Home Tops Best Running Shoes Right Now (April 2025)
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Best Running Shoes Right Now (April 2025)

Written on 25th April by Ruggero Loda Founder and Publisher, Running Shoes Guru
317 other reviews
Best Running Shoes Spring 2025

Why you should trust our recommendations



  • We purchase all the shoes ourselves. We never accept free shoes from shoe companies.

  • We review more than 120 shoes each year. The only way to know running shoes is to test as many as possible.

  • We run at least 50 miles in each shoe. A quick run is not enough to properly evaluate a running shoe.

  • We have been doing this since 2009. We have been the first website to properly and thoroughly review running shoes, starting 15 years ago.

Our top picks for each category

Keep scrolling or click on a shoe to find out why we chose it and what other shoes you should consider.

Saucony Ride 18

Best for Beginners
Weight: 9.7oz Drop: 8mm
Our Rating
9.0
Users Rating
0.0
The Saucony Ride 18 is an excellent, no-frills daily trainer, excelling in its simplicity and adaptability to various running paces. It proves to be a comfortable and dependable workhorse, ideal for...
MSRP $139.95 $139 Best price today this will redirect you to Amazon.com

Asics Novablast 5

Best for Daily Training
Weight: 8.7oz Drop: 8mm
Our Rating
9.0
Users Rating
9.0
The ASICS Novablast 5 is an excellent, versatile daily trainer and the best Novablast version to date. The new FF Blast Max midsole made from POE is a significant improvement over the EVA midsoles of...
MSRP $139.95 $122 Best price today this will redirect you to Amazon.com

Nike Winflo 11

Best Budget Running Shoes
Weight: 10oz Drop: 10mm
Our Rating
10
Users Rating
6.5
The Nike Winflo 11 is a shoe for anyone! It’s such a versatile shoe and wears many hats. You can use them for training, for short runs and they are stylish enough to wear for running errands....
MSRP $105 $105 Best price today this will redirect you to Nike

Hoka One One Bondi 9

Best for Long Runs
Weight: 9.3oz Drop: 5mm
Our Rating
8.0
Users Rating
7.5
The Hoka Bondi 9 is a good max-cushioned trainer for easy or recovery runs. It has a firm and supportive ride that provides exceptional stability but it doesn’t posess much energy return. The 9th...
MSRP $170 $0 Best price today this will redirect you to Hoka ONE ONE

Adidas adizero Evo SL

Best for Fast Training
Weight: 8.1oz Drop: 7mm Carbon plate
Our Rating
9.0
Users Rating
8.6
The Adidas Adizero EVO SL is an excellent lightweight, speed trainer and one of the most exceptional training shoes of recent years. Its standout feature is the incorporation of a full-length,...
MSRP $149.95 $149 Best price today this will redirect you to Amazon.com

Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB

Best for Marathon Racing
Weight: 7.2oz Drop: 8mm Carbon plate
Our Rating
8.0
Users Rating
9.0
The Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB is a solid choice for long-distance marathon racing. With an updated PEBA midsole, this version offers a lighter and more energetic ride compared to its predecessor-...
MSRP $149.95 $149 Best price today this will redirect you to Amazon.com

Table of content

  Our Top 6 picks for all categories
 
 
What to consider
 
 
Best for Beginners
 
 
Best for Daily Training
 
 
Best Budget Running Shoes
 
 
Best for Long Runs
 
 
Best for Fast Training
 
 
Best for Marathon Racing
 
 
Quick questions you might have
 
 
Comments
 

How to pick the right running shoes for you

The first thing to consider when choosing a pair of running shoe is what will you be using them for.

Are you just starting out and looking for your first running shoe? You are looking for a daily trainer, or a supportive daily trainer. You’ll want Max Cushion if you are a heavier-set runner or if simply you are looking for the max comfort.

Here are other things you should know when picking a running shoe:

Comfort and Fit
Before you look into different kind of foams or technologies, make sure you pick a shoe that fits you well and it’s comfortable.

Cushioning
The sole of your running shoes will absorb some of the impact of your foot landing on the ground – this is what we call cushioning.

Responsive vs Plush Cushioning

  • Plush is the feeling you have when running on dry sand on a beach. The step is soft and cushioned, but a lot of your energy is absorbed by the sand – requiring you to put more effort into running.
  • Responsive is the feeling you have when running on wet sand. The step is less cushioned, but you go faster, easier.

The choice is personal and depends on what you use the shoe for (racing? long slow training miles?).

Best for Beginners

When you just start running, a quality, running-specific shoe is a must. You want a shoe that is versatile, comfortable and a good combination between cushioning and lightweight.

Saucony Ride 18

merchant logo
$140.00
$139.00
See deal   >
In short
The Saucony Ride 18 is an excellent, no-frills daily trainer, excelling in its simplicity and adaptability to various running paces. It proves to be a comfortable and dependable workhorse, ideal for runners of all levels who are looking to accumulate mileage. The 18th version features minor improvements, including a refined upper fit and a reduction in overall weight, further enhancing its versatility. These updates make the shoe suitable for a wider range of running activities, from easy daily...
Pros
  • Pwrrun+ insole provides extra cushioning and comfort
  • Versatility in spades
  • Better fitting upper
  • Weight reduction
Cons
  • Not a significant upgrade over the Ride 17
  • No forefoot rocker
Who should buy it

If you find the Saucony Triumph 22 too soft and heavy, the Ride 18 is a good option.
If you’re looking for a mid-range, neutral trainer similar to the Brooks Ghost, Nike Pegasus, Adidas Supernova Rise but with more energy return, the Ride 18 is the shoe for you.

Who should not buy it

If you’re looking for something firm and snappy for uptempo runs, the Ride 18 is not for you.
If you already have the Ride 17 and you’re happy with it, there’s no need to get the 18.

Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
9.7 oz
Heel
37 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
29 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
9.0
Transition
9.0
Toe-off
9.0
Traction
7.0
Durability
9.0
Value / Price
8.0
Team review
This shoe takes out spot as "best for beginners" because of the incredible versatility combined with comfort both in the sole and the upper and being a great combination of weight, stack height and drop.
Read full review

Best for Daily Training

Daily trainer and shoe for beginner could overlap. However, in this category we generally assume the runner is slightly faster than a beginner and will appreciate the ability to go a little faster in training.

Asics Novablast 5

merchant logo
$140.00
$122.00
See deal   >
In short
The ASICS Novablast 5 is an excellent, versatile daily trainer and the best Novablast version to date. The new FF Blast Max midsole made from POE is a significant improvement over the EVA midsoles of previous iterations, providing a softer ride with better energy return. Version 5 is a big upgrade over version 4, becoming lighter, more comfortable and more lively. It performs better over long distances and on uptempo runs than its predecessor.
Pros
  • Softer ride than previous 2 versions
  • Lighter than the Novablast 4
  • No more slappy transitions
  • Increase in energy return
  • Wider toe-box
Cons
  • Long label on the tongue feels scratchy and cheap
  • Outsole picks up small stones
  • Less stable than v4
Who should buy it

If you find the Novablast 4 too firm and flat, the Novablast 5 is a worthy upgrade.
If you’re looking for a versatile, neutral daily trainer that won’t break the bank, the Novablast 5 is one of the best in its class.

Who should not buy it

If you like the firm ride of the Novablast 4, you might find version 5 too soft/mushy.
If you like your daily trainers to have a stiff forefoot with a prominent rocker, the Novablast 5 is not the shoe for you.

Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
8.7 oz
Heel
41.5 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
33.5 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
9.0
Transition
9.0
Toe-off
9.0
Traction
7.0
Durability
9.0
Value / Price
8.0
Team review
One of the most successful franchises of the past 5 years, the Novablast 5 returns to the characteristics that made the 1 and the 2 so popular among runners. Amazing energy return places the Novablast at ease both for uptempo or long runs.
Read full review

Best Budget Running Shoes

It's easy to pick up "cheap" running shoes. Budget running shoes are a different breed: shoes that perform almost as good as a $140 daily trainer, but with an eye to the list price too.

Nike Winflo 11

merchant logo
$105.00
$105.00
See deal   >
In short
The Nike Winflo 11 is a shoe for anyone! It’s such a versatile shoe and wears many hats. You can use them for training, for short runs and they are stylish enough to wear for running errands.
Pros
  • Budget-friendly
  • Can be worn for many activities
  • Durable
Cons
  • Not for longer distances
  • Laces come undone easily if not double-knotted
Who should buy it

They are for someone who wants a high-quality shoe that can perform various needs without spending an arm and a leg.

Who should not buy it

They are not for the runner looking for a long-distance running shoe. It can be used for short to mid-distance runs but once you enter into those double digits you’ll start to notice the lack of responsiveness.

Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
10 oz
Heel
mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
10 mm
Toe
mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
8.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
7.0
Durability
9.0
Value / Price
10
Team review
If you're looking for a shoe that will allow you to train and run a parkrun (5k), and ideally train for up to 10k, the Winflo is a top choice. Further, it doubles up as a general training or walking shoe.
Read full review

Best for Long Runs

Long Runs? Typically your Saturday or Sunday run, where speed is not the objective, but being able to sustain a prolonged slow effort is.
Long run shoes are comfortable in the uppers, but especially in the sole - with soft, plush cushioning that lasts for miles and miles.

Hoka One One Bondi 9

merchant logo
$170.00
$0.00
See deal   >
In short
The Hoka Bondi 9 is a good max-cushioned trainer for easy or recovery runs. It has a firm and supportive ride that provides exceptional stability but it doesn’t posess much energy return. The 9th version features a new supercritical EVA midsole which is lighter than its predecessors and features an additional 2 mm of stack height, making it the most cushioned Bondi model yet. Notably, the irritating poking arch sensation has been eliminated, making this version suitable for runners with flat...
Pros
  • Gained 2 mm in stack height
  • Reflectivity on the upper
  • Extremely stable ride
  • Less prominent arch than v8
  • Lighter than v8
Cons
  • Overpriced for an EVA midsole trainer
  • Standard width is too narrow
  • Not much energy return
Who should buy it

If you’re looking for a stable, highly cushioned trainer for slow running, the Bondi 9 is the shoe for you.
If you’re looking for a firm-riding trainer that can double up as a walking or standing shoe, the Bondi 9 is a great choice.

Who should not buy it

If you have very wide feet, the narrow upper of the Bondi 9 will be too uncomfortable for you.
If you want a very soft, plush max-cushioned trainer, the Bondi 9 is not for you.

Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
9.3 oz
Heel
44 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
5 mm
Toe
39 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
7.0
Sole unit
8.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
8.0
Durability
8.0
Value / Price
7.0
Team review
Hoka, the king of max cushioning, waiting a couple of years to update their Bondi franchise. This version has a good inherent stability, which is always good in a long run shoe.
Read full review

Best for Fast Training

What is fast training for some can be racing for others.

Adidas adizero Evo SL

merchant logo
$150.00
$149.00
See deal   >
merchant logo
$150.00
$150.00
See deal   >
In short
The Adidas Adizero EVO SL is an excellent lightweight, speed trainer and one of the most exceptional training shoes of recent years. Its standout feature is the incorporation of a full-length, Lightstrike Pro midsole that provides a remarkable blend of cushioning and energetic responsiveness- this racing foam elevates the shoe's performance, making it particularly well-suited to uptempo runs. The EVO SL also offers exceptional value, being priced at an affordable $150 however, it isn’t as...
Pros
  • Super lightweight for such a cushioned ride
  • Spacious and accommodating upper
  • Very high energy return
  • Extremely versatile
  • Excellent price
Cons
  • Midsole foam scuffs and punctures easily
  • Tongue edges fold when putting it on
  • Not enough supply to meet demand
Who should buy it

If you’re looking for a speed trainer or racer without a stiff midsole, the EVO SL is a great choice.
If you like the Adidas Adios Pro 3 but you want a softer ride with a more comfortable upper, the EVO SL is a great option.

Who should not buy it

If you need a trainer with a high level of stability, the EVO SL is not the shoe for you.
If you want a really durable trainer that will last over 1000 kilometres, the EVO SL is also not a good choice.

Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
8.1 oz
Heel
39 mm
Carbon plate
Half length carbon plate
Heel drop
7 mm
Toe
33 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
8.0
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
10
Landing
10
Transition
10
Toe-off
10
Traction
8.0
Durability
6.0
Value / Price
10
Team review
The EVO SL is a standout running shoe, at the price of. a daily trainer. If there's one shoe this year you shouldn't miss, is this.
Read full review

Best for Marathon Racing

Nike's Breaking2, and the introduction of the Carbon plate running shoe changed everything in Marathon racing.

Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB

Sorry - Product not found. Please try RunningWarehouse.Com to check in their assortment.
In short
The Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB is a solid choice for long-distance marathon racing. With an updated PEBA midsole, this version offers a lighter and more energetic ride compared to its predecessor- this makes it a competitive option for serious runners looking to improve their marathon time. While it may not have the most aggressive forefoot rocker, the Elite 4 PB's performance enhancements make it a worthy contender in the long-distance racing shoe market.
Pros
  • More long-distance comfort
  • Noticeable weight reduction
  • Incredibly breathable upper
  • Increase in energy return
Cons
  • No aggressive forefoot rocker
  • Outdated design
Who should buy it

If you liked the Hyperion Elite 4’s upper and outsole but you found it too firm and too unresponsive, the Elite 4 PB is a softer and more energetic replacement.
If you’re looking for a comfortable racer with an incredibly breathable upper, the Hyperion Elite 4 PB is a great option.

Who should not buy it

If you have very wide feet, the Hyperion Elite 4 PB will be uncomfortable.
If you race in very cold conditions, the Elite 4 PB’s upper will let in too much cold air.

Main Specs
Type
Racing
Weight
7.2 oz
Heel
40 mm
Carbon plate
Full length carbon plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
32 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
10
Sole unit
8.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
7.0
Traction
8.0
Durability
8.0
Value / Price
7.0
Team review
Finally Brooks, embracing PEBA, produces a worthy marathon contender.
Read full review

Quick Questions you might have

What's the best running shoe brand?

After 15 years and 1200+ running shoes tests, we can comfortably say there is not a best running shoe brand. The competition is fierce and information is readily available: any brand not producing great running shoes would simply not have survived.

Do I need a running shoe?

While technically you could run in anything (or even barefoot), running shoes are designed for the simple but unique running gait: from heel to toe-off. Shoes for other sports might be focusing on lateral movements or change of direction, while not focusing in shock absorption and forward motion.

How much should I spend for a pair of running shoes?

A $70 running-specific shoe will be better than any non-running shoe. This said, more expensive running shoes will generally be better than cheaper options. $100 is a great place to start, with $130-$140 being the median price for great daily trainers. Racers usually cost closer to $250.

Do I need stability running shoes?

A very simple test you can do to check your ankle stability is this. Stand on one foot for 45-60 seconds. Does it come easy, or do you wobble and struggle? In this case, you might benefit from a supportive running shoe.