Top 5 BEST Running Shoes in 2025
The best running shoes for interval training, slow runs, racing and more, ranked
You need the best running shoes whether your goal is to run your first marathon in 2025, increase your treadmill mileage, or start jogging for the first time in the new year.
Spending a little money and being serious is necessary if you want to run without getting hurt or if you want a more serious shoe to improve your performance. Purchasing a running shoe is one area where you don’t want to cut corners, even while a cheap fitness tracker could help you keep track of your calories and mileage. Wearing the incorrect shoe puts you at risk for harm, maybe chronic.
To provide you our top choices, we’ve evaluated the greatest items available. Importantly, you won’t find a cheap option here because, when it comes to running shoes, cheap isn’t the solution. We do, however, have recommendations for our best shoes all around, shoes for rapid sessions, shoes for slower or longer runs, and a selection for runners who overpronate.
Table of Contents
BEST OVERALL
1. Nike Pegasus 41
BEST FOR SLOWER RUNS
2. Adidas Adistar
BEST FOR LONG DISTANCE
3. Altra FWD Via
BEST FOR FAST SESSIONS
4. Saucony Endorphin Speed
BEST NIKE ALTERNATIVE
5. Asics Metaspeed Sky Plus
1. Nike Pegasus 41
Some of the greatest all-around running shoes available are the Nike Pegasus 41. They may not be the best in any category, but they look great and are quite comfy. Additionally, they are reasonably priced and include Nike’s ReactX foam for ample heel support.
Although they aren’t the lightest or fastest shoes available, they will be ideal for the majority of runners.
A fantastic middle distance trainer that can withstand a lot of abuse is the Pegasus 41. For almost everyone searching for a running shoe, this is the place to start because it is sturdy and durable.
The Nike Pegasus 41, a very unassuming shoe that can do a little bit of everything, is arguably the best all-around running shoe available. They are well-made, reasonably priced, fashionable, and comfy.
2. Adidas Adistar
We were delighted by the Adidas Adistar’s cleverly built rocker, which keeps you moving forward during extended training sessions. Although the shoe isn’t the lightest we’ve ever tested, its dual-density foam is strong and durable, holding up well even after a lot of use.
The shoe’s integrated cage system, which provides a snug and comfortable fit, was another feature we enjoyed. In terms of sustainability, it is also good that the top is composed of recycled polyester and ocean plastic.
All things considered, the Adidas Adistar is a great running shoe for those extended, leisurely runs and will support you in keeping your form when your thoughts start to stray and you’re moving automatically.
The shoes don’t seem slow even after a few hours, and even if they are tall, you won’t likely drag your feet thanks to the rocker design.
With this well-made and elegantly designed Adidas running shoe, you can maintain form for longer. Savor the snug and comfortable fit provided by the integrated cage system.
3. Altra FWD Via
The Altra FWD Via is a big, thick, everyday shoe with a wide toebox, rocker action, and an extremely comfortable shape.
They’re obviously not a fast shoe for energy return, and you won’t find any carbon plates or snappy response here. But for long runs, they are quite comfy and help you move forward. They are quite light on the feet and make running at a leisurely pace a breeze, as we mentioned in our evaluation. One of the greatest shoes available for leisurely Sunday runs or gradual recuperation is this one.
Anyone who doesn’t run more than five miles at a time would find it useless, and it’s undoubtedly not an all-arounder.However, the Altra FWD Via might be the best option for you if you’re looking for a little different and chunkier long-run shoe.
The Altra FWD Via, which is new for 2025, is comfy and hefty. It has a wide toe box and a rocker motion that helps save energy. They are ideal for long, leisurely runs.
4. Saucony Endorphin Speed
The Saucony Endorphin Speed can be the ideal running shoe to reignite your enthusiasm for the pavement if you have lately lost interest in jogging.
A nylon plate in the midsole of this neutral motion-control shoe helps your foot roll and transfer energy more efficiently, but it is not made to stop the twisting action of overpronation. As a result, every step feels exciting and springy—but not bouncy.
In order to reduce weight, Saucony has simplified the design as much as possible, making the shoe incredibly light. We wouldn’t be shocked if it helped you set a new personal record in your next race, but we can’t promise it.By decreasing total weight, this lightweight Saucony sneaker raises the speed that may be achieved. For cutting those seconds off your personal best, it’s also quick and springy.
5. Asics Metaspeed Sky Plus
The Asics Metaspeed Sky Plus is definitely worth taking into consideration if you’re searching for a race shoe that’s a fantastic substitute for what Adidas and Nike currently have to offer. This running shoe is designed to help you stay fast over both short and long distances.
During our assessment, we valued the Metaspeed Sky’s responsive, lightweight foam as well as the spring that the full-length carbon plate and curved design gave. It gives you a controlled sensation while accelerating you ahead by compressing with each footstrike and then re-shaping itself.
Although it costs more than the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 mentioned above and has the same heel durability problems as its predecessor, it’s still an excellent shoe that feels fantastic to run in.The curved design and full-length carbon plate give runners the spring they want for optimal performance. The sensitive foam propels runners forward with each stride.
You should start by determining the distances you prefer to run (or hope to run). Do you want to get faster at the 5k? Or maybe you are preparing for a marathon? The amount of cushioning you require and the energy return you receive from each step will determine the type of shoe you purchase.
After deciding on a distance, you should think about your spending limit. It’s worthwhile to visit a running store or an expert and conduct some online research using your ideal shoe from this list as a benchmark if none of these shoes meet your budget.For less money, you may probably locate a shoe that is made to the same distance, like an older model in the line.
Lastly, don’t forget to monitor your running distance. You’ll need to get new shoes after a few hundred miles. Although some modern foams, like Kiprun’s VFOAM, are testing this, the basic rule of thumb is that running shoe foam lasts between three and four hundred kilometers.