Running shoes are built around something called a “last,” which is simply a mechanical form shaped like a human foot. And most brands use molds based off a man’s foot, no matter what gender the shoes are meant for. Translation: It’s a lot easier to choose the best running shoes for men because the options are so vast.
That said, most runners (male or female) want to avoid trendy shoes marketed for racing — unless, of course, you’re buying them for a race — and stick to daily trainers for exercise. These shoes are meant to be versatile, and can handle short and long runs done at an easy to moderate pace. Generally, daily trainers have lots of cushioning and are designed using slightly heavier materials for durability. That’s because these are the shoes you’re going to run most of your miles in.
We asked experts about their favorite choices, and though some of their picks may not be the lightest shoes on the market or have the latest technology, these more versatile running shoes for men will let you pick up the pace when needed — and offer supportive features that will, ideally, keep your training injury-free.
The fourth generation of Asics’ Novablast, lightweight, cushioned trainers, continues to improve on previous versions. “This is a daily trainer with a fast feel,” says Jimmy Williams, a physical therapist at Finish Line Physical Therapy in New York City. “It has extra cushioning under the forefoot that makes it feel very soft, but also gives it a smooth transition off of the forefoot.” This iteration has lost a little of the snappiness the last had, but they’re still just as comfortable for long runs as they are for uptempo workouts.
The Cloudmonster was On’s first take on maximally cushioned daily trainers, and this “is a great update that becomes more responsive” than its very firm predecessor “without being mushy,” says Matthew Klein, a professor of physical therapy at West Coast University Center for Graduate Studies and founder of Doctors of Running. The Helion superfoam from the OG has morphed into a dual-density midsole that adds some pop when you push off the ground. More volume in the upper also makes these more accommodating for wider feet.
For a long time, natural foot-shaped shoes fell more into the barefoot running category, with minimal cushioning underfoot. Topo’s Ultrafly shoes have a nice slab of firm cushioning, but still “offer a wide toe box that allows the toes and forefoot to splay, helping with the natural function and engagement of the foot muscles,” says Jen Perez, a clinician and educator with Gait Happens. Because the amount of foam under the heel is only slightly elevated compared to the toe, “this might be a more accessible shoe for those used to a higher drop or for those with a history of Achilles tendinopathy, and they also feature a medial guardrail, which can offer a little guidance for those that need it,” says Perez.
Nike’s Invincible were designed for maximum shock absorption, and the brand raised the bar — er, stack height — in the latest iteration, with 40 millimeters of its lightest and most responsive foam under the heel. “The big advantage with the Invincible 3 is the soft springiness of the shoe,” says running coach Jonathan Poston. “The foot sinks into the shoe as if into a cloud, yet the shoe has enough bounce and spring to it that it doesn’t feel like running in mud.” The wider forefoot counteracts the towering height, adding more stability.
Asics kicked off the super trainer era a couple years ago with the Superblast, maximally cushioned shoes that use similar foams to its racing models to provide lots of bounce and protection without a carbon plate. “I only just started running in these and I have to say I was very surprised with how good they feel,” says Paul Mackinnon, a running technique and gait retraining specialist. “They can handle anything from easy recovery to long runs.”
Even in their ninth iteration, the maximally cushioned Clifton remains one of Hoka’s bestselling models. “It has a wider base than many other running shoes, and when you mix that with the extra cushioning, it often makes people feel more supported and comfortable even when spending long hours in the shoe,” says William Baldwin, a USATF-certified running coach. “One of the smartest things Hoka did is, even though it's in the highest cushion category, gave it a lower heel-to-toe drop of only 5 millimeters. This helps balance the shoe, giving it a much more natural feel so you don't feel awkward with all that cushion underneath.”
“The Ghost continues to be Brooks's most popular shoe for good reason,” says Baldwin. “The Ghost 16 added one millimeter of foam underneath, but the shoe is slightly lighter than last year's model thanks to updated nitrogen-infused cushioning. Almost every shoe in their lineup is switching to this foam because it captures the soft feel runners are looking for while staying lightweight and responsive.”
Adidas’s Adizero line is designed for peak performance, but most of the shoes start higher than $150. The SL offer a similar look and features on a budget. “Despite its modest appearance and price point, this lightweight daily trainer delivers on comfort and durability,” says Niraj Vora, a physical therapist, running coach and founder of The Stride Shop, a physical therapy clinic for runners. "This shoe has a better-than-average outsole and a midsole that is soft but provides the needed stiffness to pick up the pace.”
Puma’s Nitro foam is injected with — surprise — nitrogen to increase its spring and bounce, and there’s plenty of it to make even the longest runs feel more comfortable. “This is a great all-around shoe with an updated foam that is extremely versatile,” says Klein. “It does a lot of things well, which makes it a great option especially for new runners or runners who just want one shoe.”
The Endorphin Speed are part of an emerging category of “super trainers.” “These shoes have the foams similar to the best marathon racing shoes, as well as some sort of propulsive plate, but are given more cushion and designed with a more relaxed geometry so they can be worn as everyday trainers or potential workout shoes,” says Williams. The Endorphin Speed have winged nylon plate (the Endorphin Pro have carbon) and foam (the same as the Pro), so “it’s the perfect combination of comfort and speed,” he adds.