January 2025
Men's Running Shoes: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of men's running shoes rankings posted by key online experts, as of January 2025.
Summary
On 9 Jan 2025, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 92 running shoes endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
77 running shoes were endorsed in total, only 13 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 9 Jan 2025, Asics Novablast 4 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed running shoes with 2 expert endorsements. 2 experts out of 2 recommended it as the '#1 running shoes' this month.
Brand breakdown
-
Brooks: 12 running shoes
(#1 is Brooks Ghost 14)
-
Asics: 11 running shoes
(#1 is Asics Novablast 4)
-
Saucony: 9 running shoes
(#1 is Saucony Endorphin Speed 4)
-
Nike: 9 running shoes
(#1 is Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 41)
-
Hoka: 7 running shoes
(#1 is Hoka Clifton 9)
Price breakdown
At a glance - January Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Running Shoes |
Tom's Guide
|
Men'sHealth
|
Best Products
|
CNET
|
Fit and Well
|
Verywell Fit
|
Healthline
|
Runner's World
|
Forbes
|
OutdoorGearLab
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $200 |
Asics Novablast 4
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
|
2
|
- | $140 |
Hoka Clifton 9
|
2
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
3
|
- | Check price |
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
2
|
|
4
|
- | Check price |
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 41
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | Check price |
Hoka One Bondi 7
The Hoka One Bondi 7 is a highly cushioned and supportive running shoe that is ideal for long distance running, recovery days, and for runners who need extra cushioning to absorb shock and reduce impact on their joints.
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
6
|
- | $90 |
Puma Velocity Nitro 3
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
|
14
|
- | Check price |
Brooks Ghost 13
The Brooks Ghost 13 is a versatile and durable running shoe that provides a comfortable and stable ride for both beginners and seasoned runners.
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
15
|
- | Check price |
Brooks Ghost 15
The Brooks Ghost 15 Running Shoes are a versatile and durable option for runners who prioritize comfort, breathability, and traction, suitable for all types of runs and made with 62 percent recycled materials.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
- | Check price |
Nike Vaporfly 3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
5
|
-
|
|
17
|
- | Check price |
Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
|
18
|
+1 | $135 |
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
5
|
|
19
|
-1 | $110 |
Brooks Glycerin 21
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
|
20
|
- | Check price |
Brooks Glycerin 20
The Brooks Glycerin 20 is a highly cushioned and comfortable running shoe suitable for long-distance running, with a breathable air-mesh upper, redesigned outsole, and GuideRails technology for increased stability.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
13
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Asics Novablast 4 #1 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best men's running shoes” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Asics Novablast 4 as #1.
Men'sHealth
Most Versatile Running Shoe
|
A LOT of cushioning
Great for easy miles
Reasonably priced
|
Lacks grip in wet conditions
Too heavy for speed work
|
OutdoorGearLab
Best Overall Men's Running Shoes / Editor's Choice
|
Lots of fun, bouncy foam
Versatile
Plush and lightweight upper
|
Poor grip on slick/wet surfaces
Comfortable upper might run warm
|
We ranked Hoka Clifton 9 #2 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best men's running shoes” rankings.
Tom's Guide
Best men’s running shoes for beginners
|
Comfortable for runs of any length
Smooth, rockered ride
Versatile
|
Some might prefer higher drop shoe
Midsole foam is a little dull
|
Men'sHealth
Best Running Shoe For Daily Training
|
Great for casual and serious runners alike
Reasonable price
Balanced, responsive cushioning
Really durable
Tons of colors available
|
Speed runners might consider upgrading Hoka models
|
Verywell Fit
Best Women's Overall
|
Lightweight and flexible
Very versatile
Plush but responsive cushioning
|
Heel tab may be uncomfortable for some
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend men's running shoes.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of men's running shoes, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for January 2025 ranking
Tom's Guide
Men'sHealth
Best Products
CNET
Fit and Well
Verywell Fit
Healthline
Runner's World
Forbes
OutdoorGearLab
We ranked Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 #3 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best men's running shoes” rankings.
Tom's Guide
Best men’s running shoes for versatility
|
Great for any kind of run
Nylon plate for extra propulsion
Smooth, rockered ride ft
|
Similar to Endorphin Speed 3
Not as fast as a carbon shoe
|
OutdoorGearLab
Best Running Shoes for Uptempo Training / Editor's Choice
|
Excellent versatility
Great comfort and smooth cushioning
Fast and responsive ride
Snappy enough to be a race shoe for some runners
|
Expensive for a daily trainer
|
We ranked Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 41 #4 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best men's running shoes” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 41 as #1.
Tom's Guide
Best men's running shoes overall
|
An affordable, everyday running shoe
Comfortable for long runs
Durable design
|
Not ideal for faster runs
More cushioned options available
|
We ranked Hoka One Bondi 7 #5 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best men's running shoes” rankings.
Healthline
Best for cushioning
|
generally true to size
extra cushioning around the collar
lightweight and vegan
|
pricey for some budgets
may be uncomfortable for some due to extra cushioning
|
We ranked Puma Velocity Nitro 3 #6 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best men's running shoes” rankings.
Tom's Guide
Best value men’s running shoes
|
Great value
Versatile ride
Excellent grip
|
Similar to Velocity Nitro 2
|
OutdoorGearLab
Best Bang for Your Buck
|
Light and responsive foam
Affordable
Best-in-class traction
Versatile
|
Higher weight
Narrow toebox
|
We ranked Brooks Ghost 13 #7 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best men's running shoes” rankings.
Healthline
Best for long distance running
|
positive reviews for comfort and arch support from older adults
versatile shoe for running and walking
trusted, high quality brand with many loyal users
|
may run small, so consider buying a half-size up
may be slippery on wet surfaces
|
We ranked Brooks Ghost 15 #8 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best men's running shoes” rankings.
Fit and Well
Best men's running shoe for beginners
|
Durable
Good grip
Protects the body well
|
Not much different to Ghost 14
Less versatile than others
|
Verywell Fit
Best Cushioned
|
Excellent cushioning
Good arch support
Very versatile
|
Heavier than previous version
|
We ranked Nike Vaporfly 3 #9 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best men's running shoes” rankings.
Runner's World
Best For Road Racing
|
More stable than the Vaporfly 2
Extremely high energy return
|
Upper lacks flexibility
|
We ranked Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris #10 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best men's running shoes” rankings.
Tom's Guide
Best men's race running shoes
|
Very light
Bouncy, efficient ride
Fast over any distance
|
Expensive
Outsole coverage stops short of heel
|
OutdoorGearLab
Best Running Shoes for Race Day
|
Extremely fast
High cushioning and responsiveness
Insanely light
|
Struggles on loose surfaces
Narrow fit through the midfoot is less accommodating
|
We ranked New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 #11 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best men's running shoes” rankings.
Runner's World
Best Daily Trainer
|
Lightweight
Versatile
Soft and responsive
|
Poor traction, especially in wet conditions
|
OutdoorGearLab
Excellent Performance without a Plate
|
Engaging ride with lots of bounce
Excellent cushioning
Lightweight
|
Not as snappy as some plated options
Fit is slightly short
|
We ranked Brooks Glycerin 21 #12 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best men's running shoes” rankings.
Tom's Guide
Best men’s running shoes for marathon training
|
Very comfortable for long runs
Lightweight cushioning
Durable outsole
|
Not as soft as some cushioned shoes
Upper can feel hot
|
We ranked Brooks Glycerin 20 #13 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best men's running shoes” rankings.
Fit and Well
The best premium men's running shoe
|
Incredibly comfortable
Supportive and bouncy midsole
Good grip
|
More expensive than others
Not the lightest or fastest
|
Verywell Fit
Best Stability
|
Excellent stability for flat feet and overpronators
Very versatile
APMA Seal of Approval
|
Limited color options for narrow and wide sizes
Too much stability for neutral runners
|