Jump to:
- Saucony Ride 18
- Mizuno Neo Zen
- Mizuno Neo Zen
- Scarpa Spin Ultra 2
- Adidas Adizero Evo SL
- Brooks Glycerin Max
- Diadora Nucleo 2
- Brooks Glycerin Max
- Nike Vomero 18
- Diadora Nucleo 2
- Other Hearst Subscriptions
- Brooks Ghost 17
- Under Armour Infinite Elite 2
- Asics Novablast 5
- Asics Novablast 5
- Topo Athletic Aura
- New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15
- The Shoes and Gear Kipyegon Will Wear at Breaking4
- See All 2025 Shoe Award Winners
Comfort is key when it comes to the shoe that you’ll spend the most time wearing. You might prefer a bouncy ride. Others may want something firmer and more stable. In any case, there’s a shoe here that will work for you.
Our staff and team of 300 local wear-testers ran in and evaluated more than 100 new models to determine the best running shoes so far this year. After each tester logged at least 100 miles in their pair, we analyzed the data collected in our shoe lab, and reviewed hundreds of feedback surveys from our test team to make our final selections.
Saucony Ride 18
The Ride 18 has Pwrrun+ foam, which delivers more energy return in a lightweight package. The shoe is updated with fewer overlays on the upper and a suede strip on the outside of the heel. That soft touchpoint hints at the Ride 18’s cushioning before you even put on the shoe. According to our testers, that promise was fulfilled. “They just felt really good when I put them on my feet,” said Matthew Aberant, who compared the Ride 18’s softness to the Asics Novablast. “The upper was snug, but not too tight. The cushioning felt supportive without being too soft.”—Amanda Furrer
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.3 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Features | Soft; Wide |
Key Specs
| Weight | 7.8 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Features | Soft; Wide |
Mizuno Neo Zen
The Guide 18 has the Saucony’s original Pwrrun foam. The tooling is the same as the previous Guide: a wider last that’s straighter on the medial side. Saucony increased the foam around the heel for a more secure fit. The brand’s CenterPath tech provides stability with higher sidewalls and a broader base. “I loved the high wall upper design that literally holds your foot in the center of the cushioning, creating a comfortable ride,” said tester and overpronator Helen Capparell.—A.F.
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.7 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Features | Lower-Body Strength Workout for Runners |
Key Specs
| Weight | 8 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Features | Lower-Body Strength Workout for Runners |
Mizuno Neo Zen
The Neo Zen is not only a shoe that handles your daily training, but one you’ll want to reach for on speed days, too. You might look at it and think it’s the Neo Vista, a super-thick super trainer that came out a year ago. But that shoe is plated and really shines when you just want to cruise effortlessly. The Zen, however, puts your feet a few millimeters closer to the asphalt and has a bit more snap with every stride.
Testers loved the responsive ride, and that’s largely due to the TPU-based midsole foam. It remains resilient and cushioned, even when it’s exposed to extreme temperatures. And we had plenty of freezing days when we were testing these in late winter. Those days proved problematic, however, as the upper was too ventilated to keep testers’ feet warm.
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.2 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Features | Soft; Bouncy |
Key Specs
| Weight | 6.8 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Features | Soft; Bouncy |
The knit upper was polarizing among our testers. Some of us loved how it was flexible and comfortable, with just enough hold to keep the midsole planted firmly under our feet. Others, especially those with narrower feet, had trouble with the volume. When you pull the laces tight, the knit folds over on the tongue and creates an annoying ridge along the top of your foot.—Jeff Dengate
Scarpa Spin Ultra 2
The Spin Ultra 2 is just 28mm thick under the heel and features a 4mm drop. That puts you close to the ground on a very firm bed. Pat Heine-Holmberg, RW’s senior video producer, used to race in the Salomon S/Lab Sense—an exceptionally thin, light, and hard shoe—and finds the Spin Ultra 2 to be similar but with just a touch more underfoot comfort.
The foam is a new TPEE compound that Scarpa says is more cushioned and more responsive. We found it to be among the firmest foams we tested. But on soft surfaces like dirt, mud, and grass, it works just fine.
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.1 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 4 mm |
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.4 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 4 mm |
The Vibram Velox Max 2 Megagrip rubber outsole is sticky on really technical trails. The shoe’s firm cushioning and low offset work well on such ground, too, because when you’re dancing across trail hazards, you don’t want super squishy foam causing the shoe to slide around.—J.D.
Adidas Adizero Evo SL
How good is this shoe? I think it’s so good that I actually purchased two more pairs for myself after first testing it, even though I have 170 pairs marked “active” in my training log. And, the day the Evo SL went on sale, I posted on Instagram calling it the shoe of the year. Folks at other brands texted to ask how I could make that declaration on February 1. My response: If there’s a better shoe for $150 or less that comes along this year, I’ll eat this shoe. (That evening, my wife showed me a documentary of filmmaker Werner Herzog eating a shoe after losing a bet with Errol Morris. So, stay tuned.)
What makes the Evo SL so great? Well, it mostly lies in the shoe’s simplicity and versatility. There’s just a single layer of outstanding foam, a stripped-down upper, and really not much else going on. It allows the shoe to shine—and it does so whether you’re jogging on a recovery day or turning your feet over quickly during an interval session. It truly is a do-it-all shoe, all at an affordable price.
The foam is the same Lightstrike Pro that Adidas uses in the Adios Pro 4 marathon racing shoe, which we also review in this guide. It’s a lightweight, less-dense foam that has strong cushioning properties and responsiveness. Unlike that super shoe, this one has no carbon-fiber rods (which Adidas used instead of a plate), but it does have a nylon shank in the midfoot for stability when you’re transitioning from heel to toe. That’s needed because the foam is quite soft and thick and would otherwise prove unstable. The heel stack height is 39mm, with most of that being foam.
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.1 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 7 mm |
| Features | Soft; Bouncy |
Key Specs
| Weight | 6.6 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Features | Soft; Bouncy |
In testing, I put more than 350 miles on my first pair of the Evo SL, using it for everything from an unintentionally fast 5K on a day when I was pressed for time, up to a 23-mile long run at 8:00 pace while training for the Boston Marathon. Every time I laced up the shoe, I appreciated the initial comfort as my foot hit the pavement. The heel, especially, makes for a soft landing. But, remarkably, the shoe firms up enough so you can power back off the ground without feeling like you’re sinking into too much foam.
I found the fit to be true to size and comfortable, though the upper could use a little refinement. The engineered mesh is lightweight and breathable, and the back is lightly padded to deliver just enough comfort. But the tongue slides to the side. It’s more of an annoyance than a problem, but it’s worth noting. Also, the midfoot is a bit “baggy,” especially through the arch. If you’re looking for a tailored, racing shoe–like fit, this isn’t the model for that.—J.D.
Brooks Glycerin Max
The ForeverRun Nitro 2 preserves what we liked about the first: Its cushioned, responsive ride made us forget we were running in a stability shoe. Puma’s approach to developing the trainer was not to inherently stop pronation. Instead, TPU wrapped along the outsole of the heel is intended to merely slow it down. “This is a solid stability shoe, and it provides adequate support and cushioning for longer runs,” said a tester. The shoe is updated with a wider midsole, which provides support on the medial side as well.
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.3 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Features | Soft; Stable |
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.5 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Features | Soft; Stable |
But the real star is the midsole foam. Testers appreciated the shoe’s soft but springy ride and how its cushioning absorbed impact. “The cushioning helped me push through higher mileage without experiencing pounding on my knees,” said a tester. “It aided in my recovery, allowing me to feel fresher for upcoming workouts.”—A.F.
Diadora Nucleo 2
We all have that one pair while testing that gets just a little more road time than all the others. For me, that shoe was the Nucleo 2. “I would say the Nucleo 2 is the dark horse trainer of 2024,” said wear-tester Alex Price. “I had never heard of Diadora before, so you can imagine my shock when I put the shoe on. Compared to other cushioned neutral trainers I have worn, this is by far the most comfortable. Super soft but not heavy.” I couldn’t agree more with Price. I, too, was shocked by how much my feet wanted to experience that lightweight but cushioned comfort every time I stood in front of my shoe rack, stocked with more familiar brands and models.
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.8 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5 mm |
| Features | Soft |
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.1 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5 mm |
| Features | Soft |
The Diadora team recalibrated the Nucleo with a lower drop and more density on the medial side to help with overpronation. Even though it’s a neutral trainer, this feature lends some stability when your form begins to deteriorate as you run longer.—A.F.
Brooks Glycerin Max
Sit at my desk at RW HQ and maybe you’ll be visited by our director of content hype, Aly Ellis. Don’t be surprised if she’s once again raving about Brooks’s Glycerin Max. Ellis is not alone; our testers loved the shoe. “[The] Brooks Glycerin Max is one of the best pairs I have tested,” said Kylie Rodriguez. “I have truly enjoyed every run in them. It allowed me to focus on other aspects of my run, like the mental game. From heel to forefoot, they felt like clouds with a firm push-off at the end of each step.”
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.7 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Features | Soft; Bouncy |
Brooks Glycerin Max
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.8 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Features | Soft; Bouncy |
Rodriguez is referring to Brooks’s GlideRoll geometry tech, which evenly distributes energy return during turnover. The shoe is pumped up with DNA Tuned. The nitrogen-infused foam is composed of larger cells in the heel and smaller cells in the forefoot. This cell distribution promotes airy landings and acts as a springboard for electric toe-offs. We can’t wait to see how this tech translates to the brand’s faster shoe line.—A.F.
Nike Vomero 18
“Hands down, these are the best shoes I’ve tested!” gushed shoe tester Casey Green, associate running coach at Ursinus College. It was praise echoed by nearly everybody who laced up Nike’s premium cushioned trainer. Why the love? Because it turns out we all crave a super cushy shoe that runs really effortlessly. And that’s exactly what the Vomero does.
Nike recently reorganized its shoe lineup, dubbing the max-cushioned offerings as Vomero—daily trainers fall under the Pegasus badge, and stability is the domain of the Structure. Within those, we can expect variations on the base model—Peg Plus, for example, is an up-tempo shoe, while the Pegasus Premium is a more laid-back, cushioned trainer that still has some speed. The Vomero, though, is all about comfort. (We don’t yet know what the Plus and Premium models will be.) And it delivers that through the addition of ZoomX foam, the same light and soft material Nike uses in its marathon racing shoes. Here, combined with a bottom layer of ReactX, the shoe offers a highly cushioned landing but still has responsiveness for long runs.
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.5 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Features | Soft; Bouncy |
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.5 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Features | Soft; Bouncy |
All that comes with some added weight. But our testers were okay with the trade-off, knowing that they were going to save these shoes for easy runs and long, relaxed outings when they weren’t likely to pick up the pace.—J.D.
Diadora Nucleo 2
The Glycerin 22 and the Glycerin GTS 22 have that step-in feel we expect from Brooks: a slipper-like fit with a soft midsole that buffers miles of pounding. The shoe is updated with the brand’s new DNA Tuned foam, which first rolled out in the Glycerin Max. The dual-cell, nitrogen-infused foam provides a softer landing on your run but feels lighter than other max-cushioned shoes.
If the Glycerin Max is a mammoth, the Glycerin 22 is a mastodon. The midsole is not as thick as its cushier counterpart, hitting 38mm in the heel (the Glycerin Max stack height is 42.25mm). But that lower height—and less squish—makes the Glycerin 22 more versatile, positioning it as both recovery shoe and daily trainer.
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.6 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Features | Lower-Body Strength Workout for Runners |
Key Specs
| Weight | 9 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Features | Lower-Body Strength Workout for Runners |
Of the two Glycerins, we put the spotlight on the stability version because it blends everything you need when running short or long: lightweight cushioning with stability tech for late-onset pronation. The shoe absorbs shock while ensuring you’ll be taken care of when your form becomes sloppy, all thanks to Brooks’s bumper-like guide rails system.—A.F.
Other Hearst Subscriptions
A $110 running shoe is a rarity. The Other Hearst Subscriptions is a unicorn. The shoe is for new runners looking for an entry-level performance trainer and runners on a budget searching for a premium lightweight model. Compared to the previous iteration, this one has a cleaner, more modern look with fewer cutouts. Other big updates include a softer and lighter Hovr midsole, and a lower stack height at 26mm (unheard of in 2025). Despite its low height, our testers were satisfied with the Sonic 7’s support. “This shoe is a budget shoe, but doesn’t feel like a low-end shoe,” said tester Shayne Murray, who previously tested the $100 Brooks Revel 7. “It hugs the foot in the right places, is comfortable, and feels a little plush. Running in them you even get a little bounce.”
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.1 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8 mm |
Key Specs
| Weight | 7.5 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8 mm |
Because the shoe is lightweight and springy, testers gravitated toward it for speedwork and even race days. The only critique was its slightly narrow fit, which may feel a smidge tight on wide-footed runners. “I think the shoe runs a little small,” said Murray. “This was not a problem for me, but I do feel there are some wearers who will have to go up a half size.”—A.F.
Brooks Ghost 17
Including the Ghost in Shoe Awards is usually a given because it always hits the right marks for every kind of runner at every level: soft, supportive feel; all-encompassing comfort; not too light, not too heavy. There’s always room for improvement, however. When our testers ran in previous models, their main request was more cushioning in the forefoot. Brooks listened and added 3mm of foam, as well as 1mm to the heel. “Like walking on clouds,” said Leslie Billowitch, who runs with a forefoot strike.
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.3 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Features | Soft; Wide |
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.5 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Features | Soft; Wide |
The Ghost 17 has the same foam as its predecessor, DNA Loft v3 foam. It’s the same foam used in the plusher Glycerin 21 and Glycerin GTS 21. Adding more DNA Loft v3 creates a softer, gentler ride. “There was a nice, smooth transition from the landing phase to push-off,” said another tester. “This shoe had the utmost comfort.”—A.F.
Under Armour Infinite Elite 2
Nike Vomero 18
“I didn’t know what to expect from this, especially with UA’s inconsistent history with performance running shoes, but I really liked it. It has plenty of cushion, and the foam is responsive but not too stiff—perfect for easy runs when your legs are tired. The shoe is fairly wide, but it doesn’t feel heavy. It’s very pleasant to trot around in them on a recovery day, and they were fine for postrun strides, too. You got some pop from the foam, but it didn’t feel overly squishy. It felt appropriate for long runs or other easy runs, but the geometry isn’t really set up for faster paces. You could make it work in a workout, for sure, but I’d rather pick a more speed-specific shoe.
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.2 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Features | Soft; Bouncy |
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.2 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Features | Soft; Bouncy |
“The fit was a little small. I wear a 12 and I felt like my toe was crammed a little bit. It wasn’t annoying enough to ruin my runs, but I could feel it a little. Might be worth going a half size up.”—Theo Kahler, Runner's World news editor
Asics Novablast 5
Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2
“The latest version is emblazoned with trade-named technologies—FF Blast Plus cushioning, rearfoot PureGel, a FluidRide outsole—but none of that matters once you’re running and the shoe kind of disappears. There are no little issues, pressure points, imbalances, or slight irritations with this shoe, so you forget you’re wearing it. You just want to run in the Cumulus and worry about something else for 350 or 450 miles. And while the Cumulus 27 is a lot more cushioned than early iterations, it maintains the all-around performance and solidity the Cumulus has always had.
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.1 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Features | Soft |
Key Specs
| Weight | 7.6 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Features | Soft |
“Asics shoes have always fit my feet perfectly—which hasn’t been the case with, say, Nike, which are always a bit too narrow. The new mesh upper of the 27 actually improves the snugness, without any pinching, and the overall feel is solid. Compared to earlier iterations, the new tongue is thinner and stretchier, and now it has a nice lacing strip. Another new feature I like is a heel pull tab that makes it easy to put the shoes on.”—Vernon Loeb, RW tester
Asics Novablast 5
The first Novablast was one of the bounciest shoes we’ve ever run in. It was insanely fun, if chaotic. But, that doesn’t work well for the masses, so Asics tightened things up to the point that the fourth iteration was almost too hard and lifeless. The 5 has gotten softer, however, thanks to the new FF Blast Max cushioning, which is lighter, softer, and more comfortable. Thankfully, it’s also remarkably stable.
It’s a great option as a versatile daily trainer that can be used for easy jogs and longer training runs, but it doesn’t feel like it holds you back if you decide to push the pace. It’s about the same weight as the Cumulus 27, but the difference is in the ride—that shoe is all about laid-back comfort, whereas this one encourages a little pep. There’s a lot of foam—41.5mm stack under the heel puts it into super trainer territory (40.5mm, women’s)—but it doesn’t feel nearly as soft and squishy as similarly thick trainers.
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.7 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Features | Soft |
Key Specs
| Weight | 7.2 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Features | Soft |
The only real gripe from our testers was about the shoe’s outsole. “It does not have the best traction over different surfaces and rounding some turns,” said Greg Jaindl, a speedy wear-tester who ran a 66-minute half in March. “[I found] it does not do well in the ice, snow, and wet conditions. Although you can manage, you are bound to have a few steps where you slide a bit.”—J.D.
Topo Athletic Aura
Testers were delightfully baffled when they ran in the Aura. “I was expecting a zero-drop shoe with little arch support,” said one. “I was 100 percent wrong. This is the most un-Topo-like Topo I’ve ever tested. This shoe is great for road runners looking for good shoe stability, super cushion, and max support.” With 38mm of cushioning, the Aura is the softest shoe the brand has to offer, with other testers saying its feel is similar to the Brooks Glycerin and Hoka Clifton, i.e., max-cushioned daily trainers known for their plush fit. Wide-footed runners especially liked the Aura’s toebox room, which prevented their swelling feet from feeling crammed during long runs.
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.5 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5 mm |
| Features | Soft; Stable |
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.6 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5 mm |
| Features | Soft; Stable |
The Aura has Topo’s new Y-Frame support system, which cradles your foot. “While it is super cushy, it doesn’t feel like you could roll an ankle on the corners,” said tester Scott Benner. “Mile after mile, you can feel the cushion. On the downhills, it eats up the jarring steps and leaves me feeling fresh and ready for more miles.”—A.F.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15
Workhorse. That’s the best way to describe the 880. It’s long been one of the shoes I recommend to new runners as a starting point because it works for most people and is on the lower end of the price spectrum. It may not be exciting, but it gets the job done.
The 880 has evolved quite a bit from earlier versions. As the offset has gone down, the sole thickness has gone up. This shoe now tops out at just over 40mm thick, putting it in max-cush territory. So, you may not notice that 6mm drop if you have sensitive Achilles tendons, like me. By reducing that drop, New Balance could pack even more foam under the forefoot, making the shoe feel even softer throughout your entire stride.
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.0 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Features | Wide |
Key Specs
| Weight | 7.9 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Features | Wide |
But don’t make the mistake of thinking this shoe is pillowy soft. In fact, our testers used all sorts of other words to describe it: enough, adequate, noticeable. There’s a lot of foam there, but it’s relatively firm and stiff, which, combined with the broad footprint, makes the shoe incredibly stable.—J.D.
The Shoes and Gear Kipyegon Will Wear at Breaking4
If there’s one shoe that screams Hoka, it’s the Bondi. The trainer is quintessentially Hoka for its max-cushioning and soft interior. The Bondi 8 came out three years ago, so we expected a major makeover with the Bondi 9. The latest version is 10mm thicker than its predecessor (the men’s Bondi 8 had a 33mm stack height). Though the Bondi 9 towers over previous iterations, one thing the Hoka team wanted to change was its “billowiness.” This shoe has a sleeker, more refined look compared to past Bondis.
The Shoes and Gear Kipyegon Will Wear at Breaking4
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.7 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5 mm |
| Features | Soft; Wide |
The Shoes and Gear Kipyegon Will Wear at Breaking4
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.8 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5mm |
| Features | Soft; Wide |
While the Bondi 9 wouldn’t be my first pick for speedwork, I tested the shoe running 100-meter and 200-meter intervals on the treadmill at 6:40 pace and was surprised how smooth they glided on the belt. Other testers ran long in the shoe at a more modest pace. They described the feel as noticeably lighter than previous models and incredibly comfortable. But Hoka could go even further with the Bondi 10: Testers wanted a thinner tongue and wider midfoot. Minor grousing amidst a lot of praise. Props go to tester John Mikovits for this honest take: “Hoka has been hit-or-miss for me but the Bondi, in general, has been a chunky miss. This Bondi 9 has broken the streak of disdain.”—A.F.
See All 2025 Shoe Award Winners
Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.
Jeff is Runner-in-Chief for Runner’s World and the director of product testing. He has tested and reviewed running shoes, GPS watches, headphones, apparel, and more for nearly two decades. He regularly tests more than 100 pairs of shoes each year, and once had a 257-day streak running in different models. Jeff can usually be found on the roads, racing anything from the mile to a marathon, but he also enjoys racing up mountains and on snowshoes. When he’s not running, you’ll probably find him hanging from a ladder making repairs and renovations to his house (he’s also director of product testing for Popular Mechanics).
