October 2024

Men's Running Shoes: MetaRanking

This page highlights the aggregate summary of men's running shoes rankings posted by key online experts, as of October 2024.

Summary

On 16 Oct 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 93 running shoes endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.

78 running shoes were endorsed in total, only 12 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)

As of 16 Oct 2024, 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
Show all brands

Price breakdown
As can be seen in the chart below, lowest high-ranking men's running shoes start at $39.94 (Asics Gel-Venture 7) and go up to $205 (Nike Pegasus Trail 2). Median running shoes costs $124.90 (Salomon Sense Ride 4).
$39.94
$205

At a glance - October Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
Rank Change Price Running Shoes
OutdoorGearLab
CNET
Verywell Fit
Healthline
Forbes
Runner's World
Best Products
Fit and Well
Men'sHealth
Tom's Guide
1
- $140
Asics Novablast 4
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
-
2
- $183
Hoka Clifton 9
-
-
2
-
-
-
-
-
3
2
3
- $170
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
2
-
-
-
-
9
-
-
-
6
4
- Check price
Nike Vaporfly 3
4
-
-
-
5
5
-
-
-
-
5
+1 $140
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
+1 $121
Puma Velocity Nitro 3
3
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
7
+1 Check price
Saucony Guide 16
-
-
6
-
2
-
-
-
-
-
16
- $104
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.
-
-
-
3
-
-
9
-
-
-
17
- 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.
-
-
11
-
-
-
-
3
-
-
18
- $118
Brooks Glycerin 21
-
-
-
-
6
-
-
-
-
5
19
New * $140
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4
5
-
-
-
-
6
-
-
-
-
20
- $131
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.
-
-
13
-
-
-
-
5
-
-

Running Shoes
#16 $103.97 Brooks Ghost 13
#18 $118.32 Brooks Glycerin 21
#6 $121.50 Puma Velocity Nitro 3
#20 $130.73 Brooks Glycerin 20
#1 $139.95 Asics Novablast 4
#5 $139.95 Hoka One Bondi 7
#19 $139.95 New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4
#3 $169.95 Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
#2 $183 Hoka Clifton 9

We ranked Asics Novablast 4 #1 in October 2024 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.
Critic endorsements:
OutdoorGearLab

Best Overall Men's Running Shoe

Lots of fun, bouncy foam
Versatile
Plush and lightweight upper

Poor grip on slick/wet surfaces
Comfortable upper might run warm

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked Hoka Clifton 9 #2 in October 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best men's running shoes” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Verywell Fit

Best Women's Overall

Lightweight and flexible
Very versatile
Plush but responsive cushioning

Heel tab may be uncomfortable for some

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

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 October 2024 ranking

We ranked Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 #3 in October 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best men's running shoes” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
OutdoorGearLab

Best Running Shoe for Uptempo Training

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

Go to ranking

Runner's World

Most Versatile

Bouncy midsole
Ventilated upper

Flimsy tongue

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked Nike Vaporfly 3 #4 in October 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best men's running shoes” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
OutdoorGearLab

Best for Race Day

Speedy
Foam is responsive
Lightweight

Traction on wet surfaces is subpar
Lateral stability is lacking

Go to ranking

Forbes

Best Racing Running Shoes For Men

Go to ranking

Runner's World

Best For Road Racing

More stable than the Vaporfly 2
Extremely high energy return

Upper lacks flexibility

Go to ranking

We ranked Hoka One Bondi 7 #5 in October 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best men's running shoes” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 19 May 2023)
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.
Critic endorsements:
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

Go to ranking

Best Products

Best for Support

Go to ranking

We ranked Puma Velocity Nitro 3 #6 in October 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best men's running shoes” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
OutdoorGearLab

Best Bang for Your Buck

Light and responsive foam
Affordable
Best-in-class traction
Versatile

Higher weight
Narrow toebox

Go to ranking

Tom's Guide

Best value men’s running shoes

Great value
Versatile ride
Excellent grip

Similar to Velocity Nitro 2

Go to ranking

We ranked Saucony Guide 16 #7 in October 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best men's running shoes” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Verywell Fit

Best for Overpronation

Comfortable and responsive
Very supportive
Soft and lightweight

Regular width may be too narrow for some

Go to ranking

Forbes

Best Men's Running Shoes For Long Runs

Go to ranking

We ranked Brooks Ghost 13 #8 in October 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best men's running shoes” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 19 May 2023)
The Brooks Ghost 13 is a versatile and durable running shoe that provides a comfortable and stable ride for both beginners and seasoned runners.
Critic endorsements:
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

Go to ranking

Best Products

Best for Beginners

Go to ranking

We ranked Brooks Ghost 15 #9 in October 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best men's running shoes” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 19 May 2023)
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.
Critic endorsements:
Verywell Fit

Best Cushioned

Excellent cushioning
Good arch support
Very versatile

Heavier than previous version

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked Brooks Glycerin 21 #10 in October 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best men's running shoes” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Forbes

Best Men's Running Shoes For Wide Feet

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 #11 in October 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best men's running shoes” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
OutdoorGearLab

Best for Performance without a Plate

Engaging ride with lots of bounce
Excellent cushioning
Lightweight

Not as snappy as some plated options
Fit is slightly short

Go to ranking

Runner's World

Best Daily Trainer

Lightweight
Versatile
Soft and responsive

Poor traction, especially in wet conditions

Go to ranking

We ranked Brooks Glycerin 20 #12 in October 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best men's running shoes” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 19 May 2023)
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.
Critic endorsements:
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

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking