The best running shoes 2025: Hit the road with our top sneakers and trainers

Best running shoes
(Image credit: Future)

Whether you're looking to crush that marathon PB in 2025, put in more miles on the treadmill, or take up running for the first time in the New Year, then you need a pair of the best running shoes.

If you want to run without getting injured, or you want a more serious shoe to boost your performance, then you need to spend a bit of money and get serious. While a cheap fitness tracker might help you track your mileage and your calories, buying a running shoe is the one place you don't want to skimp. Get the wrong shoe and you risk injury, possibly even long-term.

We've tested the best products on the market to bring you our top picks. Crucially, you won't find a budget pick here, because going cheap is not the answer when it comes to running shoes. We do, however, have picks for our top shoes overall, shoes for slower or longer runs, fast sessions, and a choice for runners who overpronate.

Here are the best running shoes you can buy right now.

The quick list

The best running shoe overall

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Nike Pegasus 41 in black

The Nike Pegasus 41 is a great all-rounder. (Image credit: Future)
The best overall running shoes for most people

Specifications

Weight: 297g (men's)
Heel drop: 10mm

Reasons to buy

+
Very comfortable
+
Great styling
+
Plenty of heel support
+
ReactX foam added

Reasons to avoid

-
Firm forefoot
-
A little heavy
-
Limited for long distance

The Nike Pegasus 41 are some of the best all-around running shoes you can buy. They might not excel in any category, but they're extremely comfortable and look very cool. They're also relatively inexpensive, and come with Nike's ReactX foam for plenty of heel support.

They're not the fastest or lightest shoes on the market, but for most runners they're going to be perfect.

The Pegasus 41 is a brilliant middle distance trainer that can take plenty of punishment. Sturdy and rugged, this is the starting point I'd recommend for nearly everyone looking for a running shoe.

Read our full Nike Pegasus 41

Best running shoe for slower runs

Adidas Adistar on its box in the grass

(Image credit: Matt Kollat)
The best running shoe for slower runs

Specifications

Weight: 345g (men's)
Heel drop: 6mm

Reasons to buy

+
Resilient dual-density foam
+
Well designed rocker
+
Uses sustainable materials

Reasons to avoid

-
Chunky shoes might not be to everyone's taste
-
Not the lightest shoe

The Adidas Adistar impressed us with its well-designed rocker that keeps propelling you forward during long training sessions. It's not the lightest shoe we've ever tested, but its dual-density foam is tough and resilient, standing up well even after some serious mileage.

We also liked the shoe's integrated cage system, which gives this running shoe a snug and comfortable fit. The upper is made of recycled ocean plastic and recycled polyester, which is also welcome from a sustainability standpoint.

Overall the Adidas Adistar is an excellent running shoe for those long, slow sessions and will help you maintain your form when your mind begins to wander, and you're running on autopilot. Even after several hours, the shoes don't feel sluggish, and the rocker design means you're unlikely to drag your feet despite the shoes' stack height.

Read our full Adidas Adistar review

Best running shoe for long runs

Altra FWD Via worn on foot

(Image credit: Future / Lee Bell)
The best long-distance running shoe

Specifications

Weight: 269g (men's)
Heel drop: 4mm

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable
+
Rocker motion saves energy
+
Wide toebox

Reasons to avoid

-
Not much energy return
-
Not fast

The Altra FWD Via are a large and chunky everyday shoe with a very comfortable profile, rocker motion, and wide toebox.

You won't find any carbon plates or zippy response here, they're definitely not a fast shoe for energy return. However, they propel you forward and are extremely comfortable for long runs. As we noted in our review they're very light on the feet and make running an easy pace a doddle. This is one of the best shoes out there for easy Sunday runs or slow recovery sessions.

It's definitely not an all-rounder and would be wasted on anyone not running more than five miles at a time. But if you want a slightly different and chunkier long run shoe, the Altra FWD Via might be the one for you.

Read our full Altra FWD Via review

Best running shoe for fast sessions

Saucony Endorphin Speed

The Saucony Endorphin Speed is fantastic run to run in and can help rekindle your love of the sport if you've lost your mojo (Image credit: Future)
The best running shoe for fast sessions

Specifications

Weight: 221g (men's)
Heel drop: 8mm

Reasons to buy

+
Fast and springy
+
Well cushioned
+
Lightweight design

Reasons to avoid

-
Not for slow training

If you've fallen out of love with running recently, the Saucony Endorphin Speed could be the best running shoe to rekindle your passion for the pavement.

This is a neutral motion-control shoe, meaning it isn't designed to prevent the twisting motion of overpronation but does help your foot roll and transfer energy more effectively thanks to a nylon plate in the midsole. The result is a springy, fun (but not bouncy) feel with each step.

It's an exceptionally light shoe, and Saucony has pared down the design as much as possible to shave off extra grams. We can't guarantee that it'll help you hit a new personal best in your next race, but we wouldn't be surprised.

Read our full Saucony Endorphin Speed review

Best Nike running shoe alternative

Asics Metaspeed Edge Plus

The Asics Metaspeed Edge Plus is a carbon running shoe that improved its predecessor. (Image credit: Michael Sawh)
Another great race shoe that gives Nike a run for its money

Specifications

Weight: 210g (men's)
Heel drop: 5mm

Reasons to buy

+
Speedy and cushioned
+
Grippy rubber outsole
+
Lightweight design

Reasons to avoid

-
Question marks over durability

If you're looking for a race shoe that's a great alternative to what Nike and Adidas currently have to offer, the Asics Metaspeed Sky Plus is well worth your consideration. It's a running shoe built to keep you quick over short and long distances

When we reviewed the Metaspeed Sky, we appreciated the spring provided by the full-length carbon plate and curved design, together with the shoe's lightweight, responsive foam. It compresses at each footstrike before springing back into shape, giving a controlled feel while propelling you forward.

It's pricier than the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 above, and it does have its predecessor's issues with durability in the heel, but it's a superb shoe nonetheless and feels great to run in.

Read our full Asics Metaspeed Sky Plus review

Best rocker running shoe

Hoka Cielo X1 2.0

The HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 are a formidable lightweight shoe with a rocker design. (Image credit: Future)
The best rocker running shoe

Specifications

Weight: 229g (Mens UK size 8)
Heel drop: 7mm

Reasons to buy

+
Breathable
+
Lightweight
+
Plush and supportive
+
Prominent rocker increases speed and saves energy

Reasons to avoid

-
Might be too narrow for wider feet
-
Pricey

The HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 is a lightweight rocker shoe that will propel you forward for effortless, lightweight running at speed.

Rocker shoes can help alleviate feet and ankle pain, gently rocking you forward using the natural shape of the sole. We loved how breathable the Cielo was in testing, and enjoyed its light weight plus its plush and supportive upper. They're a little narrower and on the pricey side, but for those who want to stretch their legs and get some faster times in these Cielo X1's are a dream.

At any speed or distance, these shoes will help you run faster and more efficiently.

Read our full HOKA Cielo X1 2.0

Best running shoe for pace

Saucony Endorphin Pro 2

(Image credit: Saucony)
A comfortable, springy carbon shoe for picking up the pace

Specifications

Weight: 213g (men's)
Heel drop: 8mm

Reasons to buy

+
Snappy, responsive cushioning
+
Durable for a performance shoe
+
Snug, comfortable fit

Reasons to avoid

-
Relatively pricey
-
Not built for slow miles

Sitting in between the Hoka One One Bondi X and the Asics Metaspeed Sky listed above, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 is a versatile carbon plate running shoe that works well at a variety of distances – particularly training sessions at a race pace.

It might feel odd at first, but once you pick up speed, you'll feel the benefit of that plate together with the shoe's SpeedRoll geometry, which propels you forward with each step. There's also less exposed foam than you'll find on many performance shoes, which lends some welcome durability.

The chief downside of this road running shoe is its price; at $200 / £190 / AU$319.99, it's pretty steep. If cash is tight and you're in the market for more of a daily shoe, take a look at the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 instead; its use of nylon in place of carbon gives a similarly lively ride while keeping costs down.

Read our full Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 review

Best running shoe for overpronation

Someone holding a Saucony Guide 16 shoe up to the camera.

(Image credit: TechRadar/Future)
The best running shoe for unstable runners

Specifications

Weight: 221g
Heel drop: 8mm

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight
+
Comfortable

Reasons to avoid

-
Not waterproof
-
Laces feel tight

The Saucony Guide 16 is our top pick if you overpronate and need some added stability when you run. Then again, if you don't have any particular issues with the way you run, we recommend these shoes for any runner who wants to feel secure as they complete their miles.

It's rare that running trainers are comfortable from the get-go, usually needing a few miles to break them in. But during our testing, we were pleasantly surprised to find that this shoe is incredibly comfortable. As soon as you lace the trainers up, their foam tech ensures you have a cushioned run. They're also incredibly lightweight at 221g, meaning you won't be carrying too much extra weight as you attempt a new PB in them.

Unfortunately, these Saucony trainers aren’t waterproof, which is disappointing and means we wouldn't recommend them for trails. However, they are a great everyday running shoe that we think is ideal for 5 and 10k runs.

Read our full Saucony Guide 16 review

Best trail running shoe

Nike Zegama 2

The Nike Zegama 2 is a fantastic trail shoe with a rugged design and excellent comfort. (Image credit: Future)

9. Nike Zegama 2

The best trail running shoes

Specifications

Heel drop: 9mm
Weight: 320g

Reasons to buy

+
Very comfortable and forgiving ride
+
Durable
+
Striking design
+
Extremely stable
+
New grippy outsole

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavy
-
Substantial heel isn't for everyone
-
Will make your feet warm

If you want an excellent trail running shoe then you can't go far wrong with the Nike Zegama 2.

We absolutely love the Zegama 2's very comfortable and forgiving ride. The trainer screams durability and has a striking design, as well as a series of head-turning colorways.

They're very stable and come with a grippy new outsole to provide better traction than the previous model.

Like many trail shoes they're on the heavier side, and the substantial heel won't be for everyone, but if you want a well-designed and extremely durable trail shoe for running on the soft stuff then look no further.

Read our full Nike Zegama 2 review

How to choose the best running shoes for you

First and foremost, you should be looking at what kind of distances you like (or aspire) to run. Are you looking to improve your 5k time? Or perhaps you're working your way up to a marathon? That will dictate what kind of shoe you'll buy: how much cushioning you'll need, for example, and how much energy return you get from each step.

Once you have a distance in mind, you should consider your budget. If none of these shoes fit your pocket, it's worth going to a running store or an expert and doing some research online, using your ideal shoe from this list as a touchstone. You'll likely be able to find a shoe tailored to the same distance for a lower price point, such as an older model in the range.

Finally, remember to keep an eye on how many miles you run. After a few hundred miles, your shoes will need to be replaced. The general rule of thumb is that running shoe foam lasts for 3-400 miles, although some newer foams are challenging this, such as Kiprun's VFOAM that's said to have a 600-mile lifescycle.

Is it OK to wear running shoes for walking?

Some running shoes are well-suited for walking, especially ones with short stack height and a shallower heel-to-toe drop, or drop for short. Generally speaking, running shoes geared towards racing aren't good for running as they are designed to move you forward as fast as you can, and often have embedded propulsion plates (e.g. carbon plate) in the foam.

How we test

Every shoe is run on the road at least several times, with each test run tailored to the distance the shoe is made for. Yes, that means we've covered a lot of ground, but there's just no other way to test the shoe.

We look at how the shoe responds in its environment, how the sole responds and the kind of energy returns you get, and whether you get any wear-and-tear on the sole unnaturally quickly. We also check out the upper's fit around our foot, whether it's breathable, and how comfortable the ride really is.

Matt Evans
Fitness, Wellness, and Wearables Editor

Matt is TechRadar's expert on all things fitness, wellness and wearable tech. A former staffer at Men's Health, he holds a Master's Degree in journalism from Cardiff and has written for brands like Runner's World, Women's Health, Men's Fitness, LiveScience and Fit&Well on everything fitness tech, exercise, nutrition and mental wellbeing.

Matt's a keen runner, ex-kickboxer, not averse to the odd yoga flow, and insists everyone should stretch every morning. When he’s not training or writing about health and fitness, he can be found reading doorstop-thick fantasy books with lots of fictional maps in them.

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