I’m the Resident Runner at MH. These Are My Top Running Shoe Picks.

This story is one in a series called The New Running Boom, which highlights new personalities, clubs, tech, training, and shoes that make pounding the pavement fun!

I’VE LACED UP my running shoes everywhere from the Big Sur Marathon to trails on Mont Blanc—and with all those miles, I’ve had the chance to run in all kinds of sneakers thanks to my role here at Men’s Health.

An important part of my job is testing out the latest and greatest equipment, gear, and trends in fitness so I can share my thoughts about the experience with the world. Sometimes that means learning how the gear we depend on to support us as we chase our goals gets made, and sometimes it’s putting the kicks on and hitting the road. I love getting a feel for shoes, taking them to their limits, and comparing them to everything else I’ve ever worn.

Now, as running has exploded in popularity, there are more people than ever looking for footwear that will meet their individual needs. Whether you’re just getting off the couch for a few casual miles per week or a seasoned marathoner churning out 50-plus mile months, there are shoes that will help you along the way—and I’ve probably worn them. Here are my favorite six pairs from across the spectrum right now, from off-road to PR-setting super shoes (and for a deeper dive and insights beyond just my perspective, check out our picks for the best running shoes).

Courtesy of Hoka

FOR OFF-ROADHoka Speedgoat 6 GTX Take your run into the wild with one of the most reliable trail shoes I’ve tested. This extra-tough edition has a Gore-Tex waterproof upper and a Vibram sole, so I don’t think twice before plowing through mud, streams, or any other terrain.

$170, HOKA.COM

Courtesy of Puma

FOR SHORTER SESSIONSPuma Velocity Nitro 3From shakeout runs to speed sessions (and even Hyrox intervals!), the combination of cushioning with just enough bounce makes them a pair I wear more than any other.

$135, US.PUMA.COM

Courtesy of Topo

FOR MINIMALISTSTopo ST-5Zero-drop shoes are flat from heel to toe and allow for a more natural movement through your stride. This pair is light and responsive and still gives me just enough cushioning foam (14 mm) that I feel supported while getting as close to a barefoot feel as I can handle on the road.

$120, TOPOATHLETIC.COM

Courtesy of adidas

FOR FASTER RACE FINISHESAdidas Adizero Adios Pro 4Racing shoes should be light and durable and offer maximum energy return, but they should also be comfortable. I wore this shoe for the Berlin Marathon and didn’t experience any pain in my feet in the final 10K of the race, a first for my four marathons.

$250, ADIDAS.COM

Courtesy of On

FOR EXTRA STYLEOn Cloudboom Strike LSMade using superlight materials and a high-tech process (the upper is spun by a robot), these laceless Ons are like gloves for your feet. The midsole foam is hyper-responsive (it’s the same as what’s in On’s premium super shoe), so I break them out for top-end speed training and race days.

$330, ON.COM

courtesy of Brooks

FOR MAX COMFORTBrooks Glycerin MaxThese aren’t just maxed out with filler cushioning—Brooks combined two types of nitrogen-infused foam to create the super-high stack. I can’t get over how smooth and poppy each stride is, even on longer runs.

$200, BROOKSRUNNING.COM

GO-FASTER-TECH

PACING HELPThe Apple Watch Ultra 2 is stacked with essentials, including the most accurate GPS in a sport watch. Plus: You can race against yourself on any route and see if you’re ahead or not.

SHOP AT AMAZON

CLUB CHAT AND FLY OVERSStrava pioneered social fitness with share-and-compare features. Now you can message in-app and share a 3D visualization (“Flyover”) of the run you just crushed.

SHOP AT STRAVA.COM

Courtesy of Strava

GAIT ANALYSISThe Ochy app puts a run coach in your pocket. It analyzes your form and helps you fix inefficiencies and see progress over time. A mini version is free; $13 a month for extra analyses.

SHOP AT Ochy.io

COURTESY OF OCHY This story originally appears in the May-June 2025 issue of Men’s Health.

Click here for more stories in our series on The New Running Boom.

Brett Williams, NASM-CPT, PES, a senior editor at Men’s Health, is a certified trainer and former pro football player and tech reporter. You can find his work elsewhere at Mashable, Thrillist, and other outlets.