Best running shoes 2025, tried and tested

We've tried and tested the best running shoes from Hoka, Nike, Asics, New Balance and more.

Our expert panel ran for hundreds of kilometres to determine which are the most comfortable and cushioned. We also assess the top-ranked running shoes that fit snugly and provide excellent stability and grip.

Two pairs of running shoes performed well enough to get our Best Buy recommendation and be named the best running shoes for men and women.

The running shoes we tested

Only logged-in Which? members can view the running shoes test results. 

Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations.

The running shoes we tested are listed in alphabetical order below.

Only logged-in Which? members can view the best running shoes from our tests.

Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations below.

Adidas Supernova Rise 2

Available from Adidas (Men's, £130), Frasers (Men's, £130), Adidas (Women's, £130), Frasers (Women's, £130)

Weight 304g (size 10)

Stack height 36mm (heel), 26mm (forefoot)

Heel drop 10mm

Asics Novablast 5

Available from Asics (Men's, £135), Frasers (Men's, £135), Asics (Women's, £135), Frasers (Women's, £135)

Weight 296g (size 10)

Stack height 42mm (heel), 34mm (forefoot)

Heel drop 8mm

Brooks Ghost 16

Available from Brooks (Men's, £101.25), Runners Need (Men's, £107.95), Brooks (Women's, £101.25), Runners Need (Women's, £107.95)

Weight 299g (size 10)

Stack height 35mm (heel), 22mm (forefoot)

Heel drop 12mm

Hoka Clifton 10

Available from Runners Need (Men's, £111.95), Hoka (Men's, £140), Runners Need (Women's, £111.95), Hoka (Women's, £140)

Weight 313g (size 10)

Stack height 42mm (heel), 34mm (forefoot)

Heel drop 8mm

Looking to upgrade your running experience? Take a look at the best running headphones and best weighted vests

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15

Available from Cotswold Outdoor (Men's, £111.95), Runners Need (Men's, £111.95), Cotswold Outdoor (Women's, £111.95), Runners Need (Women's, £111.95)

Weight 327g (size 10)

Stack height 40mm (heel), 34mm (forefoot)

Heel drop 6mm

Nike Pegasus 41

Available from Nike (Men's, £130), Sports Direct (Men's, £130) Nike (Women's, £130) Sports Direct (Women's, £130)

Weight 323g (size 10)

Stack height 37mm (heel), 27mm (forefoot)

Heel drop 10mm

Puma Velocity Nitro 3

Available from Puma (Men's, £110), Puma (Women's, £110)

Weight 306g (size 10)

Stack height 36mm (heel), 26mm (forefoot)

Heel drop 10mm

Saucony Ride 18

Available from Saucony (Men's, £130), Saucony (Women's, £130)

Weight 307g (size 10)

Stack height 35mm (heel), 27mm (forefoot)

Heel drop 8mm

Eat well, live better and stay healthy. Sign up for our Food & Health newsletter – it's free monthly

How we test running shoes

For this test, we selected neutral road running shoes from the biggest brands that should be suitable for everyone from casual park runners to those who want to rack up the miles.

Before starting the test, our panel of male and female runners had a professional gait analysis. We found an equal split of those with a neutral gait and those who slightly overpronate (the foot rolls inwards while running), which means we can give you different perspectives.

We regularly revisit the running shoes on sale to see if there are any more popular models that need testing, and when we find them we do.

Each pair of running shoes is assessed on the following:

Comfort 

Our testers ran a combined total of over 350km, rating the shoes before and after their runs. We tell you which ones are comfortable straight out of the box and continue to cushion your feet as you pound the pavements.

Impact cushioning 

We rate how well each pair of running shoes absorb shocks, how much bounce they give you while running, and how cushioned they feel on your feet. The best are perfectly pillowed; with the worst, you'll feel every bump in the road.

Stability 

Our testers assess how stable the shoes feel when they first put them on and while running. The best leave you fully supported; the worst leave you feeling wobbly.

Fit 

We assess how well the shoes fit, as well as which brands feel tight and which offer more generous room.

Grip

We use a Newton meter to measure how much grip each pair of shoes gives you across different surfaces.

Why you can trust us: at Which? we're free from manufacturer and retailer influence. Find out more about our impartiality and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent

Zero-drop vs high-stack running shoes

Zero-drop running shoes are sometimes known as barefoot shoes and provide minimal to no cushioning. While most running shoes position your heel higher than your toes, zero-drop shoes place them so that they're level. Proponents claim they help maintain a natural foot position, but they can provide a tough transition if you're used to running in padded shoes (which most runners are).

Shoes with a higher stack provide more material between your feet and the ground. Modern running shoes often have higher stacks, and this is a feature of many of the shoes we tested. Heel drop refers to the difference between the stack height of the heel and forefoot.

How often should I replace my running shoes?

Dr Helen Branthwaite, chief clinical advisor of the Royal College of Podiatry, told us: 'This is dependent on the shoe that you are wearing, the sole material and upper construction, the biomechanics of your individual foot function and the mileage that has been completed in the shoe. 

'Old data, based on EVA [a common material used in soles] shock absorbency, suggests replacement every 500 miles, but that is based on reduced structure of the sole of older designs. 

'Many brands will now come with a mileage guide on how long the average wearer can expect from the shoe. Check your running shoes regularly for wear marks, changes in shape, reduction in sole foam rebound and changes in the inside of the shoe material. This will be personal to the individual and the shoe.'

How should running shoes fit?

According to Dr Branthwaite: 'It is advisable to have your foot measured before buying a new running shoe, especially if this has not been done for a while, as foot dimensions change as we age. Getting the right fit is not all about the length of the foot: the width and shape at the toes is equally important, as well as the depth of the shoe, heel collar shape and fastening. 

'A good fit for running shoes is important to limit soft tissue irritations in the short term. These will usually present as blistering and callus (dead skin) formation, as well as nail damage, if the foot is moving in the shoe too much. Equally, a good fit will ensure maximal function and a "good economy", which will promote effective movement and help to prevent long-term associated compensation injuries and deformities.'

What we learned from testing running shoes

• High heel stacks Many modern running shoes now have high heel stacks, which provides extra bounce but can also mean they feel more unstable. Our testers who overpronate rated the ones with the highest stack very poorly for stability. 
• Straight out of the box. While modern running shoes are supposed to be good to go straight out of the box, some of our panel found it hard to regularly change shoes and needed more recovery time to complete the testing. However, we found the top-rated pair to be immediately comfortable.
• Sizing One brand of running shoes may be differently sized to another. Try looking at the EU sizing: eg, a UK size 10 in one brand is 44, and 44 ½ in another. Going to a running shop to try them out beforehand is useful for people in between sizes, and you can also have a professional gait analysis to find your running style.

Meet our expert running panel

Chris Brookes, researcher/writer 

'I ran my first half-marathon almost 15 years ago, and since then have run plenty more, from Brighton to Barcelona. My biggest race was the London Marathon in 2023, and I also manage a running group with over 100 members.'

Lisa Galliers, principal researcher/writer

'I've been running for over 20 years. My first half-marathon was the Great North Run 2008; since then, I've run 15 more, including the Royal Parks Half nine times. Brighton 2025 was my third marathon. I've completed London twice and I'm in for 2026, too. I'm a UK Athletics-affiliated member, parkrun regular and part of the UK's largest running club.'

Alicia Day, scientific advisor

'I started running at uni while studying for a master's in sports performance, taking part in mass running events for charity. I am now part of two running clubs and I'm currently training for a half-marathon.' 

James Aitchison, senior researcher/writer

'I enjoy solo running and generally avoid the crowds and time constraints of marathons and half marathons. While I regularly run on roads to keep up my fitness, my preference is trail and mountain running in the Lake District, Peak District, and Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.'