and revolutionary. The Enerzy NXT foam is lightweight and cushioned but also bouncier to make you feel even more comfortable and energetic.

Breathable jacquard mesh keeps your feet comfortable mile after mile, while the innovative gusseted tongue hugs your foot securely without creating pressure points..

With a refreshed midsole and roomy fit, the Mizuno Wave Rider 29 is one of the best running shoes for men.

The On Cloudsurfer Max is one of the best running shoes for men because it does everything you ask of it.

The Cloudsurfer Max brings double the cushioning power with its innovative double-layered CloudTec Phase technology. This AI-designed midsole system predicts foot-to-ground impact for perfectly tuned cushioning that's soft in the heel and firms up through the midfoot and forefoot. The high-volume interior accommodates runners with broader feet, while the deep-sitting design keeps you stable despite the generous stack height.

In our On Cloudsurfer Max review, run tester Tom said "The Cloudsurfer Max has taken the top spot in my rotation for most of my road miles. It provides a slight trampoline effect, whether I'm heel-striking or landing on my midfoot."

But it's not just performance with the Cloudsurfer Max: On's sleek, premium style gives you an athletic look before, during and after your pub run.

The Escalante may be one of the most versatile men’s running shoes on this list. Our wide-footed friends and lightweight shoe lovers rave about the Altra Escalante 4 for its FootShaped toe-box and low-cushion profile.

Altra’s zero-drop midsole keeps the cushion balanced from heel to toe and encourages a low-impact foot strike. This keeps you light on your feet and supports your natural stride.

The Escalante is as comfortable for runs as it is for all-day wear thanks to a soft, stretchy upper and a lightweight, padded tongue that feels like a slipper and helps prevent blisters.

Great for mixed distance running depending on the person, Altra uses their Ego midsole foam for an energetic ride that’s soft enough to keep you comfortable on longer runs. With a lower stack height, new shape and responsive cushioning, the Escalante can crush home workouts and cross-training, as well.

The Karhu Ikoni 3.0 isn't just one of the best men’s running shoes, it's one of the best running shoes out today thanks to its generous fit and effortless ride.

The design was shaped by millions of 3D foot scans captured during Fleet Feet’s fit id® outfitting process, giving it an accommodating fit for a wide variety of foot shapes. The Ikoni also uses an asymmetrical lacing system and an updated upper that hugs your foot for the perfect fit.

The Ikoni 3.0 received a full revamp with an all-new upper, outsole and cushier midsole than its predecessor. Designers raised the stack height by 4 mm, softened the midsole and added more rubber coverage on the outsole along with a newly added deflection channel.

The newest Ikoni 3.0 is an excellent choice for men looking for a smooth ride out on their runs or walks.

Read more in our Karhu Ikoni 3.0 review.

The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 is a great update to a classic running shoe.

ASICS updated the Nimbus 27 with a softer FF BLAST PLUS ECO midsole, added 2 mm of cushioning, and introduced a lighter jacquard mesh upper—all without increasing the shoe's weight.

A light, breathable jacquard mesh upper with a padded collar and stretchy tongue wraps around your foot to round out the plush experience.

In our Nimbus 27 review, wear tester Caroline said, “Thanks to an extremely high stack height and plenty of soft FF BLAST ECO FOAM cushioning underfoot, the Nimbus 27 is a cushion-lover’s dream come true. If you prefer a soft underfoot feel, like me, you’ll likely find comfort in the Nimbus 27.”

Read more in our ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 review.

What Does “Best” Mean?

It’s impossible to say definitively that these are the best men’s running shoes for all men.

There are so many factors to consider when picking the right sneakers for yourself—not to mention personal preferences—that we can’t say which kicks will be the best ones for you. Instead, we chose the models we think will work for most guys, most of the time.

For more personalized recommendations, visit a Fleet Feet location for a one-on-one expert fitting through our fit id® outfitting process. A Fleet Feet expert will walk you through the 3D scanning process to precisely measure your feet, and then they will talk with you about your current training and future goals.

At the end, you’ll have personalized recommendations for men’s running shoes that are tailored to your size and needs.