Best running shoes for men in 2021

Brooks Running

Let me start by saying I’m a Brooks devotee. I’ve been wearing Brooks running shoes for years, and the only other running shoes I’ll wear are actually for cross-training (described below). I don’t think I’m alone in this, as reviews all over the web brim with adoration for Brooks running shoes. 

The Ghost shoes in particular have garnered their own devoted fan base. The Ghost 13s are the newest version of these longtime favorites. They have a hefty 12mm heel-to-toe drop, which means the heel end is 12 millimeters taller than the toe end of the shoe. The Ghost 13s also feature significant arch support and full-foot support for optimal comfort. 

Brooks says the Ghost shoes are a good running shoe for road running, but I’ve taken my Ghosts on plenty of trails and they’ve performed fantastically as a trail-running shoe — although they’re not waterproof, so I wouldn’t take them out on muddy trails. 

Upper mesh keeps the shoes breathable for long runs on hot days, and at 10.1 ounces, they’re sturdy but won’t weigh the runner down.

NoBull

Nobull is a newer shoe and apparel brand whose target market is CrossFit athletes and the larger functional fitness community. The brand started with Trainers and more recently released its Runners, which come in three styles for men’s shoes: mesh, ripstop and knit. 

The Mesh Runners have the smallest heel-to-toe drop of all Nobull Runners (7mm versus the 10mm drop on the knit and ripstop styles). That’s still a pretty significant drop, so if you prefer a flatter men’s running shoe, these likely wouldn’t be your first choice.

However, the layered mesh upper and flexible midsole give these shoes the perfect blend of mobility, traction and support, making them perfect for cross-training workouts that include running. I say this from the perspective of a CrossFit coach who knows that five rounds of a workout that starts with a 400-meter run can leave your feet and ankles achy if you wear a flat training shoe. 

The Nobull Mesh Runners are durable and cushioned enough to get you through sprints, burpees, box jumps and other high-impact movements, but stable enough to support you during squats and other stationary movements — basically, everyone who cross-trains should take a look at these shoes.

Topo Athletic

“Minimalist shoes are a funny thing,” says Mollie Millington, personal trainer and running coach. “Some people swear by them. People with a forefoot strike are more likely to enjoy minimalist shoes, while heel strikers may experience pain due to the lack of cushioning.”

However, minimal shoes have an adjustment period. “If you switch to minimal or barefoot shoes, you need to gradually increase miles to both build up muscles in the foot, which are used to being supported by shoes, and get the legs to be more responsive,” she says.

That said, the Topo Athletic ST-3 minimalist running shoes are a good place to start. Reviewers liken the feel of this athletic shoe to running barefoot, but with just enough cushion to avoid rocks and roots from poking at your feet. This minimalist shoe option has just 16mm of cushion with no heel-to-toe drop. 

Because these shoes are so flat, they can double as a workout shoe and give you more bang for your buck.

Hoka One One

There’s definitely a difference between minimalist and lightweight running shoes. You can have a lightweight shoe that still offers support, stability and cushioning, unlike true minimalist shoes that are flat and, well, minimally cushioned. 

The Hoka One One Rincon running shoes have a 5mm heel-to-toe drop and offer ample cushion — yet they come in at just 7.7 ounces. These running shoes strike the perfect balance between support and speed. Their lightweight feel combined with Hoka’s Meta-Rocker design encourages quick cadences.

A consideration: While these shoes are highly rated for comfort, a few reviewers were unhappy with their durability, noting that the shoes wore out after 150 miles or so. If you only run a few miles each week, that’s no big deal, but when you hit 150 miles in two months, it becomes a problem.

On Running

The most important thing to look for in all running shoes, but especially long-distance running shoes, is comfort, Millington says. “Everyone’s feet are different, so when the miles are adding up, you need to feel good the whole time,” she says. “Definitely test the shoes in the shop on a treadmill if you can.”

Millington recommends the On Cloudflyer, a uniquely designed running shoe that uses the spaces between the outsole and midsole. The spaces make the shoes lighter and give them more bounce, which may make them more comfortable for longer runs. 

Reviews on Amazon are mixed, and it seems like people either love or hate these shoes. The fans are die-hard but so are the naysayers, but no one can please everyone.

Salomon

Salomon has a large selection of great trail running shoes. It’s one of the best-known brands in the trail running and hiking communities because of the quality and durability of its shoes. Millington says she’s had great success with the Salomon Sense Ride 3. 

These trail runner shoes are constructed of tightly knitted mesh and a grippy outer sole, outfitted with Salomon’s Quicklace shoelaces and built with an 8mm heel-to-toe drop for support on the trails or on the road.

As for what to look for in trail-running shoes in general, Millington says she prefers her trail shoe choice to be waterproof. “You also need good stability due to varying terrain,” she says. “A reinforced toe will protect you from roots and rocks, and deep tread will help you grip the mud.”