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A guide to the best running shoes for 2025

A guide to the best running shoes for 2025

Whether you’re an experienced runner or you’ve decided to take up running in 2025, finding the right pair of shoes is a game-changer. But with so many options to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming trying to pick the best running shoes to suit your needs. We’ve carefully curated a list of the best running shoes for 2025, categorised by running style to help you make the right choice, whether you’re a dedicated marathoner, a casual jogger or a trailblazing adventurer. 

Why choosing the right running shoe matters

The right pair of running shoes can make all the difference in performance, comfort, and injury prevention. Each runner has unique needs based on foot shape, running surface, and personal preferences. Running shoes are rarely a “one pair fits all” solution - your running style and specific needs should play a part in your decision. 

Best everyday/neutral running shoes 

A neutral running shoe provides the support needed for a neutral running pattern and are recommended for runners who don’t overpronate, or those who have high arches. If you’re unsure about your individual running stance, we’d recommend getting a gait analysis to determine how your foot strikes the floor, as there are a number of trainer styles that are built specifically to support different types of gait. However, below, we’ve summarised our range of everyday running shoes. Generally, everyday running shoes are lightweight and breathable with high cushioning, designed to be comfortable and supportive.

Asics Novablast 5

The Asics Novablast 5 running shoes are a great option if you like your shoes with some extra bounce. Made from FF BLAST MAX foam, they’re very lightweight with cushion support. Plus, added heel pull tabs make these running shoes easy to get on and off, making them the ideal choice for the everyday runner.

Asics NovaBlast 5 Women's Running Shoes - Purple (£134.90)   
Asics NovaBlast 5 Men's Running Shoes - Purple (134.90)

Brooks Glycerin 22

A new release, the Brooks Glycerin 22 running shoes are super soft for maximum comfort and a lightweight feel. With a midsole made from DNA Tuned, nitrogen-infused cushioning, these everyday running shoes showcase the very best in sportswear innovation. Plus, they come in a range of colours so everyone can find a pair to suit their personal style.

Best everyday running shoes with extra support 

Even casual runners sometimes need extra support. If you’re looking for a running shoe that offers more than just the bare basics, there are plenty of options that provide adaptive features and premium cushioning to reduce the risk of tendonitis or shin splints.

Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 Women’s Running Shoes - Black (£164.90)
Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 Men’s Running Shoes - Black (£164.90)

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is a really versatile option if you’re looking for a neutral running shoe with a bit of additional support. The Brooks GuideRails® system supports your body in its natural motion path while keeping excess movement in check. Plus, dynamic cushioning and a breathable mesh upper provide the perfect balance of comfort and structure.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 Women's Running Shoes - White (£134.90) Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 Men's Running Shoes - Blue (£134.90)

Asics Gel Kayano 31

If you’re looking for maximum stability, look no further than the Asics Gel Kayano 31 running shoes. Boasting a 4D guidance system feature, these shoes are adaptive for a more balanced stride. The FF BLAST PLUS ECO cushioning provides cloud-like comfort, making your stride feel smoother than a standard running shoe. 

Asics Gel Kayano 31 Women's Running Shoes - Black (£179.90) Asics Gel Kayano 31 Men's Running Shoes - Blue (£179.90)

Best max cushioned running shoes

Cushioned running shoes can provide many benefits to all kinds of runners. Naturally, they’re more comfortable and can therefore reduce fatigue, helping you run more often and for longer. But a cushioned running shoe can actually be safer, as cushioned shoes can help to prevent injuries, as well as protect your feet from outside elements.

Brooks Glycerin Max

The Brooks Glycerin Max is a top-performing model due to its two types of nitrogen-infused cushioning. This running shoe also incorporates the Brooks GlideRoll Rocker technology, which is designed to provide effortless heel-to-toe transitions.

Brooks Glycerin Max Women’s Running Shoes - Blue (£179.90)
Brooks Glycerin Max Men’s Running Shoes - Blue (£179.90)

Puma MagMax Nitro

When it comes to cushioning, it doesn’t get much better than Puma’s Nitrofoam. Providing sublime comfort, these running shoes will have you feeling energised with every stride. The rolled collar design is also reinforced with foam for a superior fit and even deeper levels of comfort that will quite literally give you a spring in your step.

Puma MagMax Nitro Women's Running Shoes - Blue (£169.90) Puma MagMax Nitro Men's Running Shoes - Blue (£169.90)

Best running shoes for marathons and racing

When choosing a pair of marathon running shoes, there are a few things to consider. Obviously, comfort and fit are paramount to avoiding blisters and general chafing, but you should also take into account breathability, durability and weight, as these are all factors that can impact a marathon runner’s performance.The below suggestions are performance racing shoes and therefore, we’d only recommend them for this purpose. 

adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4

These adidas running shoes are lighter than light thanks to the LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam, with just the right combination of flexibility and support. Based on data from real runners, the Adizero Adios Pro 4 running shoes offer improved running economy, as they’re fitted with a refined rocker point and the exclusive carbon-infused ENERGYRODS 2.0 for an efficient stride. Focus on your performance without the pain of uncomfortable footwear holding you back.

Adizero Adios Pro 4 Mens Running Shoes - White (£212.90) Adizero Adios Pro 4 Womens Running Shoes - White (£212.90)

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3

These Puma running shoes are called “elite” for good reason. Featuring carbon fibre plates, they’ve been engineered to stabilise the midsole while maximising energy transfer. They’re also ultra-light and made from a four-way stretch fabric that reduces friction, making them the ideal long-distance running shoes. 

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 Women's Running Shoes - White (£194.90) Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 Men's Running Shoes - White (£194.90)

Best tempo running shoes

The best tempo running shoes are stable, lightweight and breathable to allow you to run at a challenging pace for a sustained period of time. Due to the intense nature of tempo runs, shoes must be durable without feeling too heavy. 

adidas Adizero Boston 12

With the adidas Adizero Boston 12 running shoes, you can train like it’s race day every day. Taking a holistic approach, these shoes are designed to provide a seamless transition from heel to toe, making them ideal for race days and high-speed training runs. The midsole is layered with high-performance Lightstrike pro foam, making the cushioning of these shoes extra resilient, giving you the boost you need to improve performance during speed and tempo workouts.

Adidas Adizero Boston 12 Women's Running Shoes - Grey (£139.90) Adidas Adizero Boston 12 Men's Running Shoes - Black (£139.90)

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 running shoes have a superfoam cushioning that snaps back, keeping you comfortable while you achieve your new personal best. It also features a re-engineered, winged nylon plate that provides reinforcement while maintaining flexibility. The zonal engineered mesh and integrated tongue give a streamlined design ideal for speed running, as well as a connected and secure fit. 

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 Women's Running Shoes - White (£161.90) Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 Men's Running Shoes - Navy (£161.90)

Best trail running shoes

Stability and protection are extremely important for trail runners tackling a range of difficult terrains. Safety is a big factor for this type of running, and the wrong type of footwear can vastly increase the chances of injury, whether it be from tripping or debris. Look for a snug fit, built-in protection and a medium heel drop. 

Saucony Peregrine 15

These full-coverage trail running shoes from Saucony provide plenty of cushion, comfort and flexibility, with a rubber outsole for maximum durability and traction. The high-strength mesh upper and gaiter compatibility offer unmatched protection from dirt and debris, meaning these running shoes are built to tackle the toughest terrains. 

Saucony Peregrine 15 Women's Running Shoes - Pink (£129.90) Saucony Peregrine 15 Men's Trail Running Shoes - Blue (£129.90)

Inov8 TrailTalon

The Inov8 TrailTalon running shoes are built to move quickly on tough, mixed terrain, meaning you can tackle a range of trails with confidence. The rubber outsole is infused with graphene and features 6mm cleats, giving you an uncompromising grip on softer surfaces like mud, as well as slippery woodland and hard rocky ground. 

Inov8 TrailTalon Women's Trail Running Shoes - Blue (£134.90) Inov8 TrailTalon Men's Trail Running Shoes - Blue (£134.90)

Altra Olympus 6

Altra’s signature FootShape fit gives these running shoes the roomiest toe box to help you move freely. The Altra Olympus 6 also boast unparalleled grip on both wet and dry surfaces thanks to high-performance sticky rubber soles. A standout feature is the unique hook-and-loop tab which allows for easy strapless gaiter attachment without the need for fasteners, bungees or bindings.

Altra Olympus 6 Women's Trail Running Shoes - Black (£154.90) Altra Olympus 6 Women's Trail Running Shoes - Black (£154.90)

Best shoes for Hyrox 

Preparing for running competitions like Hyrox? Your choice of footwear can make or break your performance. Thankfully, Puma has designed running shoes especially for Hyrox events, so you can put your best foot forward feeling ready to take on the challenge. 

Puma Deviate NITRO 3

Puma’s Deviate NITRO 3 Hyrox running shoes offer everything you need for peak performance in an extremely lightweight package. With thinner rubber and a nitrogen-injected foam midsole, these shoes are breathable, flexible and cushioned for maximum speed and comfort. They also feature the exclusive PUMAGRIP outsole to provide next-level traction on multiple surfaces. 

Puma Deviate Nitro 3 HYROX Women's Running Shoes - Blue (£149.90)
Puma Deviate Nitro 3 HYROX Men's Running Shoes - Green (£149.90)

Discover the best shoes for runners at Start Fitness

We’ve got shoes to help every type of runner set their new personal best in 2025. Whether you’re thinking of taking up running yourself or you’re looking for the best gifts for runners, we’ve got a dedicated running shop where you’ll find running shoes for every experience level, plus all of the essentials you need to improve your performance.