This year, we’ve tested dozens of running shoes, from race day blitzers to trail conquerors. These are the best of them
HERE AT MEN’S HEALTH, we test a lot of running shoes. Far more than the average person, we’d imagine. This puts us in every runner’s dream position. Most people aren’t afforded the luxury of being able to roadtest every shoe they consider purchasing. We are, making us uniquely placed to pass judgement on the year’s new releases because again, we’ve actually run in and reviewed most of them.
The point we’re trying to get across is that there a few sources with more expertise on the topic of running shoes than Men’s Health. Every brand will tell you their shoes are the best – why wouldn’t they? – but we know which ones actually have the performance boosting qualities to command a costly expense on your part.
That’s why we’ve rounded up what we consider to be the absolute best sneakers of 2024. We’ve divided our picks into three distinct categories: daily trainers, race day and trail running, because we believe that the best running shoes are built for purpose. Race day shoes are meant for race day, trail runners are meant for trails, and daily trainers are meant to pound the pavement until they’re threadbare and begging for mercy. Horses for courses, in other words.
So, without any further ado, welcome to the 2024 Men’s Health Sneaker Awards, where we reveal the best running shoes you can get your feet in.
Winner: ASICS Gel-Kayano-31
If there is a better daily trainer than ASICS’ Gel-Kayano 31, we can’t find it. There isn’t a shoe that can rival the Gel-Kayano’s stability, which is elevated from the already market-leading stability of its predecessors. A refurbished upper provides a stronger fit, an updated outsole made from ASICSGRIP rubber offers surplus traction and PureGEL technology delivers improved shock absorption, but the real standout is the Gel-Kayano 31’s unique 4D Guidance System, which reacts to the movement of your body to provide adaptive stability in the areas where it’s needed most.
Brooks Ghost 16
The newly released Brooks Ghost 16 comes from a line of bestselling shoes, and there’s a reason for their popularity. It has an engineered mesh upper and a decently thick (but not too thick) midsole, which is made of propulsive nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam. To us, the Ghost 16 proves that you don’t need all the flashy accoutrements and exaggerated features of some of our pricier award recipients to run at your best.
Hoka Clifton 9
Calling the much-awarded Clifton 9 a great running shoe is hardly a revelatory statement, but we’ll add ourselves to the chorus of praise the shoe has received nonetheless. The latest addition to the celebrated Clifton line strips back excess weight and adds stack height to create an extremely light, smooth and bouncier running experience. Featuring an updated EVA midsole and a refined upper, these sneakers offer cloud-like comfort without compromising on responsiveness. The Meta-Rocker technology ensures a smooth transition from heel to toe, making the Clifton 9 a great choice for a supportive ride on any terrain.
Nike Pegasus 41
Few sneakers come close to the level of iterations that Nike’s Pegasus line boasts. So, after 41 rounds of tinkering, it should be no surprise that Nike have done something right with the Pegasus 41. It’s the first shoe in the Pegasus line to feature ReactX foam, which takes shape in a full-length foam plate in the midsole. This provides 13 per cent more energy return than the foam used in the Pegasus 40. The Pegasus 41 also utilises Air Zoom units in both the forefoot and heel for enhanced cushioning, as well as an improved ride that responds to your foot, adapts to its shape and provides cushioning and comfort practically on-demand.
adidas Supernova Rise
When assessing a sneaker you’re going to be logging countless kilometres in, maximum comfort should be at the top of your list of requirements. For the most part, impressive performance specs should be secondary to comfort, as you’re not going to be smashing out a PB every time you lace up your daily trainer, but will always appreciate a welcoming feel. You’ll struggle to find a comfier shoe than the Supernova Rise from adidas, which uses Dreamstrike+ technology to cushion the midsole with re-engineered super foam, a system of dense support rods to smoothen the heel-to-toe transition and soft textiles to complete the package with a fit that adidas describes as “the shoe giving your heel a hug".
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14
A small asterisk next to this entry because the 1080v14 from New Balance isn’t actually out just yet (mark your calendar for October 10th though), but given how consistently the 1080 line has delivered top class sneakers, we simply can’t keep it off this list. 1080 models are known for their premium cushioning and comfort, using New Balance’s renowned Fresh Foam technology in the midsole to provide a super-smooth ride and seamless heel-to-toe transition. The 1080v14 will take its predecessors innovations to the next level, with a number of refinements to enhance to the overall running experience, like an ultra-supportive fit and supreme cushioning.
Winner: New Balance SuperComp Elite V4
To feel like you’ve truly given all you’ve got on race day, you’ll need a sneaker capable of helping you run at your absolute best. New Balance’s SuperComp Elite V4 is that shoe. With a lightweight construction, powerful energy-returning technology and an ergonomic design, the SC Elite is a force to be reckoned with. The FuelCell midsole is crafted with 100% PEBA foam, not only ensuring ridiculously precise responsiveness but also a firm platform for every stride – a tricky balance to strike. Energy return is where the SC Elite really shines though. By optimising the distribution of force and maximising the storage and release of energy, the shoes boast a level of responsiveness that borders on the supernatural.
Hoka Cielo X1
There’s no missing Hoka’s new Cielo X1 – which comes in a range of flashy, retina scorching colourways that we can’t get enough of. Performance-wise, the Cielo X1 is one of the most responsive road racing shoes on the market, with a two-layer PEBA midsole offering high levels of energy return and propulsion in excess, courtesy of a winged carbon fibre plate. One for the over pronators, Hoka’s J-Frame technology also prevents inner roll, keeping all runners sure-footed.
Nike Alphafly 3
The original Alphafly was so revolutionary that athletic organisations considered it a threat to fairness in competitive running and promptly changed the rules governing which shoes were allowed in races. Nike have redesigned subsequent iterations – and be assured, this one is competition approved – but they haven’t lost an iota of effectiveness. The Alphafly 3 was fine-tuned for race day, with two AirZoom bubbles providing a boost to every stride, a ZoomX midsole delivering all the bounce you need, and of course, a full-length carbon plate that completes the propulsive ensemble.
ASICS MetaSpeed Edge
ASICS raises the bar with the MetaSpeed Edge, a shoe designed for peak performance. Engineered with an innovative carbon plate and FF BLAST Turbo technology, these shoes offer optimal energy return, bounce and propulsion. The lightweight and breathable upper provides a snug fit, while the precision-designed sole enhances stability. Use it for anything from your weekly 5km circuit to the Olympic marathon and we can guarantee you’ll be moving fast – and we mean that part about the Olympic marathon, two of the top-ten finishers in this year’s men’s event wore this exact shoe.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
You could only expect Saucony – a prolific footwear provider if there ever was one – to deliver one of the best carbon-plated race day shoes available. The Endorphin Pro 4 is a race-ready shoe, with plush cushioning, a responsive rebound and unbeatable step-in comfort. A unique combination of dual cushioning foams and a full carbon plate ensures longitudinal rigidity, providing a snug and comfy fit.
On Cloudboom Strike
The Cloudboom Strike from On is built for marathons. It's a road runner that is ultra-cushioned and ultra-responsive, for optimal performance. The Cloudboom Strike makes use of On's innovative 'Bounceboard', which actively propels you forward with every stride. Meanwhile, On's patented CloudTec elements hug your foot for ultimate comfort.
Winner: Hoka Speedgoat 6
The aptly named Speedgoat 6 from Hoka really is the GOAT of trail running speed. Hoka is an industry leader in trail running footwear, with its Torrent and Tecton lines both receiving widespread acclaim, but we think the Speedgoat is the most worthy of praise. That’s because the Speedgoat 6 is truly the trail runner for everyone. Whether you consider yourself a beginner or veteran, there’s benefits to be found.
Nike Pegasus Trail 5
Nike’s Pegasus Trail 5 is the everyman’s trail running shoe. Whether you’re just dipping your toe into the experience or have been blazing trails for as long as you can remember, the shoe will give you what you need. Boasting a sole design adept at tackling various surfaces, from smooth roads to rugged trails, the PT5 offers an impressive balance of traction and comfort. The grippy underfoot lugs ensure stability on uneven terrains, while Nike React technology provides a responsive and supportive ride from the get-go. At 295 grams, they’re lightweight yet remarkably sturdy.
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro V8
We would be remiss if we didn’t include the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro V8 as one of best available trail running shoes, because if you’re looking for a shoe to take off the beaten path, the Hierro V8 is hard to beat. Designed to tackle unpredictable terrain, these shoes offer a combination of durability, traction and weather protection. With a Vibram Megagrip outsole acting as a protective shell, they promise solid grip on a variety of surfaces. The breathable upper with no-sew overlays also enhances comfort. Blending New Balance’s vaunted Fresh Foam tech with that innovative outsole, the Hierro V8 is a contender for the title of the most stable trail running shoe of all time.
ASICS Trabuco Max 3
A big point in trail running’s favour is the fact that running off-road can expose you to the beauty of nature. The ASICS Trabuco Max 3 was created with enhancing that benefit in mind, allowing you to run with ease while admiring your surroundings. Maximum cushioning and impact absorption are what make this possible, keeping your feet exceptionally well-cushioned. And while you’re taking in the sights, dynamic advanced sole technology will be propelling you forward with a steady roll.
lululemon Beyondfeel Trail
Lululemon are newcomers to the footwear game, only launching their first running shoe models in Australia earlier this year, but they’ve already produced a number of winners. The foremost of which is the Beyondfeel Trail. As you can probably guess from the name, the Beyondfeel Trail is all about providing an unbeatable on-foot feel. This is achieved through a seamless mesh upper for breathability and support, supercritical foam for plush cushioning and strategically placed outsole grooves which mirror natural foot strikes for a smooth ride.
On Cloudvista 2
The On Cloudvista 2 is genuinely fun to run in. It's been completely re-engineered from the original Cloudvista to provide more cushioning, more comfort and a faster feel – and it delivers on all of them. In the midsole, you'll find a reworked, two-prong Speedboard for added rebound and soft Helion superfoam for pillow-like comfort. Underfoot, a sticky Missiongrip outsole keeps your feet fixed where you want them.
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