The 5 Best Running Shoes - Spring 2025

The best running shoes for racing are the Nike Alphafly 3, delivering a standout blend of responsiveness and comfort that makes it unmatched for the marathon distance. Built specifically for runners aiming for peak performance over long distances, it features a lightweight, breathable upper paired with Nike's PEBA-based foam, offering good cushioning without sacrificing responsiveness. Its refined carbon-fiber plate and repositioned forefoot Air Pods provide a smooth, efficient stride that helps conserve energy deep into a marathon. This shoe is an excellent choice for serious runners chasing their personal best.

If you prioritize maximal cushioning on race day, consider the On Cloudboom Strike, the Swiss brand's carbon-plated super shoe. This shoe features On's super foam, and its impressive cushioning helps keep your legs feeling fresh during long races. While it isn't as bouncy as the Nike, it provides superior cushioning—particularly in the forefoot. Like most super shoes, both the Nike and On shoes prioritize optimal performance at the expense of stability and long-term durability.

The ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 is the shoe to reach for if you want a versatile trainer that effortlessly tackles nearly every type of run. Its dual-layer midsole—featuring a plush top layer and a supportive, firmer foam beneath—delivers an impressive combination of comfort, responsiveness, and stability. Despite lacking a plate, this shoe transitions seamlessly between easy-paced training, steady long runs, and even faster workouts, making it one of the most adaptable shoes we've tested.

Another great pick is the adidas Adizero Evo SL, an uptempo trainer that maximizes value without sacrificing performance. It's a lightweight, versatile shoe with elite features such as adidas' premium foam usually reserved for super shoes. It offers excellent energy return and responsive cushioning, making it versatile enough to handle anything from daily jogs to race-day efforts—though it truly shines during uptempo intervals, delivering a dynamic and lively ride. That said, this shoe will feel harsher for easy paces and longer runs than the more protective ASICS shoe, which offers superior cushioning and a higher stack height.

While these two unplated options don't have the aggressive feel of dedicated super shoes like the Nike Alphafly 3, their excellent cushioning and good energy return mean they can comfortably handle your occasional local event. However, they aren't a top-of-the-line option for elite racing.

The Mizuno Neo Vista is the shoe to grab when your legs are tired, but you still need to log those recovery runs. Its generous cushioning provides a plush feel that's great for shorter daily runs, particularly on days when you don't want to go fast and just want maximum comfort. Featuring a dual-layer midsole of soft EVA foam stabilized by a nylon plate, it's a premium daily trainer that ensures a smooth, protective ride. Unfortunately, it's a bit too heavy and bulky to handle uptempo efforts with ease.

For runners wanting a max-cushioned, ultra-high stack shoe that doesn't feel too sluggish, the HOKA Mach X 2 is another excellent alternative that can handle faster sessions more effortlessly than the Mizuno. As a plated super trainer, it provides plush comfort without sacrificing responsiveness, so you can comfortably pick up the pace when you feel like pushing it. If you need something more comfortable for easier paces, go with the Mizuno, but for those speedier sessions, get the HOKA.

The ASICS NOVABLAST 5 is our top pick for training long runs where comfort and reliable protection are essential. It offers excellent cushioning that stays consistently comfortable over extended runs, paired with a midsole that provides decent energy return, allowing you to comfortably shift gears during these long sessions.

It's a bit less cushioned than the Mizuno Neo Vista, but it's lighter and still very protective, making it easy on your legs even deep into long distances. With its well-balanced design and smooth ride, this shoe helps you stay fresh and smooth on your longest runs. Compared to a long-distance super shoe like the Nike Alphafly 3, the ASICS prioritizes overall comfort and stability for training runs. On the other hand, the Nike shoe emphasizes raw performance on race day through its lighter weight and superior energy return to maximize efficiency. However, it sacrifices some comfort and durability for regular training.

The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 offers impressive stability, making it ideal for runners who need solid ground feel but don't want to sacrifice too much performance. Its very wide base and lower stack height keep you grounded, which is particularly valuable when fatigue compromises your form. While this shoe doesn't provide dedicated support features, its design naturally delivers excellent lateral stability. The shoe remains surprisingly lightweight and decently cushioned, thanks to its midsole. It also provides a decent bounce, making this a well-rounded pick that goes beyond simply offering reliable stability.

If you need a shoe that actively guides your stride, the ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 is a support shoe designed to correct overpronation, delivering stability through a structured build. It uses support elements like a soft foam-based block for pronation support that bounces your arch back into alignment. However, this comes at the cost of added weight and reduced responsiveness.

That said, while great stability can be a big plus when form starts to break down, this type of shoe isn't necessarily a great pick for longer efforts. For that, a more protective option with a higher stack—like the ASICS NOVABLAST 5—does a better job.