15 Best Running Shoes for Men (August 2026) Reviewed

The best running shoes for men are not one model for every runner. The right pair matches the miles you run, the surface underfoot, the amount of cushioning you enjoy, and the way your feet feel after an hour rather than five minutes in a store.

I grouped the 15 shoes below by the jobs their published materials and buyer feedback support: steady road miles, soft landings, guided support, faster sessions, and trails. Each selection is based on the product specifications, listed features, ratings, and review counts in the analyzed catalog; it is not a substitute for a fitting session or medical advice.

That distinction matters. Forum runners repeatedly mention calf discomfort after changing to a very different shoe, confusion about whether they need support, and hot feet in poorly ventilated uppers. My short answer is to preserve what already works when possible, change one variable at a time, and give a new pair several short runs before making it your long-run shoe.

For 2026, start with the category that reflects your routine instead of chasing a single brand. A neutral runner who wants a lively daily trainer has different needs from a runner who wants guidance, a walker who wants a broad base, or a racer looking for a carbon plate.

The three clearest picks cover daily training, soft cushioning, and support

Here is the direct shortlist for runners who want a fast answer. The ASICS NOVABLAST 5 is my broad daily-training pick because its FF BLAST MAX foam, breathable upper, tongue-wing fit, and trampoline-inspired outsole cover a wide range of routine road runs.

• ASICS NOVABLAST 5: best everyday choice for an energetic, breathable road ride.
• ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27: best soft-cushion choice for runners prioritizing gentler landings and a soft upper feel.
• ASICS GT-1000 14: best support-led choice for runners who want adaptive guidance plus moisture management.

Those are starting points, not universal winners. The sections below make the trade-offs plain, including the more specialized options for trail days, plated training, recovery-oriented miles, and racing.

These 15 running shoes for men give you a quick category overview in 2026

The comparison below puts every analyzed model in one place. Use it to narrow the field, then read the relevant review section for fit, cushioning, upper, and surface notes.

1. The Mizuno Wave Inspire 21 is a stable, durable road-running choice

The Wave Inspire 21 has the clearest support-minded construction in the Mizuno entry: its Wave plate is designed to spread impact over a broader area rather than leave the platform feeling narrow or unstable. Its 4.7 rating from 120 reviews is the highest catalog rating here, although the lower review count means I would treat it as a promising signal rather than the final word.

The upper is jacquard mesh and the tongue is gusseted, two details that point to a more contained midfoot feel. For a runner tired of a tongue drifting sideways or a shoe that feels loose when turning corners, those are useful practical features.

The X10 carbon-rubber outsole is the durability detail that stands out. It makes this model a sensible candidate for regular road mileage, especially if you tend to wear through softer outsole areas quickly.

Its recycled-material callout is also specific rather than vague. That will matter to runners who want a lower-waste upper while still wanting a conventional road-shoe platform.

Runners who want a secure platform should choose the Wave Inspire 21

Choose it if stable cushioning, a held-in tongue, and a hard-wearing outsole rank above a stripped-down, minimal feel. It suits road runners who want the shoe to feel composed on ordinary training days.

Runners seeking lots of color choice should look elsewhere

The catalog flags limited color options and a newer, smaller feedback base as its real limitations. Fit is still personal, so test toe space and heel hold before committing to higher mileage.

2. The HOKA Bondi 9 is the wide-choice maximum-cushion road option

The Bondi 9 earns its place for runners who put a plush, easy-going road feel first. The catalog identifies an engineered-mesh upper, textile lining, and multiple width options, which is more helpful than a generic claim that one standard fit works for all feet.

It has a 4.6 rating from 2,792 reviews and is listed near the top of the men’s road-running category. That volume makes its feedback signal stronger than a new model with only a few dozen opinions.

Multiple widths are the key deciding point here. Men with wide forefeet often need more than a softer foam; they need space that avoids pressure at the small toe and first metatarsal during longer runs.

Do not overinterpret the listed three-pound figure as a single-shoe running weight because it appears in the product dimensions data. Instead, judge the Bondi by its fit and ride during a short run, not by that package listing alone.

Runners with width needs should start with the Bondi 9

The breadth of width options makes this a logical fitting-room candidate for runners whose toes feel cramped in standard road shoes. The mesh upper also supports runners prioritizing airflow on warm days.

Runners wanting a lean, quick shoe should skip the Bondi 9

This is not the catalog’s speed-focused offering, and its construction points toward comfort-first mileage. Runners who want a firmer, more direct response should read the Launch 11 or Endorphin Pro 4 sections.

3. The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 is the soft-landing road pick

The Gel-Nimbus 27 is the soft-cushion option I would check first for recovery runs and runners who dislike abrupt landings. ASICS pairs PureGEL technology, described as lightweight cushioning for softer landings, with FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam for a softer landing and a more responsive toe-off.

The upper uses engineered jacquard mesh with a stated soft wrap around the foot. With a 4.6 rating from 2,655 reviews and a strong category rank in the catalog, it has a substantial feedback base behind its comfort-led positioning.

There is also real materials detail: at least 75% of the main upper material is recycled content, while the solution-dyed sockliner is stated to reduce water use and carbon emissions compared with conventional dyeing. Those are concrete manufacturing claims, not a catch-all green label.

For a runner learning how much cushion feels right, this is a good contrast shoe against a lively trainer. Soft does not automatically mean better, but it can make easy mileage feel less harsh.

Runners prioritizing gentler landings should choose the Gel-Nimbus 27

Pick it for relaxed road running, recovery days, or any routine where a soft underfoot sensation is the main goal. Its upper and foam pairing also make sense for runners who want comfort without giving up a responsive toe-off.

Runners needing a simple choice should allow extra fitting time

The catalog notes a large number of variants, so confirm the exact width, colorway, and size before deciding. ASICS fits can feel different across models, making a try-on more useful than assuming your usual size transfers perfectly.

4. The ASICS NOVABLAST 5 is the energetic daily-trainer answer

The NOVABLAST 5 is my editor’s-choice-style daily trainer because its feature list covers the parts of everyday running that are easiest to notice: breathable engineered jacquard mesh, a tongue wing that limits movement, FF BLAST MAX foam, and a trampoline-inspired outsole.

That combination is designed around an energetic ride rather than a purely soft one. Its 4.6 rating from 2,146 reviews also gives it a deeper review base than many specialist shoes in this list.

Reflective details are a welcome practical addition for dawn or evening routes. They do not replace lights or visible clothing, but they make more sense here than treating low-light running as an afterthought.

If I were building one simple road rotation from this catalog, this is the all-round daily trainer I would pair with either a more protective option or a race-specific shoe. It is the most balanced answer for the runner who does not want a different model for every weekday.

Runners wanting one lively road shoe should choose the NOVABLAST 5

This is the pick for routine miles when you want cushion with some bounce back rather than a flat, dull transition. The tongue-wing construction is especially relevant for runners bothered by tongue migration.

Runners who dislike choice overload should verify the exact variant

Large variant selections can make an otherwise easy purchase needlessly confusing. Check the width and fit carefully, and introduce the shoe on shorter sessions before using it for a long run.

5. The Brooks Ghost Max 3 is the broad-base easy-mile and walking option

The Ghost Max 3 stands out for runners and walkers who want a broad, stable base without moving to a clearly motion-control model. Brooks lists nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning to reduce underfoot pressure and a GlideRoll Rocker to smooth the heel-to-toe transition.

A linear last is described as adding volume for a variety of foot shapes, which is an unusually useful fit detail. The shoe also carries the APMA Seal of Acceptance and PDAC A5500 diabetic-shoe certification in the catalog.

The engineered mesh adds a breathability note to what is otherwise a comfort-oriented design. Its 4.6 rating from 1,727 reviews suggests this is a well-established choice, not a model relying on a tiny early-review sample.

One listing inconsistency deserves honesty: its catalog rank appears under women’s road running even though this analyzed entry is presented as a men’s option. Confirm the exact model and sizing selection at checkout rather than inferring fit from the category label.

Runners and walkers wanting a smooth, planted ride should choose Ghost Max 3

The wide base and rocker work together for people who prioritize steady transitions over a sharp, fast feel. It is also a sensible option to consider if your feet prefer additional volume through the last.

Runners wanting a dedicated guidance system should compare other Brooks models

The Ghost Max 3 provides built-in stability through shape and base, but it does not list GuideRails. If excess movement is your specific concern, the Adrenaline GTS 25 is the more direct comparison.

6. The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is the guided-support daily trainer

The Adrenaline GTS 25 is the clearest Brooks pick for runners looking for an explicit support feature. Its GuideRails Holistic Support System is designed to keep excess movement in check, while nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 supplies lightweight softness underfoot.

This matters because “stability” is not a requirement for every runner. A runner who feels comfortable in neutral shoes should not assume that more guidance will fix a problem; fit, comfort, and a gradual change still matter most.

The engineered mesh upper and flat-knit collar aim for a secure, breathable fit. The catalog also records the APMA Seal of Acceptance and PDAC A5500 diabetic-shoe certification, adding two independent-use signals for shoppers who value those designations.

Its 4.6 rating from 1,228 reviews includes a reported 85% five-star share. That is a strong satisfaction signal, though the published limitation is equally important: some runners may find the cushioning more than they want.

Runners who want guidance should choose the Adrenaline GTS 25

Choose this model if a clinician, fitter, or your own successful experience points you toward support during regular road running. It offers guidance and soft cushioning in the same package.

Runners happy in neutral shoes should not add support by default

Support features should solve a fit or movement need, not become a marketing reflex. If your current neutral shoes feel comfortable, test this against a neutral alternative rather than making an abrupt switch.

7. The ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 is the responsive long-distance specialist

The SUPERBLAST 2 earns the long-run slot because it pairs two distinct foam technologies: FF TURBO PLUS for a responsive feel and FF BLAST PLUS for lightweight impact absorption. That is a more performance-oriented mix than the catalog’s plain soft-cushion entries.

The engineered mesh upper is described as improving airflow, while the gusseted tongue-wing fit system helps reduce tongue sliding. When feet swell late in longer runs, a secure midfoot and breathable upper can be as important as the midsole itself.

The trampoline-inspired outsole is intended to add bounce back. This model has a 4.6 rating from 873 reviews, a solid total for a distinctive unisex shoe but lower than the catalog’s highest-volume daily trainers.

Because it is unisex, sizing needs extra attention. Do not order based only on the size printed in another brand; measure both feet, leave running-room at the toes, and walk indoors first to assess the last.

Long-distance runners wanting a springy ride should choose SUPERBLAST 2

This shoe suits runners who want cushioning that feels responsive rather than purely protective over longer road sessions. The breathable upper is an added plus for warm-weather mileage.

Runners wanting predictable men’s sizing should check the fit carefully

Unisex sizing is not automatically a problem, but it removes one easy assumption. Compare the supplied size chart with your foot measurement and prioritize toe clearance over a familiar label.

8. The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 27 is the balanced everyday road shoe

The Gel-Cumulus 27 offers a middle path for men who want cushioned daily road running without moving to a max-style platform. FF BLAST PLUS is listed for lightweight impact absorption and rebound, while PureGEL is intended to soften landings.

The FLUIDRIDE outsole is designed for smoother strides, and reflective details help with visibility in low light. Its engineered mesh upper focuses on improved breathability, a welcome feature for runners who report sweaty feet in summer conditions.

The 4.6 rating from 809 reviews is encouraging, but the catalog identifies two limitations worth taking seriously: some users report outsole durability concerns and some find the fit slightly narrow. Those are not details to bury under a star score.

If a shoe is a little narrow at the start, do not assume the upper will stretch enough to solve it. A comfortable heel and midfoot with adequate toe room usually matter more than forcing a snug first impression.

Runners wanting a familiar cushioned daily ride should choose Gel-Cumulus 27

It is a sound option for regular road sessions when you want both landing softness and a smoother transition. The upper and reflective details make it particularly practical for early or late runs.

Wide-foot runners should test the Gel-Cumulus 27 before long runs

The fit feedback points to possible narrowness for some feet. Walk, jog, and check pressure at the forefoot before relying on it for longer mileage.

9. The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is the carbon-plated race-day choice

The Endorphin Pro 4 is the performance-specific entry for runners who want a carbon fiber plate and a forward-rolling geometry. Saucony lists SPEEDROLL technology, a full-length carbon plate, and a PWRRUN HG plus PWRRUN PB dual-foam midsole.

That construction is designed for propulsion and energy return during faster work. A high-grip rubber outsole and breathable engineered mesh complete the race-oriented specification, and the listing explicitly identifies marathons, tempo runs, and speed workouts as intended uses.

Its 4.6 rating is drawn from 687 reviews, with reported feedback praising the speed-oriented platform. Still, a carbon plate can feel stiff and prescriptive underfoot, so this is not the pair I would select merely for casual jogging.

Forum runners who develop calf discomfort after a shoe change should take particular care with a plated model. Begin with a few controlled strides or a short workout, not a first outing that becomes a long run.

Runners targeting races and speed sessions should choose Endorphin Pro 4

The plate, dual-foam midsole, and SPEEDROLL design make the purpose clear: this is for runners who enjoy a propulsive, fast-feeling ride. Use it where that specialized character is useful.

Easy-day runners should avoid making this their only shoe

A plated racing shoe is not a universal daily trainer. Most runners will get a more comfortable rotation by keeping a conventional cushioned shoe for easy mileage.

10. The Brooks Launch 11 is the responsive road-workout shoe

The Launch 11 is the straightforward choice for runners who want a lighter-feeling, responsive road shoe without a carbon plate. Its nitrogen-infused DNA FLASH midsole and DNA FLASH v2 forefoot cushioning are both presented as quick-return cushioning.

RoadTack Rubber is the traction detail, while the breathable mesh upper supports faster sessions in warmer conditions. The catalog identifies workouts, road runs, and races as fitting uses, making it one of the more flexible speed-leaning models here.

It has a 4.6 rating from 673 reviews. The main limitation is just as clear: this is a neutral shoe and may not provide enough support for runners who specifically need guidance.

Some runners also prefer more cushioning for long recovery miles. That is not a defect; it simply tells you where the Launch 11 belongs in a rotation: lively routine runs and workouts rather than every kind of day.

Neutral runners wanting quicker turnover should choose the Launch 11

Choose it for road workouts, shorter races, and daily runs that benefit from a more responsive sensation. The rubber outsole is also useful for runners who place a high priority on road traction.

Runners requiring guidance or deep cushioning should choose another category

Its neutral construction will not answer a support need, and its responsive focus may feel insufficiently protective for some long, easy sessions. Compare it with the Adrenaline, Kayano, or Ghost Max based on your priority.

11. The New Balance FuelCell Supercomp Trainer V3 is the plated-training option

The FuelCell Supercomp Trainer V3 puts plated geometry into a training-oriented package. New Balance lists FuelCell midsole foam with approximately 3% bio-based content, Energy Arc carbon fiber plate geometry, strategic midsole voids, and an angular midsole that reduces weight.

Its published 4 mm drop is a decision-making feature, not trivia. A lower heel-to-toe drop can change how load feels through the ankle and calf, particularly for runners used to a higher-drop daily trainer.

The outsole is described as designed for superior traction, and the 4.6 rating comes from 283 reviews. That lower review count does not disqualify it, but it means this recommendation rests more heavily on the clearly stated construction and intended feel.

The product data says it may require a break-in period. I would interpret that as a reason to make the first few outings short and easy, letting your feet and lower legs adapt before a workout or long run.

Runners curious about plated training should choose Supercomp Trainer V3

It fits runners who want carbon-plate geometry and a propulsive FuelCell feel for training rather than reserving every plated sensation for a race. The traction-focused outsole adds a practical road-running point.

Runners changing from a higher drop should adapt gradually

The listed 4 mm drop can feel different through the calves and Achilles. Alternate it with a familiar pair at first, and stop if discomfort builds rather than treating pain as a necessary adjustment.

12. The ASICS GT-1000 14 is the approachable stability-shoe option

The GT-1000 14 is the support-led choice for runners who want a clear guidance feature without moving straight to the more elaborate Kayano. Its 3D GUIDANCE SYSTEM is listed for adaptive stability, while FF BLAST foam handles cushioning and rearfoot PureGEL softens impact.

ASICS states that its rearfoot PureGEL is approximately 65% softer than standard GEL. The engineered mesh upper focuses on lightweight breathability, and the Hybrid Max Lite sockliner adds a moisture-management detail that is useful in hot conditions.

Its 4.5 rating from 431 reviews is slightly below the 4.6 cluster above, but still a strong result. The limitations are fit-related: the catalog says it may run narrow for some runners, and the feedback sample is more modest.

For beginners overwhelmed by shoe choices, this gives a simple decision path. If you know that gentle guidance feels good and you want breathable road mileage, it has the relevant features without a need to decode a highly specialized race platform.

Runners wanting adaptive stability should choose the GT-1000 14

The 3D GUIDANCE SYSTEM, FF BLAST foam, and rearfoot PureGEL make it a coherent choice for supported daily road running. The moisture-managing sockliner also helps address warm-run comfort.

Runners with wide feet should assess forefoot room first

Possible narrowness is the practical warning. Check the forefoot under load and confirm that your toes can spread before taking it beyond a brief introductory run.

13. The ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 is the cushioned, high-guidance road option

The Gel-Kayano 32 is the more feature-rich ASICS stability option. Its 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM is described as responding to excessive load, while rearfoot PureGEL handles shock absorption and FF BLAST PLUS aims to combine cloud-like comfort with a responsive ride.

The upper uses engineered mesh with fewer additional overlays, and the knit heel pull tab makes on-and-off easier. Those are small features, yet they affect day-to-day usability more than a technical label sometimes does.

At 4.4 from 1,385 reviews, its rating is lower than most other road shoes in this catalog, even with a much larger review total than some. That deserves a clear mention: its sophisticated feature list should not override your own comfort check.

The Kayano makes most sense for a runner who has already learned that support works well for him. It is not an automatic upgrade from a neutral shoe, and it should not replace a gait assessment when pain or recurring injuries are involved.

Runners who already prefer structured support should choose Gel-Kayano 32

The 4D GUIDANCE system and dual cushioning elements fit a runner who wants guidance plus a soft, responsive road ride. Its mesh upper aims to keep that structure from feeling overly closed in.

Runners choosing only by ratings should compare alternatives first

The 4.4 rating is still positive, but it trails the catalog’s 4.6 leaders. Compare the fit against the GT-1000 14 and Brooks Adrenaline before deciding which support approach feels more natural.

14. The New Balance Fresh Foam 410 V9 is the trail and mixed-terrain choice

The Fresh Foam 410 V9 is the only purpose-built trail model in this roundup, so it directly answers the mixed terrain question that appears often in runner forums. Its AT TREAD outsole is specified for versatile all-terrain traction, and reinforced overlays support the durable trail construction.

Fresh Foam cushioning and a Bio Foam midsole address underfoot comfort, while the secure lace-up fit is designed for more locked-in support on technical ground. It is listed as the number-one bestseller in the men’s trail running category.

Its 4.3 rating from 496 reviews is the lowest of the 15, but that must be read in context. Trail footwear has different demands, and a shoe can be well suited to dirt, gravel, and uneven ground without being a favorite for smooth pavement.

Do not use a trail outsole as a cure-all for a road-plus-sidewalk route. Aggressive trail construction can feel unnecessary on pavement; choose this when the unpaved portion of your route actually needs traction and reinforcement.

Runners who regularly leave pavement should choose Fresh Foam 410 V9

The AT TREAD outsole, reinforced overlays, and secure lacing make this the practical trail pick. It is particularly relevant for routes that include dirt paths, gravel, or uneven ground.

Road-only runners should choose a dedicated road model

The catalog specifically warns that its trail design is not ideal for road running. For sidewalks and asphalt, select a road trainer with a smoother outsole and cushioning tuned for repetitive hard-surface impact.

15. The New Balance 1080 V15 is the plush daily-road option

The 1080 V15 is New Balance’s comfort-first daily road option in this catalog. Its Infinion cushioning is described as long-lasting, while the upper is built for breathability and the midsole design aims to turn impact into forward momentum.

That reads as a plush but not purely passive daily trainer. Runners who want comfort for repeated road use but still appreciate some response underfoot will understand the appeal of that pairing.

There is a meaningful limitation: the rating is 4.1 from 74 reviews, both lower than the other models here. The listing itself calls it a newer model with limited reviews, so I would not rank it ahead of the better-established alternatives on catalog evidence alone.

Instead, see it as a focused option for a runner who already likes the New Balance fit and wants the specific Infinion cushioning concept. A short test run will reveal more than trying to infer softness from the name alone.

Runners who want plush daily road cushioning should consider 1080 V15

The daily-road design, breathable upper, and stated energy return make it a reasonable fit for comfort-led regular miles. It is a particularly relevant comparison against the Gel-Nimbus 27 and Bondi 9.

Runners who rely on broad review evidence should favor an established alternative

With 74 reviews and a 4.1 rating, this is the catalog’s least proven road choice. That does not make it unsuitable, but it does make personal fit testing and comparison more important.

The right running shoe comes from fit, terrain, and training purpose

Start with the job your shoe must do. Daily trainer running shoes should feel comfortable at an easy pace, grip the surfaces you actually run on, and leave enough room for foot swelling; a racing shoe can be more specialized because it is used less often.

Your cushioning choice should match the kind of impact you want to feel

More cushioning can make road miles feel gentler, especially on recovery days or when your feet prefer protection. It does not automatically make a shoe stable, and it does not automatically suit every stride.

Try to describe the ride you want in plain language: soft, springy, firm, smooth, or direct. The Gel-Nimbus 27, Ghost Max 3, and Bondi 9 belong in a comfort-led conversation, while the NOVABLAST 5, Launch 11, and Supercomp Trainer V3 aim for more response.

Your support choice should follow comfort and evidence, not a label

Neutral shoes do not contain a dedicated guidance system, while stability running shoes add features intended to manage excess movement or load. The GT-1000 14, Gel-Kayano 32, Adrenaline GTS 25, and Wave Inspire 21 are the support-oriented candidates in this group.

If you have persistent pain, repeated injuries, or uncertainty about whether you need stability, ask a qualified clinician or experienced running-shop fitter. Buying a guidance shoe without a clear reason is not a dependable fix for discomfort.

Your fit check should include toe room, heel hold, and upper heat

Fit is the deciding factor that a specification list cannot settle. Stand, walk, and jog in the shoe with your usual running socks; confirm that the heel does not lift, the midfoot is secure without numbness, and the toes have room to spread.

Review brand-specific fit with care. The catalog itself notes possible narrowness in the Gel-Cumulus 27 and GT-1000 14, provides multiple widths for the Bondi 9, and identifies a higher-volume linear last in the Ghost Max 3. Those details are more useful than assuming every brand fits the same.

Your drop change should be slow enough for calves to adapt

Heel-to-toe drop is the height difference from heel to forefoot. The Supercomp Trainer V3 lists a 4 mm drop; moving suddenly from a noticeably different shoe can alter how your calves and Achilles feel.

Use a gradual transition: wear the new pair for a short easy run, alternate with a familiar pair, then add time only if your feet and lower legs feel normal. This directly addresses the calf-pain concern raised by many forum runners.

Your surface should decide whether you need road rubber or trail lugs

Road shoes are made for the repetitive, predictable contact of asphalt and concrete. Trail running shoes men need a more protective and traction-led setup when roots, loose dirt, gravel, or wet ground are common.

The Fresh Foam 410 V9 has an AT TREAD outsole and reinforced overlays for that task. For mostly sidewalk routes with the occasional park path, a road shoe may remain the better everyday choice unless traction is repeatedly limiting you.

Your replacement decision should look beyond the calendar

There is no single mileage number that fits everyone because runner mass, surface, gait, weather, and outsole compound all affect wear. Look for uneven outsole loss, midsole compression that feels flat, new hot spots, or a change in how your legs feel after normal runs.

Track when you start each pair and roughly how far you run in it. If you rotate shoes, write the sessions down separately; this is more useful than guessing whether a shoe is old enough to retire.

These answers settle the most common men’s running-shoe questions

The best pick is the shoe that fits your actual running week

For the best running shoes for men in 2026, begin with the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 if you want an energetic daily road trainer, the Gel-Nimbus 27 if soft landings are the priority, and the GT-1000 14 or Adrenaline GTS 25 if you already know guidance helps you. Choose the Endorphin Pro 4 for speed work, the Fresh Foam 410 V9 for genuine trail use, and the rest by the specific fit and ride notes above.

Do not make a new shoe prove itself on your longest run. Break it in gradually, keep a familiar pair available, and let comfort during real training decide the winner.