🏋️ Best 5 Running Shoes of 2025

The Brooks Ghost 16 earns our Best Overall pick because it nails the daily-mileage brief for the widest range of runners. The newest iteration maintains the Ghost DNA—reliable cushioning, smooth transitions, and a secure upper—while adopting a lighter, livelier midsole compound that adds snap without sacrificing comfort. The ride is balanced rather than bouncy, which helps the shoe feel predictable at easy paces yet willing when you gently press the pace during strides or moderate workouts. Heel-to-toe transitions are notably fluid thanks to a well-shaped rocker and a platform that feels inherently stable even for neutral runners. The upper is plush where it matters—collar, tongue, and midfoot wrap—yet vented up front to manage heat on longer outings. Lockdown is straightforward and true to size for most feet, with enough toe box volume to accommodate mild swelling or thicker socks. Underfoot, the rubber coverage is generous and strategically placed to resist early wear at the heel and lateral forefoot. That durability, coupled with a midsole that holds its character past the break-in period, makes the Ghost 16 an excellent single-shoe solution for training cycles. While it is not the lightest or most responsive option on this list, that is precisely why it excels for daily training: it stays comfortable when fatigue sets in and remains composed on crumbling sidewalks and wet asphalt. Runners who prefer a very soft ride might find it a touch firm, and pure speed chasers will still want a plated partner. But for most, this is the dependable, versatile trainer that keeps logging miles without fuss.

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 continues the line's reputation as the most approachable plated shoe for training. Instead of a stiff carbon plate, it uses a responsive nylon plate nested in a lively PWRRUN PB foam midsole. The result is a snappy toe-off that works beautifully for tempo runs, intervals, and progression workouts without feeling harsh when you slow down. The geometry blends a gentle rocker with Saucony's SPEEDROLL design to keep you moving forward, yet the shoe retains enough ground feel to stay controlled on turns. Compared with previous versions, the upper provides better midfoot wrap and a more stable platform under lateral load, which heavier strikers and overpronators may appreciate despite the shoe's neutral designation. Traction is a highlight: the outsole rubber grips well on wet pavement and shows minimal wear after repeated track and road sessions. While many plated trainers feel narrow or fussy, the Speed 4 accommodates a range of foot shapes and offers an easy fit for most true-to-size runners. If you want one shoe to make workouts pop but still handle warmups, cooldowns, and the occasional long run, this is it. It is not as propulsive as an elite race-day carbon shoe, and pure cushion seekers might prefer a softer daily trainer. But as a versatile uptempo companion that invites you to run faster more often, the Endorphin Speed 4 hits a sweet spot that few competitors match.

The Nike Alphafly 3 is built for the marathon PR chase, combining a full-length carbon plate with resilient ZoomX foam and forefoot Zoom Air units to deliver standout propulsion. The latest version streamlines the midsole geometry for smoother transitions while preserving the high-stack cushioning that protects your legs late in the race. On foot, the shoe feels distinctly springy yet surprisingly stable for its height thanks to a widened base through the midfoot and careful sculpting along the sidewalls. The AtomKnit upper is minimal but supportive, offering excellent breathability and a locked-in race fit without hot spots once laced properly. During testing, the Alphafly 3 excelled at goal pace and above—where the plate and air pods come alive—yet remained runnable during extended warmups. Outsole durability is better than expected for a racer, with rubber placed in high-wear zones to provide solid grip on wet road paint and polished concrete. It is a specialized tool; easy runs will feel overbuilt, and some runners may prefer a slightly more stable race geometry. But when you want maximal energy return and a confident toe-off in the final 10K, this shoe delivers. If you are targeting anything from half marathon to full marathon at aggressive paces, the Alphafly 3 is a top-tier choice that blends cushioning with race-ready efficiency.

The Hoka Skyward X brings a maximal, luxuriously cushioned ride to daily training with an energetic plate-assisted feel. Hoka pairs a soft, resilient superfoam with a plate embedded in a geometry that rolls you forward without demanding perfect form. The platform is broad and confidence-inspiring, particularly at the heel and midfoot, making it a compelling option for runners who want a forgiving landing and a stable base during long efforts. The upper is roomy yet structured where needed, with a padded heel collar that eliminates slip and a breathable forefoot that stays comfortable when the miles stretch on. What sets the Skyward X apart from traditional max-cushion trainers is how lively it feels when you pick up the pace; it does not turn into a mushy pillow. Instead, the rebound is measured and controlled, ideal for steady-state runs and long aerobic days where you want your legs to feel fresher afterward. Traction is adequate for roads and light paths, and the outsole rubber resists early abrasion considering the shoe's soft ride. It is not a featherweight, and runners seeking pure speed will prefer a lighter plated trainer. Still, for high-mileage athletes, recovery days, or anyone who values joint-friendly protection with modern efficiency, the Skyward X is a standout cushioned option for 2025.

The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 delivers an impressive mix of comfort, grip, and versatility at a price that undercuts many flagship trainers. Puma's nitrogen-infused Nitro foam provides a cushioned, mildly bouncy ride that remains stable at easy and moderate paces. A full-contact outsole with PumaGrip rubber is the star: it bites into wet pavement, painted crosswalks, and light gravel better than most competitors, adding confidence on sloppy days. The upper is straightforward and breathable, with a padded tongue and heel that secure the foot without hot spots. Fit runs true to size with a moderate toe box that should suit most feet, and the platform is neither too narrow nor overly built-up, which contributes to the shoe's approachable feel for newer runners. Durability is a strength; the outsole shows minimal wear even after weeks of mixed-surface running, and the midsole maintains its character past the break-in period. While the Velocity Nitro 3 will not match the speed-day pop of a plated trainer, it is perfectly capable for strides, fartleks, and occasional tempo efforts. If you are building a rotation, it pairs well with a race shoe; if you prefer one shoe to do most runs without overspending, it is an excellent value. Some runners may want a softer, higher stack or a more aggressive rocker, but for balanced cushioning and best-in-class traction at a fair price, this is the budget-friendly pick to beat.