logo for the runners world shoe awards 2025

For this summer’s Shoe Awards, our test team helps you get a full understanding of the hottest trainers, racers, and trail shoes. We also turned to some of our wear-testers who fell in love with their pairs to get additional insights. And we included “more options” for some shoes just in case you’re on the fence about trying that pair. After logging hundreds of miles in 100-plus models, we’re confident we can help you on your quest to find your perfect match.

race
on cloudboom strike ls
Asics Novablast 5
Thomas Hengge
saucony endorphin elite 2
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
Thomas Hengge
running shoe highlighting design and features
Download Your Training Plan
Thomas Hengge
la sportiva prodigio pro
La Sportiva Prodigio Pro
Thomas Hengge
adidas adizero adios pro 4
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
Thomas Hengge
trail
altra lone peak 9
Download Your Training Plan+
Thomas Hengge
brooks caldera 8
Brooks Caldera 8
Thomas Hengge
topo athletic ultraventure 4
Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4
Thomas Hengge
train
running shoe held by a hand
Saucony Ride 18
Thomas Hengge
running shoe designed for comfort and performance
Saucony Guide 18
Thomas Hengge
lightweight sports shoe showcasing sole design
Mizuno Neo Zen
Thomas Hengge
scarpa spin ultra 2
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
Thomas Hengge
adidas adizero evo sl
Adidas Adizero Evo SL
Thomas Hengge
puma foreverrun nitro 2
Jeff is Runner-in-Chief for
Thomas Hengge
running shoe featuring a sleek black design with white accents
The 9 Best Asics Running Shoes
Thomas Hengge
brooks glycerin max
La Sportiva Prodigio Pro
Thomas Hengge
nike vomero 18
Download Your Training Plan
Thomas Hengge
brooks glycerin gts 22
Under Armour Infinite Elite 2
Thomas Hengge
under armour sonic 7
Under Armour Sonic 7
Thomas Hengge
running shoe designed for performance with a blue color scheme
Brooks Ghost 17
Thomas Hengge
under armour infinite elite 2
Under Armour Infinite Elite 2
Thomas Hengge
athletic shoe being held and adjusted showcasing its features
Asics Gel-Cumulus 27
Thomas Hengge
asics novablast 5
Saucony Ride 18
Thomas Hengge
sporty running shoe designed for comfort and performance
Topo Athletic Aura
Thomas Hengge
new balance fresh foam x 880v15
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15
Thomas Hengge
hoka bondi 9
Hoka Bondi 9
Thomas Hengge
Headshot of Amanda Furrer
Amanda Furrer
Editor, Running Reviews

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.

Headshot of Jeff Dengate
Jeff Dengate
Runner-in-Chief

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). 

Headshot of Pat Heine
Pat Heine
Video Producer
The resident ultraunner, Pat is a Video Producer who loves all things off-road. When he’s not producing Bicycling’s Tested or The Cut Up for Runner’s World, he’s out running the trails, testing the latest and greatest shoes and gear. He’s always seeking out the longest, toughest races he can find, including Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc, Tor des Géants or setting the fastest known time on the 327-mile Mid State Trail in Pennsylvania.