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If you’re planning to rack up the miles, investing in a quality running shoe marks a significant step in the right direction. The tricky bit is filtering through the options to find the right one for you.
Given countless brands now have a horse in the race, and there are new releases on an almost weekly basis, it can be hard to know which pair to plump for. To help you on your way, I’ve tried and tested a selection of the top options on the market, then shared my open and honest feedback on their fit, comfort, durability and ride below.
Whether you’re a marathon regular looking for a nippy carbon plate racing shoe, or a savvy shopper seeking an affordable Jack of all trades, there are options below that fit your needs. Read on to find your new sole mate.
How I tested the best men’s running shoes
To get a proper feel for all the shoes listed below, I ran in each pair for a number of weeks. I trialled them on at least one longer run as well as several easy runs (5ks and 10ks), tempo runs, interval sessions and a bit of treadmill action too. Every runner is different, so some of what makes a great shoe is subjective, but across the board I tested for the following features:
Comfort: A running shoe has to be comfortable. If it isn’t you won’t be able to run a short distance, let alone hit a marathon PB. Shoes meant for running should feel good on the foot, not too tight, and should offer great support from heel to toe. Durability: No pair will last forever but ideally if you’re spending a fair amount on running shoes you want them to last at least one training season. I judged how much impact each pair could take before signs of wear started to show. Energy return: Most running shoes are built with energy return in mind. The more spring in your step, the better so I assessed the propulsion and energy return of each shoe while testing. Stability: For some shoes, great energy return also means a squishy sole that doesn’t feel all that stable. Some prefer a less stacked sole that doesn’t feel like you’re on stilts and likely to roll off so I looked for stability while assessing energy return too. Affordability: I also wanted to cover all budgets, so I aimed to include a range of options spanning the pricing spectrum from less than £50 up to top-of-the-line race shoes.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Our fitness team loves what they do. If they’re not at a laptop, it’s likely you’ll find them in the gym, on the trails, pounding pavements or enjoying any number of other ways to get the heart racing. Their active lifestyles provide plenty of opportunities to test the latest fitness gear, including a wide selection of the best running shoes. Every pair of shoes on this list has been tried by our experts, so they can help you make an informed choice by sharing their first-hand experiences with each product – think personal shopper, but sweatier.
The best men’s running shoes for 2025 are:
Best overall – Asics novablast 5: £135, Asics.comBest budget option – Nike downshifter 12: £56.99, Amazon.co.ukBest for race day – Puma fast-r nitro elite 3: £260, Puma.comBest for versatility – Brooks glycerin 22: £165, Brooksrunning.comBest for long runs – Hoka clifton 9: £90.99, Hoka.com
