Before diving in, I want to preface this list with some perspective: every runner is different. I’m a 41-year-old, 195-pound runner, which means my experience in shoes may not match what others feel. With that said, these were the pairs that stood out for me this year. Whether it was a daily grind, a race effort, or something in between—these were the ones I kept reaching for.
Shoe of the Year: ASICS Sonicblast
I could come up with some overly complex algorithm for what makes a “shoe of the year,” but for me, it comes down to one thing: feel. This was the shoe that kept calling my name, even when I had dozens of others sitting in my review rotation.
The Sonicblast felt great right out of the box. It handled quick paces, everyday efforts, and everything in between. Even though it’s only been around for about four months, it became the pair I reached for when I just wanted to get out the door and run without thinking.
Race Shoe: Diadora Gara Carbon
I don’t find myself doing a ton of short races these days—most of my racing leans toward half marathons and longer efforts. But when I decided to test myself over a few 5Ks this year, there was no question what I’d be wearing.
The Gara Carbon became my go-to race weapon in 2025. Light, snappy, and undeniably fast, it gave me the confidence to push hard and ultimately led me to a PR at the Bowerman 5K this summer. Even with its premium price tag, this shoe delivered the kind of performance that made it more than worth it.
- Runner-up: Hoka Rocket X 2
Supertrainer: Mizuno Neo Vista 2
I won’t dive into the technical debates on what a “supertrainer” is or isn’t. For me, it’s a cushioned, versatile shoe that can cover speed and distance alike. The Neo Vista 2 hit that mark perfectly.
I used it for a couple of half marathons and even a 20-mile long run, and it never flinched. While it’s not the most stable shoe out there, it proved to be a reliable, high-performance workhorse when I wanted one shoe to do it all.
- Runner-up: Tracksmith Eliot Racer
Daily Trainer: ASICS Gel-Kayano 32
The Gel-Kayano 32 is the shoe I can’t seem to retire. I first pulled it into rotation earlier this year, and despite testing plenty of other daily trainers, I keep circling back to it.
Every time I think it’s time to move on, I put them on for “just one more run” and get reminded why they’ve earned such a permanent place at the front of the closet. Dependable, comfortable, and endlessly reliable.
- Runner-up: Saloman Aero Blaze 3
Travel Trainer: Mizuno Wave Rider 29
This might be a category I invented, but it matters to me: the travel shoe. I’m on the road often, and I need a shoe that works for both running and casual wear. The Wave Rider 29 checks both boxes.
It surprised me how much I loved it—not just because of its performance, but also for the nostalgia it stirred. The Wave Rider was the first “real” running shoe I ever owned, and this modern version brought me back in the best way. Stylish enough for everyday wear, solid enough for the miles.
- Runner-up: On Cloudsurfer Max
Trail Shoe: The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4
I log a fair number of trail miles each year, but I’ll admit—I’m not a hardcore trail specialist. So, my pick reflects a balance of comfort and practicality more than extreme tech.
The Enduris 4 felt amazing out of the box, with a smooth ride and plenty of cushioning. The sawtooth laces gave it a secure feel, and when the Alpina collection dropped later in the summer, it added an even sharper look to an already strong trail offering.
- Runner-up: Merrell MTL Adapt
“Budget” Pick: Puma Velocity Nitro 4
Running shoes can get expensive—sometimes really expensive. For a sport that technically requires just one piece of gear, the price tags can be tough to swallow. That’s why I was impressed with this year’s standout budget option: only $140, and it overdelivers. Comfortable, capable, and more technical than its price would suggest.
- Runner-up: Skechers Aero Spark
Underrated Gems
Sometimes shoes don’t get the spotlight they deserve. These didn’t dominate headlines, but both impressed me and deserve more love than they’ve gotten:
Final Thoughts
2025 brought a lot of shoes across my doorstep, but these were the pairs that rose above the rest. Remember, my perspective is shaped by who I am and how I run—but maybe you’ll see something here that works for you too.
