The Best Running Shoes for Men in 2026
What You Need in a Running Shoe This Year
TL;DR
This year’s best running shoes for men mix plush cushioning, smart stability, and some wild energy return tech. The Nike Alphafly 3 and ASICS Novablast 5 deliver speed and spring, while classics like the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 and HOKA Mach 6 nail everyday comfort. Whether you’re training for a marathon, logging easy miles, or just walking the dog in style, there’s a perfect fit waiting at PR Run & Walk.
How to Find the Best Running Shoes for Men
Let’s be real: finding the best running shoes for men is like trying to pick a favorite kid. Every pair has its quirks, strengths, and loyal fans who’ll defend them to the death. But after combing through 400+ shoes on our wall of running footwear and testing them on the roads, trails, and treadmills, we’ve narrowed it down to the ones that actually deliver.
If you’re new to running, check out our guide on how to start running before diving into this list. And if you want the perfect fit for your stride and arch, our PR Fit Process takes the guesswork out of it.
Ready? Let’s lace up and break down the best men’s running shoes for 2026.
Best Men’s Running Shoes: 2026 Edition
Nike Alphafly 3: The Speed Demon
You knew this one was coming. The Nike Alphafly 3 isn’t just fast; it’s unapologetically built for breaking records. Every ounce of this shoe screams “race day,” from its dual Zoom Air pods to the full-length carbon plate that propels you forward like you’re running downhill on caffeine.
What’s new for 2026? A lighter Atomknit 3.0 upper that hugs your foot without strangling it and a redesigned outsole that grips wet pavement better than previous models.
Runners who’ve tested it through our race calendar say it’s as smooth at mile 26 as it is at mile 2. If you’re serious about chasing PRs, this is the shoe that’ll make you believe in miracles (or at least better pacing).
Best for: Marathoners, elite runners, or anyone who gets excited about splits.
HOKA Mach 6: The Everyday Rocket
If the Alphafly is a sports car, the HOKA Mach 6 is your daily driver with a turbo button. It’s light, fast, and surprisingly plush for something this responsive.
HOKA stripped out the old ProFly+ midsole and replaced it with a new supercritical foam that’s ridiculously bouncy. The upper got a makeover too: a breathable, engineered mesh that doesn’t hold heat, even on summer long runs.
It’s a perfect shoe for anyone who wants that “spring in your step” feel without sacrificing cushion. Great for training, tempo runs, or just flexing at your local coffee shop after a long run.
Best for: Daily training and uptempo runs
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25: The Reliable Workhorse
Year after year, Brooks proves consistency is sexy. The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 continues its streak as the “it just works” shoe for overpronators and long-haul runners alike.
The updated DNA Loft v3 midsole feels smoother than ever, while GuideRails support tech subtly keeps your stride in check without screaming “stability shoe.”
We like to think of it as that one friend who always shows up on time, doesn’t complain, and somehow makes every run feel 10% easier.
Best for: Stability seekers, walkers, and marathon training
If you’ve ever wondered whether Brooks makes good running shoes, the Adrenaline line is Exhibit A.
ASICS Novablast 5: The Bouncy One
“Trampoline-like” might sound dramatic, but the ASICS Novablast 5 earns it. The FlyteFoam Blast+ Eco midsole is tuned for maximum rebound, and the geometry keeps transitions buttery smooth.
For 2026, ASICS refined the heel and improved outsole grip, so it’s a safer bet on slick winter pavement. It’s one of the few shoes that feels equally good for recovery jogs and tempo days.
This shoe sits comfortably in the middle between performance and plush comfort. It’s a crowd favorite for anyone who runs for the fun of it.
Best for: Neutral runners who like bounce
If you deal with foot pain or just want to run longer with less fatigue, check out our post on plantar fasciitis relief to pair the right insoles with your Novablasts.
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3: The Tech Marvel
This one feels like cheating… in the best possible way. The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 packs a high-stack midsole with a full-length carbon plate sandwiched between layers of ultra-soft FuelCell foam. Translation: bounce city.
It’s technically legal for racing, but feels so luxurious you might just save it for long runs. The knit upper molds to your foot, and the midsole’s rocker design helps your stride feel smooth even when your form starts to crumble.
Best for: Long-distance training and carbon-curious runners
Nike Zoom Fly 6: The Carbon-Lite
If the Alphafly is the big brother, the Zoom Fly 6 is the more approachable sibling. It has a carbon plate and ZoomX midsole foam, but with a touch more stability and durability.
Think of it as a high-performance daily trainer you can actually beat up. Perfect for marathon training blocks when you want to feel fast without wasting your race-day shoes.
Best for: Tempo runs and long workouts
For a breakdown of how carbon plates actually work, see our deep dive on best carbon plate running shoes.
Nike Vomero Premium: The Plush Cruiser
You could run in the Nike Vomero Premium, but you could just as easily wear it to brunch and still feel justified. That’s how comfortable it is.
With full ZoomX foam and a reworked heel clip, it’s smooth, balanced, and deceptively light. It’s a quiet contender for best daily trainer if you value comfort over flash.
Best for: Daily miles and walking
Saucony Ride 18: The Goldilocks Choice
Not too soft. Not too firm. The Saucony Ride 18 is that perfect middle ground most runners never find.
Saucony’s PWRRUN+ foam feels springy without overdoing it, and the upper fits like a glove right out of the box. If you’re switching from stability shoes to neutral or just want a dependable everyday option, this is it.
Best for: Easy runs, recovery days
If you often rotate between road and trail runs, check out our post on are trail running shoes good for snow and ice.
HOKA Clifton 10: The Soft Legend Returns
The HOKA Clifton line is practically folklore in the running community, and version 10 proves why. The cushion feels like running on warm pancakes: soft, smooth, and slightly addictive.
It’s the ideal recovery shoe, especially when paired with a solid pair of recovery shoes for post-run lounging.
Best for: Recovery runs and long easy days
OOfos OOcloog Clog: The Recovery Essential
You don’t run in these. You recover in them. The OOfos OOcloog Clog is what your feet deserve after a long day.
Made with OOfoam that absorbs 37% more impact than traditional EVA, it helps reduce strain on your knees and back, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Best for: Post-run recovery
On Cloudsurfer Next: The Smooth Operator
On’s “CloudTec Phase” midsole creates a rolling, rhythmic ride that feels almost meditative. The On Cloudsurfer Next is for runners who crave smooth transitions and zero wasted energy.
It’s lighter and softer than past Cloudsurfer models, and the sustainability push (recycled mesh upper) is a nice bonus.
Best for: Daily miles and longer runs
ASICS GT-2000 14: The Stability Staple
If you overpronate but don’t want a bulky shoe, the ASICS GT-2000 14 hits that sweet spot. Lighter than ever, yet still rock-solid underfoot.
The LITETRUSS stability system and FF Blast cushioning combine for a ride that feels supportive but never stiff.
Best for: Runners needing mild to moderate stability
For more info on finding supportive shoes for your stride, read our guide on how to choose orthopedic shoes.
HOKA Mach X 3: The Speed-Training Hybrid
Think of the HOKA Mach X 3 as the Mach 6’s caffeinated cousin. It’s firmer, faster, and meant for serious tempo work.
The PEBAX plate adds snap without sacrificing that HOKA comfort we all love. If you’re training for a half marathon and want something that can handle both speed days and long runs, this is your guy.
Best for: Speed workouts and race simulations
ASICS Superblast 2: The Distance King
The ASICS Superblast 2 is the long-run champ. Massive stack height, featherweight feel, and just enough rebound to keep your legs from hating you.
It’s also one of the most durable high-stack shoes on the market, clocking well past 500 miles before showing real wear, according to Runner’s World Lab testing.
Best for: Long-distance runners
Final Thoughts
So, which one’s the best running shoe for men in 2026? That depends on your miles, your stride, and your mood.
If you crave speed, go Alphafly 3.
If you want balanced comfort, Mach 6 or Ride 18 are unbeatable.
If your knees need stability, Adrenaline GTS 25 or GT-2000 14 will love you back.
If your feet need pampering, grab the Clifton 10 or OOfos Clogs and call it a day.
And if you’re not sure where to start, swing by one of our PR Run & Walk locations for a stride analysis. You’ll walk out knowing exactly what your feet have been missing.
To take your running game even further, check out:
Because shoes are just part of the story. The rest? That’s all you.