With a team of testers putting in over a thousand miles a month, we’ve got a lot of thoughts about what running shoes are really hitting the mark. Our best running shoes of 2025 will continue to evolve with new updates, but we feel pretty good about this list right now.
As we always do, we’ll try to cover shoes in each category and you will see a lot of different brands. In our opinion a few brands are hitting the mark with a number of shoes, but no one brand has done it all!
Let us know which of these you’ve tried and if there’s one you think is an absolute miss from our testing.
Go To Easy Run Shoe – Nike Vomero 18
This versatile and ultra cushioned shoe is designed for the everyday runner. While it’s a max cushioned shoe, we found it to be durable, stable and still feel like you can pick up the pace, but with all the cushion a runner dreams of.
The 46mm cushion is a vast departure from previous Vomero models, so be prepared for a whole different ride. Not only that, but Nike uses a PEBA foam on top of the ZoomX layer, giving you more energy return in a lighter shoe – and one that will be more durable in the long run, too.
Despite its impressive heel stack, the shoe is not clunky or heavy at all, and works well for long distances as well as short ones. It’s also nice looking, which while not the most important aspect, it certainly doesn’t hurt.
The Vomero runs pretty true to size, but like a lot of Nike products, aren’t super accommodating for a wider foot. The padded heel collar is comfortable and doesn’t rub high on the ankle, which is always a plus.
Here are the specs:
- Heel toe drop: 10mm
- Weight: 9.3 oz women’s, 11.5 oz men’s
- Stack: 46mm
- Usage: Super trainer
- Available in 14 colors
- 1 color available in Wide
- Available at Nike.com for $155
Check out our full review of the Nike Vomero here.
Recovery Run Shoe – Asics Gel-Nimbus 27
This mega max shoe has been voted a favorite by runners in the past, and it’s comfort and cushioning is truly next level. Is mega max a real term? No, but we think it perfectly fits the look and feel of this shoe.
While the Vomero can still pick up the pace, the Nimbus is a bit more of a plodding shoe. It’s soft enough that the energy return isn’t that great, which makes this shoe ideal for easier days when you’re trying to let your feet recover or for carrying you through long easy runs.
Heavier runners in testing have said they appreciate the cushion on those long run days. The design of the foam allows for getting cushion without sinking down too deeply in to the shoe and the foam type should help with durability.
The fit is true to size, but the mid-foot and toe box feels a bit shallow. Runners with high arches or who prefer a wider toe box might not be the ideal customer here.
Here are the Asics Gel-Nimbus 27’s specs:
- Heel toe drop: 8mm
- Weight: 9.2 oz women’s, 10.7 oz men’s
- Stack: 42.5mm
- Usage: Recovery or long run shoe
- Available in 18 colors
- 5 colors available in Wide
- Available at Asics.com for $165
Check out our full review of the Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 here.
Best Stability for Heavier Runners – Saucony Hurricane 25
This is a chunky shoe with tons of cushioning courtesy of soft and responsive foam. Built for stability, the fit is secure and supportive without being tight. While we aren’t quick to recommend stability shoes, this has long felt like an exception.
If you’re a heavier runner or need a little help preventing that overpronation, this one does the job without feeling overly corrective. It’s unusual to find a stability shoe that doesn’t feel firm, so we’re pretty excited to have it on the list.
It’s not as heavy as it looks, either, thanks to a combination of PWRRUN PB foam and PWRRUN foam in the midsole.
The Hurricane 25’s run true to size with a toe box that’s roomy without feeling loose. The padded tongue is snug and comfortable, though the thick material may get hot if you’re running on warmer days.
Here are the Saucony Hurricane 25’s specs:
- Heel toe drop: 6mm
- Weight: 10 oz Men’s, 8.8 oz Women’s
- Stack: 38mm
- Usage: Recovery or long run shoe, great for heavier runners
- Available in 8 colors
- 3 colors available in Wide
- Available at Saucony.com for $160
Check out our full review of the Saucony Hurricane 25 here.
Fastest Carbon Plated Shoe – Adidas Adizero Pro EVO 2
This race-day shoe is light and incredibly responsive, combining comfort with next-level traction and turnover. Our tester Cortney was immediately in love with the Lightstrike Pro Evo foam feeling under foot. It has a great rebound-to-weight ratio, and the Energy Rods 2.0 come in hot supporting quick turnover and efficient propulsion, no stiff carbon plate in sight.
This is a race-day shoe with pop, bounce, and standout traction for serious runners chasing serious times; the way it rewards efficient, fast runners means the benefits start to lag at paces slower than 7 min/pace.
The bold look of the shoe is also made for squaring up at the starting line (and crossing the finish line). The clean, futuristic vibe might not be for everyone, but the other runners will surely realize you mean business.
The EVO 2 fits true to size with a toe box that’s comfortable enough for a full marathon (or more), and both the midfoot and heel are secure and won’t slip.
If you don’t like your foot locked in a slightly dorsiflexed position, they could feel uncomfortable; the highly rockered design, though, encourages quick turnover and forward momentum.
Here are the Adidas Adizero Pro EVO 2’s specs:
- Heel toe drop: 3mm
- Weight: 4.86 oz
- Stack: 39mm
- Usage: Race day
- Available in 1 color
- Not available in Wide
- Available at Running Warehouse for $500 (not available elsewhere yet)
Check out our full review of the Adidas Adizero Pro EVO 2 here.
Super Fun Super Trainer – Brooks Hyperion Max 3
Super trainers are a new category of running shoe that fall below the front of the pack race day shoe, but not down to some of the daily trainers with plates. They have a lot of cushion, bounce and of course that carbon plate.
These are a total overhaul compared to the previous version, Brooks was clearly committed to making this shoe feel fast. The new midsole is made from DNA GOLD, their lightest, softest, and bounciest PEBA foam. They combined it with DNA FLASH v2 and a SpeedVault plate, focusing on delivering a triple threat: protection, propulsion, and recovery.
That’s what makes it a super trainer, and what generates the slightly higher price tag.
We do have some concerns about the durability of the new outsole, though Brooks says the shoe is made for long runs. While this one was split among the team for overall fit comfort, we found enough benefits from the pick up of speed and listened to many other runners to have it make the list.
Here are the Brooks Hyperion Max 3’s specs:
- Heel toe drop: 6mm
- Weight: 8.8 oz Women’s, 9.9 oz Men’s
- Stack: 46mm
- Usage: Super trainer
- Available in 2 colors
- Not available in Wide
- Available at BrooksRunning.com for $200
Check out our full review of the Brooks Hyperion Max 3 here.
Most Surprising Shoe – Tracksmith Eliot Racer
We didn’t expect this shoe to be one of our favorite’s of 2025, but that’s exactly what happened once we gave it a try.
From the throwback design to the thoughtful packaging, this one had all the hallmarks of a winner before we even slipped it on – and afterward, no disappointments appeared.
These shoes are a combination that’s hard to find in a super shoe – they’re both comfortable and fast. Perfect for long runs, for trying to get a personal best at a marathon, and for pretty much any foot or body type.
Tracksmith invested the time and work to get here, too. They teamed up with independent biomechanics lab Heeluxe to create the Eliot Racer, and the shoe ranks in the top five percent for energy return.
Another cool feature? The midsole is entirely removable, giving you the option to save it for those occasions when you really need the shoe to help you perform your best. It sits on a layer of Pebax-based foam and a spoon-shaped carbon plate.
The Eliot Racer is balanced and durable, without excess bulk and plenty of stability. It’s got a generous toe box while remaining supportive, and fits true to size.
The outsole is thick with good grip, making it a reasonable choice for all surface types.
Here are the Tracksmith Eliot Racer’s specs:
- Heel toe drop: 7.5mm
- Weight: 7.7 oz in both Women’s and Men’s
- Stack: 38mm
- Usage: Super trainer
- Available in 2 colors
- Not available in Wide
- Available at tracksmith.com for $280
Check out our full review of the Tracksmith Eliot Racer here.
All Day Wear – On Cloudsurfer 2
This versatile shoe can run errands and then head straight out for a 6-mile run. It’s comfortable on the pavement and has a look that can easily run out for a smoothie afterward.
The Cloudsurfer 2 blends performance and style, and we would also be perfect for anyone who incorporates walking into their daily routine. The heel isn’t overstacked, making it feel nice and stable for wider feet and heavier runners, too.
Though this shoe isn’t our first choice for full marathon days or long runs, it can do 8-10 miles like a dream, and could also be a good option for recovery days.
This version of On Running’s classic shoe is firmer and more durable, and is cushioned in the midsole and firm on the outside. The footbed, which blends On’s CloudTec Phase technology and Helion superfoam, is comfortable but still energetic, offering a soft landing we really appreciate.
Here are the On Cloudsurfer 2’s specs:
- Heel toe drop: 9mm
- Weight: 9.2 oz Men’s, 7.9 oz Women’s
- Stack: 32mm
- Usage: Daily trainer
- Available in 6 colors
- Not available in Wide
- Available at on.com for $160
Check out our full review of the On Cloudsurfer 2 here.
Best Road to Trail Option – Merrell ProMorph Hybrid
This is a crossover shoe that’s meant to transition easily from a trail to the road, and for our money, it really lives up to that promise.
It’s neither max-cushioned cruiser or a hardcore mountain grip sole, but lives comfortably in the middle. The ProMorph is comfortable, durable, and can handle shifting surfaces with relative ease.
While you might still need a dedicated trail shoe for super technical trails, these shoes handle moderate ones without worry. They’re cushioned enough to go long distances and could even be a race-day shoe, as long as the terrain allows.
The ProMorph’s FloatPro+ foam gives the shoe a light, responsive feel and it gets it’s dependable grip from the Vibram XS Trek Evo outsole. The FLEXconnect dual-directional grooves give it the flexibility and consistent ground contact necessary for transitioning between surfaces.
The versatility is really where this shoe shines; it could even be a great vacation companion, since it moves easily between flat surfaces and rockier terrain, and also provides enough comfort to ease foot pain after long days of walking.
The fit is true to size, though the toe box might be a bit narrow for some (a wide version is available, though). They’re secure with a well-padded heel collar and mesh that hugs the midfoot with just the right amount of support.
Here are the Merrell ProMorph’s specs:
- Heel toe drop: 6mm
- Weight: 6.5 oz
- Stack: 32.5mm
- Usage: Daily trainer
- Available in 4 colors
- 1 color available in Wide
- Available at merrell.com for $160
Check out our full review of the Merrell ProMorph here.
Fast Trail Running with Grip- La Sportiva Prodigio Pro
We’ll just say it, this was another shoe that caught us by surprise. But it was an instant love.
The newest version of this shoe is secure while remaining light and responsive, which we think makes it a great training and racing shoe with excellent grip for trails. It’s responsiveness and grip make is a great choice for speed on race day, particularly if the course covers more technical terrain.
The midsole features XFlow™ Speed foam that maximizes energy return by combining nitrogen infused TPU for the core and EVA in the cage. Its soles are ultra grippy and covered in FriXion®XF 2.0.
That said, the shoes don’t have excessively large lugs, making it easy to transition back to packed dirt or asphalt without feeling off balance.
The webbing on the outside of the shoe is called Power Wire and offers support and stability while remaining soft enough to be comfortable. It’s also far lighter than it looks and features a built-in gaiter.
The European sizing might throw some people off, so make sure you take the time to figure out the correct size. The gaiter does a great job keeping out debris and the heel collar is comfortable and doesn’t rub.
All in all, a fantastic shoe for technical terrain and beyond.
Here are the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro’s specs:
- Heel toe drop: 6mm
- Weight: 7.9 oz women’s, 8.9 oz men’s
- Stack: 34mm
- Usage: Technical terrain
- Available in 1 color
- Not available in Wide
- Available at lasportivausa.com for $225
Check out our full review of the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro here.
This list was INCREDIBLY hard to create because we all have a lot of shoes we love. I mean Coach Amanda has run in every version of the Saucony Kinvara loves that slightly lower stack height, meanwhile Coach Stacey now thinks the Brooks Glycerin Max can do no wrong and tester RJ discovered the Altra Experience Flow this year which caused him to ditch his other daily trainers.
But for now we think this list gives you a place to start and of course we have hundreds of reviews on the site, so drop a note if you have questions on other models or aren’t sure if we have a review!
Checkout this running shoe release calendar – you’ll find everything we’ve reviewed linked there and what’s coming out still this year.
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