Whether you’re starting out with Couch to 5k or ticking off marathon training week after week, quality trainers are an absolute must.
Regardless of your running level, beginner or advanced, or whether you prefer trail or tarmac, choosing the right pair of shoes will help you reach your peak performance - and keep you from getting injured in the process.
The good news? Nearly every major sportswear brand offers a range of kicks which cater for every running style and terrain. The bad news? If you’re not an expert, being faced with a website full of brightly coloured shoes which all look the same but are actually completely different can be dizzying - so we’re here to help.
What type of running shoes do I need?
The running footwear that you need will depend on two key factors - your running style and the type of running you’re doing. For both, there’s some jargon to unpack before choosing the right pair. This leads us nicely on to...
Over-pronantion and under-pronation
First up, let’s talk about over- and under-pronation. This is when your foot naturally rolls to the side when you take a stride. If this sounds like you, you’ll need shoes with extra support to guide you in the right direction. Otherwise, you’re a neutral runner, in which case you should look out for a balance of cushioning, support and flexibility.
If you’re not sure, there are a few ways to work it out. Seasoned runners could take a look at the sole of their most-used sneaks - if there’s excessive wear on the inside edge, it’s a sign of overpronation, or if it’s on the outside, it may be from underpronation.
Otherwise, you could head to a running store for a gait analysis where you’ll run on a treadmill for a few minutes whilst an expert assesses your stride. Nike, Adidas and Asics all have select stores which offer the service.
Comfort, cushioning and stability
Every shoe is split into three main parts. The first is the upper, which delivers comfort and weatherproofing, then you’ve got the midsole with cushioning and protection, and finally, there’s the outsole, which is all about stability and grip.
So, it could be a winter-ready design with a waterproof Gore-Tex upper and chunky rubber outsole for added grip, a speedy race day shoe with extra traction in the sole and a less bouncy midsole, or simply an everyday option which boasts enhanced cushioning and comfort.
Either way, we’ve covered all the bases with our selection of the best.
Best running shoes for men at a glance:
- Best for ambitious runners: Nike Vaporfly 3 - £239.99, Nike
- Best for an all-in-one: Saucony Men's Triumph 22 - £170, Saucony
- Best for running a marathon: New Balance TCS London Marathon FuelCell SuperComp Elitev4 - £260, New Balance
- Best for a reliable all-rounder: Nike Pegasus 41 Men's Road Running Shoes - £129.99, Nike
- Best for cushioning: On Running Cloudmonster - £160, Offspring
- Best for speed runs: Hoka Mach 6 - £140, Hoka
- Best for overpronators: Asics GT-2000 12 - £140, Asics
- Best for running in the rain: Adidas Supernova 3 GTX Running Shoes - £71.50, Adidas
- Best for comfort: Saucony Men’s Ride 17 - £135, Saucony
- Best for versatility: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 - £160, New Balance
- Best for balancing speed and stability: Nike Zoom Fly 5 - £154.99, Nike
- Best for turning the road into a trail: Tracksmith Eliot Runner - £208, Tracksmith
- Best for everyday runs: Brooks Running Adrenaline GTS 23 - £135, Brooks Running
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Nike Vaporfly 3
Best for: ambitious runners
The Vaporfly3s have been designed with the ultra-ambitious runner in mind. Whether you’re out racing against yourself for a new PB or trying to smash your local competitive 10k then these are a must-have. Designed with Nike’s retro check prints, this premium shoe pays homage to where it all started “selling sneakers through the sliding door of a run-down blue-and-white delivery van with nothing more than a dream” for the US sports brand. Slightly more expensive than your average running shoe, there’s a full-length carbon plate throughout the sole and with an added 2m.
Buy now £239.99, Nike
Saucony Men's Triumph 22
Best for: an all-in-one
If you want it all in a running shoe, then this could be the trainer for you. The Triumph 22 is an upgrade from the Endorphin Speed Pro 4. It incorporates the same cushioning technology while also offering runners a springy, soft and highly energetic experience for athletes of all levels.
So, while your joints are pounding the streets, the impact is eased by a cushioned hug from these sturdy trainers. Available in a range of colours from Spice/Canary to Viziblue/Pepper and also a wide version, this versatile shoe fits perfectly to your foot size.
Buy now £170.00, Saucony
New Balance TCS London Marathon FuelCell SuperComp Elitev4 Shoes
Best for: running a marathon
New Balance’s latest release, designed for the London Marathon, is a racing shoe with the sole intention to see you through the 26.2 miles - especially if you’re aiming for a competitive time. From the FuelCell foam which delivers a powerful lift-off with every stride, to the Energy Arc that’s designed to deliver a higher amount of energy return, they offer a speedy ride to nail your PB.
If you’re taking it easier, though, the TCS London Marathon Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 would be a more suitable choice thanks to the supportive and comfy credentials.
Buy now £260.00, New Balance
Nike Pegasus 41 Men's Road Running Shoes
Best for: a reliable all-rounder
Nike’s Pegasus 41 is a running shoe that does it all. Perfect for marathon training, it will have you covered throughout the endless recovery runs, speed runs, long runs and even the easy 5ks. It’s springy, comfortable and, above all, reliable time and time again. Added style points go to the white, grey and black colourway with the pop of blue.
Buy now £119.99, Nike
On Running Cloudmonster
Best for: cushioning
Want to feel like you’re running on clouds? Assuming the answer is a resounding YES, we’ve got just the shoe for you.
With cushioning as you’ve never seen before paired with maximum rebound engineering, On Running’s Cloudmonster will propel you forward with every step - whether it’s an easy recovery run or a Sunday 20k.
Buy now £160.00, Offspring
Hoka Mach 6
Best for: speed runs
A snappy road shoe, Hoka’s Mach 6 keeps your foot closer to the ground for an effective push-off with every stride. With a midsole that’s engineered for speed and a rubberised outsole for enhanced grip, these are best suited for tempo runs or a nippy 5k. Did someone say Usain Bolt?
Buy now £140.00, Hoka
Asics GT-2000 12
Best for: overpronators
If your foot rolls inwards when you run, Asics GT-2000 12 will deliver some extra guidance and stability. It supports the placement of your foot in a natural way and, paired with the brand’s patented cushioning, will keep your feet secure and comfy from start to finish.
If you’re unsure about your stride, head to one of the running expert’s stores for a free gait analysis.
Buy now £140.00, Asics
Adidas Supernova 3 GTX Running Shoes
Best for: running in the rain
If you’re UK-based, rain is a year-round possibility. So, having a pair of kicks that will keep your feet dry no matter what the weather is a must.
Enter: Adidas’ Supernova 3. Featuring a Gore-Tex-treated waterproof membrane, the possibility of soggy socks and uncomfortable chafing is nil. The rubber outsole is also designed with slippy surfaces in mind, so they’re wet-weather-ready on all fronts.
Buy now £71.50, Adidas
Saucony Men’s Ride 17
Best for: comfort
If you’re someone who prioritises comfort (who doesn’t?), then Saucony’s Ride 17 shoes should be going straight into your basket. Perfectly balanced with cushioning in all the right places, they’re a smooth fit that you’ll appreciate every time you’re pounding the pavement.
Buy now £135.00, Saucony
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13
Best for: versatility
New Balance’s Fresh Foam X 1080v13 takes the brand’s most popular running shoe, the 1080, and gives it an upgrade.
Expect enhanced flexibility, improved cushioning for a smooth ride and an engineered mesh upper for a more streamlined silhouette - and this neutral colourway will work with your entire running wardrobe.
Buy now £160.00, New Balance
Nike Zoom Fly 5
Best for: balancing speed and stability
Whoever said you can’t have it all was clearly unaware of Nike’s Zoom Fly 5. Bouncy midsole? Check. Stable base? Check. Comfy upper? Check again. They’re an all-purpose design with a rainbow array of vibrant and pared-back colourways that will take you from training to race day with ease. Your feet can thank us later.
Buy now £154.99, Nike
Tracksmith Eliot Runner
Best for: turning the road into a trail
If you’re in the market for stylish running gear, Tracksmith should be at the top of your list. The collections are inspired by vintage collegiate running kits, so expect to find t-shirts, vests and shorts that exude a retro American varsity feel but don’t compromise on performance.
Crafted with specific cushioning, they’re designed to soften the hardness of the road, so you feel like you’re running on a track or trail instead. And we love the 80s-inspired design.
Buy now £198.00, Tracksmith
Brooks Running Adrenaline GTS 23
Best for: everyday runs
Whilst Brooks has been designing footwear since 1914, it was only in the 70s that the brand began focussing on running. Over half a century later, it’s one of the best in the business.
The Adrenaline GTS 23 balances support and softness for a guaranteed smooth ride at every speed. If your training involves a mixture of recovery runs, speed runs and long runs, these are the shoes for you.
Buy now £135.00, Brooks Running
