The Best Men's Running Shoes of 2022

The best men's running shoes of 2022 are the ones that protect you while propelling you to greater heights. They can handle all kinds of weather and terrain. They need to look good too. That’s where we come in.

We've rounded up the best men's running trainers on the market, from Nike to Adidas to New Balance, to ensure that you're supported on your journey. But how do you pick the right one? By following out guide, of course. Ready, set, go.

How to choose the right running shoe

A lot of different factors go into buying the right running shoe, and top tier trainers don’t come cheap, so it’s worth putting in the research.

First of all, what surface are you predominantly running on? Muddy, rocky trail running calls for (surprise surprise) trail running shoes, with the kind of tread that can perform on and protect from uneven ground. Road running, on the other hand, necessitates more comfort and bounce, to keep you puffing away for longer. But if you do a bit of both, then you should opt for a hybrid trainer that can, well… do a bit of both.

Then there’s gait, which is important for long-term runners. We can’t help you there. If you want to drill into the more personalised aspects of your running style – pronation type, inefficiencies, heel striking etc – you should go to a place that specialises in such matters. Asics offers a video gait analysis in-store, as do a number of other running brands.

There are different kinds of lightweight running shoes, and understanding them is the key to buying right.

The majority of the entries on this list are cushioned trainers – or neutral shoes – for regular runners geared towards different levels of ability. They’re plush and offer support, without being too rigid.

Racing flats with spikes are meant for experienced runners undertaking speed work and racing around tracks, whereas normal lightweight road shoes cut fatigue and generally prioritise comfort and shock absorption (that is, if you invest in a proper, premium pair).

Stability shoes offer arch and ankle support, as well as midsole cushioning, to avoid overpronation (when the foot rolls inward upon landing, something you might discover during a gait analysis.) If you find that you do pronate to an excess, motion control shoes offer a firm fit that controls movement.

The best running shoes of 2022

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We’ve praised Nike’s Pegasus range a lot over the years. They’re affordable, comfortable and durable – everything a casual runner needs in a shoe. The 39th iteration comes with an improved fit and weighs in at even less than its predecessor, with a Zoom Air unit (cushioning system) that now covers the heel as well as the forefoot. It’s slightly bigger than some of the other similarly-priced options on this list, but still a great choice.

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39, £109.95, sportsshoes.com

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We like the beachy colourway on these signature trail sneakers from Canadian brand Norda – squint your eyes, and it looks like a bird’s-eye-view of the sand, sea and foam. But they’re designed for far harsher terrain than that, with Vibram soles offering plenty of traction. What’s more, every pair of 001s are cut by lasers and stitched by hand, with sustainability at the heart of production.

Norda 001 Neoprene-Trimmed Mesh Running Sneakers, £225, mrporter.com

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Saucony’s first take on the Raid Wind arrived in 1999, and the colourful, hiking-inspired design of the shoe thankfully hasn’t changed much since then. The running tech has though: breathable mesh made of recycled materials adorn the upper, while dual-density Ortholite® sockliners keep you feeling cushy. Then there’s the all terrain Contagrip® rubber soles for proper traction on tricky surfaces. A lesson for all historic running brands: when in doubt, dive into the archives.

Salomon Raid Wind Rubber and Mesh Trail Running Sneakers, £125, mrporter.com

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A top tier pair of trail shoes, more than worthy if its price tag. The Trail 3 has a layer of GORE-TEX that keeps you dry in even the stormiest conditions, while the shockwave-patterned rubber outsole gives you the traction you need on rocky terrain. We like the dusty colourway too.

Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GORE-TEX, £134.95, nike.com

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So you’ve seen The Batman, and that was enough to convince you to pull on a armoured suit of your own and take on the seedy criminal underbelly of your city/town/civil parish? That’s probably a bad idea. But if there’s one cue you should be taking from Batman’s costume, it’s the all-black footwear. We’re big fans of this tonal pair from Japanese racing dons Asics, fitted with the brand’s very own 3D SPACE CONSTRUCTION which provides a super responsive foot strike.

Asics GT-2000 10, £120, mrporter.com

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Remember that extremely Nineties diner all the Saved by the Bell kids hung out in, with all the zany wall motifs? The Max? That’s what this colourway reminds us of. If that isn't enough to sell you on it, Adidas has crafted the Ultraboost 5.0 DNA with its very own patented recycled material, Primeblue, which is composed of Parley Ocean Plastics, and the Primeknit upper offers a sock-like fit. A perfect summer running trainer.

Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA, £160, mrporter.com

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Already renowned for its supreme comfort and stability, Asics’s new GT-2000 10 features a seam-free knit upper to allow for an even better fit. The weave is designed to move with your feet and allow improved airflow and regulate foot temperature, which is especially important on those longer runs. The shoe also features a layer of Asics’s latest ‘Flyte Foam’ in the sole, which offers improved cushioning and energy return from previous models

Asics GT-2000 10, £120, sportsshoes.com

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It can be hard to keep track of all the latest iterations of the thick-soled Zoom Fly which so revolutionised the running shoe game when it first emerged in 2017, but it’s fairly safe to assume that each new model builds on the tech and performance of those that came before. The Zoom Fly 4 comprises a breathable mesh upper (with Flyknit detailing) and an internal carbon fibre plate that helps to improve energy return with each stride. This all-white colourway is seriously slick, too.

Nike Zoom Fly 4, £145, mrporter.com

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The latest in Saucony’s barnstorming Endorphin range is almost impossibly light, but despite its minimal weight, it still offers the stability and cushion you need to put in some serious miles. Saucony claims it will perform as well over long distance as it will in sprints or middle-distance runs, but just putting the shoe on makes you feel faster. It sits snug (thanks to the improved heel shape) and offers incredible comfort straight out of the box. Add to that some lary colours and you’ve got a winner.

Endorphin Speed 2, £140, sportsshoes.com

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A dependable every day running shoe with a locked-in feel, this upgrade on the much-praised Infinity introduces a more breathable upper and an improved fit. Nike designed this shoe for the road, and while the cushioned feel isn’t exactly conducive to PB-breaking sprints, it offers the kind of smooth transitions that will have you running for longer. The Flyknit upper is a welcome upgrade, too, and while the React Infinity Run 2 isn’t exactly cheap, it’s a worthwhile buy for anyone who wants to settle into a new fitness routine.

React Infinity Run 2 Flyknit, £145, nike.com

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With a design inspired by the famous surf spot of the same name in Santa Barbara, California, the Rincon is a multipurpose shoe that is both lighter and more comfortable than its predecessor. The transitions are smoother, and the mesh upper is also 100% vegan – something we’re happily seeing far more of from running shoe manufacturers.

Hoka One One Rincon 3, £103, sportsshoes.com

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Comfortable, rugged and understated in design, the ultra-grippy Salomon Cross Pro 2 is a great option for anyone who finds most trail shoes to be unnecessarily clunky and fugly. The Contragrip outsole is adaptable to any terrain, digging its deep lugs into muddy ground to ensure that you maintain your composure and keep your face out of the dirt (it’s abrasion-resistant too), and the sock-like upper mean you’ll get a light and snug fit. Helps that they look like the kind of shoe Batman would wear to boot a henchman’s shins in with, too.

Salomon Cross Pro 2 Trail, £134.99, sportsshoes.com

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It’s getting soggier and soggier out there, as you’ll no doubt have noticed on your morning runs recently. The whole idea of the Shield iteration of Nike’s Zoom Pegasus model is to keep your feet dry, warm and cosseted through the winter: there’s extra grip on the soles, a weatherised upper to keep off splashes and a tongue which is – it says here – “gusseted” to make sure none of those puddles get through to your socks. It’s not just comfort either: dry feet means less rubbing, which means fewer blisters. Think on.

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield, £114.95, nike.com

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One for the long-distance crew. Comfort and stamina are the big design drivers here. A soft-engineered mesh on the upper lets your feet breathe a little easier, and there’s extra cushioning in the heel too. You’re probably not thinking very much about lace eyelets when you compare your prospective running shoes, but Asics certainly do: on the Gel-Nimbus 23 they're shaped to allow the tongue and upper to move more freely and naturally with your foot with every landing and lift-off. And, in a case of possibly over-thinking things, there’s “gender-specific pillars” under the toe which supports men and women’s feet slightly differently. Quite how the trainer knows is unclear. But still: nice idea.

Asics Gel-Nimbus 23, £155, asics.com

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If you’re extremely keen not to get soaked but are completely wedded to Adidas’ Ozweego silhouette, try these. There’s a water-repellent upper, a warm lining, a grippy outsole and a particularly snug fit to keep the worst that the weather has to throw at you. The midsole Bounce cushioning is the secret weapon here, along with pods inside the collar to make those longer runs a little easier to handle.

Adidas Climawarm Bounce, £85, adidas.com

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Japanese designer Daiki Suzuki was inspired by the functionality of workwear when he created his label Engineered Garments in 2002, and in the near-twenty years since he has collaborated with many brands who share the same vision. So this link-up with French running brand Hoka One One should come as no surprise; ditto the fact that Engineered Garments has decided to take a spin on the iconic Bondi L, a beefy-soled sneaker that looks just as at home at Fashion Week as it does in a 5K. Four shoes are available – including a leopard print option – but the croc-embossed brown leather is our favourite. In terms of performance, the Bondi L is a surprisingly light everyday trainer with top-tier cushioning. As a former marathon runner, Suzuki knows what he’s doing.

Hoka One One X Engineered Garments Bondi L, £170, mrporter.com

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A favourite amongst casual runners. That’s because they provide a premium look and feel at an affordable price, with a (recently redesigned) breathable knitted upper and a secure design that leaves you feeling supported and protected. Grooves in the outsole make them super flexible, which in turn allows your foot to move naturally with each stride, and they’re comfortable enough to use in other forms of exercise too. There may come a time when you want to graduate into something a little more supportive, but this is a great option nonetheless.

Nike Flex Experience Run 10, £59.95, nike.com

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The Adizero Adios Pro 2s are all about limiting energy loss. Adidas has achieved that by crafted a sculpted midsole which delivers lightweight stiffness which, they say, is designed for a ‘more anatomical driven transition’. Meanwhile, the shoe’s cushioned and springy running technology protects your joints on hard surfaces while also pushing you forward. Designed for record-breaking efforts.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2, £179.99, sportsshoes.com

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A hefty fella that feels surprisingly light for its size, Nike’s Alphafly is crafted with at least 50% recycled materials (the brand refers to it as its ‘most sustainably-minded performance shoe yet’). It’s all part of the big tick’s ambition to produce zero carbon or waste, and choosing materials that account for more than 70% of a product’s footprint. Lofty stuff, but are the trainers actually, you know… good? The answer, friends, is yes. More foam provides more cushioning, and the upper is made with a 3D-printing technique that produces zero water retention (so you'll be light on your feet). It also has two slim Zoom Air units – tightly stretched tensile fibres that compress on impact before propelling you forward, a good combo for a sturdy road racer.

Nike Zoom Alphafly Next Nature, £294.95, nike.com

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The French brand’s flagship trainer returns, and it’s come a long way since the Bondi B arrived on running tracks in 2011. The biggest evolution this time around? That would be the spring-loaded carbon-fibre plate, which provides a smoother step from heel to toe. It’s lighter than its predecessor, thanks in part to the flighty foam Hoka One One has fixed it with and the 3D hotmelt yarns on the mesh upper. Comfort and speed are the priorities here, and we like the crisp colourway too.

Hoka One One Bondi X, £179.99, sportsshoes.com

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The second iteration of Asics’ popular Novablast shoe has been upgraded with a sleeker, plusher upper, as well as a newly designed midsole and outsole. It’s been revolutionised from the ground up, in other words, as part of an effort to create a neutral daily trainer that can deal with whatever you throw at it. It’s still super snug and cushioned, though, and the ride is smoother than before. We’re big fans.

Asics Novablast 2, £130, asics.com

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Allbirds, the New Zealand-American trainer brand favoured by Barack Obama, is all about sustainability and comfort. The Tree Dasher is made of durable and super breathable materials (the one-piece upper is crafted from FSC® Certified eucalyptus trees) and the dual-density midsole lays claim to being the world’s first carbon negative EVA. Not only that, but Allbirds has managed to make the whole running shoe carbon neutral – no small feat. Performance-wise, they’re set up for ultimate energy return and allow you to be incredibly light on your feet. A great option for anyone who wants to make a difference.

Allbirds Tree Dashers, £120, allbirds.co.uk

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Designed for long runs, and perfect for when a PB is in sight and your legs begin to feel like lumber. The shock-absorption capabilities are very impressive, while the wider forefoot and high foam provide the kind of comfort and stability you need on the final furlong of a big race. They’re big, sure, but extremely responsive and lightweight, with a rocker shape that supports the three phases of a runner’s stride. There’s also a waffle outsole that Nike says is created with data from athletes and hobbyists, which results in top traction on any terrain. Not cheap, but worth any serious runner’s consideration.

Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit, £164.95, nike.com

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Stripped back design and an affordable price point make the Supernovas a perfect choice for casual runners, with a comfortable upper made from eco-friendly recycled fibers and a rubber outsole that provides plenty of grip. They’re not as light as the more premium offerings on this list, but they’re hardwearing and use the brand’s Boost midsole technology to provide a pretty seamless workout experience. They also remind us a little of vintage Adidas football boots, which is no bad thing.

Adidas Supernova M, £85, adidas.co.uk

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Salomon’s sleek technical shoes have played a key role in the rise of ‘Gorpcore’ over the years – the trend in which men who work from cafes dress like all-action Kilimanjaro botherers. Nowadays you’re just as likely to see a pair at a fashion week party as you are on a nature trail, but this is one of the most versatile colourways we’ve seen from the French brand. The retro-inspired beige and white Odyssey Advanced hiking shoes are neutral and chunky enough to work their way into the wardrobe rotation, but also stand up to the elements on tricky terrain. The roomy toe box ensures comfort, while the midsoles absorb shock and reduces muscle fatigue.

Salomon Odyssey Advanced, £145, mrporter.com

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While we’re talking Gorp, Arc’teryx’s trail runners have a great reputation for a reason. The Norvan SL 2s are super lightweight and breathable, perfect for gliding around all kinds of challenging conditions (the durable Vibram Megagrip outsole really stands up to the test). They’re also, if you haven’t already noticed, extremely yellow. They’re probably the yellow-est trainers we’ve ever seen. If you’re a fan of yellow – and you must be, because you stopped to read this and haven’t stopped – then there is simply is no better option.

Arc'teryx Norvan SL 2, £130, arcteryx.com

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This isn’t the first time we’ve mentioned the Pegasus 38s, and it won’t be the last. Comfortable, affordable, effective – there are few that can match it as an all-rounder. And now, a great tiger print colourway from Nike's Blue Ribbon Sports offshoot. Lovely stuff.

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38, £109.95, nike.com

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For our money, some of the nicest looking trainers on the market. We’ve talked plenty about how much we liked its predecessor, but the Japanese brand’s much-anticipated upgrade features a snugger fit on the mesh upper and a new midsole foam – FF Blast foam, specifically – which makes for a more responsive, bouncy and lightweight ride. They’re as airy and comfortable as ever, and we’re big fans of this grey colourway with paint strokes of red, light blue and navy.

Asics Gel-Kayano 28, £155, mrporter.com

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The softest shoe in Saucony’s line-up, the Triumph 19 aims for “cloudlike lightness”. It's achieved though PWRRUN+ cushioning on the underfoot, as well as a new re-engineered mono-mesh upper for breathability. It’s also partially made from recycled materials.

Saucony Triumph 19, £145, saucony.com

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One of Nike’s most tested shoes, the brand’s ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknits are made for long, PB-breaking runs. To achieve that, every element of the shoe is thoughtfully designed to create a lightweight, protective and propulsive ride. The foam midsole is incredibly soft and bouncy (we’d advise keeping it away from harsh trail conditions), the shape at the forefoot is exaggerated to provide more stability, while the rocker silhouette maintains momentum. The upper is plush and super breathable, too. If you’re looking for a comfy, cloud-like running shoe, then this is one of your very best bets.

Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit, £164.95, nike.com

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Yeah, okay, fine, the 4DFWD’s midsole looks like it’s been crafted with kids’ pasta shapes, but there’s method to the madness. It’s based on seventeen years of athletes’ running data, a 3D-printed feat of engineering that redirects energy forward, improving your gait in the process. Elsewhere, the rubber outsole offers trustworthy traction and the sock-like Primeknit+ upper provides the kind of breathable comfort you need on long runs (although you should possibly move down a shoe size, considering just how flexible it is).

Adidas 4DFWD, £170, adidas.co.uk

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We like the sunset-to-dusk colourway on these Columbia trainers, but not as much as we like the price. You don’t find many trail runners this good looking for south of a hundred, and while they boast a relatively simple construction compared to some much pricier (and often clunkier) competitors, they’ll serve you well in challenging terrain. The mesh upper is flexible while still maintaining a structured fit, and it's satisfyingly breathable too. The midsole, meanwhile, is well cushioned and offers impressive stability. They’re also part of a small but esteemed group of shoes on this list that we’d wear casually.

Columbia Escape Pursuit Trail, £90, columbiasportswear.co.uk

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To celebrate the Tokyo Olympics, Nike has collaborated with a host of much-loved Japanese brands (UNDERCOVER, sacai and Ambush) as well as Virgil Abloh’s Off-White on a long-awaited line-up of sports apparel (the range was, of course, originally planned for last year). We really like the look of UNDERCOVER founder Jun Takahashi’s take on the ZoomX Vaporfly Next&s – it’s the latest entry into his Gyakusou collection, which Takahashi has been working on for over a decade with the famous Tokyo running association of the same name (‘Gyakusou’ roughly translates to running the wrong way, a reference to the fact that the group runs counter-clockwise while others in the city do the opposite). Also available in red, you’ll have to get in there quick to cop a pair.

Nike x Undercover Gyakusou ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% VaporWeave, £255, mrporter.com

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Another trail runner, perfect for all that countryside staycation exercising you've promised yourself you’ll be doing in the coming months. First thing’s first, the Moab Flight is sustainably crafted: the mesh upper is made of 70% recycled material, while the high-performance Vibram EcoStep soles and the top sheet of the EVA foam insole sit at 30% and 50% on the doing-good-o-meter respectively (the laces, meanwhile, are 100% recycled). It’s also vegan-friendly, and they’re super rugged and comfortable. An impressive achievement, and a big step in the right direction.

Merrell Moab Flight, £110, merrell.com

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A very affordable pair of runners that look the part too, Nike’s Downshifter has reached its eleventh iteration for a reason. First of all, the shoe provides a surprisingly premium fit – cushioned, lightweight, breathable and supportive, a translucent window allows you to get a glimpse at the mechanisms that tighten around your foot pre-run. It’s also available in a minimalist black silhouette, but we’re big fans of the slick platinum colourway.

Nike Downshifter 11, £54.95, nike.com

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The award-winning Hoka One One Clifton is back, this time with a lighter and more responsive EVA midsole (it has dropped in weight by 15%), as well as a streamlined silhouette and reimagined (super comfortable, 100 per cent vegan) mesh upper. Designed as an everyday trainer, the MetaRocker technology – midsole geometry that creates a fulcrum effect while you run – means that you’ll quickly hit your stride. The tasteful teal colourway gets a big thumbs up from us, too.

Hoka One One Clifton 8, £125, hokaoneone.eu

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Supreme comfort is the name of the game with the Glycerin 19. Brooks has decked the shoe out with a plush interior and super soft cushioning in the midsole – what the brand calls ‘DNA Loft’ – that provides an easy ride without being too squishy or absorbing your momentum.

Brooks Glycerin 19, £140, brooksrunning.com

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The celebrated marathon-ready shoe has been revamped, with a new mesh upper that provides more comfort than its predecessor without losing any of the airy snugness that made the NEXT% such a favourite amongst top athletes. The carbon-plated design itself is fairly identical, as are the outsole and midsole (the stack height of which is 40mm, the maximum allowed by World Athletics). Not a departure from Nike’s previous offerings, but a triumph nonetheless.

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2, £209.95, nike.com

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It should be said, first of all, that these trainers aren’t cheap; at over £200, they’re one of the most expensive options on this list. Still, that money gets you a pair of runners that have been engineered for peak performance, suitable for elite athletes as well as PB-breaking hobbyists. The lightweight knit upper keeps your foot cool during long outings, and coupled with the soft padding around the collar and wider toe box, you’ll be treated to one of the most comfortable running experiences around. It’s the nitrogen-infused foam on the Fuelcell midsole that really propels you forward though, while the lightweight rubber outsole offers traction and protection from the elements. An investment, but one that any serious runner deserves to treat themselves to.

New Balance Fuelcell RC Elite V2, £209.99, sportsshoes.com

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By and large, brands often opt for an earthy palette with their trail sneaker design: browns and oranges and murky reds. So it’s refreshing to see Nike experiment with a lighter colourway for the Pegasus 3 – an Eighties-inspired, bubblegum-flavoured mix of teal, gold, and purple, with a grey-ish white midsole that provides plenty of comfort and support on the rockiest of terrain. The rubber sole also mimics mountain-biking tyres, keeping your run smooth and your feet protected. We’re big fans.

Nike Pegasus 3 Mesh Trail, £114.95, nike.com

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When it comes to state-of-the-art running tech, you can always trust Swiss dons On. Beginning their mission to achieve "the perfect running sensation" in Zurich in 2010, the brand has gone from strength to strength, always focused on the same basic concept: that a good shoe needs a cushioned landing and a firm take-off. The Cloudnova is one of the lightest trainers you’ll find on the market, and arrive at a reasonable price. They stand out from the pack on a visual level too.

ON Cloudnova, £135, mrporter.com