The Best Running Shoes In 2022 (For Road, Trail, Bad Knees & Ankle Support)

David Welch
Written by
Last update:

What are the best running shoes for you?

If you are a beginner, find out about the different kinds of running shoes available and why you would want to choose a running shoe with ankle or arch support. Then, there are the serious runners who are looking for high-quality running shoes that address their injuries like knee, plantar fasciitis, or shin splints.

Below I’ve picked out the top running shoes for you and I will cover:

Which running shoe type is right for you?

How to choose running shoes for wide feet.

How to choose the best running shoes for knee pain.

How to choose the best running shoes for heel pain.

How to choose the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis.

The best running shoes for men in 2022.

NameCategoryProduct
ASICS Men's Dynaflyte Running ShoeBest OverallASICS Men's Dynaflyte Running Shoe
Salomon Men's Speedcross 4 GTX Trail Running ShoesBudget PickSalomon Men's Speedcross 4 GTX Trail Running Shoes
NIKE Air Zoom Terra Kiger 3 Mens Running ShoeUpgrade PickNIKE Air Zoom Terra Kiger 3 Mens Running Shoe

1. ASICS Men's Dynaflyte Running Shoe

Our rating: 9 / 10

ASICS Men's Dynaflyte Running Shoe

Check Price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Lightweight Protection
  • Cushioned Support
  • Breathes Well
  • Suitable For Men With Wide Feet

The Dynaflyte is a high-performance shoe that offers superb comfort and cushioning with its heel-molded midsole. The molded midsole is also designed to spread impact away from your feet to reduce the pressure on your joints. It has a durable rubber outsole which also provides traction on various surfaces. It is the only shoe I know that is able to balance stability with an active running motion. It is also one of the only shoes in the market that is not only supremely comfortable, but also looks good.

If you are looking for a supremely comfortable running shoe that provides stability, style, cushioning and the perfect fit, then you need look no further than the ASICS Dynaflyte. It is designed with an optic-fit upper, combining with a dynamic fly-te system to provide your foot with excellent breathability as well as support.

The Dynaflyte shoes also have a mid-foot wrap that works together with the soft and lightweight interior to provide your feet and ankles with protection while running. There is also an edge-lasted overlay which promotes both stability and weight reduction.

2. Under Armour Men's Charged Bandit 2 Running Shoe

Our rating: 8 / 10

Under Armour Men's Charged Bandit 2 Running Shoe

Check Price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • Very breathable
  • Soft straps
  • Supportive
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Great value

Cons:

  • Runs a bit small
  • Requires a break-in period
  • Not suitable for heavy runners

The ultra-light Under Armour Charged Bandit 2 is a great choice for runners who want a lightweight shoe without a lot of support, especially if you have a low arch. The support is sufficient for regular runners, but may not be adequate if your feet and ankles need a lot of support.

All of the good qualities of this shoe are typical of lighter weight shoes. One of the biggest benefits is the weight. At 7.7 ounces, it is one of the lighter running shoes on the market. Due to the fact that you will pay a higher price, the lightweight nature of the shoe makes it an even better value.

3. adidas Performance Men's Supernova Sequence 9 m Running Shoe

Our rating: 6 / 10

adidas Performance Men's Supernova Sequence 9 m Running Shoe

Check Price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Provides great comfort
  • Resilient performance
  • Provides great cushioning

Cons:

  • Runs a bit narrow causing some discomfort
  • Moulds badly

If you’re a fan of Adidas shoes, then give the Supernova Sequence 9 m a look.

This is a great running shoe at a great price when you can find it on sale. The Adidas Performance Men’s Supernova Sequence 9 m is a great choice for just about anybody looking for a nice shoe for the road. It provides a great combination of comfort, respite, support, and flexibility.

These shoes will accommodate those with a lighter stride, but since they’re neutral shoes, they may not be the best choice for somebody heavier. The cushioning is firmer, which is a big positive, but this doesn’t mean there isn’t a soft and comfortable feel to the shoe.

4. New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 1080v6 Running Shoe

Our rating: 6 / 10

New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 1080v6 Running Shoe

Check Price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Handles all terrains
  • Affordable
  • Great ventilation for hot summer runs
  • Full-length Fresh Foam cushioning

Cons:

  • Select openings may not provide enough ventilation
  • Requires frequent attention to keep the upper in place

The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v6 provides all-day comfort and stability. The breathable mesh upper keeps your feet cool and fresh, while the Stabilicore post provides enhanced stability and forefoot rigidity for a smooth, balanced ride. The shoe also includes N-Durance rubber that is highly durable, and ABZORB cushioning that provides softness for comfortable landings. DryZag foam pads provide cushioning while preventing hot spots, and the Fresh Foam midsole offers a combination of soft and firm support.

These New Balance trainers are built with a combination of materials, including mesh, nylon and synthetic leather. They have a breathable mesh upper, so your feet stay cool and fresh even during a hot summer run. Big eyelets keep your feet secure and light nylon laces keep you comfortable. You can also adjust the fit of your shoes with the lace garage located on the collar.

5. ASICS Men's GT-2000 4 Running Shoe

Our rating: 6 / 10

ASICS Men's GT-2000 4 Running Shoe

Check Price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Comes with a strong grip out of the box
  • Very breathable
  • Feels light on the feet
  • Moisture-wicking capability

Cons:

  • Not very comfortable
  • The price is a little high for what you get

Running shoes have to be durable and long lasting. This is exactly what the ASICS GT-2000 4 offers.

6. Salomon Men's Speedcross 4 GTX Trail Running Shoes

Our rating: 6 / 10

Salomon Men's Speedcross 4 GTX Trail Running Shoes

Check Price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Great for running on trails and other tough terrains
  • Looks pretty cool too
  • Great for bad knees
  • Lightweight
  • Offers great ankle support
  • Fairly durable
  • Comfortable
  • Breathable

Cons:

  • Not great for longer runs
  • Most only come in black

We love the Salomon Men’s Speedcross 4 GTX running shoes as they are a great shoe for trail running and provide enough ankle support for a bad ankle. They have been upgraded with a new high-rebound EVA midsole and a rubberized toe bumper.

Although a little pricey, if you do a lot of running on tough terrain these shoes can make a big difference to your feet and ankles.

If you want a pair of stylish trail running shoes that protect your ankles, then these are a great choice. Available in a range of stylish colors.

7. Brooks Men's Beast 14

Our rating: 6 / 10

Brooks Men's Beast 14

Check Price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Super comfortable
  • Breathable
  • Awesome arch support
  • Great grip on trails
  • Durable
  • Works equally well for daily training and long runs

Cons:

  • Not the best in snow and ice
  • A bit heavier than other shoes

The Brooks Men’s Beast 14 is an overall great shoe that I can recommend to runners of any level. I would also recommend this shoe to anyone that is training for a running event.

The Beast 14 is lightweight and comfortable so you will feel like you are wearing a pair of running socks but it also have some cushioning to protect your feet.

The shoe remains comfortable and stable throughout your run. I didn’t experience any blisters or hot spots with this shoe. This shoe is also a great shoe for long distance runs. It remained comfortable through a 12-mile run. Just make sure that you get the right size to make sure that you are comfortable.

8. NIKE Air Zoom Terra Kiger 3 Mens Running Shoe

Our rating: 2 / 10

NIKE Air Zoom Terra Kiger 3 Mens Running Shoe

Check Price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Great for trail (heavy)
  • Super comfortable
  • Breathable
  • Grippy sole
  • Durable

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Doesn’t feel great on the road

The Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger is a good running shoe for those looking to tackle some rougher trails.

The Terra Kiger has a design similar to the other popular Nike running shoes with a Nike Zoom Air sole which provides great cushioning and shock absorption. One of the things that I like about the Nike Terra Kiger is that is has a lower heel drop than a lot of other running shoes (10mm vs 12-15mm).

This is great for runners offering better comfort and stability. The midsole is made of Phylite, a lightweight material that provides great cushioning but trims unnecessary weight from the shoe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the best running shoes for someone with bad knees?

Sweaty feet are a result of the combination of heat generated by movement and moisture from sweat. Typically, it’s best to wear a running shoe that keeps your feet dry and light. Most running shoes these days are lightweight with plenty of cushioning and a well-ventilated upper.

When buying running shoes it’s important to get the right size and width. If you’re prone to blisters when you run, try on a pair of shoes before you buy them. If you’re wearing a pair of running shoes that’s a half size too large, it won’t be comfortable or offer the right amount of stability.

What are the best running shoes for ankle support?

With running being so incredibly popular, it only makes sense that the market is filled with an enormous variety of running shoes. For those of us with ankle issues, this means that we have to do a heck of a lot of research in order to find a good pair.

But the good news is that there are a few shoe companies that seem to repeatedly make shoes that provide great support for being on your feet all the time. Two of the biggest names out there are ASICS and New Balance, and they both make a variety of shoes with excellent support and stability.

For people with mild to moderate ankle problems, we highly recommend ASICS GT-2000 V2. It provides exceptional ankle support and cushioning.

For those with more severe problems, New Balance has some excellent choices like the M770, although they are more expensive.

Is it OK to use trail running shoes on road?

Running shoes are mainly categorised into three types: road running shoes, trail running shoes, and cross-training shoes. The latter is usually more popular with casual runners who have more experience with other forms of exercises like workout at the gym. There are some only a few running shoes made specifically for off-road use that can also be used on pavement without sacrificing safety and performance.

Just like road running, trail runners also run long distances but the trail surface is rougher and there are more obstacles like tree roots. Also, there are many users who are new to the sport will make them endure longer fatigue. {{n}}

If you have the flexibility to choose, a trail running shoe is the way to go for long distance runs in the woods and mountains. But, it can also be used on road. Just be aware of the terrain and the paths you plan to run before purchasing.

Can I jog if I have bad knees?

Although lots of people consider jogging a fitness activity, it’s mainly designed as a cardiovascular workout. The impact it has on your knees depends on a lot of factors including your age, weight, and medical history. To jog if you have bad knees, you need to be sure that your knees can take the pounding and put up with a few minor knee injuries along the way.

To start out, you should start with a slow and low-impact type of jogging such as a walking jog or fast walk. When you get smoother and find the pace that’s right for you, you can gradually turn this into a full-on running routine. If you are worried about bad knees, there are ways to slow down and lighten the impact. You can try the following tips:

Conclusion

The best running shoes for women can be a tiring process. Not only are there so many brands, there are countless running shoe choices in each brand. There are running shoes that are designed for specific movements and others that are more suitable for all-rounder runners. The many gender and movement types leave many runners confused on which ones to go for.

Best Best/Affordable Coffee Machines [Top 8] : [Best Single Serve Machines]

Our Recommendation

NameCategoryProduct
ASICS Men's Dynaflyte Running ShoeBest OverallASICS Men's Dynaflyte Running Shoe
Salomon Men's Speedcross 4 GTX Trail Running ShoesBudget PickSalomon Men's Speedcross 4 GTX Trail Running Shoes
NIKE Air Zoom Terra Kiger 3 Mens Running ShoeUpgrade PickNIKE Air Zoom Terra Kiger 3 Mens Running Shoe