15 Best Running Shoes For Men (Review) In 2021

How We Choose Our Selection Of Running Shoes

With thousands upon thousands of different trainers to choose from, narrowing our list down to a selection of what we consider to be the top running shoes was no easy feat. While we would love to say that we got to try each pair out for ourselves, this is nigh impossible. Instead, we looked to the consumers for feedback and finalized our choices by comparing brands with reviews and quality with price.

Brand - When it comes to footwear, there are many brands that have proven to deliver quality shoes time and time again. This is why we ensured that the choices we made are backed by manufacturers who have continued to withhold a good reputation for producing products that keep outperforming their predecessors.

Reviews - What a brand tells us is one thing - the consumer sometimes has a different opinion. This is why we weigh the promise of the brand with the feedback from reviewers so that we can draw our own conclusion on whether the running shoes hold true to their worth, or not.

Quality - Training puts a lot of stress on our bodies and to help alleviate this stress and to prevent injuries, we need to rely on our running shoes for both performance and safety. This means that only a quality shoe should make the cut and anything less than excellent simply won’t do.

Price - The better the quality the better the price – right? While this is often true, sometimes you stumble upon a gem of an item that comes in at a shockingly competitive price. In fact, we’ve managed to source a few running kicks that give you superb value for money without forming a hole in your pocket.

Features To Look For In Running Shoes

Distance - Some shoes are in for the long haul whilst others are better at peaking performance over short distances. For instance, long-distance runners tend to prefer a more cushioned shoe whilst short distance racers are far likely to benefit from a more flexible running shoe.

Surface - If you spend most of your running time on paved surfaces, then road shoes should be your best fit. Road shoes usually offer more cushioning which provides shock absorption to minimize your risk of injury. Trail running shoes, on the other hand, are ideal for rocky paths and feature deeper tread for stability and ankle support. Some trail shoes can be used on flatter surfaces but if you find yourself doing a bit of both, then you should perhaps consider a hybrid shoe.

Running Style - For a shoe to peak your performance, it needs include features that match your gait. How your foot naturally rolls inward or outwards when you run to where your foot strikes the ground - the way feet respond to a step differs between each individual. When looking for the perfect running shoes, you need to make sure that they respond well to how your feet pronate.

Breathability - Nearly all trainers are engineered with a mesh upper. This allows the shoes to breathe easily so that your feet remain cool and it also encourages sweat to evaporate faster - which can decrease your risk of blisters. Our bodies naturally lose a lot of heat through our feet, so wearing sneakers that have amazing breathing qualities can keep a person feeling cooler overall.

Comfort - Comfort comes down to three key elements; cushioning, arch type, and arch flexibility. Cushioning is determined by your running style, your frame (weight) and personal preference. Arch type and flexibility affect the amount of support your feet need. The higher or less flexible your arches are, the less support you need. Trainers designed for high arches are referred to as neutral running shoes. Runners who have lower or more flexible arches need more support. Shoes for lower arches are called Stability.

Fit - A perfect fitting shoe will meet your level of comfort. It will be the ideal weight and will also mold to your foot while giving your toes enough room to move effortlessly. When purchasing shoes online, you can request the brand’s sizing chart to help you determine which size will fit you best – some models will recommend that you size up or down, as sizing specifications can differ.

Types Of Running Shoes

Motion Control Running Shoe - Motion controlled shoes are your most rigid type of sneaker. They have been designed to reduce or control excessive rolling action of the foot and are very well suited for those who tend to overpronate.

Cushioned Running Shoe - Cushioned shoes are lined plush with dense foam inners and they are excellent at absorbing shock. The best-cushioned running shoes are ones that have specifically been designed for runners whose feet do not roll inward or outward as they meet the ground.

Stability Running Shoe - A compromise between motion control and cushioned shoes, stability sneakers provide cushioning, medial support, and durability. They have been magnificently designed to prevent excess motion of your foot and ankle without limiting movement too much.

Lightweight Running Shoe - A lightweight shoe is exactly that – light. It combines features to create a “minimalist” approach so that your feet do not feel heavily burdened. Lightweight shoes help to decrease fatigue and are less likely to leave your feet with a dull aching pain after a long and strenuous run.

Trail Running Shoe - Trail running shoes have an assortment of features that are unique to their ability to perform well on more rugged terrains. For instance, the outer sole of a trail shoe will have a deeper tread than other training shoe types. This offers more grip and traction on uneven surfaces, providing more stability as a result.

Running Shoe Fit Tips - Finding the best fitting shoe amongst the “oh so many” choices can be quite daunting. The first thing that you should note is that running shoes shouldn’t fit the same as your everyday footwear. What you’re looking for is a slightly bigger fit. You can also consider the following:

1. Heel. Your heel should fit snug but not be squashed – if you can’t slip it out of your shoe with ease then it might be too tight.
2. Instep. A shoe’s upper should feel secure but without pressure under the laces. If your laces feel too tight, try a different lacing technique before moving on to the next shoe.
3. Width. Your foot should be able to move with ease within the toe-box area. Ideally, you want to be able to pinch half a centimeter of upper material along the widest part of your foot.
4. Length. It’s not uncommon for feet to swell or lengthen over a run. A good practice is to make sure that there is a thumb’s width of space between the end of your foot and the end of the shoe.
5. Feel. Pinpointing shoes that match your foot’s contours and movements is crucial if you are looking for running boots that will feel good and perform well. Take the shoes for a trial run before purchasing, if you can.

Premium Running Shoes Vs Cheap Running Shoes

When it comes to running shoes the question is, do you get what you pay for? The answer; yes and no. While there’s no denying that quality materials and perfect workmanship come at a price, some shoes are simply tagged according to the hype of the brand and while they come at a hefty cost, they’re just not always worth their value for money. The same goes for shoes that come in at a competitive price but match premium shoes in quality and design.

So, for the most part, premium shoes definitely do out-perform cheaper versions – although there are some running shoes that defy this rule.

Daily Training Running Shoes Vs Racing/Speedwork Running Shoes

Racing shoes are typically used for races. They are lightweight and less supportive, although the thinner soles and uppers mean you can run faster in them. Training shoes tend to offer more cushioning and can be used for longer more slow-paced marathons too. It isn't necessarily a bad thing to use the same model of shoe for both racing and training, but race shoes do offer a large benefit for those seeking faster racing times.

Running Shoes FAQ

Q: What are running shoes?

A: A running shoe has different characteristics to your normal walking shoe. The former is specifically designed to be more flexible and is lined with plush cushioning for both comfort and shock absorption. Running shoes are always engineered to include a built-up heel for added stability and are also often lined with knitted mesh to add to the breathability and comfort.

Q: Do running shoes make a difference?

A: Yes, definitely. Running shoes have specifically been designed to accommodate the motions of running and help to keep your feet safe from injury and pain-free. They give you the proper traction and stability that you need for fast-paced movements and their light weight helps your feet to move at a more natural gait.

Q: What is a zero-drop running shoe?

A: Most running shoes differ in the amount of padding placed on the heel-side and forefoot of a shoe. With zero-drop shoes, the foot sits flat on a level surface and there is little to no padding at all. This type of shoe brings you closer to the ground and more in tune with the surface you are running on.

Q: How to determine what level of cushioning do I need?

A: Cushioning levels run from level one through to level 5, with 5 being featuring maximum-level cushioning and top-of-the-line technology. To determine the level of cushioning you need you will have to take two things into consideration; what type of running you intend to do as well as how much padding you find to be enough support for your foot structure. As a rule of thumb, fast-paced racers tend to prefer levels 1 and 2 because they choose lightweight and flexibility over shock absorption. Marathon runners usually opt for level 4 or 5 cushioning, since this gives them the plush comfort that they need to continue running without injuring their feet, ankles, and calves. Level 3 is your intermediate cushioning level and can be good for short races or for daily training sessions.

Q: How do I know my current running shoes are right for me?

A: If you manage to get from point A to B without injury or suffering from blisters, aches, and pains – then you are most likely already fitted with a good pair of running shoes. However, a good pair of shoes does not mean they are the right pair. We suggest that you visit your nearest sports outlet to request their opinion on the pair of shoes you are using in conjunction with the type of running you do most.

Q: How often should you replace running shoes?

A: It all depends on how often you run in your shoes, what their overall quality is like as well as what type of running you do. Running shoes can last anywhere from a few months to a few years. If your pair starts to give you blisters, fail in comfort and are falling apart at the seams – then it’s time to go shopping!

Q: Can I wash my running shoes in the washing machine?

A: Some running shoes will indicate that they are machine-friendly on their Care and Maintenance labels. If you do put a pair of sneakers into a machine wash, however, they might not last as long as they would if you stick to a hand-washing process. Washing machines also tend to warp and shrink shoes. We suggest that you stick to a hand-washing regimen when it comes to cleaning and maintaining your kicks.

Sources:

1. 6 Tips To Buying The Right Running Shoes! - Runner’s World
2. 'Zero-Drop' Running Shoes Are Everywhere. Here's The True Story Of How They Were Invented - Forbes
3. How Often Should I Replace My Running Shoes? - Greatist