State of the Art in Men’s Running Shoes

There is a lot of research and innovation that goes into a pair of great running shoes.

The perfect modern running shoe needs to tick many boxes, emphasising comfort and durability while providing lightweight resistance. In addition to quality performance, many of today’s consumers are also looking for ethical and sustainably sourced materials. These include shoes made from eco-friendly recycled materials. 

If you are looking to purchase your next pair of running shoes online in NZ, here is a collection of some of the best currently on the market for men. 

Asics Kayano 28

This shoe ranks among the best Asics running shoes with an extra emphasis placed on stability. The Kayano 28 is designed with an external heel counter and midsole cushioning to keep the foot stable during impact. With this design, Asics uses their GEL technology to shape a smoother stride, helping ensure runners get a softer landing without sacrificing any speed. This model is an excellent choice for frequent long-distance runners as it helps the foot absorb a lot of wear and tear.  

Brooks Ghost 14

The Ghost 14 is another excellent men’s running shoe that has ranked as a top performer for some years. The designers equipped this shoe with a springy cushion that balances the perfect mix of firm responsiveness with a soft and smooth feel. This shoe is made with sustainable materials and designed for everyday runs. It performs exceptionally well on paved paths, emphasising soft landings and is also a carbon neutral shoe. 

Mizuno Wave Inspire 18

The Wave Inspire 18 is another state-of-the-art shoe. This Mizuno offering features the latest U4ic midsole technology designed for shock reduction that eases impact pressure. The Wave Inspire 17 is enhanced from previous models, with the ENERZY heel wedge providing additional padding, ensuring a soft landing. This high-performance shoe is great for longer runs and provides an excellent, smoother step, with outstanding levels of stability in each step.

New Balance 880v12

The 880 version 12 ranks among the best of New Balance’s 2022 offerings and is an excellent running shoe. It is incredibly durable and able to withstand a heavy workload. The 880 is made with a Fresh Foam midsole that provides plush comfort with each step. The double-knit mesh design helps give an added level of breathability. This is an excellent shoe for long-distance runners and everyday runners as it can withstand a lot of wear and tear. 

Hoka One One Clifton 8

If you are unfamiliar with Hoka as a brand, the Clifton 8 is a great introduction to try them out. The shoe is designed with ultralight midsole foam and crafted with a breathable mesh design. Hoka shoes come with an extended crash pad at the heel, helping to absorb the brunt of the impact. The shoe is ethically sourced using 100% vegan materials and perfectly blends comfort, stability, and durability. Hoka shoes are remarkably lightweight, and the Clifton 8 is no different, providing superior resistance to maximise each stride.

Mizuno Wave Rider 25

The Wave Rider 25 is another of the best Mizuno running shoes on the market, combining cushioning and moderate support for added forward propulsion making it a perfect shoe for speed workouts for neutral runners. The shoe incorporates Mizuno’s patented MIZUNO ENERGY foam providing added softness while maintaining reliance and stability. This shoe is designed with eco-friendly wave plates helping to give an added burst while maintaining smooth strides.  

On Cloud Flyer

The Cloud Flyer is a fantastic lightweight shoe that’s perfect for all types of running. On is a brand that constantly emphasises reducing its carbon footprint, so you can rest assured you are getting a sustainably sourced product. The shoe is designed with Helion superfoam for an incredibly soft feel and an excellent versatile match regardless of your running style. The shoe is a very durable top-line shoe that will enhance any run. It is a great compliment for all types of running, including tempo runs, recovery runs, and marathons.

Final Thoughts

Running shoes aren’t just footwear. High-spec models are purpose-made. Like cars, athletes can choose from models that fit their comfort and function. Which shoe does the best job for a particular objective? It’s always best to get a professional fitting and we hope this article has also helped.