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unning is a fantastic way to exercise and has loads of benefits. Not only will it cut some inches from your waistline, it can strengthen your bones and muscles, and improve your mental wellbeing too. Specifically, it can improve sleep quality, reduce stress, depression and anxiety, and even prevent the slowing down of our cognition as we get older. All the more reason why it’s never too late to start jogging.

Whether you’re running to rid yourself of that beer gut, to set a good example to the kids, or are a fitness fanatic marathon runner, you’ll need some running gear to get you on your way. One of the most important things to consider before pounding the pavement is the running shoes you’re going to use. Choosing the correct sneakers for your feet and physical condition can be the difference between post-run satisfaction and post-run joint pain and agonizing blisters.

With endless amounts of quality shoes to choose from, finding the perfect pair of running shoes can become a real chore. As you stand there staring at a wall of color and slogans, it’s not uncommon to question if it’s all worth it. To give you the extra push, the added bit of motivation, we at Men’s Gear have gotten together and done the legwork for you. We’ve narrowed down the exhaustive choices on offer to our top 20 running shoes to help you decide. Leaving you with 20 to choose from is a great way to cover all bases for every man’s needs and preferences.

Within our list we’ve focused on why that particular running shoe stands out, rather than giving you the standard jargon of the same old standard features they all seem to claim. You ready? Go!

BEST RUNNING SHOES FOR MEN

1) ASICS Gel Venture 6 Running Shoes

Brand Name
ASICS
Color
Available in multiple colors

The first in our showcase of best running shoes for men is the ASICS Gel Venture 6 Running Shoe. The key feature of these running sneakers is the gel cushioning which is included to limit shock absorption. In doing so, it helps prevent against injury and discomfort. The sockliner can also be removed to allow for the insertion of medical orthotic insoles. These are a great choice for someone who wants to get into running but is apprehensive due to current and ongoing joint problems. If this sounds like you, these could be strong contenders but don’t scamper off so early, we have other suiters for you too!

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  • Gel cushioning for extra shock absorption
  • Removable sockliners to adapt to medical needs
  • Outsole has been designed with extra traction
  • Not as aesthetically impressive as other brands and models

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2) ASICS Gel Venture 5 Running Shoes

Brand Name
ASICS
Color
Available in multiple colors

Sticking with the same brand and even the same running shoe model, the ASICS Gel Venture 5 is the 6’s older bro. The competition between these siblings is fiercer than biblical Cain and Abel,  and there are a lot of people siding with both. This just shows that the myth about one brand being always for someone really is just that-a myth.

While some prefer the newer model, some reviewers have been suggesting ASICS cheapened their materials for the newer shoe and the 5s are the more reliable. There’s not much between them in terms of features other than their aesthetics. The 5s still have the gel technology and removable sockliners. Either way, if you’re looking for running shoes to protect your aging knees, they are both good options.

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  • Gel cushioning for extra shock absorption
  • Removable sockliners to adapt to medical needs
  • The outsole has been designed with extra traction for difficult running surfaces
  • Again, not as aesthetically impressive as other brands

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3) Tesla Knit Pattern Sports Running Shoes

Brand Name
Tesla
Color
Available in multiple colors

Next up is a real looker. These Tesla running shoes are sleek and stylish, so you can still look good while puffing and panting with rosy red cheeks and a sweaty brow. These sneakers are breathable, shock absorbent and include foam padding inside to protect and hold your foot stable. Yet, their top trumps high score is their flexibility which is great for running up and down steep terrains. If you do outdoor hill running rather than jumping on the treadmill at the gym, these may be a good choice for you.

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  • Sleek and stylish running sneakers available in different colors to suit every guy’s taste
  • Many performance enhancing and injury prevention features
  • Exceptional flexibility for running on different terrains and hill running
  • Not as good quality as the more expensive brands

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4) New Balance Fresh Foam Cruz Running Shoe

Brand Name
New Balance
Color
Available in multiple colors

It didn’t take us long to feature a New Balance model. That’s unsurprising because these guys have been nailing running shoe for decades. These sneakers don’t boast some incredible new technology or insole that’s going to make a Usain Bolt out of you. Instead, they focus on the basics of what a solid running shoe is and kept it reliable with foam midsoles, 8mm heel drop complemented with cushioning and a mesh upper for breathability. These are Mr. Reliable and if that’s all you want with a bit of comfort, you want these.

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  • Comfort and injury prevention design with cushioning and foam aspects
  • Never get overly sweaty feet or lingering odors with mesh uppers
  • Lucrative design that will appeal to most guys
  • We’ve heard on the grape vine that frequent New Balance customers are getting caught out when ordering these in their regular size. These sneakers need to be purchased with a 0.5 increase to your usual size

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5) Adidas Energy Cloud WTC m Running Shoe

Brand Name
Adidas
Color
Available in multiple colors

They’re not named “Cloud” sneakers for no reason. These Adidas running shoes are extremely lightweight without compromising on any of the comforting features that our other picks have boasted. Due to their lightweight design, these are perfect for performance runners such as marathoners and triathlon athletes where every second counts. Yet, at the same time, they don’t exclude newbies who want to get quality runners to keep their feet and joints safe.

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  • Many comfort and protective features that’ll improve your confidence
  • Extremely lightweight for added performance
  • Not very acceptable of custom orthotic liners and people who solely want comfort from their running shoes

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6) Adidas Cloudfoam Ultimate Running Shoes

Brand Name
Adidas
Color
Available in multiple colors

Another Adidas running shoe, which you could easily confuse with their previous on our list, is the Adidas Men’s Cloudfoam Ultimate sneakers. While the others swayed to the side of performance, these ones are all about comfort and include textile lining and the combination of an ultimate cloudfoam midsole and extremely soft insert. If you’re getting into running and just care about taking it easy rather than smashing personal records, these ones will be for you. Well done Adidas for ticking both boxes.

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  • Multiple comfort enhancing features to make running a bliss
  • Available in many colors to suit many tastes
  • Poor “fit as expected” rating make choosing your usual size slightly unreliable

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7) Nike Air Max Torch 4 Running Shoes

Brand Name
Nike
Color
Available in multiple colors

If you’re a guy who gets the working day started early, you probably don’t have time for an early morning jog. This makes those dark winter nights a bit difficult to get your weekly runs in. Well, that’s not going to be an issue anymore if you get a pair of Nike’s Air Max Torch 4s Running Shoes. These sneakers include the general stuff to keep you comfortable and protected that we’re not going to harp on about too much.

They’ve also added some light reflective parts to their trainers which will help you be seen. This will help you be noticed by drivers when going on evening jogs. These Nikes keep more than your joints safe!

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  • Perfect for men that run during darker hours of the day
  • Exceptional ventilation to avoid musty-smelling sneakers
  • Toe-off design to encourage better running form
  • Not as attractive as some of Nike’s other running shoes – maybe you disagree?

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8) Puma Tazon 6 FM Running Shoes

Brand Name
Puma
Color
Available in multiple colors

Next on our list is Puma’s Tazon 6 FM shoe. These arejust solid all-rounders and kind of perfect for anyone bar high-performance athletes. Their special design will allow your feet to breathe better than most so you’ll be allowed back in the house after your run. The sneakers’ heel pod enables shock absorption and extra cushioning for safety, as well as many other little niceties. These sneakers are your buddy who’s always on time to the bar, they’re just a solid reliable running sneaker.

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  • Great for keeping your feet and sneakers odor free
  • Multiple comforting features including shock absorption and cushioning
  • Heavier than other models which make them not ideal for high-performance athletes looking to gain speed

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9) New Balance Arishi Running Shoes

Brand Name
New Balance
Color
Available in multiple colors

With a lot of running shoes boasting the same sort of features to improve comfort, protection and allow your feet to breathe, New Balance have come up with an extra little perk to pull ahead of the pack. Along with their Arishi Running Shoe’s foam midsoles, mesh upper and lightweight design, they have included an optional performance insert to provide even more support and padding. This makes them a great fit for guys who need more cushioning than most. These will even rival the other comfort-enhancing New Balances we covered back at the start line!

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  • Cushioning technology for peak comfort and support
  • Provided with an insert for even more padding
  • There are lighter running sneakers for more serious runners who care more about times and performance

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10) Nike Revolution 3 Running Shoes

Brand Name
Nike
Color
Available in multiple colors

You’ve made it half the way so there’s no point in turning back now! When you get a Nike running shoe you know you’re being provided with quality and their Revolution 3 sneakers are no exception. These shoes have received top ratings from vast numbers of happy customers. They make use of cushioning technology beneath the sole and have great traction for keeping you upright, and your knees clean, when you take on tougher terrains and slopes.

Sometimes you find yourself liking the feel and fit of a running shoe but aren’t a big fan of their design. This won’t be a problem here as these sneakers come in a whopping 40 different color combinations.

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  • Available in over 40 color styles so there’s something for every man
  • Includes all the great stuff that make running shoes comfortable
  • No bones to pick here! Race you for them?

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11) Nike Lunar Fingertrap Cross Trainers

Brand Name
Nike
Color
Available in multiple colors

If you’re a Nike person but the previous ones weren’t for you, how about their Lunar Fingertrap Cross model. These sneakers have a rather unique design with a multi-directional pattern on the outsole which will be to a lot of guys’ taste. These sneakers have opted for the glove-like fitting which many runners enjoy. The snug fit can make you and your ankles feel safer and more secured when taking to the trails. One of their other key features is their flex grooves which aid a natural foot movement while jogging.

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  • Glove-like fitting keeps you feeling safe and confident
  • Flexing grooves allow your feet to take their natural movement pathways
  • Unique design may not appeal to every man

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12) New Balance Kaymin Trail  Running Shoes

Brand Name
New Balance
Color
Available in multiple colors

If you’re a runner who likes to choose the more adventurous trails, maybe across mountain peaks where there are loose rocks and unknown obstacles, these Kaymin Trail V1 sneakers form New Balance may be your new must-have runners. This is because they come with an insert to protect your toes from loose surfaces and a specially designed outsole. Instead of hopping around on one leg after bashing your foot against a sharp edge, you’ll be gliding home in one piece unaware of the trail of dust behind you.

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  • Perfect for the adventurous runners among our pack
  • Toe insoles protect feet in a way other running shoes don’t
  • Reports from our secret Men’s Gear minions tell us that the tongue does not function well with the laces and causes inconvenience as well as skin annoyances

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13) Adidas Swift Running Shoes

Brand Name
Adidas
Color
Available in multiple colors

Next in line are the Adidas Swift Running Shoes. For those men who like to run with a snug fit, these runners may be for you. Just like the bus, you wait for one and get two. Why are we saying that? These sneakers also make use of a close sock-like fit – just like the one at the last bend – to support your ankles and feet by holding them securely as you run. The midsoles have been injection molded with EVA as an innovative method of providing cushioning without adding too much weight and out casting serious runners.

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  • Sock-like fit for a supported feeling while jogging
  • Injection-molded EVA to cater for cushioning and performance
  • Available in a lot of stylish colors – picking one will be your only problem
  • Men’s Gear ninjas found out that their sock-like technology may be causing alterations to usual shoe sizes so be aware guys

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14) Nike Lunarconverge Running Shoes

Brand Name
Nike
Color
Available in multiple colors

Whichever one of the 24 color styles available when buying your Nike Lunarconverge Running Shoes, we’re sure you’ll be pleased with your vast options. These runners may be argued to be the most stylish on our list and match their appeal with some nice performance-enhancing features. They’re a highly flexible sneaker with outsole indentations as well as something not mentioned yet, forefront pods. They’re also a bit different by adding some rubber under the heel to battle against general wear. If you’re a man who ranks style above all else, we’ve found your runners.

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  • Exceptional “fit as expected” rating
  • Highly flexible running shoe which will never have you reaching for those casual trainers again
  • Extra traction and exceptional durability resistance under the heel
  • Certain sizes can be a lot more expensive than some similar running shoes

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15) New Balance Nitrel v1 FuelCore Trail Running Shoes

Brand Name
New Balance
Color
Available in multiple colors

Blue and green should never be seen. Well, you might not be seen at all due to the speed you’ll be going in these New Balance Nitrel v1 FuelCore running shoes. Their best features are toe protectors, a quality tread outsole so you keep your balance when you need it most, a light performance-orientated midsole to shave seconds off the clock and a performance enhancing insole.

Despite these features keeping the sneakers lighter, these robust shoes are aimed at trail runners who need a way to power through muddy and loose terrains.  Outdoorsy-type guys who prefer jogging in the wilderness over fancy gym classes will love these bad boys!

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  • Combination of raw ruggedness with lightweight manufacturing
  • Perfect for safe and supported trail running
  • These running shoes come in some bold colors and may not be ideal for guys who prefer the subtler styles

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16) Topteck Air Cushion Running Shoes

Brand Name
Topteck
Color
Available in multiple colors

If you haven’t heard of Topteck, we wouldn’t hold it against you. Topteck are not so well known among many guys but their Air Cushion Running Shoes are some solid sneakers well worthy of a place on our exclusive list. If you think they look a bit “Adidiasy” many wouldn’t disagree.

They have many nice features, but their main selling point is the sneakers’ air bubble sitting right underneath your heel. This adds comfort and protection to your runs. If you’re just getting into running and don’t want to spend a fortune on running shoes, these are the perfect cheaper alternatives to get you over the starting line.

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  • Cheap running shoes with a lot of the same benefits the more expensive ones have
  • The air pillow underneath your heel helps you maintain good form and always remain comfortable
  • Sleek design you could easily confuse with Adidas
  • If you’re a guy with expensive taste and only buy from recognized brands, these won’t be for you!

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17) ASICS Gel-Flux 5 Running Shoes

Brand Name
ASICS
Color
Available in multiple colors

We’re at the final bend on our list of best running shoes for men, and approaching the ASICS’ Men’s Gel Flux 5 model. These running shoes use a combination we haven’t seen before to offer extreme comfort. The foam midsole which appears to be a standard inclusion for many manufacturers is complemented by gel cushioning near your toes and at your heel for complete full-foot support. This is why these sneakers have made it past our VIP tape and won a place among the crème da le crème of running shoes. If you’re a guy who suffers from heel of forefoot discomfort these may be an ideal option for you.

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  • Comforting and support technology doesn’t only focus on the midsole
  • Suitable for indoor running and outdoor nature running
  • Great for men suffering with various foot problems
  • Not as flexible as other running shoes we have highlighted here

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18) ONEMIX Slip-On Running Shoes

Brand Name
ONEMIX
Color
Available in multiple colors

Another gem hidden behind a not-so-well-known name are the Slip-On Running Shoes from ONEMIX. These sneakers have a lot to shout about. They have soles that are so light they even let light pass through them. That might not really explain how light they are but let us tell you, they really are. They’re also one of the most flexible shoes to make our list and are great at eradicating bad foot smells. Their mesh upper is made even more odor repellent through an insole including carbon molecules to fight your foot odor. These good-looking and nice-smelling sneakers will please you and your wife.

Last but certainly not least is their slip-on function – hell, they even named them after this feature. Yes, as you guessed you can just slide straight in and get jogging. With a 96% “fit as expected” rating this shouldn’t concern those who often opt for laces. No longer will you have to halt your run or emergency stop the treadmill when you see your lace undone. These are for guys who want a light and flexible running shoe for a cheaper price. Or, for guys who can’t (or won’t) tie laces.

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  • Unique slip-on wear means no laces and no interrupted workouts
  • Insole with carbon molecules to keep them smelling fresh
  • Quirky soles you can shine a torch through
  • Not having laces might make you the butt of the joke with your buddies down at the bar

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19) Under Armour Charged Rebel Running Shoes

Brand Name
Under Armour
Color
Available in multiple colors

The Charged Rebel Running Shoes by Under Armour are the closest thing you’ll get to a bespoke design without emptying your piggy bank. This is because these shoes have an internal layer that will actually mold to the shape of your foot for a customized fitting. So, if you’re a guy that never finds a shoe to fit you perfectly, or you have weird feet you don’t want to tell us about, these could be the answer you’ve been looking for. To top off this innovation, the runners are also lightweight, have exceptional ventilation and deep grooves for additional flexibility.

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  • Micro G footbed molds to your foot for a personal fitting
  • Lightweight to improve performance
  • Outstandingly breathable and exceptionally flexible
  • Men’s Gear have hunted down some reviewers who have complained about the shoe’s narrowness and are therefore not suitable for men with wider feet – you can have weird feet just not wide feet

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20) Adidas Men’s Alphabounce Rc m Running Shoe

Brand Name
Adidas
Color
Available in multiple colors

You couldn’t be more stylish than running down our final straight wearing a pair of Adidas Men’s Alphabounce Rc M Running shoes. These are the 4x4s of running shoes with their bulky exterior and large soles to help you power over rugged terrains. Although there remain some reservations about the shoe’s fitting between customers, many do agree that these are comfortable and reliable nonetheless. If you wave an Adidas flag and are looking for robustness over performance, these are for you!

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  • Stylish and available in many attractive colors
  • Robust design you can count on
  • Large sole to give you extra shock absorption and comfort while jogging
  • Some have complained about these sneakers being a poor fit and in particular the heel area being too loose

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What are the Benefits Of Wearing Running Shoes?

There are heaps of benefits to getting a good pair of running shoes instead of using your casual sneakers on your morning jogs and gym visits. Running shoes have been designed to cushion your feet and support your ankles and pressure points in all the right places. This is important to avoid injury, protect your nearby joints and prevent medical problems from materializing down the line. Not to mention the additional friction the soles have to stop you falling down during those wetter muddier runs, or runs on difficult terrains.

Another important benefit is the breathability that running shoes afford. While we pat you on the back for being a guy who’s making positive changes and choosing to exercise regularly, we aren’t going to start commending poor hygiene and smelly feet anytime soon, and your girlfriend probably isn’t going to either! Unlike your casual sneakers, the best running shoes have uppers made of mesh-like material to allow your feet to breathe. This means nasty smelling odors don’t linger inside the sneaker and they aren’t put out on the patio each evening.

Running Shoes vs Normal Sneakers For Running

We’ve already touched on one of the disadvantages of using regular sneakers, but there’s a few more you should be aware of. Without saying anymore, it doesn’t take a genius to guess that casual trainers don’t have all the performance enhancing and cushioning that we already mentioned. This means that running in regular sneakers are more likely to cause you injuries or physical problems. If you’re choosing to run without ankle stability, without flexibility and without shock absorption the problems may not be showing just yet, but in ten-years’ time, you may be paying the price for not sourcing some sturdy running shoes.

To be a little more specific, one of the biggest disadvantages is that normal sneakers don’t have the heel and arch that running shoes have. This differentiation, and the fact that running shoes are way more flexible than regular rigid sneakers are both key. Both of these things allow your feet to adapt to the action of running rather than walking. Even though they’re similar, these two activities require different foot movements which need to be accommodated with lofted heels and flexibility when it comes to jogging.

What Are Some Running Shoe Myths?

There are some things we need to get addressed early. We need to put to bed some of the common myths surrounding running shoes. The biggest one is that there is a best running shoe. If that was the case, this would be a much shorter article and we’d be telling you all about how it has rockets attached to the soles and lets you levitate over big muddy puddles. In fact, our individuality is what makes one “perfect” shoe for someone else, the same shoe an insult to someone else’s feet. There’s a perfect running shoe for everyone!

At the same time, it’s best to bust the myth that all running shoes in a particular brand are equal. Just because you once tried a pair of Nike runners and hated them, and once tested some New Balance running shoes and loved them, that all Nikes are not for you and all New Balance runners have your name on them. When picking your perfect shoes, it’s best to remember what has gone before and consider all your options.

What Are The Main Running Shoe Brands?

The fitness industry is booming. It was already doing well but the rise of Instagram, fitness selfies and fitness vlogging has allowed many brands on the periphery to tap into the market. This is no different in the running scene and there’s a lot of competition when it comes to running shoes. Although this may give you a headache, it’s actually a good thing for your wallet.

Some of the main running brands are the same old sports brands dominating other markets. If you’re a fan of Nike, Adidas, ASICS, New Balance and Puma to name just a few, you’ll like what we have in store for you here. Even though there are lots of brands to choose from, take this problem in your stride and follow our list to help you choose.

 

Our Finishing Line

That’s your first run complete – our rundown of the best running shoes for men on the market at the moment. A lot of what we have shown today and many other runners all offer the same things with different synonyms. It’s best to find a pair based on your running ability (are you a novice, casual or marathon runner?), your feet (do you have any medical issues to consider or a wide foot measurement?), your preferences (cheap and cheerful or top-of-the-range brands?) and the place you will use them (gym, tracks, roads or complicated trails?)

Once you have answered these four questions, you will be better equipped to choose a pair of running shoes from our list that you’ll love putting on, rather than letting them gather dust in the cupboard. Whichever one you choose, great job on trying to better yourself guys, enjoy and conquer your goals!