2017 RANKING & REVIEWS
TOP RANKING BEST RUNNING SHOES


How Far Can Your Cheap Running Shoes Take You?

Whether you want to run the next Boston marathon or just enjoy a leisurely jog through the nature trail by your home, having the right trail running shoes can come in handy.

Every shoe manufacturer advertises that their running shoes are some of the best on the market. So how can you tell which ones truly are the best running shoes?

Top rated running shoes come in a variety of styles, from those with extra support and cushioning to those with the bare minimum.

Depending on what types of running shoes for men you might need, the best running shoes will ultimately be determined by the type of training you plan to do.

Best Running Shoes

Award Emblem: Top 6 Best Running Shoes

Here at AdvisoryHQ, we want you to keep going in a comfortable and safe way with the best running shoes for men that the market has to offer. We’ve compared the top name brands and all of their good running shoes to help come up with this ranking of running shoe reviews.

Do you want to know how far your next pair of cheap running shoes can take you? Our breakdown of the best running shoes will help you to plan to hit the trails a little harder in these best trail running shoes.

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AdvisoryHQ’s List of the Top 6 Best Running Shoes

List is sorted alphabetically (click any of the shoes below to go directly to the detailed review section for those running shoes):


Top 6 Best Running Shoes | Brief Comparison & Ranking

Running Shoes

Price

Weight

Asics Gel-Kahana 8

$85

11.9 ounces

Brooks Ghost 9

$120

10.6 ounces

Mizuno Wave Catalyst

$89.99

9.4 ounces

Salomon Speedcross 4

$130

10.9 ounces

Saucony Peregrine 6

$89.99

9.4 ounces

Skechers GoTrail Ultra 4

$120

11 ounces

Table: Top 6 Best Running Shoes for Men | Above list is sorted alphabetically


Selecting the Best Running Shoes

Whether you’re an avid runner or a new enthusiast, you probably already know that not all trail running shoes are created equal.

Some may make a three-mile jog feel like a dream while others leave your shins splitting for hours afterward. What are a few of the top priorities you should be looking for when it comes to running shoes for men?

According to recent studies, the best running shoes for you can actually allow you to run with less effort. 

Experts recommend taking inventory of the type of running you plan on doing with your new running shoes. Do you need trail running shoes, road running shoes, or something different? Along a similar vein, you should also determine the style of running, from fast sprints and lots of walking to a slow and steady jog.

Experienced runners will have an easier time finding the right running shoes for men based off their previous pair. The wear and tear on your shoes easily demonstrates how you run and where your foot naturally falls as you go along.

running shoes for men

Image Source: REI

When you purchase a new pair of cheap running shoes, you can be conscious of the type of running shoe you need:

  • Neutral – Neutral shoes tend to provide shock absorption and some arch-side support. You may even find them as super-cushioned options to make your impact in trail running shoes even more comfortable.
  • Stability shoes – These types of running shoes for men help to reinforce your arch and midsole.
  • Motion control – Motion control running shoes have a stiff heel or straighter lasts.
  • Barefoot – These running shoes provide the absolute minimum in shock absorption with only a few millimeters separating your foot from the ground itself.

Those are the basic types of running shoes for men, though you can find variations within each category. Materials will vary widely, ranging from synthetic leather construction to waterproof uppers. Many of the makes on our ranking will have breathable mesh uppers for long-term wear ability and comfort.

This portion of your shoe shopping is largely determined by preference and what you think will feel most comfortable for your new cheap running shoes.

When trying them on in the store, it is recommended to have one thumbnail of extra space at the end of the shoe.

You may also want to consider purchasing additional insoles for your cheap running shoes. This can allow you to get the construction and design that you prefer while still allowing for comfortable trail running shoes that will support you adequately. It expands your shopping choices significantly to purchase these add-on items at a later date.



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Detailed Review – Top Ranking Best Running Shoes

Below, please find the detailed review of each shoe on our list of running shoes for men. We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed these trail running shoes to score so high in our selection ranking.



Asics Gel-Kahana 8 Review


Asics has always been recognized as a manufacturer for some of the best running shoes around. When it comes to trail running shoes for men, these Gel-Kahana 8 cheap running shoes have a lot that potential consumers should consider. They definitely verge on being one of the most affordable pairs of cheap running shoes on the ranking with a great overall value.

These are advertised to be not just trail running shoes but great for the road as well. Particularly for runners who are just venturing into trail running or who like to switch up their routine from time to time, these cheap running shoes for men may be a great investment that allow you to explore your preferences.

Within each pair of these running shoes for men, you’ll find a few of their patented systems:

  • GEL® Cushioning System to reduce shock on impact
  • Duomax® Support System to increase support and stability around the midsole
  • Speva® Midsole Material for bounce-back and to preserve midsole material

Ideal as trail running shoes, their sole is also specially designed to have an increased grip. The reversed lugs give good traction for both uphill and downhill jogs on any type of land surface. According to running shoe reviews, their mesh uppers are tightly woven to help keep dirt and debris out of your shoe while on the trail while also keeping your foot warmer in the winter.

These rugged trail running shoes are one of the heaviest pairs on our ranking at 11.9 ounces. However, they are well-known for their durability and stability when it comes to running shoes for men. Ranked as the Best Buy in the Fall Trail Shoe Guide from Runner’s World, these running shoes are a bargain at just $85.

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Brooks Ghost 9 Review


The Brooks Ghost 9 running shoes for men come in a variety of spectacular colors, but it isn’t just their flashy appearance that matters. These best running shoes for men are ideal for runners who want a balanced feel in their stride with plenty of cushioning and support.

trail running shoes

Image Source: Brooks Running

These trail running shoes are designed to give you more cushion and support as you run than some of the more minimal running shoes. These best running shoes offer:

  • Biomogo DNA midsole cushioning
  • Full-length segmented crash pad
  • Omega flex grooves

The uppers are made of engineered mesh to ensure breathability within these best running shoes and stretch where it’s needed. You’ll find a medium to high arch support with a neutral support level.

The Brooks Ghost 9 shoes are also incredibly lightweight at just 10.6 ounces.

While these running shoes for men are technically designed for runners who prefer the road, they do have an “incredible grip for a road shoe,” according to running shoe reviews. This means that you may be able to have a pair of these cheap running shoes for the occasional short run off-road as well.

Keep in mind that these shoes are considered to be quite a bargain among running enthusiasts. While not every consumer would agree that the Brooks Ghost 9 is a pair of “cheap running shoes,” the Runner’s World 2016 Fall Shoe Guide named these the best buy in the industry. Expect to pay approximately $120 for a pair of these best running shoes.



Mizuno Wave Catalyst Review


Named as the best debut in a recent review from Runner’s World, the Mizuno Wave Catalyst is one pair of cheap running shoes for men that you won’t want to be without. They feature quality that is great for avid and experienced runners with versatility well-suited to a beginner. These running shoes for men can be used on the roadside or along rugged trails for an all-around great experience and product.

The Mizuno Wave Catalyst provides a mid-level amount of cushioning, qualifying it as a support shoe. Its performance support provides you with some cushioning to make your jog more pleasant without adding bulky or unnecessary weight onto their best running shoes. The blown rubber forefoot also helps to distribute the pressure more appropriately as you run.

Other features that you may want to consider on the Mizuno Wave Catalyst running shoes for men are:

  • Six different color combinations
  • Good breathability from the mesh uppers with a comfortable fit from Fan Wave
  • Super lightweight running shoes at 9.4 ounces
  • Quick transitions from a 10 mm drop

These running shoes for men are originally price at $109.99 from the manufacturer. However, Mizuno is currently running a sale so you can score these good running shoes for just $89.99.

Given that these running shoes for men can be used in a variety of ways instead of exclusively as trail running shoes, the price is very reasonable if you are looking to experiment.

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Salomon Speedcross 4 Review


Runners who don’t mind the bold color and design choices of these Salomon Speedcross 4 running shoes for men will want to take a closer look at the specs. Designed to give you the ultimate experience in cushioning, durability, and protection, the Salomon Speedcross 4 is the latest in a series of top rated running shoes for men.

One of the best running shoes for men, Salomon has taken the liberty of rating their sneakers for consumers who are interested. On a scale of one to five, they ranked important categories for these trail running shoes including weight, cushioning, stability, protection, and breathability.

To see how they rated themselves on that scale, see below:

  • Weight: 2
  • Cushioning: 4
  • Stability: 2
  • Protection: 3
  • Breathability: 3
  • Durability: 3

Of course, you also get a unique grip on the sole of these trail running shoes that will help you to get a better grip on the trail. Mostly used for soft trail running, these grips allow you to feel close to the trail without losing your traction on tricky areas.

They are also fairly lightweight, coming in at just under 11 ounces (310 grams).

These trail running shoes are the most expensive pair listed on our ranking, so they may not be a great fit for consumers concerned with getting the least expensive cheap running shoes on the market. Priced at $130, these Salomon Speedcross 4 sneakers are a good addition to an enthusiastic trail runner’s closet.



Saucony Peregrine 6 Review


The Saucony Peregrine 6 trail running shoes may not have the most color choices, but they certainly are some of the best running shoes for men. Only available in a grey, red, and black color combination, these running shoes for men are a well-priced alternative to many of the more expensive models.

Designed specifically to be trail running shoes, this pair of sneakers can handle any type of trail or grass terrain for a more enjoyable mountain run.

Because these cheap running shoes are ultimately designed for the terrain of trails, they have a few features that should be noted in running shoe reviews. The Peregrine 6 version of these running shoes for men have great specifications for an avid runner:

  • Neutral shoe category with responsive cushion
  • Mid to normal arch support
  • Flexible midsole to handle uneven terrain
  • Rock plate to protect your foot from harm
  • EVERUN heel insert to absorb shock

These are also some of the most lightweight running shoes on our ranking. They weigh a grand total of just 9.4 ounces, significantly reducing the amount of weight you need to carry while you’re on the run.

It should be noted that these trail running shoes are not waterproof or water-resistant though.

The Saucony Peregrine 6 trail running shoes were named as the Editor’s Choice in the Runner’s World 2016 Spring Trail Shoe Guide.

These cheap running shoes are certainly more affordable than some of the other models available on this ranking of top rated running shoes. Ordinarily priced at $120 per pair, they are currently on sale through Saucony for just $89.99.

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Skechers GoTrail Ultra 4 Review


While you may not immediately think of Skechers for trail running shoes, you would be surprised at these Skechers GoTrail Ultra 4 running shoes for men. They are relatively lightweight running shoes that are designed to protect your feet while running on the trails, no matter where you go.

Features that are often included in running shoe reviews of these trail running shoes mention the following:

  • Ultra-level cushioning in the midsole to make impact less obvious
  • Lug design to grip terrain
  • Flexible sole to accommodate uneven surfaces

These trail running shoes also have a drainable design with insole and midsole ports to ensure that the interior of your shoes never get too wet. Dry comfort is a priority for these trail running shoes for men. They are also very well ventilated with a comfortable mesh upper to keep air flowing and keep feet cool through long runs.

Consumers who are worried about the aesthetics of their running shoes as well as their performance will be pleased. These GoTrail Ultra 4 trail running shoes have three color combinations ranging from various shades of black to teal and charcoal to red and orange.

Keep in mind that these cheap running shoes do weigh a total of 11 ounces.

The cost of these may label them a little more expensive than some of the cheap running shoes for men on our ranking. While many of the top manufacturers are currently having sales and special offers that lower the overall cost of their best trail running shoes, Skechers is not. Their GoTrail Ultra 4 running shoes for men cost $120.

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Conclusion—Top 6 Best Running Shoes

Finding the best running shoes for men, especially when it comes to trail running shoes, can be a tricky endeavor. Each foot is completely unique and will need a different set of equally good running shoes. It would be impossible to outline the best running shoes for each and every individual, but our ranking captures some of the most highly rated best trail running shoes from leading manufacturers.

Many of these relatively cheap running shoes can be used for a variety of purposes, including trail running and road running. These are the best bargain for individuals who aren’t sure where they run the most or who like to switch it up on a regular basis.

running shoes

Image Source: Pexels

There are plenty of good running shoes available for purchase, but it’s best for you to order only once you’ve personally tried them on.

You won’t know for certain how it fits until it’s on your foot. Decide whether you feel like the uppers are breathable and the support is sufficient in person by trying on these shoes beforehand.

You’ll want to make sure to keep these top trail running shoes in mind as you shop for your next pair.



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