With more options than ever before, choosing the best running shoes in 2025 can feel overwhelming. From carbon-plated rockets to ultra-cushioned cruisers, the right shoe can make or break your training cycle. Whether you’re chasing a PB, returning from injury, or simply need something reliable for your daily miles, we’ve got you covered.
This guide is built around honest assessments of the most sought-after and best-performing shoes across six essential categories: daily trainers, max-cushioned shoes, racing shoes, super trainers, stability shoes, and trail shoes.
Our aim? To help you find the right pair for your goals, your stride, and your style.
How We Reviewed
We combined insights from Runna’s coaching team, our firsthand testing, feedback from our running community, and trusted experts across the industry.
We focused on shoes that are either already widely loved or hotly anticipated for 2025. While we haven’t been fortunate enough to have worn every shoe on this list ourselves, our team are experienced runners and trainers who know what makes a good shoe work. We’re performance footwear obsessives. From stack heights to foam densities, we geek out over every detail to help you find the perfect shoe for every type of run.
Why Trust Us?
Runna is built by runners, for runners. Our training plans are trusted by hundreds of thousands of users globally, and our coaching team includes elite athletes, certified trainers, and a few self-professed gear nerds.
This article was written by Michelle Welling, Runna’s Content Lead and a run club leader who has raced everything from city marathons to ultra-trail adventures. With a background in performance footwear and editorial writing, Michelle brings a practical yet passionate eye to every shoe featured here.
Best Daily Trainers
Daily trainers are the shoes you grab most often – whether it’s for easy miles, long runs, or steady tempo sessions.
Nike Pegasus 41
A classic reinvented. The Peg 41 gets a full-length ReactX midsole, delivering better energy return and enhanced sustainability. The fit is slightly more accommodating than previous versions, with improved lockdown and a smooth heel-to-toe transition. It’s the do-it-all trainer that works for beginners and long-time Nike fans alike.
Note: The Pegasus 42 is expected later this year, so keep an eye out if you want the newest version.
ASICS Novablast 4
A fun, bouncy ride that manages to feel both soft and energetic underfoot. The FF Blast+ Eco foam offers great shock absorption while maintaining a lively turnover, and the breathable upper provides a secure fit. It shines on everything from recovery days to progression runs.
HOKA Clifton 10
Plush, smooth, and forgiving. This version introduces more heel cushioning and a roomier toe box, making it more accessible for a wider range of foot shapes. Ideal for easy days and longer efforts where comfort matters most.
Best Max-Cushioned Shoes
Perfect for recovery runs, long hauls, or runners who want a soft, protective ride.
New Balance More v5
A high-stack monster that doesn’t feel bottom-heavy. The Fresh Foam X midsole delivers deep cushioning without feeling sluggish, and the wide platform adds a touch of stability. A great choice for high-mileage weeks and tired legs.
HOKA Bondi 8
HOKA’s softest and most cushioned shoe continues to shine. The wide base, extended heel geometry, and ultra-plush foam make the Bondi 8 a go-to for recovery runs, walking, and anyone prioritizing max comfort.
On Cloudeclipse
One of On’s most comfortable offerings to date. The dual-layer CloudTec Phase foam offers a surprisingly smooth and quiet ride. Designed for long, easy efforts and recovery days, this shoe also introduces a more generous fit than many other On models.
Best Racing Shoes
Looking to race a 5k or marathon in 2025? These carbon-plated super shoes are built for speed.
Nike Alphafly 3
Built for records. Atomknit 2.0 and ZoomX foam deliver unmatched energy return, while the forked carbon plate enhances stability and responsiveness. Ideal for marathoners chasing personal bests, this shoe blends bounce with precision.
adidas Adios Pro 3.5
With carbon-infused EnergyRods and ultra-light Lightstrike Pro foam, this is one of the most consistent top-tier racers on the market. The latest update includes a more refined upper and improved forefoot flexibility for a more natural toe-off.
Note: The Adios Pro 4 is expected to arrive later in 2025.
HOKA Cielo X1
HOKA’s boldest carbon racer yet. The oversized stack and carbon plate offer a propulsive ride without sacrificing stability. A standout for runners who want cushioning and confidence on race day.
Saucony Endorphin Elite
Designed to be aggressive and fast. The PWRRUN HG foam feels energetic and springy, while the forefoot rocker helps with turnover. Best suited for experienced racers who love a punchy, forward-rolling shoe.
Best Super Trainers
Super trainers are high-stack, plated shoes meant for hard sessions and long runs without the fragility of race-day shoes.
Nike Zoom Fly 6
ZoomX foam and a carbon plate make this shoe a staple for tempo workouts and long sessions. Built to take abuse while still offering speed and efficiency, it's a reliable bridge between daily trainers and racers.
Note: The Zoom Fly 7 is due later this year, so watch for that update if you're on the fence.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
Nylon plate, PWRRUN PB foam, and a more stable midsole design make this the most versatile Endorphin Speed yet. Equally capable of intervals, threshold runs, and even daily mileage. A fan favorite with good reason.
ASICS Superblast 2
Though technically unplated, the Superblast 2 punches above its weight class. FF Turbo+ foam offers remarkable bounce, and the massive stack makes for a fun, efficient ride. It’s been so popular that the Paris Olympics colorway has been nearly impossible to find. Ideal for long runs and race-pace efforts when you want protection and pop.
Best Stability Shoes
Designed to provide support and structure, these are ideal for overpronators or runners looking for extra guidance.
Brooks Glycerin GTS 21
The Glycerin GTS 21 adds GuideRails to an already luxuriously soft ride. The DNA Loft v3 midsole offers plush comfort, making this an ideal pick for runners who want cushion and support without stiffness.
ASICS Gel-Kayano 31
Modern stability with a premium feel. ASICS updated the Kayano with FF Blast+ Eco foam and a more breathable knit upper. It still offers the support it’s known for but feels more adaptive and less blocky.
HOKA Arahi 7
Stability doesn’t have to feel heavy. The Arahi 7 uses HOKA’s J-Frame technology to guide your stride subtly. It remains lightweight, with a balanced ride that works well for everything from easy jogs to mid-distance long runs.
Best Trail Running Shoes
For runners who take their adventures off-road, these trail shoes deliver grip, protection, and confidence on uneven terrain.
Salomon Thundercross
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This newcomer features deep, aggressive lugs that grip like claws on muddy, technical terrain. The Energy Foam midsole adds rebound, and the upper is durable without being stiff. A solid all-rounder for adventurous trail runners.
HOKA Speedgoat 6
Reliable and improved. The Speedgoat 6 refines what made the previous version a hit — now with a lighter build, better ventilation, and an even grippier Vibram Megagrip outsole. Great for ultra-distance efforts and rugged routes.
Nike Ultrafly
Nike's trail super shoe lives up to the hype. ZoomX midsole foam gives it a snappy yet forgiving ride, and the Vibram Litebase outsole ensures premium grip on technical trails. A perfect pick for runners looking to race off-road.
How to Choose Running Shoes
Choosing the right shoe starts with understanding your foot shape, gait, and running goals. Are you training for a marathon? Aiming for 5k speed? Do you prefer a plush ride or a firm push-off?
When in doubt, daily trainers are a good starting point. They’re versatile, forgiving, and suitable for most runners.
Use our pace calculator to match your paces to your training plan, and check out our running training plans for every distance from 5k to marathon.
How Often Should You Change Your Running Shoes?
Most running shoes last around 300–500 miles, depending on materials, your stride, and the surfaces you run on. If you feel less support or notice new aches, it’s time to switch. Rotating shoes can also help extend their lifespan.
How to Find Out Your Foot Type for Running Shoes
Not sure if you need a neutral or stability shoe? Many specialty running stores offer gait analysis. You can also look at wear patterns on old shoes or check if your knees collapse inward when you run — a possible sign of overpronation.
Still uncertain? Start neutral and only move to a stability shoe if needed.
