HERE AT MEN’S HEALTH, we test a lot of running shoes. Far more than the average person, we’d argue. This puts us in a runner’s dream position. Most people aren’t afforded the luxury of being able to roadtest every shoe they consider purchasing. We are, making us uniquely placed to pass judgement on the year’s new releases because, again, we’ve actually run in and reviewed most of them.
The point we’re trying to get across is that there a few sources with more expertise on the topic of running shoes than us. Every brand will tell you their shoes are the best – why wouldn’t they? – but we know which ones actually have the performance capabilities to back it up.
That’s why we’ve rounded up what we consider to be the absolute best sneakers of 2025. This year, our three usual categories – daily training, race day and trail running – all return, but we’ve added two new categories, for different reasons.
First, the advent and widespread adoption of the super trainer – essentially a daily trainer with a carbon plate like a race day shoe – deserves recognition, with every big brand now boasting their own model. Secondly, we believe that a sneaker roundup that aims to be all-encompassing should include sneakers that aren’t made for running, so we’ve also added a lifestyle category.
So, without any further ado, welcome to the 2025 Men’s Health Sneaker Awards, where we reveal the best shoes on the planet.
DAILY TRAINERS
Winner: PUMA Velocity NITRO™ 4
Versatility is king when it comes to daily trainers. You want something that’s lightwight but well-cushioned, responsive but supportive, and suitable for everything from daily jogs long runs to fast-paced efforts and intervals.
The PUMA Velocity NITRO™ 4 is one of the rare breed that combines all of those qualities. It’s stripped back to just 250 grams, translating to a noticeably lightweight feeling underfoot. In the midsole PUMA uses nitrogen-infused NITROFOAM™; a full-length slab of bouncy, responsive cushioning. Underneath, the outsole uses PUMA’s ever-popular PUMAGRIP rubber, which delivers multi-surface traction. A do-it-all shoe if there ever was one.
The runner-ups
Adidas Evo SL
The Evo SL borrows innovations from the other shoes in Adidas' elite racing category, Adizero, but it puts them in a more durable frame. It features Lightstrike Pro cushioning for a responsive, energy-filled ride, and the mesh upper is engineered for a race-day fit, with optimal comfort and minimal weight.
New Balance 1080 V14
Coming from a line that's known for premium cushioning and comfort, the 1080 V14 uses Fresh Foam tech in the midsole to provide a super-smooth ride and seamless heel-to-toe transition. It excels in a varied training routine with a mix of long, easy runs and faster-paced efforts.
Hoka Clifton 10
The Clifton 9 was the shoe that cemented Hoka’s place as a mainstay at run clubs around the world, and the Clifton 10 is even better. The next-gen update boasts a revitalised underfoot experience while maintaining the ultra-plush cushioning that made the Clifton 9 so popular.
ASICS Novablast 5
As they’re generally the cheapest shoes in brands’ ranges, there’s a tendency for daily trainers to lapse on aesthetics. Not the Novablast, which carries a heap of foam and high levels of energy return. A tongue wing construction in the upper also improves the fit for a stabilising, supportive feel.
On Cloudsurfer 2
The Cloudsurfer 2 has On’s latest CloudTec Phase midsole, delivering a softer, more seamless underfoot feel by compressing and collapsing in a wave-like motion for maximum shock absorption. The lightweight Helion superfoam also enhances comfort while maintaining a responsive lift-off.
RACE DAY
Winner: Adidas Adios Pro 4
The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 4 – have you ever said that many words starting with ‘adi’ in a single sentence before? – is the best race day shoe on the planet. The Adios Pro 4 is inspired by the Pro Evo 2, which has been worn by Olympic gold medallists and pro athletes, but is only produced in very limited quantities.
The Pro Evo 4 features Adidas’ EnergyRods 2.0, which are strategically embedded in the midsole to enhance propulsion and efficiency. The dual-layer Lightstrike Pro foam provides lightweight cushioning and unparalleled energy return. This shoe is seriously fast.
The runner-ups
Hoka Cielo X1 2.0
The Cielo X1 2.0 is one of those shoes you can simply feel working its magic as soon as you put it on. That feeling can be attributed to its carbon plate and rocker profile, which provide a great deal of responsiveness and bounce from the get-go. The Cielo makes running at a conversational pace seem like a disservice to the shoe.
Nike Alphafly 3
Kelvin Kiptum set the marathon world record in 2023 while wearing a prototype of the Alphafly 3. Need we say more?For the latest Alphafly iteration, Nike added stability with a continuous outsole and a new mould around the midfoot, making it a lot more comfortable than its predecessors.
PUMA Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3
One of the funkiest looking shoes on the market courtesy of the dual-density midsole's design, the FAST-R NITRO™ Elite 3 offers truly explosive energy return with every stride. The split midsole design optimises efficiency by reducing weight and supporting a gait that maximises energy return.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 4
The Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 is a race-ready powerhouse built for speed, combining a responsive DNA FLASH v2 midsole with a carbon-fibre plate for maximum propulsion. The updated upper offers a secure yet breathable fit, ensuring comfort without compromising on performance.
Under Armour Velociti Elite 2
This carbon-plated racer is built for chasing PBs, with a snappy, propulsive ride that feels fast without being punishing. The standout feature is UA’s dual-density midsole, combining a soft, bouncy foam underfoot with a firmer layer that works in tandem with the full-length carbon plate for a smooth, energetic toe-off.
TRAIL
Winner: Hoka Mafate X
Topping the trail running category for 2025, the Hoka Mafate X is like a luxury SUV built for the trail. Designed to handle everything from a training circuit to an ultra-marathon, this max-cushioned beast blends the plush comfort Hoka is known for with a responsive ride, thanks to its dual-layer midsole that combines PEBA and EVA foams. For stability, the aggressively lugged Vibram Megagrip outsole provides exceptional traction across loose gravel, slick mud and steep technical terrain. All that midsole foam hides a forked carbon-plate, which adds an extreme level of propulsion for a trail shoe. What more could you want?
The runner-ups
ASICS Trabuco Max 4
The Trabuco Max 4 adds more cushioning to the regular Trabuco, and at its base, innovative Guidesole tech creates an easy forward roll to keep momentum up. FF BLAST PLUS technology sits in the midsole, creating easier impact absorption while harnessing momentum to propel you forward.
Brooks Catamount 4
The Catamount 4 is Brooks’ best trail runner – and that's saying something. Built for speed and agility, the Catamount 4 features the brand’s DNA FLASH midsole and an updated SkyVault propulsion plate, enhancing uphill efficiency and giving you extra drive on steep climbs.
New Balance Hierro V9
Designed to tackle unpredictable terrain, the Hierro V9 offers a combination of durability, traction and weather protection. With a Vibram Megagrip outsole acting as a protective shell, they promise solid grip on a variety of surfaces. The breathable upper with no-sew overlays also enhances comfort.
On Cloudvista 2
The Cloudvista 2 has been completely redesigned from the original Cloudvista to provide more cushioning, more comfort and a faster feel – and it delivers on all counts. In the midsole lies a two-prong Speedboard for added rebound and soft Helion superfoam for pillow-like comfort. Underfoot, a Missiongrip outsole keeps your feet fixed where you want them.
Nike Pegasus Trail 5
Boasting a sole design adept at tackling various surfaces, from smooth roads to rugged trails, the Pegasus Trail 5 offers an impressive balance of traction and comfort. The grippy underfoot lugs ensure stability on uneven terrains, while Nike React technology provides a responsive and supportive ride from the get-go.
SUPER TRAINERS
Winner: New Balance SuperComp Trainer V3
The SuperComp Trainer V3 is the best super trainer on the market, truly bringing race day performance to everyday training. It’s capable of handling anything from short-burst interval training to long runs, plus everything in between, with all the heavy cushioning of a regular daily trainer but double the responsiveness. With a curved carbon plate in the midsole, you can take it on a long run or a quick sprint, and the SC Trainer will give you everything you need and then some.
The runner-ups
PUMA Deviate NITRO™ 3
Blending speed, cushioning and responsiveness in equal measure, the Deviate NITRO™ 3 features a NITROFOAM™ midsole and PWRPLATE technology, delivering a level of propulsion that borders on the supernatural. It's ideal for tackling everything from tempo sessions and daily training to long runs and marathons. A true all-rounder.
Mizuno Neo Vista
The Mizuno Neo Vista is suitable for everything from your weekly 5K to a half marathon. That versatility comes courtesy of a glass-fibre Wave Plate (in lieu of a super-trainer’s usual carbon plate), ENERZY NXT foam and Smooth Speed Assist geometry.
Nike Zoom Fly 6
The Zoom Fly 6 is Nike’s answer to the super trainer emergence. It features two layers of foam, with ZoomX foam on top and SR-02 EVA foam underneath. Sandwiched in between is the all-important carbon fibre FlyPlate, delivering a responsive, speedy ride.
Adidas Prime X2 Strung
World Athletics prohibits the use of shoes with a stack height of more than 40mm, so you can't race in this speedy, 50mm stack shoe, but you'll wish you could. Adidas proudly proclaims that the Prime X2 Strung was “designed without the constraints of world race regulations”.
Saucony Endorphin Trainer
The Saucony Endorphin Trainer is one of those shoes that just makes running feel easier. It’s lightweight, springy and versatile. The PWRRUNPB foam gives it a fast, energetic feel, and the nylon plate adds a smooth sense of propulsion that makes picking up the pace easy.
LIFESTYLE
Winner: ASICS Skyhand
Claiming the top spot in the lifestyle category, the ASICS Skyhand blends retro court style with modern appeal. Originally inspired by ASICS’ history with the sport of handball, the Skyhand has more recently been reimagined with premium materials, fresh detailing and a versatile silhouette that fits seamlessly into any wardrobe. The shoe’s updated construction adds synthetic leather, suede panelling and gum outsoles. Its heel wedge also includes EVA cushioning, making it far more comfortable than your average throwback sneaker.
The runner-ups
Adidas Handball Spezial
Originally designed for indoor sports in the late '70s, Adidas' Spezial silhouette has found a second life as a streetwear staple. It's favoured for its clean lines and versatility, but it doesn't feature the advanced cushioning of rival models. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and heritage.
PUMA Speedcat
The Speedcat finds its roots in Formula 1. Its low-profile rubber sole was originally designed to help handle brakes and throttles. Now, it's finding popularity for its black soles in a market full of brown ones, thanks in part to being seen on the feet of celebrities like Dua Lipa and Troye Sivan.
Nike P-6000
Despite originally releasing as a women’s shoe, Nike P-6000s have found themselves at the centre of the dadcore resurgence. They have that chunky, early 2000s build as a result of being inspired by the 2006 Pegasus, which makes them a good choice for anyone channeling Y2K nostalgia.
New Balance T500
First released in 1982, the T500 was designed to raise the bar in the tennis shoe market by boosting the quality and style of the traditional court silhouette. More recent T500s are better suited to leisure than sport, but everything that made the T500 a great tennis shoe back then makes it a covetable lifestyle sneaker now.
Hoka Bondi B3LS X Marni
Taking a maximalist tilt to Hoka's max-cushioned running shoe, the Bondi, these pumped up kicks are a collaborative effort with Italian fashion house Marni. The design pairs cushy foam with a plush, quilted upper. For the coup de grâce, the shoes come with a trio of interchangeable laces to style your own way.
