The Best Men’s Running Shoe

Buying a shoe of any kind can be difficult, but when it comes to running shoes, things can be downright confusing. There’s been tremendous research and engineering applied to shoe construction over the past decades, to the point where the features of some expensive sneakers sound like options on a sports car. On the other hand, the ads for most shoe companies seem less interested in selling these innovations than in promoting a fitness lifestyle.

The first thing you’ll need to know is what kind of running you actually do — not so much the amount, but the terrain. There are three general types of running shoes: road running shoes for pavement, trail running shoes for gravel or rough terrain and cross-training shoes that provide maximum balance and stability in a gym environment.

Beyond that, there’s a ton of variety. You’ll find all sorts of bells and whistles that claim to keep your feet comfortable yet functional. But Stephanie Mansour, a certified personal trainer and founder of the fitness brand Step It Up With Steph, recommends keeping the shoe’s fit at the top of your priority list.

“Make sure that you go for fit — not for color,” she says. “You also want to make sure you do not buy a shoe that is too tight with the hopes of it stretching out. These are not like stretch jeans. They will not stretch out properly to fit your shoe. What you feel is what you get from the onset, so make sure you get a pair of running shoes that are comfortable while running initially.”

When picking out a show, it also helps to know how you run. There’s been a lot of study put into the natural running stride of the shoe-clad human foot, which tends to strike heel first, then roll slightly inward. That’s called pronation. Many longtime runners are prone to overpronation, where the inward roll is more pronounced. Less common is supination, which means the foot rolls outward instead.

You can typically tell which running mechanic you favor by looking at the tread wear on the running shoes you already own. If the wear is along the center where the balls of your feet are, you tend toward pronation. Wear closer to the inner edge means overpronation, while wear on the outer edge usually signifies supination. The latter two cases can result in knee or foot strain over time, so take steps to correct that stride. Motion-control shoes can help with overpronation, and extra cushioning will lessen the effects of supination.

Without shoes, the foot tends to strike the ground with the midfoot or forefoot. There are certain professional running shoes that try to replicate that habit with minimal soles and even separated protection for individual toes.

In any case, pick for comfort. Your feet will thank you in the long run, and there’s enough selection out there that you won’t have to sacrifice stability for style.

• For general fit, a couple of key tests will help. Make sure there’s about a thumb’s width between the tip of your big toe and the tip of the shoe, says Mansour. That room will help, since your foot will expand with exercise. As for the ankles, you’ll want to be able to move them around in circles without the lip of the shoes restricting your movement or chafing, she adds. They shouldn’t be so loose that the heel slips out of the back, however. And arch support can be crucial, so make sure you feel some cradling effect around the middle of your foot, Mansour says.
• Do you wear orthotics? If you’ve got special insoles that provide support or cushioning to key areas of the foot, bring along for the fitting. Chances are, they will change the fit of the shoe. Keep in mind that certain shoes are adaptable to this with removable insoles.
• When it comes to cushioning, you might think more is always better. That’s not necessarily the case. In fact, you won’t often see competitive runners wearing overly cushioned shoes because all that extra padding means a sacrifice in speed. Plenty of midsole cushioning can be a lifesaver for marathons or distance runners, but when it comes to speed, less is more.
• Stability and comfort are great, but be sure to check the materials on a shoe. Durable outsoles are often the main difference between an expensive shoe and an easily worn-out knock-off. Good, solidly constructed running shoes should last you up to four months or more if you go on frequent runs.
• If you run, your feet are going to get sweaty. It’s an unavoidable fact, but decent materials can mitigate it. The upper part of the shoe needs to have some stability, but the flexible fabric in between the support areas should have breathability to it. Look for mesh or something similar if your feet need a little extra breeze.