The Best Running Shoes for Men in 2024

Running is an exceptionally simple sport. You just lace any old trainers and head out the door. The more you run, though, the more you’ll realize that having the right gear, specifically the right shoes, will make a difference. The best running shoes for men will not only help you capture that elusive runner’s high, but they’ll also keep you comfortable on your feet, help prevent injuries, and flex your personal style.

Running shoes don’t have to be anything special to help you get your miles in, but with the right pair, you’ll find yourself seriously looking forward to each and every workout. There are shoes for every type of runner — and every type of run — so it’s important to have at least a passing understanding of what’s out there, whether you’re prepping for your first 5k or pushing yourself through a 20-week marathon training plan.

Almost every brand in the sport makes a shoe optimized for a different type of run: long runs, speed workouts, recovery days, 5ks, marathons, ultra-marathons — the list goes on and on.

Runners have more shoe options than ever, which is definitely a good thing. However, it can make choosing the perfect pair quite the undertaking. To make this decision easier for you, we tested dozens of pairs to pick out the best of the best. When it comes down to it, the choice is yours, but this is a great place to start your search.

Editor’s note: For our November 25, 2024, update, we added our new favorite, the Mount to Coast R1, the speedy Hoka Mach X 2, and the surprisingly plush zero-drop Altra Olympus 6.

The Best Running Shoes for Men

Best Overall Running Shoe: Mount to Coast R1
Best Budget Running Shoes: Asics Novablast 4
Best Everyday Running Shoes: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13
Best Running Shoes for Marathon Racing: Nike Vaporfly 3
Best Running Shoes for Speed Workouts: Hoka Mach X 2
Best Trail Running Shoes: Norda 001
Best Zero Drop Running Shoes: Altra Olympus 6

Specs

Weight: 8.5 oz (US 9)
Stack Height: 35 mm/27 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Best for: Long runs, speed work runs

Pros

Dual-zone lacing system
Incredibly long-lasting midsole
Excellent energy return on long runs
Wide toe box for comfortable toe splay

Cons

Dual-zone lacing can be tricky to dial in

It’s not often that a brand comes out of nowhere and wows us, but that’s precisely what Mount to Coast has done with the Mount to Coast R1 ($160). Just launched this year, the brand took aim at the untapped market of ultrarunning shoes designed for the road but ended up hitting the bullseye, dropping a shoe that excels at long-distance running but also crushes short runs, speed work, and race day. Not only that, but it’s one of the most affordable shoes we’ve tested — and easily the number one shoe when it comes to value.

When we first heard of a new brand aimed at long-distance road running, our interest was immediately piqued, but we maintained a healthy amount of skepticism — could any shoe really jump into today’s (very congested) market and bring the heat with its very first offering?

Turns out, the answer is yes. From our very first run in the R1, we were impressed with its responsive, peppy foam and unique dual-zone fit that allowed for precise lacing across the top of the foot.

The brand has decades of performance footwear experience on its design team, and it immediately shows. The innovative ZeroSag midsole is perfect right out of the box, but it’s also designed to go for 800 miles or more — meaning you get even more from one pair. Skeptical about that number? Us, too.

But Mount to Coast already has former Olympians-turned-ultrarunners on their side: Ben Blankenship, who ran the 1,500 m at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, has put over 1,000 miles on multiple pairs of R1s while training for a diabolical year of ultra racing.

The last thing we’ll touch on here is the weight. You think of a shoe that can last 1,000 miles, and it must be pretty hardy and heavy, right? Wrong. At just 8.5 ounces for a men’s U.S. 9, these are some of the lightest shoes our tester has worn. The alchemy that Mount to Coast stirred up to develop the R1 is impressive and we can’t wait to see what the next iterations have in store.

Specs

Weight: 8.9 oz (Size 9)
Stack Height: 41.5 mm / 33.5mm
Drop: 8mm
Best use: Long runs, easy days, and tempo efforts

Pros

Comfortable upper supports foot while leaving room for toes
Tall stack height still provides great ground feel

Cons

Heel area can be too tight and shallow for some

It’s no bargain-basement shoe, but the Asics Novablast 4 ($140) gives you a lot of bang for your buck. We found them to be suitable for everything from long runs to tempo runs, citing their FF Blast+ foam’s impressive energy return as the feature that stands out above the rest. While $140 may not initially seem like a bargain, these shoes are packed with features and come in at a more palatable price point than most of today’s running shoe offerings.

Not only did they enjoy the plush, springy foam, but we also praised the breathable, sock-like upper for its secure fit through the midfoot and roominess around the toes — the only drawback they found was a slight lack of security and depth around the heel, though this improved when laced up with a heel lock. Most of our team resolved their qualms with the heel by wearing thinner socks, but folks who use their own insoles may find the rear of the shoe a bit shallow regardless of their sock choice.

In spite of the heel size, the fit is great for varying foot shapes, though Asics recommends the shoe for those with high arches and underpronators. The gusseted tongue stays in place and has a thoughtful bit of cushioning near the top to protect the top of your foot if you prefer tighter laces.

In the end, the Asics Novablast 4 isn’t the cheapest shoe you’ll find. But if you love Asics, are an underpronator, or have a high-volume foot, you’re going to think these are an absolute steal.

Specs

Weight: 9.2 oz (Size 9.5)
Stack Height: 38mm / 32mm
Drop: 6mm
Best Use: Tempo workouts, easy runs and long runs

Pros

Generous stack height is great over long distances
Efficient toe off and rocker geometry make them great for faster efforts
Upper is breathable and supportive

Cons

Stack height isn’t optimal for runs with a lot of change in direction

If we could only wear one shoe for every type of run, regardless of speed or distance, we’d pick the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 ($165). We have a lot of shoes in our offices, but if you took a peek at the soles of each pair, you’d notice that the Fresh Foam X 1080v13 is worn down quite a bit more than the rest.

The shoe is incredibly lightweight and sleek for one with so much support underfoot — most of the squishy everyday runners we’ve encountered are considerably less graceful. As the shoe’s name suggests, we found that our legs stayed fresh through various workouts. The substantial 38mm stack provides plenty of cushioning and rebound without feeling sluggish, even when the pace increases.

Our team also noted the smooth ride, subtle rock forward, and efficient toe-off, all of which were a huge help as they got further into a long run or dug in for their last few reps on the track. We also found that they held up well over time, even for those who found themselves rocking them most days of the week.

The engineered mesh upper provides a nice balance of lateral support through the midfoot and stretchiness in the forefoot, resulting in a comfortable fit from heel to toe with plenty of room to splay the toes, which can make a huge difference over time.

After testing, it’s clear that the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 offers and delivers the whole kit and caboodle, making them the ideal shoe for any runner who prefers sticking with the same silhouette across their training and racing. Don’t get us wrong, though. They’re great as an everyday/long-run shoe if you’ve already got your speed and race shoes dialed in.

Specs

Weight: 7.1oz
Stack Height: 38mm / 30mm
Drop: 8mm
Best use: Marathon racing, track runs, speed work

Pros

Incredible energy return
Higher durability than the previous iterations
Very comfortable upper

Cons

Narrow midfoot
Expensive
Tricky to use with custom insoles

Nike racing shoes really don’t need an introduction at this point. The first iteration of the Vaporfly was launched to much fanfare back in 2016 — largely in part to Nike’s Breaking2 project, where they attempted to break the elusive sub-two-hour marathon. Fast forward to 2024 and the latest Vaporfly, the Nike Vaporfly 3 ($260), is still one of the absolute best running shoes for men in the game and our favorite for marathons.

We have been taking various racing shoes to task over the past few years; quite an undertaking given the unending super shoe release schedule. They’ve crushed races (and set PRs) in them, sprinted 200m repeats at Brooklyn’s McCarren Park with the Brooklyn Track Club, and covered miles and miles of speedwork on the streets of Boise. In the end, the Vaporfly 3 has been the standout choice for marathon racers, 1500m specialists, and everyone in between.

Nike’s Flyknit upper doesn’t look that much different than the mesh used by other brands, but after testing, our runners found Flyknit to be the superior material thanks to its comfort and support — notably its support in the arch. The split tongue provides good coverage and has just enough cushioning to protect the top of the foot, and a U-shaped foam insert around the heel keeps the foot secure and supported without sacrificing breathability or incurring a weight penalty.

Speaking of weight, the Nike Vaporfly 3 is incredibly light. At just 7.1 ounces for a men’s size 10, they are as light as air, even after hours and hours of pacey efforts. In fact, to make the latest Vaporflys even lighter than their predecessors, Nike thinned the rubber outsole and added more of its unmatched ZoomX foam.

The shoe promotes (and rewards) forefoot strike, but the 38mm heel stack is soft and responsive when you slow down a bit. But don’t plan on slowing down: the full-length carbon plate makes the Vaporfly, well, fly. For anyone looking to take their speed to the next level, the Vaporfly is a solid option

Don’t like Nike? The Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 ($250) came in a very close second thanks to its comfy upper, ample cushioning, and extremely lightweight (7.8 ounces).

Specs

Weight: 9.2 oz
Stack Height: 44 mm/39 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Best for: Speed work, tempo runs, racing

Pros

Rounded toebox doesn’t squish forefoot
Can be worn for racing or training
Secure, breathable upper
More stable and supportive than other “super” trainers

Cons

Longer break-in period

Hoka has been on the cutting edge of running shoe technology for some time now, but one place we have always wanted to see more from the brand is its speed and racing shoes. The Hoka Mach X 2 ($190) delivered from the very first time we laced them up. They’re light, racy, and, perhaps most of all, provide excellent stability for a shoe made explicitly for speed.

Hoka dubbed them a daily trainer, and we agree — you can run and run and run in these, on or off the track, and you will get your money’s worth. The cool thing is they don’t feel like a daily trainer. An extra-resilient PEBA-topped midsole gives these shoes the response and take-off you’d expect from a super shoe without the expedited deterioration we see in race-ready kicks. They’re up for the task of taking you through an entire training block or two.

The forefoot is another feature we were immediately taken with — the wide toebox is immediately noticeable, especially compared to other speed shoes. Your toes will not feel squished and can take up all the space they need to really make the most of every foot muscle.

The only drawback we found was the upper’s break-in period — specifically, the heel. Once the race-inspired collar molds to your ankle, it will feel great, but this may take a few runs. Have a bandaid or some moleskin ready to go. But have no fear — we found that this break-in period never lasted more than 10-12 miles.

The Mach X 2 is our favorite Hoka speed shoe yet, giving the brand a real foothold in a category that hasn’t always been considered its strong suit, especially when compared to what Nike, Adidas, and other big brands are doing in the space. If you’re a Hoka guy, you need to buy a pair of these ASAP. If you’re unsure about Hoka, we think these are worth a shot.

Specs

Weight: 9.45oz (Size 8.5)
Stack Height: 26mm / 21mm
Drop: 5mm
Best use: Trail running, ultra racing

Pros

Dyneema upper is virtually indestructible
The midsole and outsole last 750 miles or more
Major style points

Cons

Takes a few runs to really break in
The most expensive shoe on our list

O Canada; the land of maple syrup, Tim Hortons, ice hockey, and, apparently, some seriously kick-ass trail running shoes. The Norda 001 ($285) is one of the most exciting, innovative trail running shoes for men to come out in recent memory — which is no surprise given the brand’s pedigree within both trail running and shoe design. The 001 stood out to us in a number of ways, but the most yapped-about feature is the shoe’s proprietary Dyneema upper.

Dyneema, a superlight fiber that is by weight 15 times stronger than steel, is seldom used in the running world, but when Norda’s founders were seeking the ideal material for their shoe’s upper, they knew Dyneema was the golden ticket.

They enlisted some experts to help develop a Dyneema fabric specifically for Norda, and the result is the bio-based Dyneema used on the 001. Not only is it light, but it’s extremely resistant to tears and scuffs, making it the perfect antidote to one of the biggest conundrums in trail running: weight vs. durability.

The upper is stellar, but we also love the midsole, which breaks in perfectly after a few runs and retains its shape and comfort longer than just about any of the other trail shoes we’ve tested (which is why we don’t fault them for the high price point). The Norda 001’s grippy Vibram Formation sole is exclusive to Norda — it features 5mm lugs that made going up or downhill a breeze during testing.

If you’re going to buy some (and you should), make sure you size up a half size from your usual running shoe size. For example, one of our testers is a size 9 in Vans and a 9.5 in Nike running shoes, so size 10 was the perfect Norda size for him.

Specs

Weight: 12.2 oz
Stack Height: 33 mm
Drop: 0 mm
Best for: Trail running, fast hiking

Pros

Sticky Vibram sole for traction
FootShape fit provides ample space in the forefoot
Integrated gaiter attachment points
Excellent durability

Cons

Zero drop isn’t for everyone
On the heavier side

We can’t necessarily start to call ourselves zero-drop converts, but if any shoe could warm us up to zero-drop, it’s the Altra Olympus 6 ($175). A capable trail shoe built with sticky Vibram soles and plenty of cushioning, we were very surprised by how much they enjoyed running in it, especially considering some not-so-favorable past experiences with this type of shoe.

The shoe is built with the brand’s signature roomy toebox, allowing for maximum splay and natural foot movement, which may take some getting used to aesthetically, but our feet took to them like a duck to water — it turns out many of our toes have been begging for more room. Altra is here to provide that space for our feet to break free.

Aside from the comfortable footbed, the shoes feature a substantial 33 mm stack height that provides just enough cushioning while also allowing for a consistent, confidence-inspiring ground feel. In our experience, some pillowy trail shoes disconnect the runner from the surface beneath them, but Altra has toed the line with aplomb, providing a ride that is equal parts plush and grounding.

The heel collar and upper are comfortable right out of the box, and we found that they’re also a great replacement for a bulky hiking boot. Overall, the Olympus 6 is a shoe we think will surprise many runners who don’t think highly of zero-drop shoes and will be a go-to for zero-drop enthusiasts for years to come (or at least until the Olympus 7 comes out).

Specs

Weight: 10.9oz (Size 10)
Stack Height: 40mm / 31mm
Drop: 9mm
Best use: Long runs

Pros

Cushion feels great for runs 10-15 miles (and beyond)
Wide base and sturdy construction inspire confidence

Cons

Footfall can feel sloppy
Heavy, even for a long run shoe

When you first pick up the Nike Invincible 3 ($180), you may question how useful it could actually be on the road. It’s heavy, the sole is as wide as a pancake, and the ZoomX foam doesn’t look as marshmallow-soft as it does on Nike’s speed shoes. Not to mention the price tag — most people are alarmed at having to spend nigh on 200 bucks for a pair of trainers. OK, now forget all that.

For one of our testers, no shoe makes him look forward to his long run more than the Invincible 3. A die-hard Invincible advocate since the silhouette’s first iteration, he basically told us that this list could not be published without it. We checked in with a few other runners on our team and decided that the Invincible 3 was a shoo-in.

The Nike Invincible 3 is incredibly stable and well-built — in a world of lightweight shoes that feel like they’re not going to last, the Invincible seems, well, invincible. The ZoomX foam is equal parts soft and efficient, and the 9mm drop gives the runner a feeling of forward momentum with every stride. The upper is lightweight, and we really love the size of the toebox, which comes in handy after your feet have swollen throughout a long run.

Specs

Weight: 9.5oz
Stack Height: 34mm / 28mm
Drop: 6mm
Best use: road-to-trail

Pros

Great for road-to-trail situations
Super grippy rubber provides traction across all surfaces

Cons

Outsole isn’t as aggressive as others
Some prefer more padding around the ankle

La Sportiva is known for its excellence in alpine pursuits, so it’s not a shock that they describe their footwear with the term “mountain running” instead of trail running. And they do, indeed, dominate in the mountains, taking on steep, loose, gravel trails with ease — both up and down. Its newest mountain running shoe, the Prodigio ($155), brings advanced cushioning and a less aggressive outsole to the trails, resulting in the ideal shoe for runs on mixed surfaces.

We dug the comfort of the Prodigio. The break-in period was short, if there even was one at all. The gusseted tongue and sock-like liner is equally supportive and roomy, while the lacing system makes it simple to dial in the right fit. The upper is very light and breathable, a welcome departure from the thick uppers on most of the trail soles we tested. Don’t worry, though, our testers all reported that the Prodigio was resilient and didn’t take damage easily, even on rocky trails.

Where the La Sportiva Prodigio stands out against its La Sportiva counterparts and other trail shoes we tested is the overall look and feel — take away the lugs on the sole, and it could be a really good road running shoe.

It feels fast, the energy response from the XFlow nitrogen-infused supercritical foam is there every step of the way, and the lightweight rock plate on the bottom adds virtually no weight. It has everything an excellent road shoe has but dials up the protection and trail-focused details to thrive on all surfaces.

Finally, La Sportiva shoes run small, so if you’re usually a U.S. 9.5, for example, you’ll probably need a U.S. 10.

Specs

Weight: 10.3oz
Stack Height: 37.5mm / 31.5mm
Drop: 6mm
Best use: Long runs, easy runs or workouts

Pros

Super plush and energetic
Substantial, high-volume upper cradles the entire foot

Cons

Expensive for a training shoe
Some may want a more snug upper

If there was a running industry award for “Most Improved Player,” it would have to go to ON Running. When the brand first hit the scene, its shoes made waves in Silicon Valley and with Upper East Side dads but left something to be desired for those trying to log serious miles.

In the past few seasons, though, something has changed: On’s running shoes drastically improved, most notably its new ON Cloudmonster Hyper ($220). A maximum cushioned runner, the Cloudmonster Hyper actually resembles its namesake — it’s bouncy, plush, and, yes, feels like you’re running on a cloud.

The shoe keeps you rolling forward, pairing the immense cushioning with just enough forward motion to feel like you can keep some speed going, even after the 10-mile mark. Where many max cushion shoes start to feel hard after a while, sending a jolt up the leg with each footfall, we found that the Cloudmonster Hyper’s energy-returning foam really was keeping our legs fresh and comfortable over long distances.

Some of our team were split, however, on the volume of the shoe. Runners with high arches and insteps appreciated the deep fit and the lacing system, while others said they’d prefer a sleeker upper to go with the beefy midsole.

It’s an expensive shoe, but we think On really has something good on their hands with the ON Cloudmonster Hyper. Oh, and the aesthetics are pretty sick, which is always a bonus in a gear category that doesn’t historically make the best-looking kicks. Wear these on your off days, and nobody will wonder why you stole your dad’s Costco shoes.

Specs

Weight: 11.3oz
Stack Height: 48mm / 43mm
Drop: 5mm
Best use: Easy runs, long runs, road-based tempo work

Pros

Maintains a super plush ride over long distances
Responsive foam and carbon fiber plate combo keeps legs energized

Cons

Heavier than most shoes in their category
A big hit on your wallet

The latest innovation from Hoka, a brand that’s no stranger to pushing the limit, is the Hoka Skyward X ($225), a carbon-plated training shoe with a whopping 48mm stack that’ll turn the heads of even the most dedicated high-stack enthusiasts. Yes, you read that right: 48mm stack height.

When our team got their first hands-on look at the Skyward X, they couldn’t help but return to the “moon boot” moniker attributed to many of Hoka’s kicks over the years. If we’ve learned anything about Hoka, we know that a tongue-in-cheek epithet becomes a badge of honor.

It only took a few runs to realize that the Skyward X was a very good shoe that defied our expectations, rendering any initial skepticism moot. They reported that the ride is just as plush, energetic, and responsive as advertised, from tempo efforts to weekend long runs.

While most highly cushioned shoes fail at the first sign of speed, the Skyward X uses a carbon fiber plate and innovative foam blend, what Hoka calls a “suspension system,” to provide a boost when shorter splits are required.

Sure, your feet are a long way from the surface beneath them, but if you’re out running on the road, sidewalk, or riverside path, the non-existent ground feel shouldn’t make too big of a difference — especially considering most folks running in shoes like these aren’t concerned with ground feel anyway.

It’s not all about the bounce, though. The upper is made from a flat-knit engineered mesh that provides a secure fit without feeling restrictive, while the back of the shoe employs Hoka’s Deep Active Foot Frame to cradle the heel.

The only thing we don’t like about the Hoka Skyward X at this point is the colors and the price. Our tester had the Blanc De Blanc / Virtual Blue, which reminds us of a Fourth of July ice pop, and the only other color available right now is a double yellow number that isn’t the best to look at. As for the cost, $225 is a huge dent to the wallet, regardless of the tech involved.

In the end, though, we recommend these for anyone who loves top-of-the-line cushioning and all-day energy response. They’re comfortable, bouncy, and spirited, providing the runner with a weightless feeling that lasts for miles on end. Maybe Moon Boots is an apt nickname, after all.

Running Shoes for Men Comparison Chart

Shoe	Price	Weight	Stack Height	Drop	Best For
Mount to Coast R1	$160	8.5 oz. (US 9)	35 mm / 27 mm	8 mm	Long runs, speed work runs
Asics Novablast 4	$140	8.9 oz. (M US9)	41.5 mm / 33.5 mm	8 mm	Long runs, easy days, and tempo efforts
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13	$165	9.2 oz. (M US9.5)	38mm / 32mm	6 mm	Tempo workouts, easy runs, and long runs
Hoka Mach X 2	$190	9.2 oz.	44 mm / 39 mm	5 mm	Speed work, tempo runs, racing
Nike Vaporfly 3	$260	7.1 oz.	38 mm / 30 mm	8 mm	Marathon racing, track runs, speed work
Norda 001	$285	9.45 oz. (M US8.5)	26 mm / 21 mm	5 mm	Speed work, track workouts, racing
Altra Olympus 6	$175	9.45 oz. (Size 8.5)	26mm / 21mm	5mm	Trail running, ultra racing
Nike Invincible 3	$180	10.9 oz. (M US10)	40 mm / 31 mm	8 mm	Long runs
La Sportiva Prodigio	$155	9.5 oz.	34 mm / 28 mm	6 mm	Road-to-trail
ON Cloudmonster Hyper	$220	10.3 oz.	37.5 mm / 31.5 mm	6 mm	Long runs, easy runs, or workouts
Hoka Skyward X	$225	11.3 oz.	48 mm / 43 mm	5 mm	Easy runs, long runs, road-based tempo work

GJBG Running Shoes for Men Norda 001 — A look at Norda’s bombproof upper and Vibram outsole; (photo/Will Porter)

How We Tested Running Shoes

Our Expert Tester

Lead tester Will Porter is a multi-hyphenate runner who just likes to get out and run for as long as possible. He relishes the Sunday long run and will hit the local Boise foothills a few times a week for a trail run. Right now, he’s training for both a road half marathon and a trail 50k, so it was the perfect season to put a number of shoes to the test.

He’s partial to a plush shoe with a decent drop, but for midweek speed sessions, he likes something light and barely-there — he says it reminds him of his high school track days.

Our Testing Process

Every runner is different, so we also solicited feedback from a diverse group of runners. For this review, GearJunkie tasked a test team with logging miles and weighing in with their perspective as competitive runners, physical therapists, and former shoe designers.

We tested the latest shoes from every brand, and all testers were asked to rank each shoe numerically and write short-form reviews of the top-ranked shoes. Armed with our testers’ feedback and our own impressions, GearJunkie picked the best running shoe in the most popular shoe categories.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Running Shoe

Running shoes have their fair share of complexity. Sorting through today’s shoe stats like stack height, heel drop, weight, and now carbon fiber plates can give anyone a headache. Luckily, we’re here to cut through the noise and give it to you straight.

Over our years reviewing shoes, GearJunkie testers have run in just about every running shoe produced. More than that, we’ve recruited teams of testers for feedback and talked with shoe engineers, podiatrists, and specialty running store owners.

Armed with this knowledge, we’ve picked the best shoes of the season based on our editors and test team’s input paired with head-to-head comparisons.

It’s worth noting that this guide focuses specifically on road running shoes. Be sure to check out our comprehensive guides on the best trail running shoes and the best hiking shoes — if that’s more your pace.

GJBG Running Shoes for Men Nike Vaporfly — The Vaporfly is diminutive, but that midsole packs a punch; (photo/Will Porter)

Comfort Is King

After talking with many physical therapists, running store owners, and shoe experts, they all agree on one thing — pick a running shoe based on comfort. The shoe that feels, fits, and runs the best is most likely going to be the best shoe for you.

Fortunately, most of today’s online shoe retailers allow a full refund or credit on used shoes within a 30- or 90-day window. This allows you to buy a pair of shoes, try them out for a few runs, and make the decision. This is also a nice feature to ensure that you get the correct sizing.

Sizing Properly

In our experience, most people wear running shoes that are too tight. The rule of thumb (literally) is you should have a thumb-width of space between your longest toe and the edge of the running shoe. For most, this will be half to three-quarters of an inch.

You need this space for two reasons. First, as you run, your feet will slide slightly forward. This extra space prevents your toes from consistently banging up against the inside wall of the shoe. Second, if you run long enough and in higher temps, your feet will swell. Again, extra space is necessary. The thumb’s width rule is a great way to size your shoe while accounting for how much your feet may swell during a long run.

GJBG Hoka Skyward X — The Hoka Skyward X offers a whopping 48mm stack height; (photo/Will Porter)

Finding the proper width is a little trickier. Shoe width varies from brand to brand and even within the same brand between models. There are brands that are known for being wide or narrow.

Altra and Topo are known for favoring runners with wide feet. Aside from these two, it’s hard to make absolute assumptions across all models of a brand as being wide or narrow.

The Details: Stack Height, Drop, and Weight

If you want to geek out on the stats of a shoe, that’s fine. But we would steer clear of making decisions solely based on them. Pay attention but don’t obsess.

Sure, there is a pretty big difference between a 12mm drop and zero drop, so much so that we don’t suggest making such a drastic change. But between a 4mm and 6mm drop, it’s marginal. To put it in perspective, it’s the difference in the thickness of a nickel.

Stack Height

This is usually the measurement of the bottom of the shoe to the bottom of the inside of the shoe. It gives a measurement of how much material there is between your foot and the ground.

The higher the stack height, the thicker the sole. We say “usually” because some brands will not include the insole as part of the stack height measurements.

Drop

Drop is the difference in measurement of stack height between the heel and toe. It ranges from zero to 12 mm. The higher the drop, the less strain on the Achilles, soleus, and calves. Zero-drop shoes are associated with a more natural barefoot running feeling.

Weight

The weight of a shoe can give a good insight into the type of running for which the shoe is best suited. Lightweight shoes — ones weighing less than 8 ounces for men and 7.5 ounces for women — are typically designed for faster running and racing.

Heavier shoes — 10 ounces for men and 9 ounces for women — are more suited for everyday training. In most cases, we’ve found weight to be a good insight into the durability of a shoe. Lighter shoes with less foam tend to wear out more quickly than the thicker, heavier ones.

GJBG Asics Novablast 4 — The Asics Novablast 4’s Superfeet insole and stack height offer plenty of comfort; (photo/Will Porter)

Neutral vs. Supportive

Should a shoe correct over/underpronation or not? Some say yes; others say no. Most of the experts we’ve spoken with say it depends. Those needing a supportive shoe look for a sturdy heel cup, multi-density EVA midsoles, and a mid-foot truss or bridge that stabilizes the shoe.

Bottom Line

Comfort is king, and if you’re still unsure, we recommend taking a trip to your local specialty running store to get their advice. With proper footwear and proper training, you, too, can pound out the miles on the pavement in relative comfort.

A Note About “Super Shoes”

We do want to add a couple of caveats when it comes to carbon-plated super shoes — our top pick, the Nike Vaporfly 3, included. If you’re going to wear these in a race, definitely do not wait until race day to lace them up for the first time. They will definitely take some getting used to, so we recommend logging a few miles in them per week for the last month of your training, even if that means taking just them out for a nice jiggle-jog on a rest day.

Jiggle-jog: yes, full-on training: no. Super shoes should be broken in, no doubt about it. But we don’t recommend wearing race day shoes on your long runs or easy runs throughout the week. Not only will they lose some of their race day pep, they can be hard on your feet.

And, finally, carbon-plated shoes really do require speed to provide the best benefits. Based on our testing, carbon-plated shoes only really start to make you faster if you’re running faster. Don’t believe us? Studies have proven that the speed and energy return provided by carbon-plated shoes is directly proportional to how fast you’re going.

The quicker the pace, the greater the benefit. Slower runners (this writer included) may find that they perform better in their favorite speed or long-run shoes on race day.

GJBG Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 — The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is super fast and supportive; (photo/Will Porter)

More Than One Pair

Do you really need more than one pair of running shoes? Think of it this way — do you really need more than one pair of shoes in general? Technically, no. But if you start to pull away the layers, you have work shoes, workout shoes, comfortable shoes, slippers, flip-flops, etc.

Just like all your other shoes, running shoes perform best in certain scenarios. For example, the HOKA Clifton 9 makes a great recovery run shoe but not so much a great speed workout shoe. On the flip side, a carbon fiber shoe makes a great race day shoe but not a great recovery run shoe.

One solution is to own at least three pairs of road running shoes: a durable everyday trainer, a speed or race day shoe, and one super-comfortable recovery run shoe. By rotating between shoes, you’ll be less likely to get overuse injuries from your shoe.

Price & Value

For the most part, quality running shoes will run you anywhere from $100-$300. The most affordable options are generally going to be daily trainers that are comfy but not outfitted with any bells and whistles to enhance speed or drop your mile times.

From there, prices go up based on the type of foam used, what outsole the shoe is kitted out with, and whether or not the shoe has some sort of midsole plate made for propulsion. At the top of the line, you’ll find carbon-plated super shoes that utilize advanced materials and supercritical foams to propel you to PRs (if you can keep the right pace).

Budget

This is where you can find shoes for under $150. It seems insane to say this, but this is just where we’re at in the running world right now. You can spend under $100, for sure, but those won’t hold up to the rigors of everyday training or even two to three runs a week. Budget shoes are still great, though. One of our absolute favorite trainers is the Asics Novablast 4, which is a bargain when compared to some of its competitors.

In this category, by spending less, you are really only sacrificing advanced technology designed to help you run really fast or for an exceptionally long time, which isn’t necessary for most runners. The sport is, after all, meant to be simple. Budget shoes are simple, affordable, and suitable for almost any run you can dream up.

Mid-Tier

Mid-tier is where most of the shoes in the category fall these days, somewhere between $150 and $200. Our favorite running shoes right now, the Mount to Coast R1, come in at a perfectly reasonable $160, especially considering their advanced tech. They save cost by eschewing the popular carbon plate that so many shoes offer — which, if you haven’t noticed by now, we’re not really that into as a technology for the people.

This price tier includes daily trainers, shoes for speedwork and track workouts, and race-day shoes. If you love to rotate your running shoes or pick up a couple of new pairs every few months, sticking to this tier will give you the best bang for your buck.

You likely will not find a shoe with a carbon plate for under $200, but you can find super trainers and speed shoes at this price point that do have nylon plates or similar technology that can almost do the same thing. Check out the Asics Superblast 2 or Hoka Mach X 2 if you want a shoe that boasts premium tech at more wallet-friendly prices.

Premium

These days, premium running shoes are generally found at price points around $200 or more. You may have missed it, but Adidas launched a race-day marathon shoe that will set you back $500. It’s not even available at the moment, but that’s fine because spending $500 on a shoe is diabolical — the only people who should be wearing that shoe are getting paid to wear it, not the other way around.

That’s an outlier in the category, but it indicates where the running shoe marketing is headed: spend big, and you might get big results. That’s a helluva promise, and for many runners, these expensive carbon-plated super shoes can deliver. However, for most people, these shoes are simply not worth it.

They’re not made to last (the Adidas shoe even came with a printed card that claimed the shoe was only at its peak for one marathon), and they can cause injuries if you’re not used to running with them.

Some expensive shoes, however, are certainly worth it. Norda 001s are a prime example: we have worn a single pair of Nordas for 1,000 miles without any signs of slowing down. They cost nearly $300 but will last longer than two cheaper pairs might.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, absolutely. The soles of running shoes are made with a special type of foam that is designed to withstand the higher ground impact forces exhibited while running. This foam underfoot, called a midsole, makes running more comfortable and offers more durability over non-running shoes.

Furthermore, a running shoe’s upper will hold your foot in place better and offer more breathability than a non-running shoe. In general, it is not recommended to run in casual sneakers.

Cushioning is a matter of personal preference and does not necessarily make one shoe better than another. Cushioning refers to the level of firmness of the foam underfoot and can be largely subjective. What one runner finds firm, a heavier runner may find soft. It was previously thought that a more cushioned shoe reduced the impact on your legs.

However, it’s been found that your body will adjust forces based on the firmness of the surface you are running on. The bottom line is to buy a running shoe that feels comfortable to you.

The ultimate question is a size up from what shoe? Running shoes should have a thumb width of extra space in the toe. The reasoning behind this is that as you run, your feet will naturally slide forward a little. The extra space will prevent your toes from jamming against the front of the shoe.

A properly fitting shoe should be somewhere between tight and loose. Shoes that are too tight can cut off circulation and cause your feet to go numb, while running shoes that are too loose can cause hot spots and generally feel uncomfortable.

We recommend a shoe that fits snugly enough to prevent your heel from lifting and provides a thumb’s-width of room in the toes. It’s important not to tie your laces too tight. We like to tie them loose enough that we can remove our shoes with a small amount of force without untying the laces.