Men’s Health 2019 Sneaker Awards – Top Sneakers Brands – Men’s Health

Foam beads have made the Joyride a total game-changer. With four separate pods filled with proprietary foam-bead tech through the whole sole, each step will absorb your stride and return energy to propel you forward. A snug fit with a breathable upper round out this must-have sneaker to help you spring into action for your next run—with a little help when you need it most.

Hoka’s solution to the super shoe race feels fast from the minute you lace it up. The carbon fiber plates inside add effortless propulsion, while the super-cushy foam is far lighter than it looks. I logged my first 20-mile training session in these bad boys and didn’t think about my feet once—that’s the mark of a great shoe.

New Balance zeroed in on high-speed performance with these advanced runners, the first of the excellent FuelCell series, named for the new high-rebound foam. The Rebel is built to speed up your tempo runs, but its combination of style and comfort make it a sneaker worthy of entering your everyday wear rotation.

Perfect for pounding the pavement, these lightweight runners feel great right out of the box. One reviewer gave the sneaker a high score for great energy return and a snug fit. The brand’s DNA LOFT and BioMoGo DNA technology create a one-touch punch of soft cushioning with great stability to knockout your run.

The trail ahead can be unpredictable, but you know the Supercross has you covered with a stellar outsole for great traction and a shock-absorbing midsole. Rough terrain is simply no match in these trail running sneakers from a brand you know and trust.

Saucony’s trail running sneaker sets itself apart from other top-rated offerings with cool customizable features, including an outsole that you can drill holes into for drainage from wet terrain or to place studs for greater traction. When the conditions are rough, these sneakers will be your much-needed backup. Every run is a different journey and Saucony gets it. 

When you need a sneaker to carry you through the long haul, a breathable upper, responsive midsole, built-in Torsion system, and a lightweight feel is necessary—that’s where the Adizeo Adios 4 comes in. Marathon runners swear by this style for it’s comfort and long-lasting durability to cross the finish line like a boss. 

Imagine you got a pair of Chucks, the shoe of choice for many powerlifters, then upgraded them in every way. Make them grippier, give them a tougher upper, and an infusion of new school style that had multiple people in my weight room ask me what I was wearing. Oh, and these high tops perform, with a sturdy sole for squats and deadlifts that don’t give when you load up the weight. 

These weightlifting shoes get the job done in style. The platform is solid and the lockdown is stable, with laces and a double set of straps. They’re also surprisingly flexible, so you don’t feel like you’re walking around on wooden planks. Importantly, the bottoms feel grippy, but not so much that you’ll have trouble transitioning through Olympic lifts.

The Rock’s second signature shoe is an upgrade from the first in every way, from the tight knit upper that provides a super breathable lockdown fit, to the inclusion of Under Armour’s HOVR cushioning foam in the heel. They perform just as well with tons of weight on your back as they do with more dynamic movements, so they’re good for your whole workout.

Adidas brought its Boost foam to the trail, and hikers should take the opportunity to experience the added comfort and spring that comes with the high tech material. The fit and support of the Free Hiker is clutch and the GORE-TEX membrane can handle anything nature can throw at it.

These hikers are designed to look more like a casual sneaker than a performance boot, but they’re the real deal. The shoes are surprisingly breathable, with a lockdown fit and a super-grippy Vibram outsole that performs on the trail.

Town or country, these stylish hybrid kicks will be your go-to shoe for protection against the elements. They wear like a sneaker but walk like a boot, with more support than you’d expect from the non-traditional design. 

Don’t feel like pulling on a full boot when you’re taking on the great outdoors? These low profile hikers from Keen have a shorter cut to create a lightweight experience, without sacrificing any traction or sturdiness. Plus, the extra-cushy insoles make these a top choice for guys who can’t live without the comfort of a sneaker, especially on a tough trail. 

This unique hiking shoe provides just the right amount of protection your feet need from rocky road, but still allows you to feel grounded to the trail. No matter what Mother Nature throws your way, the Vibram Megagrip has the killer grip and exceptional durability to keep you moving with ease.

Mizuno’s first training sneaker deserves a standing ovation for features that allow for the ultimate control of your body movements. To ensure you perform your best, Mizuno COB midsole technology improves your balancing abilities, while the internal booty construction and midfoot support straps hug your feet for the support you need to level-up your game. 

Nike’s latest Metcon is its most comfortable training shoe yet, delivering a stable platform for lifting, along with just enough toe-box flexibility to let you run and box jump smoothly, too. The included heel lifts, inspired by CrossFit Games champ Mat Fraser, add another dimension, catering to anyone who struggles with ankle mobility, but stills want to squat and deadlift heavy weight.

On Running is known for their comfortable and lightweight shoes and the hybrid running-trainer On Cloud X adds to that legacy. It feels responsive and supportive whether you’re on doing tempo intervals or ladder work in the gym. Plus, the cool outsole is a head-turner.

If we were to imagine what walking on a cloud feels like, our guess would be that it would feel similar to stepping out in these GoWalk 5 Qualify kicks. Outstanding cushioning and breathable insoles keep you moving comfortably for hours, while the versatile look makes them a prime choice for most occasions. 

Socks and sandals? Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried Chaco’s Z/Ronin. These babies provide the comfort of wearing sandals while protecting your feet against the wet, wild world. Plus, they’re lace-free, which means you’ll spend less time fiddling around and more time for your busy day ahead. 

Laces are a thing of the past with adidas’ latest basketball sneaker. The N3XT L3V3L slips onto your foot in just seconds, greeting your feet with a super-cozy, sock-like feel. Perfect for players who love to change direction, this style offers much more ankle support than the competition and you get strong midfoot and forefoot lockdown, too. 

The new HOVR Havoc has the epic energy return you want with unmatched comfort. Your feet will breathe easy thanks to the perforated and mesh upper, while the midfoot shank and outsole have you covered for stability and great support. The cool ombré effect gives these sneakers a nice boost of style, too. 

Handcrafted, Italian-made sneakers don’t come cheap, but the attention to detail and high-quality construction of a pair of Koio sneakers justifies the moderately high price tag. From the buttery-soft leather, to the small details of lazer-trimmed edges and perforated triangles, this off-white option feels much more expensive than it costs. 

The knit upper of these hybrid running sneakers has the right balance of stretch and support for superior comfort, combined with a unique design for high style. In all-white sneaker, the cool texture appears subtle enough to wear for everyday occasions, but still maintains enough interest to make admirers want to take a closer look. 

Clean, minimalist, white leather sneakers are timeless, versatile, and are great for guys of all ages. So, what sets this Santoni style from the endless options on the market? It’s all about the comfort of stretch nappa leather that won’t require a few painful wears to break them in—which basically defeats the purpose of a sneaker in the first place. 

In a world of chunky “dad sneakers”, this gem from the late ‘70s feels surprisingly refreshing. A snazzy suede texture takes the multi-purpose training shoe to stylish new heights, without an obnoxious platform-like sole. 

Sneakers today come in design extremes in either clean, minimalist offerings or hyped-up futuristic styles. Subtle details on the Tiger Corsair—like its felt heel cross support and sturdy stitching on the brand logo—make this ‘70s icon stand out in a happy medium of classic style. 

A remix on New Balance’s 997 that kicked off the ‘90s with style, the new 997H has a modern soft foam midsole with a sleek look and cool color combinations. It’s the same fresh style, but with smart tweaks to step up your sneaker game. 

A rich nubuck upper elevates your affordable workwear, allowing you to save the big bucks until you reach executive level.  

Yes, you can wear sporty sneakers to the office. Luxe materials in muted tones combined with bold yellow mesh create a cool contrast for exceptionally modern style. 

Business on top, casual down below, this sneaker is the ultimate mashup to be donned from office hours to happy hour. 

When your goal is to travel light, you need one versatile shoe that’ll work for all occasions and be comfortable enough for all-day wear. Allbirds’ Tree Runner is the answer. Low-density foam soles keep the Tree Runners lightweight, while eco-friendly knit uppers let your tired feet breathe easy.

The sophisticated look of an Oxford shoe meets the comfort of a sneaker to blend in at formal functions and casual outings alike. Add the low price tag to these sleek kicks and it’s a smart purchase for smart style.