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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 shoe 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. I also consulted with expert athletes and sports scientists to find out what makes a powerful shoe that will help you go the distance, and what’s better left on the shelf.
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
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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
Harry Bullmore is The Independent’s resident fitness writer. His average week is filled with a wide variety of workouts from gymnastics to Olympic weightlifting with a lot of running in between, and when he’s not training or writing he can be found coaching CrossFit and studying for a NASM personal training qualification. Every pair of shoes on this list has been personally tried and tested by Harry, a running shoe expert here to help you make an informed choice.
The best men’s running shoes for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Asics novablast 5: £135, Asics.com
- Best budget option – Mizuno wave rider 28: £79.99, Sportsshoes.com
- Best for race day – Puma fast-r nitro elite 3: £260, Puma.com
- Best for versatility – Brooks glycerin 22: £165, Brooksrunning.com
- Best for long runs – Hoka clifton 9: £90.99, Hoka.com
Asics novablast 5
Best: Overall
Type: Neutral
Drop: 8mm
Weight: 225g
Why we love it
- Incredibly versatile
- Great for easy runs, but fast when you need them to be
- Out-the-box comfort
Take note
- Not great in wet weather
The Asics novablast 5 might be the running world’s worst-kept secret. When I popped it on my Instagram story ahead of testing, several people messaged to heap praise on the shoe. One even said it “changed my life”, so I was excited to see what lay ahead. I was not disappointed.
The shoe is supremely comfortable from the off, with the accommodating upper providing a sock-like feel. The heel and midfoot locked in flawlessly, but there was no unwanted pressure or tightness, and I enjoyed a little bit of wiggle room around the toes. As a UK10 with fairly narrow feet, it fitted true to size.
Maintaining running brands’ tradition of giving their midsole foam funky names, it has a thick layer of FF Blast Max underfoot. This offered impressive versatility, providing plenty of cushioning and leaving my legs feeling fresher than usual after longer runs, while also delivering a decent amount of energy return for a daily trainer during tempo and interval sessions. In short: if I could only own one running shoe, it would be this one.
The mesh upper didn’t deal amazingly with drizzle or puddles, and there are faster shoes out there if you’re looking for a race-day companion. But as a do-all shoe it’s hard to beat, especially considering it’s relatively reasonable price point (£135).
Buy now £135.00, Asics.com
Mizuno wave rider 28
Best: For seasoned runners
Type: Neutral
Drop: 12mm
Weight: 291g
Why we love it
- Comfortable upper
- Incredibly versatile
- Good value for money
Take note
- Not the lightest
- Firmer feel won't be for everyone
The Mizuno wave rider 28 is an amiable option that welcomes all-comers with open arms (and stable, comfortable feet). While it doesn’t earn many of the superlatives – lightest, fastest, etc. – I struggled to find any faults with it. It was incredibly comfortable from the off, fitting slightly shorter than your average UK10, and held up well through long runs, tempo runs and even a few interval sessions.
Sure, it’s not the fastest option, but it still felt impressively energetic for a daily trainer – this could have something to do with the lively Mizuno enerzy foam midsole, or the Mizuno wave plate underfoot which is designed to “assist with forward propulsion and smooth weight transfers”.
Each stride felt stable and well-balanced, without the excessive sponginess I often struggle with on max-cushioned trainers, and they kept my legs fresh during longer efforts. Those who are fans of thick stacks and plenty of plush cushioning can look elsewhere, but anyone in the market for a do-all shoe will struggle to find a better option on the market – particularly when you can pick this one up in the sale for less than £80.
Buy now £139.99, Mizuno.com
Puma fast-r nitro elite 3
Best: For race day
Type: Neutral
Drop: 8mm
Weight: 196g
Why we love it
- Very fast
- Lightweight
- Snug fit
Take note
- Unstable during corners
There are a lot of reasons not to buy this shoe. It looks like you’re wearing a pair of spaceships on your feet, the price tag is similarly astronomical, and it’s far from versatile.
But there is one incredibly compelling reason why many will still take the plunge: it’s fast – incredibly fast.
The wafer-thin, translucent upper offers a snug, locked-in fit from the off. It’s comfortable, unbelievably lightweight, breathable and offers a little extra space around the toe than my prior race shoe, the Saucony endorphin elite 2.
When running, the shoe only starts to feel good when you put your foot down – a slower warm-up jog felt somewhat awkward as the heel provides little support, and cornering was a little unstable.
But when I wore it for the same timed interval session I had completed the week before in a daily trainer, my distances were significantly up and my cadence increased too – perhaps adding weight to Puma’s claims this shoe can boost running efficiency and speed.
TL;DR – if you want to run fast, wear the Puma fast-r nitro elite 3.
Buy now £260.00, Puma.com
Brooks glycerin 22
Best: For versatility
Type: Neutral
Drop: 10mm
Weight: 289g
Why we love it
- Comfortable and versatile
- Soft and cushioned design
- Lively ride for a daily trainer
Take note
- Pricey
Brooks has long been a safe bet in the running shoe world. You know what you’re getting, with the poster boy “ghost” range earning immense popularity as a solid all-rounder. The glycerin 22, however, is built different.
It’s a sporty hatchback to the ghost’s dependable saloon – still a daily trainer, granted, but a lot more fun. Die-hard Brooks fans will be happy to hear the comfort and soft landings remain, but I was delighted to find they’ve been joined by a decent dose of springiness – courtesy of a nitrogen-infused DNA tuned midsole, according to the brand.
Such was the comfort that I could forget what I was wearing on my feet and concentrate on my target paces. The lockdown was flawless, preventing any unwanted slipping of my feet and resultant rubbing. And better yet, when the occasion called for it, the shoes helped me inject a bit of speed into my sessions too.
The glycerin 22 feels premium, and the £165 price tag reflects this. But for that chunky fee, you’re getting a brilliantly versatile running shoe.
Buy now £165.00, Brooksrunning.com
Hoka clifton 9
Best: For long easy runs
Type: Neutral
Drop: 5mm
Weight: 248g
Why we love it
- Soft cushioned ride
- Perfect for easy runs and big miles
- Excellent lockdown
Take note
- Shoe runs fairly narrow
Hoka is one of the brands that led the charge when maximum cushioned trainers first took over the running shoe world a few years back. The chunky maximalist shoes have always had a reputation for being a bit like Marmite, particularly in the looks department. But, this latest version is one of the most handsome iterations yet, without sacrificing any of its famous cushioning or comfort.
After spending weeks running in the clifton 9, it’s become my go-to shoe for long runs. It provides an ultra-cushioned ride that is perfect for racking up big miles, and the rocker profile makes for smooth heel-to-toe transitions. It’s lively and fun, and it would work great as a casual everyday shoe when the time comes to retire it from running duties.
One thing worth noting is that despite its apparent wideness, the clifton 9 actually runs fairly narrow. This is only really going to be an issue for those with broad feet, in which case the shoe is also available in a wide-fit option.
Buy now £90.99, Hoka.com
Puma deviate nitro 3
Best: For Hyrox
Type: Neutral
Drop: 10
Weight: 300g
Why we love it
- Incredibly fast
- Good grip from rubber outsole
- Helps legs stay fresh
Take note
- Not the most stable
The Puma nitro range used to be something of a secret among runners – it churned out routinely brilliant shoes while undercutting the competition on price. Since Puma aligned itself with Hyrox, the nitro is no longer under the radar and prices have crept up. But it’s still an excellent (if a tad garish) shoe.
It’s among the liveliest shoes on test, with the PWRPLATE (carbon fibre plate) and energetic nitrofoam midsole propelling me forward with each stride – no wonder Hyrox fans swear by it when they have to tackle 1km intervals on tired legs. The result was serious speed, which made my interval sessions a lot more enjoyable.
Speaking directly to the Hyrox crowd now: the rubber outsole offers decent grip on turf for sled pushes, and while the fairly thick midsole isn’t as stable for wall balls or lunges as a purpose built gym trainer, it is better balanced than most running shoes. If this is a concern, the Inov8 f-fly offers a more stable alternative for hybrid athletes. However, I think the deviate nitro 3 is worth sticking with thanks to the benefits it affords you during the runs.
Buy now £150.00, Puma.com
Nike vomero 18
Best: Max-cushioned running shoe
Type: Neutral
Drop: 10mm
Weight: 341g
Why we love it
- Fuss-free daily trainer
- Perfect for new runners
- Comfortable
When buying a daily runner, most people want a shoe that’s comfortable, cushioned and fuss-free. The Nike vomero 18 is comfortable, cushioned and fuss-free.
The amenable mesh upper felt great straight out of the box, it fit true to size, and my first few strides revealed a shoe that is incredibly easy to get along with, leaving me clutching at straws in my search for criticisms.
This is surprising considering I’m not a fan of most max-cushioned shoes – I find they don’t offer the stability I need when running. Nike bucks this trend by providing a shoe with all the cushioning of competitors (it has a 46mm stack height in the heel) alongside a slightly firmer, steadier ride.
I loved it for easy runs, with the vomero keeping my legs feeling fresh as I plodded along longer routes. It didn’t disappoint during tempo runs either. The rocker rolled my foot naturally through each stride, and the lively stacked layers of ZoomX foam and ReactX foam served me well as I picked up the pace.
It’s not quite as quick as the Nike pegasus, but it looks surprisingly sleek for a max-cushioned shoe, rounding out an overwhelmingly positive review. If you want an everyday trainer, whether you’re a beginner or a running veteran, this is a great option.
Buy now £134.99, Nike.com
Asics metaspeed sky Tokyo
Best: Race shoe for speed and comfort
Type: Neutral
Drop: 5mm
Weight: 188g
Why we love it
- Fast and lightweight
- Comfortable with added comfort features
- A versatile race shoe
Take note
- Expensive
- Sole durability isn't as good as others
This shoe is a marvel. Most race shoes look a bit odd (looking at you, Puma fast-r nitro elite 3 and Saucony endorphin elite 2) and feel awful until you work your way up the gears.
The metaspeed sky Tokyo feels fairly normal, with a soft but supportive enough midsole running underneath the entire foot so you can walk to the start line in comfort. It’s party trick is, once the starting gun sounds, you’ll be whippet quick. The new FF LEAP foam feels lively underfoot, and paired with the carbon plate to provide impressive energy return almost on par with the shoes mentioned above.
Where it beat these rivals was on the comfort front. A snug upper and thin-yet-effective strip of added cushioning around the heel allowed me to rack up the miles without enduring any wear and tear on my feet. For this reason, I think it would suit speedsters over pretty much any distance, from 5K to a full marathon.
It was also only just long enough for me as a UK10, so if you’re in doubt, consider buying half a size up. The soft midsole foam doesn’t feel the most durable either, and I managed to get a thorn embedded in mine during one test run. But if you can stick to less precarious terrain, it’s a brilliant shoe.
Buy now £240.00, Asics.com
Inov8 trailfly
Best: For hard trails
Type: Neutral/trail
Drop: 6mm
Weight: 280g
Why we love it
- Very comfortable anatomical fit
- Protective sole for trails
- Excellent grip on hard trails
- Kept feet fresh on longer runs
Take note
- No waterproofing
Any brand based in the Lake District is going to know a thing or two about trail running. For the last two decades, Inov8 has used the national park’s challenging topography as a testing ground for new products, and it shows.
The Inov8 trailfly is designed with hard trails in mind (the cheaper roadfly is, as the name suggests, for road running, while the trailtalon is for softer ground) and excels in this department. A flexible meta-shank plate in the sole meant I could land on rocky paths pain-free, and the grip offered by the studded graphene-enhanced outsole was second to none.
The fit is another talking point. Rather than squashing your toes into an unnatural point like so many shoes, Inov8 has introduced a new shape across all its footwear which narrows at the heel for a locked in fit before widening at the forefoot to give you some wiggle room. This, the brand says, provides greater comfort over longer distances when toes are prone to swelling, and I definitely found my feet felt remarkably fresh after lengthy off-road efforts.
I experienced a tiny amount of slipping around the heel on the first wear, but found that playing with the lacing and switching to a thinner pair of socks put paid to this problem. I also thought waterproofing wouldn’t go amiss, although the shoe holds the foot quite high to keep surface water at bay.
Despite these minor notes, this is still the shoe I reach for whenever I’m heading off the beaten track. The comfort, grip and incredibly enjoyable running experience on offer makes trails a joy.
Buy now £130.00, Inov8.com
Adidas adizero adios pro 4
Best: Adidas running shoe
Type: Neutral
Drop: 6mm
Weight: 200g
Why we love it
- Great energy return
- Incredibly lightweight
- Comfortable straight out of the box
Take note
- Expensive
- Fit small
If a runner tells you they don’t care what their running shoes look like, chances are they’re fibbing. Luckily, Adidas’s bold three-stripe design looks great on this shoe, and the brand has delivered substance as well as style.
It’s incredibly lightweight and comfortable from the off, with the lightstrike pro cushioning and carbon-infused “energyrods” in the midsole providing energy return second only to the Saucony endorphin elite 2, among the shoes I tested.
However, the shoe is far more stable than the Saucony, providing a more enjoyable ride. The new forefoot rocker also offers an incredibly smooth transition through each stride, so this is shoe I reach for when I’m tackling faster interval sessions – it’s helped me unlock consistent sub-four-minute kilometres for the first time in my life, setting me on the way to my 20-minute 5K goal.
The only thing worth noting before you invest in this (far from cheap) shoe: it fits small, so I would advise buying half a size up.
Buy now £220.00, Adidas.co.uk
On cloudeclipse men’s running shoe
Best: Maximum cushioned men’s running shoe
Type: Neutral
Drop: 6mm
Weight: 285g
Why we love it
- Perfect for long runs
- Cushioning system works well
- Comfortable
- Looks great
Take note
- Some minor heel slipping
- Squeaky when walking
On has been steadily growing in popularity with performance-obsessed athletes and aesthetes alike since its initial launch back in 2010. Its shoes are known for their revolutionary cushioning systems, often utilising hollow tunnels through the midsole to aid bounce while simultaneously reducing weight.
The cloudeclispe is On’s latest and greatest maximum cushioned shoe, geared towards everyday training and racking up big miles. I’ve been wearing it a lot, and it quickly found its way into my rotation as a go-to shoe for long runs. It provides smooth transitions, a plush ride and a comfortable upper. Even better, it looks awesome.
It’s springy, lively and responsive, but also surprisingly stable considering the generous stack height. The only real issues I noticed were a small degree of heel slip and some mild squeaking when walking (not present when running).
That being said, the slippage is minor and only occurs after a good few miles. Plus, it can quickly be rectified by retightening the laces, so don’t be put off, because this is otherwise a fantastic shoe that’s perfect for the daily grind and getting out for longer distances.
Buy now £135.00, On-running.com
On cloudsurfer 2
Best: Do-all shoe
Type: Neutral
Drop: 9mm
Weight: 261g
Why we love it
- Versatile
- Responsive
- Comfortable
Take note
- Maximalist shoe fans might want a more cushioned ride
On shoes are invariably good to look at, and this pair is no different. It also upholds the Swiss brand’s reputation for quality performance.
When I slipped it on, the forefoot felt a little too tight, but after a play with the laces this ceased to be a problem. From that point on, the shoe was comfortable and supportive, providing a nice blend of cushioning and responsiveness.
I sometimes struggle with maximalist shoes as the sponginess leaves me feeling like I have no “go”, but that wasn’t a problem here. Wearing this shoe for intervals, its surprisingly firm ride allowed me to up the pace without feeling like my footwear lacked energy. It was also a delight on easy runs – although if you enjoy a plusher feel, you might prefer the New Balance fresh foam X 1080v14.
Given its versatility, if you’re after a good-looking do-all shoe, I think this could be the solution.
Buy now £150.00, On.com
Saucony ride 18
Best: Daily trainer
Type: Neutral
Drop: 8mm
Weight: 259g
Why we love it
- Versatile
- Stable and comfortable
- Durable outsole
Take note
- Not the fastest shoe out there
To my mind, this is a brilliant shoe. Sure, it doesn’t have ON’s signature cloudtec midsole, the New Balance 1080’s plush cushioning or the bordering-on-barmy features of the Saucony endorphin elite 2. But its beauty lies in its simplicity, and it was able to handle everything I threw at it.
This is thanks to Saucony’s Goldilocks approach – it’s not too much of anything, meaning it’s fairly good at almost everything. There’s enough cushioning for long runs, but the midsole isn’t so soft it sacrifices stability; the shoe feels robust and well-made, but it’s still light enough that it won’t compound heavy legs at the end of a long run.
I’m also a huge fan of the clean design, and found the shoe to be incredibly comfortable from the off, fitting true to size on my my fairly narrow UK10 feet. There’s a wide option for those with broader feet too.
To keep Saucony’s ego in check, the shoe doesn’t have an immaculate track record. It’s unlikely you’ll set any PBs while wearing it, with the PWRRUN+ midsole providing comfort and cushioning, but little bounce. But if you can look past this mild gripe, you’ll find an excellent daily trainer.
Buy now £130.00, Saucony.com
Lululemon beyondfeel
Best: For stability
Type: Neutral
Drop: 10mm
Weight: 307g
Why we love it
- Stable and supportive
- Out-the-box comfort
- Stylish
Take note
- On the heavy side
- Firm ride won't be for everyone
- Not the fastest
When non-running brands try to make a running shoe, it can be a bit of a car crash. Lululemon has managed to avoid this fate.
The beyondfeel is a beautifully low-fuss shoe; put it on, leave the house, start running, enjoy. It’s comfortable from the first wear, fits true to size, looks great, offers solid grip and has a high heel-to-toe drop (10mm) for smooth transitions.
I’d question the brand’s claim that it offers “maximum cushion”. The ride was on the firmer side, offering a natural if not springy stride, and the shoe was marginally heavier than most (307g). For these reasons, it’s not one for running fast, but during longer efforts, steady state sessions and even brisk walks it handled like a dream.
Thanks to the firmer feel and reinforced heel clips, the shoe also feels incredibly stable, particularly when cornering or completing lateral movements. As a result, I felt confident wearing it for a couple of HIIT workouts – a blend of running, Assault Bike sprints and burpees – and it performed admirably well for a running shoe.
I wouldn’t wear it to the gym in general, and definitely not for lifting heavy (that’s what the best gym trainers are for). But the shoe can handle the occasional exercise class, no sweat.
Buy now £148.00, Lululemon.co.uk
New Balance fresh foam X 1080v14
Best: For cushioning
Type: Neutral
Drop: 6mm
Weight: 298g
Why we love it
- Look great
- Supreme comfort
- Ample cushioning
- Light
Take note
- Not the most stable shoe
The New Balance fresh foam X 1080v13 (try saying that five times fast) was a favourite among many of our fitness writers, and runners everywhere. The good news is that the 14th generation is incredibly similar.
It’s still a great-looking shoe, it’s still incredibly comfortable from the off, and there’s still a cushy ride thanks to a significant wedge of fresh foam X (New Balance’s fanciest new midsole material) underfoot. It fits true to size.
The changes, according to the brand, are a more breathable mesh upper, an updated outsole for “a propulsive feeling” and additional rubber on the underside for durability.
I appreciated the latter point when taking the shoe on rougher park paths, but didn’t notice any significant differences on the other two fronts – not the end of the world, given i didn’t think it’s predecessor lacked in these areas.
It only falls behind the top-rated Asics novablast 5 as it didn’t feel as stable and there were times, particularly during faster tempo sessions, when I found the midsole a little too soft. It’s also a fair whack more expensive (£160).
Nevertheless, if you want to tick up the mileometer in style and comfort, it’s a great option.
Buy now £160.00, Newbalance.co.uk
Altra fwd via
Best: Low drop option
Type: Neutral
Drop: 4mm
Weight: 269g
Why we love it
- Low drop for a natural feel
- Wide toe box maps foot's shape for comfort
- Rocker shape
Take note
- Low drop design won’t be for everyone
- Not the liveliest ride
Many modern running shoes have thick stacks and significant drops (the difference in height between the heel and forefoot) to help you roll through each stride, particularly if you’re a heel-striker. But some feel these shoes have overstepped the mark.
Altra is one such brand. To combat this, it makes ergonomically-shaped shoes, many of which feature low- and zero-drop designs to allow the foot to behave more naturally.
Having previously tried barefoot running shoes, and enjoyed being able to splay my toes while missing the usual cushioning, I found the fwd via offered a happy middle ground. The wider forefoot was comfortable and the Altra ego flo foam provided a decent amount of shock absorption.
The rocker shape provides a smooth toe-off. However, given the volume of the midsole, I was surprised by how firm the ride of the shoe was. Running in it felt incredibly natural, not unlike running in bare feet, although I didn’t find it had the same springiness as rivals like the Asics novablast 5 and even the Brooks glycerin 22.
As a result, it’s not the fastest, but I really enjoyed the natural feel of the shoe for easy and base runs. If you’re looking to experiment with zero-to-low drop running options, and switch to running in a more organic way, Altra and Inov8 are my top two brands to explore.
Buy now £145.00, Altrarunning.eu
The verdict: Men’s running shoes
If you want to buy one running shoe that can do it all, the Asics novablast 5 should be your first port of call. It has ample cushioning for easy runs and enough responsiveness to turn its hand to interval sessions too. Add to that it’s relatively reasonable price point and it’s easy to see why the shoe is my top pick overall.
Cheaper still, the Mizuno wave rider 28 is a price-defyingly good shoe with excellent support and stability for beginners in particular, making it an excellent value for money option. And as a daily trainer, it’s tricky to beat the impressive Brooks glycerin 22 – a cocktail of comfort, durability and even a bit of speed, although it doesn’t come cheap.
Fans of a long plod will love the max-cushioned feel of the Hoka clifton 9, while serious runners with a bit of money put aside might be tempted by the Puma fast-r nitro elite 3 – a rapid race-day shoe.
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