Best Running Shoes for All Levels

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.

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39

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.

Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA

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.

Norda 001

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.

Salomon Raid Wind

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.

Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GORE-TEX

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.

Asics GT-2000 10

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

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

Nike Zoom Fly 4

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.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 2

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.

Nike React Infinity Run 2 Flyknit

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.