10 Best Running Shoes for Men UK 2022 | Maximum Support, Uncompromising Endurance

Let's run through what to look out for when buying a new pair of running shoes. You'll need to consider the type of terrain you prefer to run on, which materials will suit your needs, and the type of arch and pronation that your feet have.

So, what's your favourite type of terrain to run on? There are 2 main choices: road/track or trail. Shoes are usually designed with one of these terrains in mind, so wearing the wrong ones could leave you lugging around extra weight or being more prone to injury.

Running shoes for the road are usually made of lighter materials that encourage responsiveness and speed, whereas those designed for the trail are generally heavier and are crafted to support and protect your feet on rough terrain. Trail running shoes also tend to use a lower heel-to-toe drop (HTT), which offers a more tactile feel when running on rockier surfaces. Don't worry, we'll explain more about this in the next section!

As we mentioned, you’ll want to take into account the HTT drop (also known as the heel-toe offset, heel-toe differential, or heel-toe lift). This basically means the difference in the amount of material in the section below your heel and the part under your toes.

Most running shoes have a HTT of around 10-12mm, so naturally we're more used to this option than lower ones. But some people prefer a HTT that's lower than 10mm, which makes the shoes flatter. Although this option may take a little getting used to, it does provide a much more tactile running experience!

Next, let's cover how to decide on the right materials for both the soles and upper parts of your running shoes. This is especially important to think about if you like to go jogging in all kinds of weather!

Rubber or gum rubber are the most popular choices for soles - these materials are long-lasting, waterproof, slip-resistant, and breathable. However, rubber can be a bit heavy on your feet so perhaps isn't ideal for long-distance running.

Another option is a synthetic material, which is much more lightweight than rubber - it's great for running indoors on a treadmill. If you're jogging outdoors though, you should be aware that this type of material isn't very water-resistant and may make you more prone to slipping!

Uppers made from natural fabrics are breathable and extremely flexible, so they’ll move with your feet and will feel comfy too. The downside is that they’re not waterproof and could leave you with soggy socks if you get caught in the rain!

Synthetic materials, on the other hand, are much better at repelling water. They’re not waterproof, but should be fine for jogging in light to moderate rain. Lightweight and non-absorbent, they won't retain any of the sweat that you produce whilst racking up those miles!

Lastly, you'll need shoes that suit both the arch and pronation of your feet, in order to ensure a supportive fit and avoid injuries. In this section, we'll run through the different kinds of arch and pronation, as well as which kind of shoes work best for each type.

The arch of your feet will be either low, medium, or high - you can check which type you have by visiting a shoe shop for an examination or by looking at charts online. You can also work out your pronation, meaning the natural way that your foot lands before propelling you forward, at home with an old pair of shoes.

To do this, check which part of your shoes is the most worn out. If it's the centre part below the ball of your foot, you have basic pronation. If your shoe is worn out the most on the inside of the ball of your foot then you have overpronation, or if it's on the outside of the ball of your foot then you have supination.

Once you've established which kind of arch and pronation you have, you can then choose the right fit of running shoe. There are two main categories, stabilising and neutral, which are each designed for specific foot types.

If you have a low arch or overpronation, then stabilising shoes will be the best option. This type of running shoe has extra support, plenty of cushioning, and a slightly arched design that's intended to provide flexibility and stability.

Those with a medium or high arch, basic pronation, or supination should choose neutral shoes instead. These have foam or cushioning inside too, but only a small amount - too many materials can actually cause shock to these foot types when running, so you should avoid excessive cushioning.

Now that you know the trainer basics, it's time to browse the best options on the market today! From tough shoes for running up mountains to simple lace-ups suitable for park trips, we've got recommendations for everyone! 

Now that you've got your shoes sorted, what else do you need for your run? Check out some of our other fitness-related product reviews for some inspiration. You'll be marathon-ready in no time!

So there you have it - our comprehensive guide to the best running shoes for men. Whether you're an experienced marathon runner or an exercise newbie looking to get started, we hope you've found our hand-picked recommendations useful. We'll see you at the starting line! 

Author: Lewis Clark