Top 5 Best Running Shoes 2025

To find the greatest sneakers at various price points, we have examined dozens of designs.

Are you trying to find an all-arounder who is comfortable? A shoe that supports overpronation? Or a quick racer setting a new personal record? No one shoe is the greatest for everyone.

To assist you in selecting the ideal pair, we tested these running shoes in our lab and ran in them. View our top picks in a number of categories below.

Additionally, you can read our comprehensive guide on running shoe selection by scrolling down.

By running in the shoes, twisting them, filling them with smoke, cutting them in two, freezing them, and performing hundreds of standardized tests in our lab, we are able to provide unbiased running shoe reviews.

Our workflow looks like this:

To maintain our objectivity as an independent shoe testing facility, we pay for all of the shoes ourselves.
We each run 30 to 50 miles. Before submitting our in-depth reports, we make care to mix up our runs by switching between roads and trails, as well as between sprints and recovery runs.
We disassemble shoes and measure more than 30 factors, including platform width, insole thickness, stack heights, stiffness, breathability, durability, and midsole softness.

Best running shoes overall: ASICS Novablast 5
Best daily training running shoes: Nike Pegasus 41
Best shoes for tempo running: PUMA Deviate Nitro 3
Best race running shoes: Nike Vaporfly 3
Best stability running shoes: ASICS Gel Kayano 31

Best running shoes overall

ASICS Novablast 5

In the all-arounder game, the Novablast 5 is unique because it offers an entirely new degree of comfort while maintaining stability, responsiveness, and dependable durability. Rightfully claiming its position as the best running shoe, Novablast 5 consistently performs exceptionally well in both our lab testing and outdoor runs.

Enjoying this sneaker is a true pleasure. Our biggest attraction is the ultra-stacked 40.9/33.5 mm midsole, which exudes exquisite levels of comfort for tens of thousands of miles. Our durometer, which registered 38.4% softer than normal, validated our feelings. Even though the cushion is soft, it provides a lively ride on days when you want to go faster.

No matter how fast we go, our runs feel steady. To provide a secure landing regardless of our foot strike, Novablast 5 provides an additional 8.3/6.9 mm of breadth in the forefoot and heel. The midsole adapts to our actions, allowing us to run without thinking. Our flex test confirms that it is 32.2% more adaptable than average, and our scales reveal that it weighs a light 9.0 oz (254g).

After several miles of jogging on hard pavements, the midsole showed some slight creases, while the outsole hardly had any scratches, demonstrating the Novablast 5’s resilience. Performance-wise, we noticed no change, indicating that it is a dependable and durable running companion.

However, due to its lack of traction, its shine diminishes on damp pavements. Those who value unrelenting grip ought to search elsewhere.

Best daily training running shoes

Nike Pegasus 41

The 41st iteration of the Pegasus series did not let runners down, releasing the best daily trainer that will appeal to both novice and expert runners. It continues to provide a freeing ride throughout our runs and introduces a brand-new ReactX foam that is both supple and energizing. Additionally, our lab verifies that its top is the ideal balance of breathability and comfort.

The midsole design of the Pegasus 41 is one of its best features. With two Air Zoom units tucked away in the ReactX foam, it effortlessly takes off and catches us with soft landings. Our durometer verified that it is 26.2% softer than normal.

The enjoyable, organic running sensation is maintained by the shoe’s flexibility in all directions. Our bend test indicates that it is 34.0% more flexible than the norm. With a 2/5 grade, even rotating the sneaker in our manual inspection was effortless.

With its unhindered airflow, even the upper felt freeing, which surprised us considering its dual-layer mesh and silky touch. Its remarkable airflow is demonstrated by our smoke test, which yielded a 4/5 breathability rating.

However, mid-to forefoot strikers may find the Pegasus 41’s sharp 11.4 mm drop too harsh. We think heel strikers might benefit more from this set.

Best shoes for tempo running

PUMA Deviate Nitro 3

The PUMA Deviate Nitro 3 skillfully blended comfort, traction, and power during our speed sessions. It provides every component required to succeed in a variety of quick workouts. It’s the best running supertrainer, according to our lab.

There is no denying that DN3 satisfies our desire for speed. A carbon PWRPLATE, which serves as a strong propeller to help us push our boundaries, is included into the midsole. Its robust energy return can be explained by the fact that, according to our bend test, it is 22.3% stiffer than usual.

To our satisfaction, a midsole that provides a comfortable and smooth ride complements speed, as carbon-plated shoes can occasionally seem overwhelming. Without sacrificing comfort, the cushioning provides a pleasant bouncy feel and a smooth ride. The dual-density foam in our sliced shoe is composed of an even plusher 18.0 HA foam underneath the PWRPLATE and a soft and responsive 19.0 HA foam on top.

Additionally, DN3 maintained a soft 72.0 HC for its PUMAGRIP ATR outsole. Regardless of the conditions, it provided outstanding traction during our runs, living up to its reputation. With ease and control, we can run around corners. However, the durability of the outsole was weakened by the soft rubber. We found that it wears down more quickly than a typical shoe. You should go elsewhere if you need a daily beater.

Best race running shoes

Nike Vaporfly 3

After going through hundreds of shoes in the lab, the Nike Vaporfly 3 caught our attention as the ultimate racer, perfect for PB chasers. It ignited our every stride without overlooking the comfort required for longer races. With its unmatched energy and lightness, we flew to the finish line and unleashed speed like no other.

We’re amazed how V3 managed to keep its build at an ultra-light 6.7 oz (190g) with its generous cushioning. For reference, its highly-cushioned and plated counterparts average 7.4 oz (210g). Regardless of foot strike, we have tons of impact protection from the plush 16.8 HA foam and boundless energy from the ZoomX midsole.

V3 elevates its FlyPlate in the forefoot by making it spoon-shaped to encourage faster leg turnover. This helps sustain our speed with less effort. It releases power through its insane stiffness, which our 90-degree test shows is a mind-blowing 90.8% more resilient than average. We felt that this racer shined even more at our race pace.

The upper is a summer runner’s dream, allowing air to flow in and out freely. On our breathability test, it earned a remarkable 5/5—no need to worry about hotspots and sweaty feet.

We discovered that V3 performs best in longer races (10K+). With its softer midsole, it lacks the explosiveness needed for 5K/10K distances.

Best stability running shoes

ASICS Gel Kayano 31

The 31st iteration of the ASICS Gel Kayano is renowned for its exceptional stability. Supported by our lab testing and road runs, it combines stable support and luxurious comfort in a seamless way, which gives us a confidence and satisfaction boost unlike anything else.

Subtle components are incorporated into the GK31 to direct our foot position. The centerpiece is the 4D Guidance System, which provides personalized support for every individual by using soft foam beneath our arch. The shoe also features a large landing base and sidewalls to safely secure our landings. With the massive 122.1/97.6 mm midsole compared to the average of 113.8/90.5 mm, we were astounded and found it nearly hard to lose our balance.

As for the padding, we were blown away by how divinely comfortable it is. In addition to being extremely high at 39.3 mm, the PureGEL technology makes for pillowy landings. Our durometer, which came out 27.1% softer than usual, validates our feelings.

Its natural feel, which is uncommon for stability shoes, is another noteworthy quality. We can move freely with very little resistance because to its 14.4% better malleability than usual, according to our flex test.

Its substantial 10.4 oz (295 g) weight, however, attests to the fact that it is a true stability maximalist shoe. Other streamlined stability shoes are available for those who would like go lighter.