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Best Running Shoes Right Now (January 2025)

Written on 03rd January by Ruggero Loda Founder and Publisher, Running Shoes Guru
314 other reviews
Best Running Shoes - January 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.

Asics Novablast 5

Best Daily Trainer
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 $139 Best price today this will redirect you to Amazon.com

Adidas adizero Evo SL

Best Super Trainer
Weight: 8.1oz Drop: 7mm Carbon plate
Our Rating
9.0
Users Rating
0.0
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 RunningWarehouse.Com

Asics Superblast 2

Best Max Cushioned
Weight: 9oz Drop: 8mm
Our Rating
8.0
Users Rating
8.0
The ASICS Superblast 2 is a great versatile daily trainer with a stable and max-cushioned ride. It's capable of a wide range of paces from recovery to marathon pace and is arguably one of the best...
MSRP $200 $199 Best price today this will redirect you to Amazon.com

Hoka One One Rincon 4

Best Lightweight Trainer
Weight: 8.04oz Drop: 5mm
Our Rating
8.0
Users Rating
8.0
The Hoka Rincon 4 is a good lightweight trainer which performs best at steady paces. It has a firm ride and lacks the bounce and energy return of the Hoka Mach 6 but at only $125, it represents great...
MSRP $125 $0 Best price today this will redirect you to Hoka ONE ONE

Saucony Tempus 2

Best Supportive Trainer
Weight: 9.3oz Drop: 8mm
Our Rating
10
Users Rating
0.0
The Saucony Tempus 2 is a premium stability trainer. With a plush, responsive midsole and a snug, supportive upper, it offers stability and comfort for daily runs and races alike, making running...
MSRP $159.95 $158 Best price today this will redirect you to Amazon.com

Brooks Hyperion GTS 2

Best Supportive Lightweight Trainer
Weight: 7.6oz Drop: 8mm
Our Rating
10
Users Rating
0.0
The Hyperion GTS 2 brings stability and a lightweight design together for a trainer-racer hybrid with more room in the heel and midfoot than we usually find in a streamlined model; this shoe is an...
MSRP $139.95 $139 Best price today this will redirect you to RunningWarehouse.Com

Table of content

  Our Top 6 picks for all categories
 
 
What to consider
 
 
Best Daily Trainer
 
 
Best Super Trainer
 
 
Best Max Cushioned
 
 
Best Lightweight Trainer
 
 
Best Supportive Trainer
 
 
Best Supportive Lightweight Trainer
 
 
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?).

Stability and Support

If your ankles are your weak spot, you should be looking into shoes that provide support.

Best Daily Trainer

The best daily trainers combine balanced cushioning that can handle easy miles and tempo efforts alike, with dependable durability that maintains performance through hundreds of miles.

Asics Novablast 5

merchant logo
$140.00
$139.00
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
Read full review

Best Super Trainer

Super Trainers are running shoes that are lightweight, fast, and possibly with carbon plate - but with more comfort and durability than a shoe strictly made for racing.
This said, you can definitely race in a super trainer!

Adidas adizero Evo SL

merchant logo
$150.00
$149.00
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
Read full review

Best Max Cushioned

If you are a heavier runner, or if you simply prefer to run on a soft, plush base - modern max cushioned running shoes is what you are looking for.

Comfort is the name of the game for these shoes - not only in terms of cushioning but also in terms of the materials used for the uppers.

Asics Superblast 2

merchant logo
$200.00
$199.00
See deal   >
In short
The ASICS Superblast 2 is a great versatile daily trainer with a stable and max-cushioned ride. It's capable of a wide range of paces from recovery to marathon pace and is arguably one of the best long run trainers on the market. Version 2 has a more comfortable, more breathable upper and better outsole traction than v1. It has an almost identical ride to its predecessor and has also picked up some weight.
Pros
  • Excels at most runs slower than threshold pace
  • Stones no longer get suck in the outsole
  • Very stable ride for such a tall sole
  • Improved outsole traction
  • The fit has improved
Cons
  • Heavier than the previous version
  • Only available in a single width
  • Slower than v1
Who should buy it

If you find the Novablast not cushioned enough or too heavy, the Superblast 2 is a good option.
If you’re looking for a shoe that feels like a super shoe but doesn’t have a stiff plate in it, the Superblast 2 is the perfect shoe.

Who should not buy it

If you like flexible trainers with lots of ground feel, the Superblast 2 is not the shoe for you.
If you have really wide feet, the Superblast 2 will be too narrow for you.

Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
9 oz
Heel
46 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
38 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
8.0
Build quality
8.0
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
8.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
8.0
Durability
8.0
Value / Price
8.0
Team review
Read full review

Best Lightweight Trainer

A lightweight daily trainer should offer enough cushioning to protect your legs during regular training while maintaining a responsive, snappy feel that allows you to pick up the pace when needed.
The ideal shoe should have a breathable upper that locks your foot down securely during faster efforts, while keeping weight under 9 ounces (255g) to ensure it remains nimble enough for race day.

Hoka One One Rincon 4

merchant logo
$125.00
$0.00
See deal   >
In short
The Hoka Rincon 4 is a good lightweight trainer which performs best at steady paces. It has a firm ride and lacks the bounce and energy return of the Hoka Mach 6 but at only $125, it represents great value. Version 4 is a completely different beast to previous versions. It has a full-length rubberised EVA outsole, making it more durable and 3 mm extra stack height, increasing its cushioning and versatility.
Pros
  • Increase in stack height and cushioning depth
  • Improved outsole durability
  • Excellent price point
  • Padded landings
Cons
  • Not as much energy return as other Hoka trainers
  • Heavier than previous versions
  • Very snug and narrow fit
Who should buy it

If you really liked the ride of the Mach 4, 5 or Supersonic, but you don’t like the Mach 6, the Rincon 4 is a great alternative.
If you’re looking for an affordable trainer with a firm ride, the Rincon 4 is a great choice.

Who should not buy it

If you have very wide feet, the Rincon 4’s narrow upper will feel uncomfortable.
If you’re looking for a soft, squishy trainer with high energy return, the Rincon 4 is also not for you.

Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
8.04 oz
Heel
mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
5 mm
Toe
mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
8.0
Build quality
8.0
Upper
7.0
Sole unit
8.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
7.0
Durability
6.0
Value / Price
10
Team review
Read full review

Best Supportive Trainer

A great stability running shoe should provide consistent support through your stride without feeling rigid or intrusive, typically using features like guide rails, medial posts, or a wider base to help prevent excessive inward foot rolling.
The best stability shoes balance their supportive elements with enough cushioning to remain comfortable over long distances, while maintaining a natural transition from heel to toe that doesn't fight against your foot's natural movement.

Saucony Tempus 2

merchant logo
$160.00
$158.00
See deal   >
In short
The Saucony Tempus 2 is a premium stability trainer. With a plush, responsive midsole and a snug, supportive upper, it offers stability and comfort for daily runs and races alike, making running enjoyable.
Pros
  • Comfort
  • Versatility
  • Tailored Fit
Cons
  • Longer break in time
Who should buy it

This trainer is for a runner who needs a max cushion yet lightweight stability shoe.

Who should not buy it

This trainer would not be for a runner who have wide feet

Main Specs
Type
Stability
Weight
9.3 oz
Heel
38 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
30 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
10
Build quality
9.0
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
10
Transition
9.0
Toe-off
9.0
Traction
8.0
Durability
9.0
Value / Price
8.0
Team review
Read full review

Best Supportive Lightweight Trainer

Supportive running shoes of old were heavy and stiff. Luckily materials and technology have improved and now runners that need some support have some fast, lightweight shoes to choose from.

Brooks Hyperion GTS 2

merchant logo
$140.00
$139.00
See deal   >
merchant logo
$140.00
$139.00
See deal   >
In short
The Hyperion GTS 2 brings stability and a lightweight design together for a trainer-racer hybrid with more room in the heel and midfoot than we usually find in a streamlined model; this shoe is an excellent option as a speed and distance combination shoe for a wide range of foot widths and running goals.
Pros
  • "Kick" forward from the inner heel
  • Smooth Transition
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
  • Superb ride
Cons
  • Small heel counter
Who should buy it

Runners in cross country or track, or anyone who wants a versatile, fast-feeling training shoe for interval workouts through 10-15 mile runs, will want to try this shoe.

Who should not buy it

Skip on this shoe if you need a strong heel counter, have high stability needs, or have heavy wear patterns on your lateral forefoot.

Main Specs
Type
Stability
Weight
7.6 oz
Heel
34 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
26 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
10
Build quality
9.0
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
10
Landing
10
Transition
10
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
9.0
Durability
8.0
Value / Price
10
Team review
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.