Reviews You Can Rely On

How We Tested Running Shoes for Men

By Nathaniel Bailey ⋅ Review Editor
Sunday November 3, 2024
We've tested a diverse selection of running-related products over the years. To specifically make your shoe decision-making easier, we also have information to help you find the perfect pair of running shoes based on your needs, in addition to our detailed review of the top options on the market today. For our comparisons, we tested the men's running shoe competition through the streets of Helena, MT. Each shoe was put through a comprehensive set of runs that started with a standardized 6-mile loop over a range of terrain that included loose gravel, hardpacked dirt, asphalt, concrete, and grass. Then, each shoe completed a barrage of other tests, including (but not limited to):
  • A 6-10 mile threshold workout
  • A long run lasting 90-120 minutes
  • A short recovery run
  • 3k-5K paced work
  • Mile paced strides, 2-3 sets

Every shoe went through a gauntlet of detailed tests to help bring you the best information possible.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey

While some aspects of our testing metrics are subjective, we strive to provide a fair assessment of the different models by testing them multiple times under many conditions. Every pair of shoes was given adequate time underfoot, and most went through significantly more miles than required. To complement our in-use testing and confirm our findings, we also send a second pair of each model to our testing warehouse, where we collect hard measurements such as heel-toe-drop, dimensions, and toe box volume.

Landing Comfort


We created our standardized test loop, which features various terrains and gradients, to better compare cushioning and landing comfort. We took each model on a run around the loop and noted what we liked and didn't like about the cushioning. We then took each model out on a long run to see how well the cushioning reduced fatigue. Similarly, each shoe was assessed over a shorter recovery run to see how the cushioning felt at slower paces. During our faster threshold and interval sessions, we noted how the cushioning felt at pace. Taking notes on fatigue, discomfort, and perceived impact helped us narrow down which cushioning we liked the best. Back in the lab, we took stack height measurements in the heel and the toe of each shoe so we could report on the amount of underfoot cushioning present and provide an additional way to gauge how much landing comfort each shoe provides.

running shoes men - we also assessed cushioning in the lab, by cutting the shoe in half...
We also assessed cushioning in the lab, by cutting the shoe in half and applying World Athletics stack height standards to measure how much foam was underfoot.
Credit: Jessica Riconscente

Responsiveness


Our assessment of responsiveness took place over a variety of runs. We performed a threshold session of 6-10 miles for each model and noted how we liked the responsiveness. Similarly, we assessed the ability to hit faster paces during sessions at 3k-5k pace, strides at mile pace or faster, and alactic sprints. We considered objective measures of pace and subjective measures of feel and completed side-by-side testing to see which had the fastest feel and produced the most rebound for our energy input.

running shoes men - we tested responsiveness at a variety of paces and on a variety of...
We tested responsiveness at a variety of paces and on a variety of terrains and grades.

Also included in our assessment of responsiveness are our in-house measurements of the rocker angle and the rocker apex location, features that contribute to that “rolling” feeling some shoes have that seem to push you forward. We locate the precise position where the toe of a shoe begins to turn upward off the ground and use a ruler and weight to find the angle at which the shoe begins to lift. We also note the plate material, if there is one, and the foam type used in the midsole.

The rocker angle and location is one of many factors that determines...
The rocker angle and location is one of many factors that determines how responsive your shoe is.
We measure the rocker angle of each shoe in-house to get accurate...
We measure the rocker angle of each shoe in-house to get accurate side-by-side comparisons.

Stability


One of the main reasons we wanted to make sure our test loop had different surfaces was to check for lateral stability and support. This allowed us to analyze how the different heel drops and stack heights impacted this performance metric. We took careful note of how the stability transferred into our ankles and knees. In-house, we measured the width of the models to see if there was a correlation between width and stability. Models that were more stable and supportive received the highest scores. We also considered models that were designed to be stability shoes and whether their approach was effective.

Some shoes aren't designed as stability shoes, but provide good stability through features such as good upper lockdown and varying densities of foam.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey

Upper Comfort


Upper comfort was evaluated by wearing each shoe in a wide range of workouts, comparing all of the run types, and noting which upper worked best with our foot. We wore socks of different thicknesses and ran in varying weather conditions to experience the fullest range possible. We analyzed the roominess of the toe box and the snug fit of the heel cup, looking for hot spots or blisters. When looking at the upper, we evaluate the fabric's breathability and pay close attention to pressure points that could cause blisters later on.

The extremely lightweight upper of the Vaporfly is also extremely breathable.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight


All weight comparisons were completed during our in-house testing. We weighed each shoe right out of the box on the same scale. The weight score is based strictly on the data collected in-house and provides an objective measurement for you to compare. However, when running in each of these models, we notice that some of them just feel lighter underfoot, potentially due to fit and other design choices. When this is the case, we add commentary in the individual review for the shoe.

running shoes men - we weighed each size 10.5 shoe in the lab on the same scale.
We weighed each size 10.5 shoe in the lab on the same scale.
Credit: Jessica Riconscente

Traction


We tested the traction of every pair of shoes while running across surfaces most road-based athletes are likely to encounter. We ran on wet asphalt and cracked cement. We ran around damp tracks and across gravel driveways. And we noted which ones required you to change your stride to keep from slipping and which took away all worries and let you sail.