Best running shoes to buy in 2025

One of the thrills of running is its simplicity and purity. Get home from work, slip on a run tee and shorts, lace up your favourite shoes and you can soon be on your way.

And you can do so without the fear of a bike mechanical or pool-lane tyrant to halt your progress.

What you wear on your feet, however, has become an increasingly complicated business. So here, we’re going to explain how to choose the right running shoes for you.

Below, you’ll also find a list of the best running shoes, as reviewed by our test team over the past couple of years.

If you’re after extra energy return and propulsion, check out our reviews of the best carbon plated running shoes on the market.

• The best budget road running and trail running shoes for 2025
• Best trail running shoes in 2025
• Best waterproof running shoes for wet weather in 2025
• Best barefoot running shoes in 2025

Best running shoes in 2025

1. Hoka Skyward X

Price:	$225 / £185
Sizes:	Men’s: US 7-15 / UK 6.5-14.5 Women’s: US 5-12 / UK 4-9
Stack height:	48mm/43mm (M10), 46mm/41mm (W8)
Drop:	5mm
Midsole:	PEBA, Super Critical EVA, carbon fibre plate
Weight:	10.12oz / 289g (UK7)

This is a chunky carbon-plated daily trainer with a 48mm stack height at the heel and 43mm in the forefoot (46mm and 41mm for women).

On training runs the outsole delivered plenty of traction in dry and wet conditions, while the depth of the sections in contact with the ground is more than adequate for long term usage.

The shoe contains Hoka’s impressive PEBA and EVA blended midsole, which includes a curved carbon-fibre embedded plate (see our list of the best carbon plate running shoes for more).

If you’re looking for a maximal trainer with a forgiving yet energetic ride for those high-mileage weeks or weekly long training runs when your legs are screaming, then the Skyward X is a great new option to bring into your shoe rotation.

“If you’re looking for a maximal trainer with a forgiving yet energetic ride for those high mileage weeks or weekly long training runs when your legs are screaming, then the Skyward X is a great new option to bring into your shoe rotation.” – 220 Triathlon tester, Tomos Whitmarsh-Knight

Read our full review of the Hoka Skyward X.

2. On Cloudsurfer 7

Price:	$159.99 / £150
Sizes:	Men’s: US 7-15 / UK 6.5-13.5 Women’s: US 5-12 / UK 3-9
Drop:	10mm
Midsole:	Speedboard midsole cushions
Weight:	7.13oz / 202g (UK6)

On returns with the newly redesigned Cloudsurfer sole for a softer, more cushioned running experience.

The new Cloudsurfer manages to shed approximately 100g compared to its predecessor, weighing in at just 280g for a size 11. This impressive weight reduction is likely due to On’s decision to remove the Speedboard plate.

While the lighter feel is a welcome change, the absence of the Speedboard does come with a trade-off—there’s a slight reduction in rebound and energy return that runners might miss.

Approximately 30% of the Cloudsurfer is made from recycled materials, with 85% of the polyester used being recycled.

On positions the Cloudsurfer as a training shoe, featuring a 10mm drop and a neutral ride. We’d agree—it’s a reliable daily trainer for short to mid-distance runs. While it’s not built for top-end speed, its plush cushioning could be a welcome companion as you step out of T2.

“From the moment you slip these shoes on and sink into the footbed the comfort is apparent, as is the case when head out on a run. Landings feel soft and plush, with a hint of a bounce imploring you to push yourself that little bit further.” – 220 Triathlon tester, Rob Slade 

Read our full review of the Cloudsurfer.

3. Asics Gel-Nimbus 26

Price:	$160 / £180
Sizes:	Men’s: US 6-16 / UK 5-15 Women’s: US 5-13 / UK 3-11
Drop:	8mm
Midsole:	FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam, 33mm, midsole
Weight:	9oz / 256g, (women’s UK5.5)

The Gel-Nimbus 26 builds on the major updates introduced in its predecessor, focusing on refined tweaks to cushioning materials, the outsole, and lacing system. Available in eight colors and two width options, it offers versatility to suit a variety of runners.

With 41mm of cushioning at the heel and 33mm at the midsole, the Gel-Nimbus 26 firmly sits in the max-cushioned category of road running shoes. It also boasts the thickest sole among the women’s shoes tested. Notably, that 41mm stack height exceeds the World Athletics limit for racing by 1mm.

The Gel-Nimbus 26 is an excellent everyday trainer, perfect for logging those long training miles in comfort.

“The Gel-Nimbus 26 gave me a smooth ride and the rocker shape allowed my feet to roll pretty effortlessly from landing to toe off without too much thought… There’s more good news, too, as a wide base gives a good feeling of stability on the run”. – 220 Triathlon tester, Jude Palmer

Read our full review of Asics Gel-Nimbus 26.

4. Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris

Price:	$249 / £220
Sizes:	Unisex: US 3.5-13 / UK 2.5-12
Drop:	5mm
Midsole:	Turbo FlyteFoam+ midsole and carbon plate
Weight:	6.17oz / 175g (men’s UK7 )

The Metaspeed Sky Paris is the upgraded successor to the Metaspeed Sky+, now 0.7oz/20g lighter – our men’s UK7 size weighs just 6.17oz/ 175g per shoe, thanks to the innovative Turbo FlyteFoam+ midsole.

The shoe features a slightly higher stack height than its predecessor, the Metaspeed Sky+, with 39.5mm in the heel and 34.5mm in the forefoot—just under World Athletics’ 40mm limit. Its heel-to-toe drop is a modest 5mm, lower than the typical 8mm found in many supershoes, making it an appealing option for mid- and forefoot strikers.

The reduced weight is largely due to the Turbo FlyteFoam+ midsole, which delivers a noticeably bouncier feel compared to the previous version. The Sky Paris also incorporates a slightly wider carbon plate in the midsole, giving it a lively yet stable feel.

“I’d still reserve these for racing and not training runs due to that pricetag and outsole, although I did enjoy wearing these for lower tempo efforts, more so than most carbon-soled racers.” – 220 Triathlon tester, Matt Baird

Read our full review of the Metaspeed Sky Paris.

5. Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2

Price:	$315 / £240
Sizes:	US: M4/W5 – M14/W15 UK Unisex: 3.5-13.5
Drop:	9mm
Midsole:	Energy Blade and a superlight bouncy foam
Weight:	7oz/200g (UK 7)

The S/Lab Phantasm 2s is a great-looking shoe that feels incredibly light, with the men’s UK7 (US9) weighing just 7oz/200g.

The shoe has a well constructed upper with a semi rigid heel counter and substantial padding. The shoe is lined with a suede-like material which made it comfortable for wearing while sockless.

Thanks to the combination of the neat upper fit and wider, flared out midsole and forefoot platform, this is a solid race-day shoe.

“The combination of the upper fit with a wider, flared out midsole and a wider forefoot platform gives a surprisingly stable race-day shoe. In fact, this is one of the most stable racing shoes I’ve tested.” – 220 Triathlon tester, Tomos Whitmarsh-Knight

Read our full review of the Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2.

6. Brooks Hyperion Max 2

Price:	$180 / £138
Sizes:	Men’s: US 7-15 / UK6-14 Women’s: US 5-12 / UK 4-8.5
Drop:	6mm
Midsole:	PEBAX SpeedVault plate
Weight:	9.31oz/264g (UK 8)

Brooks Hyperion Max 2’s are ideal for faster-paced training efforts, thanks to the shoe’s innovative SpeedVault plate. The shoe also offers enough support and stability for mid tempo efforts. 

However, our tester found the shoe quite firm which combined with a 36mm heel height, means this wouldn’t be our pick for recovery runs

Ultimately, the Hyperion Max 2 is fantastic neutral shoe suited to both training and racing and a great innovation from Brooks.

“The Hyperion Max 2’s versatility comes to the fore on the run.

They shine on faster-paced training efforts, with that SpeedVault plate offering the pop strangely absent in the Hyperion Elite 3, but with enough support and stability for midtempo efforts. ” – 220 Triathlon tester, Matt Baird

Read our full review of Brooks Hyperion Max 2.

7. Inov-8 Trailtalon GTX

Price:	$160 / £140
Sizes:	Men’s: US 7-15 / UK 6-14 Women’s: US 5.5-11 / UK 3-8.5 Standard or wide fit
Drop:	6mm
Midsole:	POWERFLOW PRO foam
Weight:	11.78oz/334g

The Inov-8 Trailtalon GTX performs impressively on wintry trail runs. Thanks to the Gore-Tex lining, feet stay dry and protected from mud and moisture, while still allowing airflow for breathability. The outsole, enhanced with graphene, delivers excellent traction—even on slick, steep terrain.

Unlike some of Inov-8’s other models that come in three width options, the Trailtalon is available in just two. That said, the wide version (UK11, 102mm) provided a secure and pleasant fit for me. A more vibrant colorway would be a nice alternative to the tested grey model.

While these aren’t the most heavily cushioned shoes out there, they offer a good balance—giving you a solid sense of the trail without compromising on comfort.

Check out our other trail running shoe reviews here.

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8. New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4

Price:	$249.99 / £260
Sizes:	Men’s: US 7.5-13.5 / UK 6.5-12.5 Women’s: US 5-10 / UK 3-8
Drop:	4mm
Midsole:	PEBAX foam
Weight:	8oz/227g (UK 7)

New Balance’s FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 contains a midsole made with 100% PEBAX foam, which makes it a propulsive ride.

It has a chunky 40mm stack height (the maximum allowed by governing body World Athletics) and the shoes felt cushioned, but also stable for such a maximal shoe.

The 4mm heel-to-toe drop and new, thinner and arched carbon plate make it suited on race-day use for a range of distances and paces.

With a price tag of $249.99 (£260) and weight of 8oz/227g (US8), they are more expensive and heavier than the previous editions, making the shoe feel slower compared to the sub-200g club of the Asics Metaspeed Edge+ and Nike Zoomx Vaporfly 3, for example.

“They feel cushioned but not too cushioned, but also stable for such a maximal shoe, and I’d feel confident in these on moderately twisty tri run courses.” – 220 Triathlon tester, Matt Baird

Read our full review of New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4.

9. Asics Metaspeed Edge+

Price:	$250 / £225
Sizes:	5-12 UK unisex
Drop:	8mm
Midsole:	FF BLAST TURBO
Weight:	6.84oz/194g

The Edge + shoes are part of Asics’ two-strong range of Metaspeed shoes, the other being the Metaspeed Sky + (also $250/£225).

The midsole is said to be 50% lighter than EVA foam, allowing Asics to increase the stack height to 1mm shy of the maximum legal high of 40mm (the heel-to-toe drop is 8mm) with only a slight weight penalty over the original. At 6.84oz/194g it’s a light shoe designed for speed.

“They offer the right level of bounce and feel for the asphalt underneath, also ticking the winding, city-centre course box with their nimbleness (a rarity in carbon super shoes). You get decent traction from the reinforced areas of the outsole, too.” – 220 Triathlon tester, Matt Baird

Read our full review of Asics Metaspeed Edge+.

10. Brooks Ghost 2 Max

Price:	$149.95 / £145
Sizes:	Men’s: US 7-15 / UK 6-14 Women’s: US 5-13 / UK 3-10 medium, wide, and extra-wide options
Drop:	6mm
Midsole:	Nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam cushioning
Weight:	9.38oz / 266g (women’s UK5.5)

The Ghost 2 Max is a dependable, no-nonsense shoe that delivers solid performance mile after mile. While it won’t steal the spotlight, it won’t let you down either.

The Ghost Max 2 is suited to long runs, easy miles, and those days when you simply want to run without too much effort.

The Ghost Max 2 fit true to size and is available in three width options, which is a welcome feature. Weighing 9.4oz/266g per shoe (UK 5.5), it was the heaviest women’s shoe on test. This added weight could contribute to fatigue during longer runs for some runners.

The Ghost Max 2 features one of the larger heel stacks on test at 39mm, yet the wide, nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam from Brooks ensures stability, even on hills or during faster runs.

“The Ghost 2 Max is a reliable, quietly confident shoe that will get you your miles without making a fuss about it…If you want cushioning, this shoe has it in abundance and yet it didn’t feel as clunky as similar shoes on the market. The outer sole grip was also good on both wet and dry road surfaces.” – 220 Triathlon tester, Jude Palmer

Read our full review of the Ghost Max 2.

11. Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

Price:	$170 / £180
Sizes:	Men’s: US 7-15 / UK 6-14 Women’s: US 5-12/ UK 3-10
Drop:	8mm
Midsole:	28mm midsole, PWRRUN PB foam
Weight:	Men: 8.22oz/233g, Women: 7.2oz/204g

The Endorphin Speed 4 has a 36mm stack at the heel, 28mm at the midfoot and an 8mm drop, making it a versatile operator.

The winged nylon plate offers a speed-enhancing snap back on landing, which pushes the Speed 4 into another league.

The running feels efficient and easier, while the bounce from the PWRRUN PB foam puts a spring in your step. The Speed 4 is light, too, at 7.2oz/207g (UK5.5).

The outsole provides good grip, though it’s mainly focused towards the front, which is something to consider if you’re a heel striker. Ultimately, this is a shoe that’s as happy on long steady runs as it is hard intervals.

“A winged nylon plate that not only provides reinforcement but also the all-important speed enhancing snap back on landing, a feature more commonly associated with high-performance road shoes with carbon plates.” – 220 Triathlon tester, Jude Palmer

Read our full review of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 here.

12. Hoka Mach 6

Price:	$140 / £140
Sizes:	Men’s: US 7-14 / UK 6.5-12.5 Women’s: US 5-11 / UK 3.5-9.5 Regular and wide fit
Drop:	5mm
Midsole:	Super critical foam midsole
Weight:	9.6oz / 272g (UK11.5)

The Hoka Mach 6 has undergone a number of tweaks and is billed as Hoka’s ‘lightest, most responsive Mach to date’.

To improve fit and comfort a new super critical foam EVA midsole has been added, a creel jacquard upper and an updated internal gusset.

The shoe has a chunky stack height of 37mm at the heel (35mm for women) and 32mm at the forefoot (30mm for women) with a neutral 5mm drop.

Our tester found the shoe a little on the small and narrow side, so you might want to size up. He found the shoe best suited to lower-paced long runs.

“In testing, I certainly noticed an extra pep to my stride and there was a welcome snap when picking up to race pace, yet there was enough of a cushioned landing to see me through my Sunday long runs, too.” – 220 Triathlon tester, Rob Slade

Read the full review of the Hoka Mach 6.

What should you look for when buying running shoes?

Cushioning

Different shoes offer varying levels of cushioning, ranging from minimal to maximum. Choose a cushioning level that suits your running style and preferences.

Stability and support

Consider the shoe’s stability features to support your foot and prevent excessive inward rolling (overpronation) or outward rolling (underpronation/supination).

The right level of stability will depend on your foot mechanics and gait pattern.

• What is pronation and how does it affect your run shoe choice?

Breathability

Look for shoes made with breathable materials that allow air circulation to keep your feet cool and dry during runs.

This can help to prevent discomfort and reduces the likelihood of blisters or fungal infections.

Traction

Consider the outsole’s grip and traction capabilities. If you’re likely to be heading off-road, consider trail running shoes for better traction and protection.

Weight

Lighter shoes are generally preferred for faster running, while slightly heavier shoes may provide more cushioning and support for longer runs.

Durability

Assess the durability of the materials and construction to ensure the shoes can withstand regular use and offer long-lasting performance.

Heel drop or offset

This refers to the difference in height between the heel and forefoot of the shoe. It can affect your running mechanics and foot strike pattern.

Higher heel drops are associated with more traditional cushioned running shoes, while lower heel drops often signal a more minimalist or barefoot-style running shoe.

How we tested

Each running shoe we review gets put through the same level of testing, including numerous runs of varying distances over the period of several weeks at a minimum. This includes long, slow runs, plus faster tempo efforts or interval sessions. We test against a range of criteria including comfort, breathability, support, stability, ride, propulsion and value.

Looking for more outdoor footwear? Discover the best walking shoes, tried and tested by BBC Countryfile.