The major running brands launch shoes several times a year. Therefore, we continuously update this overview when we believe a new running shoe deserves a spot on the list. Make sure to check this page regularly if you want to stay fully updated on which shoes we have on the shelves that belong among the very best new running shoes.
Which running shoe is the best?
It's undoubtedly the question we often hear when people are looking for new
. Unfortunately, the question is difficult to answer, as the choice of running shoes is very individual. What is the best shoe for me is not necessarily the best for you. Therefore, it's challenging to create an overview of the year's best running shoes that hits the mark for all runners. But we still make an attempt and present here the running shoes that we at RunningXpert.com believe deserve a spot on the list of "Best Running Shoes of the Year".
The list is divided into four different categories:
Best neutral running shoes for daily training
Best pronation running shoes for daily training
Best lightweight / competition running shoes
Best trail shoes
Best neutral running shoes for daily training
Here you will find the best running shoes of the year in the category of "neutral mileage trainers" - that is, running shoes without extra stability or support on the inside of the foot. Most runners find their running shoes in this category.
NIKE VOMERO PLUS
came in August 2025 and has since become a clear favorite among many runners. The shoe doesn't have a "fancy" rocker or a gimmick to make it unique. It's just really well built – with a good fit, reasonable weight, and most importantly, an incredibly well-made foam. You find ZoomX in Vomero Plus, tuned in a way that gives you a soft feel when running slowly, but still feels very efficient when you pick up the pace.
If you need a versatile and nice shoe for everyday training, it's hard to overlook Nike Vomero Plus.
Weight: 273 g (size 42), 230 g. (size 39)
Heel drop: 10 mm (Men/Women)
Read elite runner Jacob's .
NEW BALANCE 1080 V15
With a new Infinion midsole,
also stands out as a versatile and comfortable everyday shoe. The new midsole is made in a way that ensures more bounce and better durability over time – without compromising on comfort.
You simply get a shoe that can handle long runs at a slow pace but can still keep up when you speed up. It's a perfect shoe for everyday use, perhaps with foam that's slightly less responsive than what you find in Nike Vomero Plus, but which lasts a really long time. New Balance 1080 v15 is the shoe for you if you value comfort, versatility, and durability.
Weight: 256 g (size 42), 216 g. (size 39)
Heel drop: 6 mm (Men/Women)
Read Lars' .
SAUCONY TRIUMPH 24
is the biggest update in the series in years. PWRRUN PB is out, and instead, IncrediLUX, a supercritical foam in pure A-TPU, is in. The result is a shoe that is both higher and lighter: the stack is now 43 mm in the heel and 33 mm in the forefoot, while the weight has noticeably dropped compared to the 23. The feel underfoot is soft with more pop than the slightly compact predecessor, and the shoe handles both easy miles and long runs.
The outsole is XT-900 rubber in the exposed areas, and the drop remains unchanged at 10 mm, which suits those who land on the heel. Saucony Triumph 24 is the shoe for the runner who wants maximum comfort without carrying extra weight.
Weight: 250 g. (US 9), 216 g. (US 7.5)
Heel drop: 10 mm (Men/Women)
Read Jakob's .
ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28
With
, ASICS has once again created a comfortable and stable mileage trainer that optimizes your running routine with world-class comfort. The new GEL-Nimbus 28 is significantly lighter than its predecessor, partly due to a reduction in the outsole where less protection is needed.
The same FF BLAST PLUS foam is still underfoot, providing a good grip on slippery roads, a comfortable shoe for long runs, and a shoe that also performs better if you want to increase the pace. ASICS GEL-Nimbus 28 is the shoe for the runner who values stability and comfort in everyday life.
Weight: 281 g. (size 42), 242 g. (size 39)
Heel drop: 8 mm (Men/Women)
Read Lars' .
HOKA CLIFTON 11
continues the recipe from the 10: same CMEVA foam, same high stack at 42/34 mm, and same 8 mm drop. The update is in the upper, which is lighter, softer, and slightly more spacious over the midfoot, and the shoe has also lost weight. It's still the classic, cushioned mileage trainer for easy miles, long runs, and days on your feet, and with the new upper, the fit is the best in the series for a long time.
Weight: 261 g. (size 42.5), 227 g. (size 39)
Heel drop: 8 mm (Men/Women)
Read Jakob's , where it is also compared with Clifton Pro.
NEW BALANCE FUELCELL REBEL V5
is a versatile training partner that can assist you both on intervals and easy runs. An updated FuelCell midsole offers improved cushioning, as the sole is not only wider but also taller. The wider sole in FuelCell Rebel V5 ensures you don't have to worry about the shoe becoming unstable. This year's relatively large sole is made with a mix of super foam PEBA and EVA foam. You get speed wrapped in an incredibly light mix, making the shoe dangerously aggressive.
Weight: 226 g (size 42), 180 g, (size 39)
Heel drop: 6mm (Men/Women)
Read Lars' .
ASICS NOVABLAST 6
continues where the 5 left off: a light and bouncy mileage trainer without a carbon plate. The midsole is still FF Blast Max, but ASICS has added a small pod of FF Turbo² in the forefoot, foam from Megablast, providing a quicker and more energetic push-off. The platform is also widened under the midfoot and heel, making the shoe slightly more stable, and the outsole has ASICSGRIP rubber in the forefoot for better road grip. The result is a versatile everyday shoe that handles easy miles and keeps up when you pick up the pace on tempo runs.
Weight: 252 g. (size 42.5), 214 g. (size 39)
Heel drop: 8 mm (Men/Women)
Read our .
MIZUNO NEO ZEN 2
hit the market last year with an incredibly soft and bouncy midsole. It was a fantastic shoe, but some felt it lacked finesse to be truly outstanding. This has been addressed in the new Mizuno Neo Zen 2.
Here, Mizuno has replaced the midsole with a supercritical EVA midsole, which still provides a soft and springy feel but is a bit more stable and reliable when ankles get tired on long runs.
With Mizuno Neo Zen 2, you get a light and comfortable shoe, perfect for asphalt with cruise control on. It handles different speeds very well and has a very comfortable knitted upper that hugs the foot and provides a pleasant running experience.
If you want a modern, fun, and springy running experience, choose Mizuno Neo Zen 2.
Weight: 240 g. (size 42), 210 g. (size 39)
Heel drop: 6 mm (Men/Women)
Best pronation running shoes for daily training
Here you will find the best running shoes with pronation support of the year - running shoes that are stable and support the foot on the inside, so it doesn't "fall too much inward".
NIKE STRUCTURE 26
is a classic among stability shoes, and the latest version sticks to what it has always done best: support, comfort, and durability. This update features a new full-length ReactX midsole, providing softer and more energetic cushioning than before. The upper has been updated with a flexible and breathable engineered mesh, offering a secure and comfortable fit around the foot.
Stability comes from Nike's Midfoot Support System, guiding the foot and ensuring a smooth push-off without the shoe feeling heavy or stiff. Structure 26 is, in short, a stable shoe focused on comfort and support. Use it for daily training and long road runs.
Weight: 302 g (size 42) / 254 g (size 39)
Heel drop: 10 mm (Men/Women)
Read Jakob's .
NIKE STRUCTURE PLUS
With the new Nike has introduced ZoomX in their top stability shoe. It's the first time Nike's best foam is available to runners seeking extra support, providing a softer and lighter feel underfoot and a shoe that prioritizes comfort.
Structure Plus thus offers a whole new experience for the stability runner seeking something special underfoot.
If you want a shoe that supports you on long runs, takes care of your feet, and provides a comfortable experience from first to last step, then Nike Structure Plus is the right choice.
Weight: 300 g (size 42) / 252 g (size 39)
Heel drop: 10 mm (Men/Women)
Read elite runner Jakob's .
SAUCONY GUIDE 19
The new builds heavily on its predecessor's DNA – just with a bit more of everything. Guide 19 retains the good rocker that propels you forward but has updated both the PWRRUN midsole for a more comfortable foam and the outsole for increased durability.
The slight weight increase is therefore entirely acceptable when you get both more comfort and better durability for everyday runs.
Saucony Guide 19 stands out a bit from the other stability shoes on this list by having a large rocker – in the best possible way. It is delightfully uncomplicated, efficient, has good arch support, and a wide platform that keeps you stable day after day.
If you need a stability shoe that doesn't make a big fuss but just works, then choose Saucony Guide 19.
Weight: 275 g. (size 42), 258 g. (size 39)
Heel drop: 6 mm (Men/Women)
Read Jakob's , where it is compared with Saucony Ride 19.
ASICS KAYANO 33
is arguably the most known and sold of all running shoes in the pronation category - and not without reason. In the 33, the midsole is built in two layers: soft and energetic FF BLAST MAX on top, the same foam as in Novablast, and more stable FF BLAST PLUS below as a base. The classic support wedge is replaced by ASICS' new FLUIDSUPPORT, guiding the foot through the midsole's geometry instead of a hard wedge, and PureGEL in the heel handles the landing. The drop is also lowered from 10 to 8 mm. The result is a softer and more modern Kayano, still the obvious choice for runners seeking maximum support and comfort daily.
Weight: 298 g. (size 42.5), 259 g. (size 39)
Heel drop: 8 mm (Men/Women)
Read Lars' .
SAUCONY HURRICANE 25
is perfect for those seeking both comfort and stability when running. This shoe is designed to make your daily training and longer runs more comfortable with its dual-layer cushioning and support. You get a running shoe that combines advanced materials with innovative construction for an even better running experience: Both stable PWRRUN foam and responsive PWRRUN PB foam are found in the midsole. This provides an even softer and more responsive feel, and stability is ensured by the smart centerpath technology.
Weight: 285 g. (size 42), 252 g. (size 39)
Heel drop: 6 mm (Men/Women)
Best Tempo / Competition Running Shoes
Here you will find the year's best running shoes for competitions and short, fast runs.
NIKE ALPHAFLY 3
When you take the first step in
, your perception of running shoes will never be the same again. These extremely fast shoes are designed to improve your personal records without compromising necessary support. With ZoomX foam in the midsole, you achieve a unique balance between comfort and speed. The advanced Zoom Air technology adds extra bounce to each step, while the thin rubber outsole provides good road grip. Full-length ZoomX foam offers an ultra-light and responsive feel. Built for speed, but also provides cushioning to keep you fresh even in the last miles of a marathon. A full-length carbon plate gives an explosive forward-rolling sensation. Atomknit technology in the upper guarantees an ultra-light and breathable feel.
Nike Air Zoom Alphafly 3 is the optimal running shoe for those who want to reach new heights and set personal records.
Weight: 198 g. (Size 42.5) 168 g. (Size 39)
Heel drop: 8 mm (Men/Women)
Read Jakob's .
NIKE VAPORFLY 4
is designed for fast runs and competitions: Ideal for runs where you want speed and efficiency, regardless of distance. The Vaporfly series has always been known for their light weight, but this year is special: At only 166 g (US9), the shoes are a revolution in competition shoes, just as the series started. The shoes combine technologies and design elements for speed, responsiveness, stability, and comfort. With a full-length carbon plate, the shoes ensure a stiff and forward-pushing feel, while Nike's most responsive foam, ZoomX, provides extra energy return and a springy feel. Nike Vaporfly 4 is for those who want an ultra-fast and light tempo or competition shoe.
Weight: 166 g. (Size 42.5) 152 g. (Size 39)
Heel drop: 6 mm (Men/Women)
Read elite runner Jakob's .
ADIDAS ADIOS PRO 4
is not just a delight to the eye, it is also a speed monster that wants to play with the big boys in the class. From a distance, this 4th edition looks a bit like its predecessor, but once you put the shoe on, you'll quickly notice that a lot has changed. The upper has become much more comfortable, which was needed. Underfoot, the foam has also been updated, it is significantly more bouncy than before, making the shoe even more competitive on longer distances. adidas Adios Pro 4 has the whole package and will surely guide you well on your next marathon!
Weight: 200 g (size 42.5), 177g (Size 39)
Heel drop: 6mm (Men/Women)
Read Jeppe's .
ADIDAS ADIZERO EVO SL
is a light and fast shoe for those who want a responsive feel underfoot. It is well-suited for tempo runs and intervals, where you want to run with ease and energy. The midsole consists of the energy-filled Lightstrike Pro foam, providing lively cushioning and efficient transition. The upper is made of a thin and breathable mesh that wraps the foot, offering a light and stable fit.
The shoe's low weight and flexible construction make it ideal for days when you want to run fast and efficiently, without the shoe feeling stiff or demanding. EVO SL is, in short, a tempo shoe that elegantly combines speed, lightness, and comfort.
Weight:228 g (size 42.5), 196g (Size 39 1/3)
Heel drop: 6mm (Men/Women)
HOKA CIELO X1 3.0
is competition model, offering a wild mix of aggression and comfort. Ideal for those seeking their first race shoe with standout roll.
The high midsole, based on PEBA superfoam combined with a full-length carbon plate and rocker profile, delivers aggressive propulsion. The new version's weight is significantly reduced, increasing speed.
Use it on days when legs need extra help, or for long distances – marathon and beyond.
Weight: 198 g. (size 42 2/3)
Heel drop: 7 mm (Men/Women)
Read Jeppe's .
SAUCONY ENDORPHIN SPEED 5
was originally designed as a race shoe, but its versatility extends far beyond. Suitable for a range of training sessions, whether long, moderate runs or sprints. Its unique construction combines nylon plate, SPEEDROLL tech, and PWRRUN PB foam, offering a balance of stability, cushioning, and responsiveness. This year, Speed 5's nylon plate is updated with a new S-shape, enhancing energy return. With this unique combo, Endorphin Speed 5 is always a reliable and fast companion, no matter the distance.
Weight: 242 g. (Size 42.5) 214 g. (Size 39)
Heel drop: 8 mm (Men/Women)
Read Jeppe's .
Best trail running shoes
Here you'll find our picks for the year's best trail shoes for trail running, orienteering, etc.
NIKE ACG PEGASUS TRAIL
According to Nike, ACG Pegasus Trail is designed to bridge the gap between pavement and forest paths – a "hybrid." If you want a shoe that handles gravel roads and forest trails, while providing enough cushioning for road,
could be a good choice.
Don't expect a technical marvel to match Zegama or Terra Kiger 10. You buy ACG Pegasus Trail for a trail shoe that takes you from home, into nature, and back with comfort and style.
Also available in a Gore-Tex version.
Weight: 300 g. (size 42.5), 240 g. (size 39)
Heel drop: 8 mm (Men/Women)
HOKA SPEEDGOAT 7
is noticeably more fun than its predecessor. The midsole is switched to a supercritical EVA foam, softer and more responsive, making road sections more comfortable before hitting trails. Underneath, Vibram Megagrip with 5 mm lugs and Traction Lugs grips well in mud and wet roots, and heel and tongue adjustments ensure a secure fit without heel slip. A solid partner for long runs, forest training, and ultrarunning, where comfort, grip, and protection are key.
Weight: 284 g. (size 42.5), 230 g. (size 39)
Heel drop: 5 mm (Men/Women)
Read Line's .
SAUCONY PEREGRINE 16
The latest update of is perhaps the biggest in a long time. It finally features a Vibram Megagrip outsole.
The Saucony Peregrine series has long set the standard for a lightweight trail shoe for technical terrain. Here you get a shoe you can trust when running technical trails, where it's crucial to feel light and react quickly to what's around the next tree.
With the Vibram Megagrip outsole, you get industry-leading grip and durability in the rubber, making you even more capable with this technical marvel on your feet.
For steep hills, technical terrain with roots, winter running on varied surfaces, or flow trails in the forest, Saucony Peregrine 16 is a shoe you'll be very happy with.
Weight: 294 g. (size 42.5), 246 g. (size 39)
Heel drop: 4 mm (Men/Women)
ASICS TRABUCO 14
is ASICS versatile trail shoe. The shoe you buy if you need a bit of everything. Running technical terrain? Try Trabuco 14. Long run with comfort? Trabuco 14 is there. Need a shoe for light hikes, Trabuco 14 is ready to meet your needs.
With the updated FF BLAST MAX midsole, you now get a shoe with modern foam offering extra energy return and softness, making ASICS Trabuco 14 more efficient and fun to run with, and more comfortable. Inside the midsole, there's also a plate protecting you fromsharp stones. If you need an all-rounder for trail, then ASICS Trabuco 14 is a really fun new release you can enjoy a lot.
Weight: 281 g. (size 42.5), 249 g. (size 39)
Heel drop: 8 mm (Men/Women)
Read Line's , where it is compared with Trabuco Max 5.
More running shoes?
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