The right running shoe can take your training to new heights.
It should be lightweight, provide traction for various terrain, and offer support, so you can go the distance in comfort and style.
Our Marathon Sports experts recently researched, tried, and tested the best running shoes for men for 2023. The result is this comprehensive guide, providing the foundation you need to choose the men’s running shoes that are best for you.
Factors to Consider When Shopping for Men’s Running Shoes
The perfect pair of running shoes for one person may not be quite right for somebody else. That’s because finding the right shoe relies on a variety of factors.
Running Style
Running shoes are built differently for varying styles of running. Men’s running shoes for the track are different from those made for running long distances or trail running. It’s essential to consider the style of running you prefer and choose a shoe that suits it best.
Long-distance runners will likely find more comfort in shoes with a lot of cushioning that are easier on the joints. However, those focused on speed will likely want a lighter-weight, more responsive running shoe with a lower profile for form corrections and quicker steps.
Some runners prefer purchasing one comfortable and reliable running shoe that can perform at the gym and in other workout settings too. Many of the shoes listed below are suitable for long-distance runs, gym days, pickup football games, and various other physical activities in between.
Former Injuries
Runners with knee problems or other former injuries may require extra support and shock absorption. More cushioning reduces the impact that travels from the foot up the leg and to the knee. That means less aching in joints and feet. On the opposite side, if you have a history of achilles pain you may opt for a higher heel-to-toe offset, helping lighten the load on your calf muscles but adding a little more to your knees.
Foot Shape
Some runners may need wider shoes to ensure comfort and breathability for their wider feet. Many of the best men’s running shoes are available in varying widths to accommodate different runners. Our reviewers appreciate running shoes with wider toe boxes for superior breathability and fewer blisters or broken toenails.
Individuals with higher arches or flat feet may look for running shoes with more stability and other features to support their needs and help avoid injury. There are more factors to consider beyond foot shape, even runners with “normal” arches may look for shoe features like heel counters or medial posts. What’s important is finding a shoe that works best for your foot shape, gait cycle, and range of motion.
More Than Appearance
Aesthetics are the first features most shoppers notice when looking for the ideal pair of running shoes. However, we suggest you put appearance toward the end of your list of criteria.
Many runners make mistakes by choosing shoes because of how they look. Yes, our reviewers do appreciate a nice-looking running shoe, but they never recommend choosing a shoe that looks cool but doesn’t fit quite right.
It’s most important that you consider your need for stability, cushioning, any other fit requirements you have before assessing a running shoe’s look. Fortunately, there are a lot of high-quality running shoes available, and many of them are great looking.
The 15 Best Men’s Running Shoes for 2023
Our experts know what makes a great running shoe because they’re runners too. We hit the streets to put each shoe’s cushioning, stability, traction, and fit to the test. The following are the 15 shoes we found most impressive for everyday runners of various skill levels.
- Brooks Ghost 15
- HOKA Clifton 9
- Altra Torin 6
- Mizuno Wave Rider 26
- Asics Gel-Nimbus 25
- On Cloudgo
- Saucony Ride 16
- Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
- Puma Velocity Nitro 2
- Asics Cumulus 24
- Adidas Ultraboost Light
- HOKA Arahi 6
- Mizuno Wave Sky 6
- Altra VIA Olympus
- New Balance 880 v13
Brooks Ghost 15
The Brooks Ghost tops our list of the best men’s running shoes for 2023 because it has proven itself for more than 15 years. The Ghost is a classic favorite from Brooks for its durability, comfort, and smooth ride.
The latest version of the Ghost, the Ghost 15, features Brooks’ new DNA Loft v2 midsole that feels like it molds to the runner’s foot. This year’s model is lighter and softer than the Ghost 14.
The Brooks Ghost 15 is a reliable and soft shoe for everyday runners.
Hoka Clifton 9
The HOKA brand is known for creating ultra-soft and cushiony running shoes. Our Marathon Sports reviewers praised the Hoka Clifton 9 for its pillow-like feel and bounce that remained comfortable and energetic for long-distance running.
The impact absorption in the HOKA Clifton 9 also makes it a good choice for runners and walkers with knee or joint pain. A wide toe box offers extra space for athletes with wide feet and those who prefer more breathability. Blisters and rubbing were non-issues among our testers.
The HOKA Clifton 9 is also incredibly lightweight for the amount of cushion it features. It weighs just 8.7 ounces.
Altra Torin 6
The Altra Torin 6 is one of our favorites for athletes who combine running with other workouts like brisk walks or HITT. It’s a reliable and ultra-comfortable men’s running shoe ideal for athletes who don’t want to think about which shoe to wear for which workout.
The Torin 6 features Altra’s EGO MAX midsole and FootPod Outsole for increased cushion, support, and flexibility. For 2023, Altra changed the Torin’s tongue to a softer material and extended the heel collar. A spacious toe box adds to the shoe’s comfort, especially for runners with wide feet.
The Altra Torin 6 is not an ultra-lightweight shoe, but our testers didn’t complain about it feeling heavy or sluggish. It weighs 9.9 ounces for a size 8.
Mizuno Wave Rider 26
Mizuno is a favorite brand among long-distance runners, and that’s because the brand knows how to combine cushion and support with style.
The Mizuno Wave Rider is an iconic shoe from the Japanese sportswear brand. The new Wave Rider 26 features Enerzy foam that offers plenty of cushion and balance for long hauls. The Mizuno Wave Plate effectively absorbs impacts, making this an ideal shoe for individuals with prior injuries or joint pain.
The Wave Rider has long been known for its unique style that looks good, whether you’re logging miles or heading to the supermarket. It’s simple, sophisticated, and reliable enough for the most avid runners.
The Mizuno Wave Rider 26 is one of the heavier shoes on our list, but we think the benefits of the Enerzy foam and Wave Plate are worth the extra ounces. This men’s running shoe weighs 10 ounces.
Asics Gel-Nimbus 25
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 comes equipped with numerous upgrades from the esteemed 24. More cushioned and better than ever, the Gel-Nimbus 25 is an energetic shoe designed to help you run faster and more comfortably. The extra cushioning and support are also ideal for runners with prior injuries.
Innovative new features in the Gel-Nimbus 25 include the PureGEL technology, designed to make landings softer than ever. The FF BLAST PLUS ECO cushioning is what makes this shoe so soft, bouncy, and comfortable from the first mile to the last.
Our reviewers described the Gel-Nimbus 25 as a running shoe they didn’t want to take off. Thanks to the unrivaled comfort and extra cushion, these could easily transition into favorite shoes for other workouts or everyday wear.
The men’s Gel-Nimbus 25 weighs 10.3 ounces as a size 8.
Interested in this shoe? Explore our full Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 Review for a deeper breakdown.
On Cloudgo
The On Running Cloud Collection is all about the cushion, and the Cloudgo is one of our favorite models. This ultra-comfortable shoe provides the best of both worlds, with impressive CloudTec cushioning and superior energy return from the new TPU Speedboard. The result is a men’s running shoe that’s comfortable for long distances and encourages setting a faster pace.
On Running is a company that cares about the environment. The On Running Cloudgo is made from several recycled materials, including 85 to 90 percent recycled materials in the shoe’s polyester mesh.
Our reviewers felt the Cloudgo is a shoe that will motivate runners to hit the street more often. The CloudTec technology encourages a more energetic gait and a more comfortable run from start to finish. It also provides the support and impact control necessary for runners with joint pain or previous injuries.
Runners who want to improve their personal bests and set new goals will likely find themselves fans of the On Running Cloudgo. Amazingly, all that cushioning weighs in at just 8.99 ounces.
Saucony Ride 16
The Ride 16 is one of Saucony’s top everyday runners, and it was not changed much for 2023. The Ride 16 features soft RUN cushioning, a pillow-like sock liner, superior underfoot cushioning, and a FORMFIT design that feels like it was made just for your foot.
The Ride 16 features more foam at a lighter weight to keep runners feeling energetic and comfortable on short or long runs. It weighs just 8.8 ounces and contains recycled materials, so it’s lighter on the environment too.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is one of the company’s most esteemed running shoes. It’s one of the oldest sneakers in the Brooks collection, and there are multiple reasons it has hung around so long.
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is known for its reliability and cushioning for everyday use. The shoe’s upper provides sufficient support that holds you in while the GuideRails along the midsole provide stability and balance. The front is flexible to encourage smoother transitions, and DNA Loft Foam through the midsole offers cushion and comfort.
Despite being a heavier running shoe (weighing 10.2 ounces) that factor hasn’t hindered this stable and comfortable running shoe’s fanbase over the years.
Puma Velocity Nitro 2
The Puma Velocity Nitro 2 was praised by our reviewers for its sleek appearance. It’s an everyday running shoe featuring improvements on the previous Puma Velocity Nitro.
The unique midsole features standard EVA with a nitrogen infusion, creating a cushioned feel that’s also agile. It’s softer, more comfortable, and more form-fitting than the original version. More aggressive PUMAGRIP traction allows the shoe to adapt better to varying terrain and weather conditions.
The Puma Velocity Nitro 2 provides all the cushion and stability avid runners desire without appearing bulky. Our reviewers appreciated the slim appearance, reflective accents, and optional highly visible colorways. It’s truly a men’s running shoe made for everyday wear.
Asics Cumulus 25
The Asics Cumulus is better than ever for 2023. The new Cumulus 25 features a bouncy, cloud-like FlyteFoam Blast midsole that provides impact protection and a livelier feel.
The Cumulus formerly featured plastic support bridges that added substantially to the shoe’s weight. The new, innovative foam in this version eliminated the bridges, creating a drastically lighter shoe.
One aspect that does remain the same is the shoe’s unrivaled reliability. The Asics Cumulus 25 now weighs 9.38 ounces (as opposed to 9.7 ounces previously) and is an ideal option for daily runners.
Adidas Ultraboost Light
The Adidas Ultraboost Light is all about cushioning. It’s Adidas’ lightest Ultraboost running shoe, but that doesn’t mean it lacks features. The Light BOOST midsole is the star of the show, providing energetic cushioning for fast take-offs and a comfortable ride mile after mile.
The Adidas Ultraboost Light is made from some recycled materials and has a 10 percent lower carbon footprint than before. It’s a responsive, comfortable, and ultra-cushiony running that men can feel good about wearing.
HOKA Arahi 6
Our Marathon Sports reviewers named the HOKA Arahi 6 to our list of the best running shoes for men for its comfort, reliability, and lightweight design.
The J-Frame midsole stabilizer and maximum compression-molded foam cushioning are impressive for the shoe’s 9.3-ounce weight. This stabilizing running shoe received the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal of approval for promoting foot health. It’s one of our top picks for runners who overpronate or have flat feet.
Mizuno Wave Sky 6
Mizuno is an iconic sportswear brand known for constant innovation. The new Wave Sky 6 presents numerous Mizuno technologies in a reactive, comfortable, and cushiony running shoe for everyday training.
Flex cuts in the shoe’s forefoot area create flexibility for smoother, more comfortable transitions. The shoe’s dynamic heel adds stability and extra cushioning. Other stand-out features include the extra padded collar, breathable renewed mesh, and a soft anatomical insole.
Our reviewers praised the Wave Sky 6 for heavier runners and those who enjoy maximum cushioning and comfort and don’t mind a little extra weight. These reliable men’s running shoes weigh 11.5 ounces.
Altra VIA Olympus 2
The Altra VIA Olympus 2 is one of the most cushioned running shoes for men on our list. It’s made for logging a lot of miles and remaining comfortable from start to finish. The cushion comes from the Altra EGO MAX midsole, which is the tallest midsole cushioning the company has ever released. Altra uses their Balanced Cushioning technology to position the heel and forefoot an equal distance from the ground, encouraging optimal alignment.
Our reviewers described the feel of the VIA Olympus as luxurious and plush. The Original FootShape Fit provides a personalized feel, while the unique rocker from heel to toe encourages fast take-offs and a cloud-like ride. This is the ultimate daily running shoe for anyone who appreciates maximum cushioning and impact protection.
New Balance 880 v13
New Balance is a household name in sport’s shoes and apparel. For more than a century, New Balance has been designing and manufacturing reliable, comfortable, and performance-driven running shoes. The 880 v13 is an all-around running shoe that’s supportive and comfortable for everything from long-distance runs to dog walks.
The underfoot features Fresh Foam X cushioning for superior comfort and impact control. The synthetic/mesh upper creates a fit that provides more support while remaining light and breathable.
The 880 v13 features New Balance’s NDurance rubber outsole for traction and reliability in all weather conditions and varied terrain. Like most New Balance models, the 880 v13 is an attractive shoe that runners can feel confident wearing to the gym and around town too.
For an even more supportive experience try the New Balance 860 v13.
Find The Best Men’s Running Shoes for You
At Marathon Sports, we take running seriously. We know that the right running shoe can help you achieve your goals, whether you want to log more miles, reach fitness milestones, or achieve a personal best. However, the right running shoe for another person may not be the best for you.
All the trainers listed above are ones our experts believe will be suitable for most men. When shopping online, we encourage you to consider your running style, foot shape, price range, and previous injuries when choosing the best running shoes for you. Or swing by your local Marathon Sports to try before you buy!
