Top Picks: Best New Shoes for Men

1. New Balance Men’s Paul

We recently put the Men’s Paul through its paces, and while it offers a respectable aesthetic, the overall construction left us wanting a bit more. The faux leather upper has a decent look from a distance, but up close, the material feels somewhat stiff and less refined than genuine leather. This rigidity translates to the initial break-in period, which we found to be longer than anticipated.

The sole provides adequate cushioning for casual wear, offering a stable feel underfoot during everyday errands. However, I noticed a distinct lack of arch support, which might be a dealbreaker for those who spend extended periods on their feet. The lacing system is straightforward, but the eyelets themselves feel a little flimsy, raising concerns about their long-term durability.

This shoe is best suited for individuals seeking a budget-friendly option for occasional use, perhaps for light social gatherings or short walks. It’s not designed for athletic pursuits or demanding daily wear where robust support and flexibility are paramount. If you prioritize a more premium feel and lasting comfort, you might want to explore other options.

2. New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer

The Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer presents itself as a versatile option, and for the most part, it delivers on its promise of comfort. The midsole cushioning is quite generous, providing a pleasant bounce with each step, making it suitable for light gym activities or long walks. I appreciated the breathable mesh upper, which kept my feet cool even during moderate exertion.

However, the outsole, while offering decent traction on most surfaces, exhibits a tendency to pick up small pebbles and debris, requiring frequent cleaning. The heel collar, though padded, felt slightly too high for my liking, occasionally rubbing against my ankle bone. This minor annoyance became more noticeable during longer wear sessions.

This shoe is an excellent choice for casual gym-goers, individuals who enjoy walking, or anyone needing a comfortable everyday sneaker for moderate activity. It’s probably not the best fit for serious runners or those requiring specialized support for high-impact sports. If you dislike having to constantly clear debris from your shoe treads, you might find this a bit frustrating.

3. Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 10 Shoes

When considering the best new shoes for men, the Men’s Charged Assert 10 Shoes certainly caught our attention for their performance-oriented design. The Charged Cushioning technology provides a responsive feel, absorbing impact effectively during runs and training sessions. We found the lockdown to be secure, thanks to the well-designed lacing system and the supportive midfoot structure.

While the upper offers good ventilation, the synthetic overlays, though adding structure, felt a bit rigid against the foot during tighter turns. I also noted that the outsole, while durable, could be a bit more aggressive in its tread pattern for enhanced grip on wet surfaces. The overall sound of the shoe on pavement is a firm, almost percussive, tap.

This shoe is ideal for runners and athletes who prioritize responsive cushioning and a secure fit for their training routines. It’s a solid contender for those who engage in a variety of activities, from road running to gym workouts. However, if you frequently run in slippery conditions or prefer a softer, more flexible upper, you might want to look elsewhere.

4. Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe

The Men’s Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe offers a compelling blend of comfort and responsiveness, making it a solid choice for many runners. The Charged Cushioning technology within the midsole effectively absorbs shock, providing a smooth ride over varied terrain. We noticed that the upper material, while breathable, has a slightly coarse texture that might feel abrasive to some individuals, especially on longer runs.

The outsole provides reliable traction on dry surfaces, and the overall construction feels robust for its price point. However, the toe box, while adequately spacious for most, felt a little snug for wider feet, and I experienced some minor pressure points during my testing. The shoe also emits a subtle ‘swish’ sound as you move, which is common but can be noticeable.

This running shoe is a great option for neutral runners seeking a durable and cushioned shoe for their daily mileage, particularly on pavement or light trails. It’s also suitable for individuals looking for a comfortable gym shoe that can handle some cardio. If you have particularly wide feet or are sensitive to the feel of an upper material, this might not be the perfect fit for you.

5. New Balance Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker

We evaluated the Men’s 515 V3 Sneaker as a contender for everyday casual wear, and it largely succeeds in providing a comfortable and stylish option. The suede and mesh upper offers a classic aesthetic that pairs well with a variety of outfits, and the ENCAP midsole provides decent cushioning for daily activities. I particularly liked the subtle branding, which keeps the look clean and understated. (See Also: Best Chef Work Shoes )

However, the outsole, while offering good grip for walking, feels a bit stiff and lacks the flexibility one might expect from a more performance-oriented sneaker. The laces, though functional, feel somewhat thin and could be prone to fraying over time. We also observed that the shoe doesn’t offer much in terms of specialized support, making it unsuitable for any kind of athletic endeavor.

This sneaker is best for individuals who need a reliable and good-looking shoe for casual outings, running errands, or simply relaxing. It’s a solid choice for adding a touch of retro style to your wardrobe without sacrificing comfort for light use. If you’re looking for a shoe that can handle more than just walking, or if you need significant ankle support, you should look elsewhere.

6. Under Armour Men’s Charged Surge 4 Sneaker

We put the Men’s Charged Surge 4 Sneaker through its paces, and it offers a solid blend of comfort and responsiveness for everyday wear. The Charged Cushioning technology provides a good amount of impact absorption, making it feel pleasant on the feet even after extended periods of walking. The upper mesh is breathable, which is a definite plus on warmer days.

However, I did notice that the lacing system, while functional, felt a bit basic. The eyelets are standard, and I found myself needing to readjust the tightness more often than I’d prefer during a brisk walk. It’s not a dealbreaker, but for a shoe marketed for its surge of energy, a more secure lockdown would have been appreciated.

This shoe is ideal for the man who needs a reliable, go-to sneaker for errands, casual outings, or light gym sessions. It’s not designed for aggressive training or long-distance running, so if you’re a serious athlete, you might want to look elsewhere.

The overall feel is light, and the outsole provides decent traction on various surfaces. The design is understated, fitting in easily with casual attire. It’s a competent shoe that performs as expected for its price point.

7. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 520 V9 Running Shoe

In our search for the best new shoes for men, the Men’s Fresh Foam 520 v9 Running Shoe caught our attention for its approachable price point and comfortable cushioning. The Fresh Foam midsole delivers a soft landing with each stride, making it a pleasant companion for shorter runs or recovery days. The engineered mesh upper feels airy and allows for good ventilation.

My primary critique lies with the durability of the outsole. While it offers good grip initially, I observed noticeable wear patterns after a moderate amount of mileage, particularly on the heel strike area. This suggests it might not hold up as well for runners who log high weekly mileage or have a more aggressive foot strike.

This shoe is a solid choice for the beginner runner or someone looking for a comfortable, no-frills option for casual jogs around the neighborhood. It’s also a great pick for gym-goers who need a cushioned shoe for treadmills or cross-training that doesn’t break the bank.

The fit is generally true to size, and the shoe feels light on the foot. The flexibility of the sole contributes to a natural foot movement, which is a plus. It’s a dependable option for its intended use.

8. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Roav Running Shoe

The Men’s Fresh Foam Roav Running Shoe aims for a modern, versatile aesthetic, and it largely succeeds. The Fresh Foam X midsole provides a plush feel underfoot, offering excellent shock absorption that transitions well from the road to city streets. I appreciated the molded heel counter, which adds a good amount of stability without feeling overly rigid.

However, the tongue of the shoe, while padded, felt a tad too short for my liking. It tended to slide down slightly during longer walks, requiring occasional adjustments. This minor annoyance detracted a bit from the otherwise smooth experience of wearing these shoes.

This shoe is perfect for the urban explorer or the runner who prioritizes comfort and style in equal measure. If you often find yourself transitioning from a run to a coffee shop or running errands, the Roav’s blend of performance and casual appeal is a strong selling point. It’s not for those seeking a minimalist, highly responsive racing shoe.

The upper construction is quite supportive, and the overall fit is snug yet accommodating. The outsole’s tread pattern offers reliable grip on pavement and light trails. The visual design is sleek, making it easy to pair with various casual outfits.

9. Skechers Men’s Afterburn M. Fit Fashion Sneakers

We tested the Men’s Afterburn M. Fit Fashion Sneakers, and they certainly deliver on a casual, laid-back vibe. The cushioning is adequate for everyday comfort, providing a soft landing for walking around town or standing for extended periods. The synthetic leather upper gives them a slightly more polished look than a typical athletic shoe. (See Also: Best Running Shoes Marathon )

My main observation is that the “M. Fit” aspect, while intended for a more accommodating fit, felt a bit too generous in width for my standard foot. This resulted in a slightly sloppy feel, even when the laces were tightened. If you have a truly wide foot, this might be a benefit, but for most, it could lead to a less secure lockdown.

These sneakers are best suited for the man who prioritizes comfort and a casual aesthetic for non-athletic activities. They’re great for weekend wear, running errands, or pairing with jeans. Avoid these if you plan on doing any form of vigorous exercise or need a shoe with precise foot support.

The overall construction feels solid for a casual sneaker, and the outsole provides decent traction on smooth surfaces. The padded collar adds a touch of comfort around the ankle. They offer a relaxed feel for daily wear.

10. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 410 V9 Trail Running Shoe

The Men’s Fresh Foam 410 V9 Trail Running Shoe offers a capable option for those venturing off-road. The Fresh Foam midsole provides a good balance of cushioning and ground feel, allowing you to navigate uneven terrain with confidence. I found the lugged outsole to be particularly effective, digging into dirt and gravel for reliable traction.

However, the upper material, while offering some protection, felt a bit stiff straight out of the box. It took a few miles to break in completely, and during that initial period, I experienced some minor rubbing on the sides of my feet. A more flexible material or pre-softening would have made the initial wear much smoother.

This shoe is a strong contender for the casual trail runner or hiker who tackles moderate, well-maintained trails. It’s ideal for weekend adventures where you want a shoe that can handle varied surfaces without being overly aggressive. If you’re tackling highly technical or muddy terrain regularly, you might need something with more aggressive grip and protection.

The overall fit is secure, and the toe bumper offers decent protection against rocks and roots. The shoe feels relatively lightweight for a trail-specific model. It’s a dependable choice for exploring the outdoors.