Reddit mentions: The best road running shoes for men

I'm glad you and others posted this. I was eyeing these too and nearly settled on them until I got a closer look and found a lot of reports like yours. And, at least for me, they're not good travel shoes. Too heavy and those eyelets that let water out? Well, yeah, they also let water in. Even early morning dew. So good luck traveling with these.

My go-to travel shoe was the New Balance Minimus 20v6. They were light, good tread, I painted my all black so they looked decent enough for dates and going out. I've hiked multiple volcanoes in them. A pair would last me about a year of walking everyday and doing some treks, but they're discontinued now and I'm shopping around.

I'm looking for that holy grail shoe: the one that can do multi-day treks and look good going out. All black is preferred. I have a bunch of tabs open right now and may order all of these and stick with my favorite. Here's what I've found that has my interest:

• New Balance Minimus 20v7 Trainer
  An upgraded version from my current pair, but much uglier. Some black paint might be able to hide some of the worst crimes though. If they're the same as the previous version, the tread is good, the fit is nice, and they fast and last a year+ of heavy use
  
  
• On Running Cloud I've heard good things from running sites about these and they're one of the few that come in truly all black. I'm not a fan of the look of the soles too much, but not terribly bothered by it either. They're about 50 grams heavier than the NB, but still minimalist.
  
  
• Nike Metcon 4 Premium Mens Cross Training Shoes I wish they went with a smoother touch rather than these weird fake-snake skin look. All black sure is nice though. Amazon says they weight 14oz (like 390 grams) though, which is heavy. The tread looks decent though.
  
  
• Vivobarefoot Primus Lite Men's Running Trainer Shoe Definitely one of the lightest shoes at 198 grams and very minimal. I'm not in love with the look but I don't overly hate them either. There have been reports that these fall apart fast though, so there's some caution there.
  
  
• Arc'teryx NORVAN SL GTX I don't know muhc about these except they're light and they look well made. They're waterproof, which does give me concern for breathability. I like the smooth look, even despite the blue.
  
  
• Arc'teryx NORVAN LD GTX All black and nice boot-like look, but also quite a bit heavier. Could be a good option if they're well made and last more than a year like my NB. I'm always concerned about how well these things breathe though, but it could be good with as much as I like to hike and walk and it might be good enough for going out.
  
  
• Merrell Men's Trail Glove 5 Ugly AF but I think I could paint away the worst offenders. Super light and a fan favorite.
  
  So that's what I've narrowed it down to. I'm going back to the states for a little bit soon and may order all of these. If anyone has anything else to add, PLEASE COMMENT AND SHARE! I'm all ears. Idk why it's so hard to find a fully black shoe that can handle trails with good tread and going out without looking like you just got back from the woods, but that's the reality.
  
  C'mon shoe companies. Make a onebag shoe for us!

Here are some videos:

Haile running

natural running tutorial

You can analyze their forms here, look how efficient and smooth they are:

Frank shorter

Abebe Bikila

You see how frank seems to be leaning forward and his legs move almost like a wheel, rhythmically? He isn't running across the ground, he's falling and catching himself with each step. Running is continuous falling. He isn't leaning forward or craning his back either, with proper form your body ends up in that lean and your legs end up at a certain natural cadence. If you aren't fighting your body then running faster comes easily. Actual running can be enjoyable and easy, not painful. Much of the pain comes from improper/inefficient running technique. It's the difference between going with the grain and against it. Efficient running is going with the grain.

I remember when I first took off these awful shoes that I had that were really hurting me back in the day (they weren't even the correct size and they were puma sneakers) and I ran barefoot and went way faster. My heart would beat and my breath would have trouble keeping up with how fast I was going but my legs had no problem with it. I also noticed my cadence increased and I went much faster. This was in like tenth grade, before I did cross country my junior year. I was just getting into running.

When you run with proper form, you don't need to try to move your legs faster, they end up moving faster on their own. You get around a 180 cadence (maybe slightly less or more). It doesn't have to be exact but it ends up being around that. Many people go slower, like 130 steps per minute, it's because they're running inefficiently. Look at all elite runners and they have a similar cadence and stride. Interestingly enough the world record holder for the 5000m and 10000m had a cadence of around 190 and it was around 215 for his final kick at the olympics. His stride remained the same.

When you run correctly it feels effortless, like you're gliding across the ground, flying almost. That first time you really get it right it feels amazing, when i've taken off shoes I felt like a weight had lifted off me (it had) and it was like my feet weren't there. When you don't have issues picking up your feet then you go faster and when you don't have an arch preventing your feet from naturally carrying you forward than you go faster.

If you look at most runners who are fast and even sprinters like Usain Bolt who dominate, you'll notice that their legs come up behind to their butts. This happens more with faster races than longer races like marathons, but it's a pattern. This is because these runners have good hip mobility and hip extension. Having a posterior pelvic tilt or weak glutes and a weak back can lead to an inability to have that same range of motion. The legs coming up behind you to your butt is a sign of efficient form and it means your legs are moving like slingshots and you aren't wasting energy to go as fast as you're going, you're being efficient. You'll notice in Kenenisa Bekele's world record 5000m run his legs come up right behind his butt. His hip extension and hip mobility is on point. If your hip flexors are weak and your hip extensors are short and you have weak glutes or pelvic tilt issues then you will not be able to do that. Of course running properly can strengthen all those muscles.

I would recommend running in dirt or grass and seeing what it feels like, you can even wear socks. I've gone running in socks before. When you run properly it will feel like it hurts more than usual. It's like if you sit with good posture and it hurts more than slouching. Slouching is still worse for you. You will eventually get used to it, but don't run inefficiently because it hurts less at first. It will be better for you in the long run. (get it? long run? ayyy)

If you don't stretch after biking you will have to stretch after running or injury is a risk. DO NOT stretch before, only stretch afterwards. There are dynamic stretches or warm ups you can do before running but just starting to run is a warm up itself. No static stretching, one exception which you may need to make is stretching your quads by bending at your knee and bringing your foot behind you to your butt. Like this. That's the one stretch that's okay to do before running.

I have used an exercise bike in the past when I was just starting to exercise. I don't like riding regular bikes because I'm not that good at it and I have trouble crossing streets. I don't like the thin road bikes because they require slouching and a bit of pelvis tucking and that bothers me, it may be different for you. I just think running is better overall for your body while biking works less muscles, but they both are cardio and cardio is good for you.

This is the exact model of shoes that worked really well for me during track season in xc. I set most of my PRs in this shoe and I had the best luck with them. I got injured later because I purchased a shoe with a terrible arch that rolled my ankles outward, but these shoes are great. They are neutral running shoes, they may have more on the bottom than your average minimalist shoe or sock, but they are neutral and good for practicing good form, although you may have trouble landing on your toes at first if you use these types of shoes. Of course going exactly on your toes isn't ideal, it may be good to get the transition going and prevent you from heel striking if you currently do, but you should be landing on your forefoot. That means slightly in front of the middle area of your foot, definitely not the heel though.

Just remember looking for neutral shoes with little heel rise or arch is the best way to go. Flat, neutral shoes, no rise. Not shoes for under or overpronation, neutral works great, it's closer to being barefoot than shoes with huge arches or angles. When it comes to form these shoes may be better, depending on how much you run the one I linked may get worn out quickly, but surface and how hard you pound the pavement as well as how often matters. If the shoes gets torn apart you obviously don't want to keep using it, rather get a new one. I think I used mine 3 or more months, but I couldn't afford newer ones, I would have replaced them earlier. Let's say if you're running 60 miles a weeks than 2-3 months should be good.

If you are going to get minimalist shoes instead of those ones then avoid the five finger shoes! They spread your toes apart and that will hurt your running and make you run weakly and may even cause injury. Having your toes apart in socks or barefoot is fine because they are apart anyway, but having them apart in those shoes will prevent you from "kicking" off the ground or having any power in your run, when I used those five finger gimmicks I ended up doing a weird walk/waddle run because I couldn't push off my toes, and trying would probably hurt them. They were forced apart. If going for minimalist shoes, go for ones that keep your toes together, like this or the ones in the suggestions.

FYI my normal shoe size and my spike size was 10 but my running shoe size was 9.5. A good shoe will still screw you over if it doesn't fit you properly, so be sure to get a proper fit.

Hi! So to follow up on my previous message...

Once a new version of a shoe comes out, it is often the case that you can get the previous year's model on sale. A lot of popular marathon training/racing shoes have been around for a number of years and in many cases, the changes made from one year to the next are pretty minor and not necessarily even an improvement for some people.

This brings me to my next point, which is that everyone's feet and running styles are different (and hence why some people will really like a shoe released one year and find the next release of the same model inferior), and as such, while there certainly are some popular models out there, no one shoe suits everyone. The usual recommendation is to go to a running shop, try on loads of shoes and try running in them! All good running shops that I am aware of will let you go for a run either on a treadmill or outside of the shop. If you buy online, a number of shops seem to have pretty generous return policies (e.g. some companies will let you try the shoe out for a month!). One way or another, I strongly recommend you try on a bunch of shoes from different brands.

To get you started, as an example, here are some Saucony Men's Freedom ISO. Depending on the size and colour, they are going for as little $72.34. Search around for them on reddit and elsewhere…
this is a much loved shoe! Here is an even more popular shoe Saucony Men’s Kinvara for as low as $69.92. Depending on which generation (I’m forgetting which though, 8s maybe?), many people consider this too be one of the best marathon shoes out there. One of my personal favorites — HOKA ONE ONE MEN’S Cavu starting at $71.44........These were the first three shoe models I searched for and all 3 of them, depending on size and colour, seem to be obtainable for a significantly reduced price.

My advice would be to search around on reddit and try to get a sense of what are some popular marathon shoes. I find /r/artc especially good for this.

Happy shopping!

You could run one day and walk the next and that would probably be fine. I'll let you decide what to do, but just make sure to pay attention to your body. Particularly your shins, knees, heels, etc. If you experience any prolonged pain in those areas that take a lot of abuse during running give yourself time to recuperate.

Pushing yourself if fine, but only to a point especially when you aren't in very good shape. Also I would extremely recommend looking into getting some good running shoes and sticking to soft surfaces like grass rather than asphalt.

Here are some very good sources for running injuries and choosing running shoes

Finally, there are some good running shoes I'd recommend here and here. I'm going to be buying one of these very soon as my old ones have worn down quite a bit, I personally am leaning more towards the New Balance ones because they seem to have the best reviews but its up to you to choose whichever ones you want.

I hope this helps and whatever you do make sure you stick to it no matter what. Never give yourself any excuse to not run today and always look forward to your morning run and get pumped as to not begin to loathe waking up in the morning because that is how people end up quitting. If you don't already, I would get an mp3 player of some kind and get a playlist of fast, high energy music to keep you going on your longer runs once you get better. Anyway good luck and I wish you the best!

I have now spent over $1600 on custom inserts. Do yourself a favor. Go on Amazon and type in plantar fasciitis inserts. They range from 15 to 30 bucks. Order 10 different pairs through prime and try them out in your shoes and return whichever ones don’t work. I have had massive success this way. Additionally, check out a running shoe called the “On Cloud”. The brand is “On Running”.


My perfect combo is this insert with this shoe:

Orthotics Insoles for Flat... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073JJQ2KP?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf


On Running Men's The Cloud... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HNYDEHG?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf


The other insert I love is this one, but it’s more expensive and is more of a”runner’s” insert. I like it because it fits in my dress shoes...!:

Currex Dynamic Insole RunPro Medium Profile (XL) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079HYDVJZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_C.cRBbWGH8M3C



Of note, I also tried all of the following — Each is probably perfect for someone with a slightly different foot. But this is why I would encourage you to order a ton of them try them all out and then return whichever ones aren’t perfect for you:

ViveSole Plantar Fasciitis... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LME51A2?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Vionic Full Length Active Orthotic 21AF MD8 (Women's 8.5-10)(Men's 7.5-9) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0058YGR8W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_78cRBb9YRRFRC

Orthaheel Insole Relief Full... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ODG09S?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Physix Gear Sport Full Length... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078GRH8SV?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Orthaheel Unisex Relief 3/4... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003JVPHA0?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf



Hope this helps! Don’t get sucked into custom orthotics! They aren’t nearly as good for PF.

What event are you running? For the half or full marathon I love the Zoom Streak 4. They have it in a few other colors at Nike.com. It's an awesome shoe. Also for the half or full, the Nike Flyknit Racer. Not many sizes left but you can find them elsewhere- much more expensive and not necessarily a better shoe IMO. For shorter distances I love the LunarSpider- it weighs nothing and feels like a spike- it has a plate in it, feels really fast. I wear nothing but Nike because they've always fit me and that's just what I wear, but I know that Adidas makes a great flat as well, and New Balance is starting to make some great racing shoes too. This Adidas Hagio is new but I've heard good things. Asics makes this for shorter road races, similar to the LunarSpider. Ryan Hall, one of the best American marathoners, wears these. Hope that helps!

Hey there!

Not actually entering the contest, but happy to provide a suggestion. :)

Here is a nice pair that would go well with light or dark jeans, or are a great pair of running shoes. I've always had good luck with Asics.

Hope you have a great night at work!

Not sure if you're still investigating or not, but I've been a loyal Mizuno fan for over 15 years now. I've actually made a transition from vball shoes to running shoes, and just bought the Wave Rider 18 and wore them for a tournament yesterday (with Active Ankle T2 braces) and I have to say that they were amazingly comfortable. Tons of cushioning, great support, breathable, and off of Amazon, the style I wanted was only $65. Hope this can be helpful!

I've got a pair of these, the Maldives colorway, and I think they look fantastic. Looks like most sizes are still full price on Amazon, but you can get them elsewhere for cheaper. If you're not sold on the GLIII, the New Balance 580 is another one that I like, although you may not like it either based on your feelings on the GLIII. I usually like more old-school runners, but if you want to go in the opposite direction, the Adidas Tubular is pretty cool and futuristic. The Nike Air Max 1 is another good retro model, and they pump out tons of colorways, so you'll probably be able to find something you like eventually. I'd also recommend that you check out a local sneaker boutique (or even Foot Locker/Finish Line if you don't have one near you) just to get a feel for what you might like, and to see what they look like in person. Most of the time, photos on the internet don't do sneakers justice.

I honestly buy all my running shoes off amazon. May not work for people with sensitive feet, but shoes never bother me unless they're ungodly defective bad. Anyways, I can pretty consistently find at least one New Balance or Asics for around $50-60 in my size (12)...and not the crappy budget ones that look like bricks. I know they're not usually the very newest model versions, but I don't care about that honestly. As long as they're light, comfy, and decent looking I'm good (yes, I care lol. I like shoes).

It does kind of seem pretty arbitrary how they are priced though so it can be hit or miss on what will be available if you are eyeing a specific pair. Prices some times vary pretty dramatically from week to week. I've bookmarked some pairs and went back a week later to buy them and the price had went up significantly...same size, color, listings. Just random price jumps, some times even doubling in price. Wearing a 12 standard width my size isn't exactly a rare one either, so it seems odd there as well because it's not like when you see the random pair of 15's on the shelf with a half off sticker.

I got these for $55 a few weeks ago in the first color, and one other I can't find right now for $50. Every other color of the link was at least $80-90, and some were around $130. Last summer I got THREE different colored pairs of New Balance RC 1400's for about $70 total, while the rest of the colors were that much alone...I was kind of surprised they actually shipped at that price haha.

thought I'd hit this up since I have trouble finding shoes, too. Being a female who is stuck in a men's size 12-13 is horrid.

I found these Sketchers that are nice looking, and come in 15, 15W, and actually have color options in both those sizes.

These Asics look pretty good, too, and also have options! (With mine, options on colors usually isn't a thing in affordable shoes)

New Balance is a good brand, but there are only two choices here for color in your size. >.<

Just for fun a pair I'd get for myself. Except for the fact that they seem to be more expensive in my size than yours, WTF?

Anyway, if you happen to like any of my choices, feel free to surprise me, preferably from my Bookish or Kitty Cat Dreams list. :)

Good luck finding some nice shoes!

I am traveling soon and have limited space, but I want to run. Does anyone have recommendations for good mens running shoes which will also work with casual workwear? The New Balance Cruz V2 seem fit the bill, but if anyone has other recommendations that are even more work compatible I'd be interested. My max running would be 5-8k in hot weather. I'm building up again after surgery (not a running thing) and I'm being super cautious.

With that said, I've been doing nothing strenuous during my recovery, and in about 30 minutes I'm going to try my first run in 3 weeks. Wish me luck!

Being the Basilisk-Female and Male Variations

Female Shirt

Female Pants

Female Shoes

Male Shirt

Male Pants


Male Shoes

Necklace

Fangs

Yellow Contact Lenses (Optional)

Channel your inner Basilisk with my male and female variation designs. Both the male and female versions have skin scale shirts and pants to help you appear as scaly as Salazar's serpent. The shoes for both variations are snake scaled as well, but are comfortable enough so that you can walk around in your costume. The necklace was chosen as it has a snake and the green of Salazar himself. Additionally, the fangs were chosen to represent the sharp fangs of the Basilisk and they are easy to wear. If you really want to channel the spirit of the Basilisk, opt for wearing yellow contact lenses so your eyes match the monster itself.

I also recommend wearing your hair in an S-Shaped braid like this to really hit the "S" in serpent. You may want to add a little green makeup on your face to really sell the look as well if you so desire.

have no fear, I have found your shoes

NIKE

adidas #1

adidas #2

or, if you're feeling extra sassy these💖

if you pick one of the first 3, surprise me. If you pick the fourth pair, well that is gift enough for me🤣

Just chiming in as another vote for vivobarefoot. I've owned 6 different pairs over the years and they're well worth the investment IMHO.

They can wear out a tiny bit faster than some shoes, but only because they're thinner by nature. I suggest saving and buying multiple pairs so you can alternate them. I find that extends their life significantly.

My favorite so far are these, but I'd also recommend these or these.

If you buy the slip-ons keep in mind that vivo shoes run wide by nature so you might need to size accordingly (so they don't slip off).

these are pretty cool!!


Surprise me!

Where do you live. I know at my Merrell Outlet you can get Road Glove 2s for $32 right now. They aren't as good as the orignal Road Glove 2 but they do feel very nice and are still Constructed very well.

So if you have an outlet store near you I'd check there. If you tell me your size I can even tell you if any store has some so you can place a phone order.

these!

1. I think these are affordable, appear to be a size 15, have great reviews and I think they’re really stylish!!
   
   
2. surprise me!
   
   
3. hello all, I am currently anxiously awaiting getting off work this evening :)

I've worn Merrells, trail glove I think. They all seem to have a slight arch support thing going on. Eventually I found: Vivobarefoot Men's Stealth 2 Walk Shoe https://www.amazon.com/Vivobarefoot-Mens-Stealth-Walk-Black/dp/B00TRQ7CMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1464794190&sr=8-2&keywords=shoe+stealth

I can feel a post it note on the carpet in these things. Completely flat, no support at all. Nice looking. I've run a few miles in them and coming from the Merrells I have to actually get used to it. Not as bad as going from regular to fivefingers but still an adjustment.

I run 3 miles and then wait till it doesn't hurt anywhere, then rinse repeat. Eventually all will be well.

[These ones look pretty neat!] (https://www.amazon.com/adidas-Supernova-Running-Vista-Medium/dp/B01H663IH2/ref=sr_1_75?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1523841408&sr=1-75&nodeID=6127770011&psd=1&refinements=p_n_size_browse-vebin%3A1285079011%2Cp_6%3AATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1&psc=1) surprise me!

You should probably consider the other advice advice on this thread, but I own a pair of New Balance 993s and they are the most comfortable walking shoes I have ever owned.

I feel most stable when I wear Merrell Road Gloves [http://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Mens-Barefoot-Glove-Running/dp/B00BLQ8CGQ].

I wore Asics running shoes before and I felt like I was going to fall over when doing squats. Now I guess I know why (didn't realize it before).

I'm still relatively new to powerlifting (just started SL5x5 last October) so I've still got a lot to learn!

Ayy thanks man! They’re 993s, and I got em over a year ago so the only link I could find was amazon.

New Balance Men's MR993GL, Grey, 11 D US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001792DI0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0ZFVDb28GQ3G2

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G4JI2QO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Ev.0Ab577ET12 I like these but there's only one pair of size 15 in stock so just in case, here's these. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MTBDOLR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Qy.0AbVK3FEPP

Surprise me!

Mizuno Wave Rider 18's