Whether you’re a keen runner or just starting out, the running shoes you wear will make a big difference to your experiences and the health of your feet. Finding the right running shoes for men can help to protect your feet against injury and prevent painful foot conditions, keeping you comfortable as you exercise.
Here at The Edge, we have a great selection of running shoes for men and running shoes for women, including our brand new range of Puma running shoes. We’ll take a look at how to make the best choices for your feet and for your lifestyle. Important factors to consider include your comfort, your budget and the type of running you’ll be doing, and we’ll help you to find the very best options in store.
Which Running Shoes to Choose
When you’re looking for running shoes, it’s important to consider the essential elements before you begin to try on shoes, so that you’re not tempted to compromise for the sake of style. We have a range of running shoes for men that look great, so that you really can have it all. Factors to consider include:
- Comfort. Well-fitted shoes are essential for the health of your feet as you run, and choosing a pair of shoes that has cushioning in all the right places to support your feet will keep them well-aligned and supported. You may find that the fit is better when you use orthotics, especially if these are custom-made to fit your feet, and you can try these to see if they make a difference. This can help to alleviate pressure on the feet and prevent conditions such as plantar fasciitis. It’s a good idea to have your shoes fitted and checked by a professional, and it’s worth trying on several pairs as the unique shape of your feet will affect the fit and the feel.
- Cushioning. Cushioning will provide shock absorption and help to protect the feet, as well as prevent rubbing, which can cause blisters and calluses that can stop you from running comfortably. Your shoes will have cushioning within them, and the amount of cushioning will depend on the type of shoe, with some runners preferring a more natural feel and some requiring a higher level of support. You may need more support if your feet tend to overpronate, rolling inwards as you walk, or if you have existing problems with your feet. You can try out the different options and see how your feet feel, as well as explore options for removable cushioning that allow you to adjust your shoes to your personal preferences daily.
- Terrain. If you’re an experienced runner, you’ll already know what sort of running you enjoy doing and will know what sort of shoes you need. If you’re new to running, you might find it helps to start out with a generic pair of running shoes that are suitable for road running and to progress to trail shoes if you find that it suits you better. Road running shoes will usually have more cushioning than trail shoes, and this is ideal for beginners as it will protect the feet and help them to adjust to their new running regime. Trail shoes are usually lighter, with bigger lugs for better grip on uneven surfaces and rocky ground.
- Style. Different styles of running shoes suit different people, and finding a style that works for you will make it easier to choose shoes in future. Check out the level of ankle support you need and the width of the toe box that you prefer. The toe box should be spacious enough to spread and flex your toes, and your feet should feel comfortable and supported inside your shoes.
When you are trying on running shoes, it’s worth waiting until later in the day, as feet tend to swell throughout the day. You should ensure that you have plenty of space inside your shoes, especially around the toes, and wear the socks you will use for running to try on running shoes, as this can make a difference to the way the shoes fit and feel.
Running Shoes for Men
When you’re choosing new running shoes, it’s a good idea to try them on with the running socks you will be wearing and to test them out by jogging around the shop. At The Edge, we have a wide range of running shoes for men, and you won’t have to compromise on comfort or style. Road running shoes are designed to allow you to run short and long distances comfortably and feature protective cushioning and shock absorption. Our favourite road running shoes include:
- Brooks Men’s Hyperion Max 2. We love the stylish Brooks Men’s Hyperion Max 2, designed for a smooth road run that will give you the speed you want. These great running shoes are made with recycled materials equivalent to seven plastic water bottles, so they’re a good choice for the planet as well as for your feet, and they offer a great level of cushioning and support.
- Hoka One Men’s Bondi 8. There are many reasons to appreciate the excellent Hoka One Men’s Bondi 8, including softer, lighter foams and an extended heel geometry that is a brand-new addition to the Hoka range. This design offers a soft, balanced stride and features recycled fabrics throughout, so you can feel good about your purchase as well as enjoy your running much more!
- Saucony Men’s Endorphin Speed 4. The Saucony Men’s Endorphin Speed 4 is a great choice for racing as well as training runs, and performs as well during a sprint as on long-distance runs. With Speedroll technology and innovative PB foam, these shoes give a great combination of support and rebound to give you new energy when you’re running.
- Mizuno Men’s Wave Rebellion Pro. This stunning multicoloured shoe will turn heads for all the right reasons, and you’ll soon be nailing your personal bests with the excellent features it gives you. The Mizuno Men’s Wave Rebellion Pro is designed to assist your gait, and the Energy Lite technology facilitates faster running, making it ideal for marathon runners aiming for good speeds. The plant-based Wave Plate is an innovative design that complements the recycled fabric content, so you can feel satisfied with your green credentials.
If you prefer running on trails or off-road, you will want to consider trail shoes instead of road running shoes. Trail shoes are generally lighter and have a better grip than road running shoes, and this gives a much more efficient running performance on rough terrain. Our favourites include:
- Hoka One Men’s Anacapa 2 Mid GTX. The Hoka One Men’s Anacapa 2 Mid GTX offers a more sustainable solution for running. It utilises recycled yarn meshes and an innovative 30% sugarcane EVA midsole, as well as rubber toe caps to protect your feet from accidents and injuries on the trail, and the increased level of ankle support also serves to protect and cushion as you run.
- Saucony Men’s Peregrine 14. An ideal choice for trail running, the Saucony Men’s Peregrine 14 is designed to provide comfort and cushioning to give you a softer step even on rough terrain. This is a vegan shoe made with several recycled materials and is designed to protect your feet as you explore the trails on your daily runs.
- Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18. The Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 is a trail shoe that is designed to be durable and stable, giving you a good amount of traction on all terrains and protecting your feet and ankles against unexpected twists and turns.
Don’t forget that your running shoes will not last forever. On average, your shoes should give you about 300-500 miles of running, which equates to 4-6 months if you are running around 20 miles per week. Each time you need new running shoes, take your time to find the right pair, and you’ll maximise your running experience.
Finding Men’s Running Shoes in Ireland
When you’re looking to improve your performance or develop your running style, a new pair of running shoes can make all the difference. You can find a great range of running shoes in our store, and our friendly staff will help you to find the best choice for your running habits and your budget. We also have an excellent selection of running clothing and accessories, so you can find everything you need to get started with running in one place.
At The Edge, we specialise in outdoor adventure equipment, including biking, swimming, running and surfing. You’ll find great quality electric bikes, traditional road bikes and hybrid bikes, as well as triathlon kits and gifts. We aim to help equip you for all your sports and outdoor leisure activities, and you can visit our website to find out more or pop in and see us in store.
