Top 10 Men’s Running Shoes in 2025 for Every Type of Runner
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Whether you're training for your first 5K, chasing a marathon PR, or just need a reliable daily trainer, the right running shoe can make or break your run. In 2025, the world of men's running shoes has never looked better — tech-enhanced, lighter than ever, and purpose-built for every type of runner. We've rounded up the top 10 best men's running shoes of 2025 so you can choose your best fit.
1. ASICS Novablast 5
Price: $140 / £134
| Weight | 8.8 oz (250g) |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Cushioning Level | High |
| Midsole Material | FF BLAST+ ECO |
| Best For | Road running, Daily training |
Why we love it:
The Novablast 5 might be one of the most talked-about shoes of the year — and for good reason. We knew it was popular, but once we started testing it, the buzz made perfect sense. The step-in comfort is immediate, with a snug yet forgiving upper that molds to your foot like a second sock. The fit through the heel and midfoot feels locked in without over-compression, while the toe box offers just enough room to let your foot move naturally.
Where the Novablast 5 truly shines is its versatility. The FF BLAST+ ECO midsole brings an impressive level of plushness — soft enough to protect your legs on long slow runs, yet energetic enough for tempo sessions and uptempo strides. It delivers a slightly spring-loaded feel underfoot that makes even recovery runs feel fun. We’ve taken it out for everything from 5Ks to 15-mile cruisers, and it handles each use case with equal confidence.
2. Brooks Glycerin 22
Price: $165 / £131
| Weight | 10.1 oz (286g) |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Cushioning Level | Max |
| Midsole Material | DNA LOFT v3 |
| Best For | Road running, Recovery days |
Why we love it:
The Glycerin 22 is a comfort-first tank that wraps your foot in luxury. It's built for runners who log long, easy miles and want to protect their joints from pounding pavement. The DNA LOFT v3 foam delivers soft landings without feeling mushy, making it perfect for heavier runners or anyone prioritizing joint care.
This shoe offers exceptional underfoot protection while maintaining a smooth, balanced ride. It’s not the most agile shoe for sprints or intervals, but that’s not what it’s built for — it's meant to go the distance at a slower, more relaxed pace. We found it especially useful for recovery runs, longer base mileage, and even walking. It’s a solid option for runners coming back from injury or simply seeking more underfoot comfort.
We also found it to be a reliable option for those who spend all day on their feet — nurses, teachers, and warehouse workers take note. From cushion-loving beginners to experienced runners who want something soft for the easy days, the Glycerin 22 delivers big.
3. Nike Downshifter 12 (Men's)
Price: $66 / £59
| Weight | 10 oz (283g) |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Cushioning Level | Moderate |
| Midsole Material | EVA foam |
| Best For | Casual running, Gym use |
Why we love it:
For runners or fitness fans looking for a reliable shoe that doesn’t break the bank, the Nike Downshifter 12 is an absolute standout. At just $70, it delivers a sleek, supportive experience suitable for beginner runners, gym workouts, or everyday wear. It’s a versatile option with a breathable mesh upper that keeps your feet cool on warm days and during treadmill sessions.
We appreciated the slightly firmer ride that gave enough cushion for 5Ks and casual jogs, while remaining stable for cross-training or weightlifting. While it may not have the advanced tech found in higher-priced models, the Downshifter holds its own in comfort and durability.
It's also one of the more stylish options in this category, easily doubling as an everyday sneaker. For new runners or budget-conscious athletes who want a do-it-all shoe, the Downshifter 12 is an unbeatable value.
4. HOKA Clifton 9
Price: $145 / £149
| Weight | 8.7 oz (246g) |
| Drop | 5 mm |
| Cushioning Level | Max |
| Midsole Material | CMEVA |
| Best For | Road running, Recovery runs |
Why we love it:
The Clifton series has long been a staple for runners seeking soft, smooth daily miles, and the Clifton 9 continues that legacy with a lighter, more responsive feel than previous iterations. Right out of the box, the plush underfoot cushioning stands out — HOKA’s signature CMEVA midsole delivers a cloud-like ride that’s ideal for easy runs, recovery days, or long distances at conversational pace.
We found the Clifton 9 to be the kind of shoe that disappears on the foot — a compliment in the running world. It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable. One tester noted, “I barely noticed them on a 10-miler, which is exactly what I want from a daily trainer.” The updated upper is more breathable and structured, providing a secure lockdown without feeling restrictive.
While not the most energetic shoe for speedwork, it shines in consistency and comfort. For runners looking to rack up mileage in comfort or those new to long-distance running, the Clifton 9 is a gentle, supportive companion.
5. ASICS Metaspeed Sky+ (Men’s)
Price: $236 / £200
| Weight | 7.2 oz (204g) |
| Drop | 5 mm |
| Cushioning Level | High |
| Midsole Material | FF BLAST TURBO |
| Best For | Road racing, Speedwork |
Why we love it:
Built for the competitive runner, the Metaspeed Sky+ is ASICS’ carbon-plated powerhouse — a shoe designed to help you chase down personal bests and podiums. With its FF BLAST TURBO midsole and curved geometry, this shoe actively propels you forward with each stride. The ride feels incredibly efficient, with high energy return and a lightweight construction that makes it ideal for everything from 5Ks to marathons.
We love its snappy responsiveness and comfort under race-day stress. It felt like the shoe wants you to go faster. The upper is stripped down but supportive, offering a glove-like fit that’s breathable even on hot race days. This isn’t your everyday trainer — it’s a high-performance tool for serious runners.
If you're training for your next big event and want a race-day edge, the Metaspeed Sky+ is well worth the investment.
6. Nike Vaporfly 3 (Men’s)
Price: $258 / £229
| Weight | 6.5 oz (184g) |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Cushioning Level | High |
| Midsole Material | ZoomX |
| Best For | Racing, Half & Full Marathon |
Why we love it:
The Nike Vaporfly 3 is the evolution of a legend. Known for its dominance in elite racing, this latest version refines everything we loved about the Vaporfly series — and makes it even more race-ready. The ZoomX foam is featherlight and explosively responsive, offering top-tier energy return with an incredibly smooth transition.
The carbon-fiber plate delivers a rolling momentum that makes picking up the pace feel effortless. Nike’s updated upper is more stable and secure, reducing heel slippage and improving lockdown.
Simply put: if you're gunning for a PR and want the best that racing tech has to offer, the Vaporfly 3 remains king of the road.
7. Inov-8 Trailfly G 270 V2
Price: $149 / £128
| Weight | 9.5 oz (270g) |
| Drop | 0 mm |
| Cushioning Level | Moderate |
| Midsole Material | POWERFLOW MAX + Graphene |
| Best For | Trail running, Ultramarathons |
Why we love it:
Trail runners, rejoice — the Trailfly G 270 V2 is back and better than ever. With a zero-drop design, excellent ground feel, and unbeatable grip thanks to its Graphene-enhanced outsole, this shoe is built to go the distance across technical terrain. It's ideal for long trail efforts, ultras, or anyone who wants confidence underfoot on unpredictable surfaces.
The updated POWERFLOW MAX midsole gives a little more cushion and bounce than the original, making it more forgiving for longer days out. We took it through mud, gravel, roots, and rocks, and never once worried about our footing.
This is a rugged, go-anywhere trail shoe that performs mile after mile, offering both protection and agility for serious off-road adventures.
8. Saucony Ride 18
Price: $140 / £122
| Weight | 8.6 oz (244g) |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Cushioning Level | Moderate |
| Midsole Material | PWRRUN |
| Best For | Road running, Daily trainer |
Why we love it:
The Saucony Ride 18 is a classic neutral trainer — consistent, dependable, and ready for daily miles. With its balanced PWRRUN midsole, you get a ride that’s smooth and steady, with enough pep for light pickups but plush enough for longer runs. It’s not overbuilt, which keeps it nimble and efficient for a wide range of training needs.
Runners of all experience levels will appreciate how well it blends comfort and performance. It doesn’t try to do too much — and that’s exactly what makes it so good. The upper has been tweaked for a better fit and ventilation, making this one of the most comfortable versions yet.
If you're after a no-fuss shoe that performs reliably across easy runs, mid-distance efforts, and light tempo work, the Ride 18 is a safe bet.
9. PUMA Deviate Nitro 3
Price: $155 / £149
| Weight | 9 oz (255g) |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Cushioning Level | High |
| Midsole Material | Nitro Elite Foam |
| Best For | Tempo runs, Racing |
Why we love it:
PUMA continues to impress in the performance running scene, and the Deviate Nitro 3 is a bold, exciting option for runners who want speed with cushion. Featuring a carbon-composite plate and nitrogen-infused foam, this shoe has a lively, energetic ride that excels during fast training runs and race efforts.
We noticed the snappy turnover and responsive feel: It really comes alive when you pick up the pace. The grip is excellent thanks to PUMAGRIP, making it a good choice for both dry roads and slick surfaces. The updated upper improves breathability and comfort, making it a solid all-around choice for speed-focused training blocks.
It may fly under the radar compared to the bigger brands, but the Deviate Nitro 3 absolutely deserves a spot in your rotation — especially if you're looking for carbon-plated performance at a slightly lower price point.
10. Altra FWD Experience
Price: $159 / £115
| Weight | 8.6 oz (244g) |
| Drop | 4 mm |
| Cushioning Level | Moderate |
| Midsole Material | EVA-based |
| Best For | Natural-feel road running |
Why we love it:
Altra’s FWD Experience is a modern twist on their zero-drop roots, offering a more approachable 4mm drop that still keeps you connected to the ground. It’s a great choice for runners who want to move toward a more natural running gait without diving straight into minimalism. With moderate cushioning and a responsive ride, it feels smooth and nimble, ideal for mid-distance runs and everyday training.
The signature FootShape toe box allows your toes to spread out naturally, improving comfort and reducing fatigue. We loved the slightly firmer feel compared to Altra’s more cushioned models, it delivers a perfect balance between feedback and comfort.
For runners curious about Altra or seeking a more natural ride without sacrificing versatility, the FWD Experience is a strong entry point.
Our Top 2 Picks
- ASICS Novablast 5 – The best all-around daily trainer with exceptional comfort, energy return, and versatility for a range of runs. A perfect balance of cushion and bounce at a great price.
- Nike Vaporfly 3 – The ultimate race-day weapon for runners chasing new personal bests. Lightweight, explosive, and proven at the highest levels.