The Best Running Shoes of 2025

Finding the perfect running shoe can feel overwhelming. With so many options on the market, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of foam, drop, and tech specs. Whether you are searching for your first pair of running shoes or your hundredth, Running Warehouse Australia is here to help.

So without further ado, let's get into this years picks for best running shoes!

With a silky-smooth ride and just the right amount of snap, the Mizuno Wave Rider 29 delivers that effortless “always good” feeling every time you lace up.

With the new MIZUNO ENERZY NXT foam, this version feels softer and more responsive while keeping the classic Wave Rider snap. The signature MIZUNO WAVE plate ensures a stable, balanced ride, giving consistency across easy runs, long mileage, and light uptempo work. Durable cushioning and a breathable jacquard mesh upper make the shoe comfortable from the first step to the last. The Wave Rider 29 is a familiar, dependable trainer that seems to have it all.

At a glance: Mizuno Wave Rider 29
- 9.1 oz | 258 g (Men’s size 9)
- 7.7 oz | 218 g (Women’s size 8)
- Heel stack: 38 mm
- Forefoot stack: 28 mm
- Heel-toe offset: 10 mm

For runners who want supportive structure without losing softness or flow, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 delivers stability that feels modern, smooth, and genuinely comfortable.

Its FF BLAST+ ECO midsole provides soft, responsive cushioning, while the 4D Guidance System adapts to your stride for natural, fluid transitions. Rearfoot PureGEL absorbs impact for softer landings, and the lightweight stretch-knit upper adds breathability and step-in comfort. With an 8 mm drop, the Gel Kayano 32 will keep you feeling steady and supported mile after mile.

At a glance: ASICS Gel Kayano 32
- 10.5 oz | 298 g (Men’s size 9)
- 9.0 oz | 255 g (Women’s size 8)
- Heel stack: 40 mm
- Forefoot stack: 32 mm
- Heel-toe offset: 8 mm

Plush, polished, and incredibly comfortable, the Saucony Triumph 23 turns everyday runs into soft, luxurious miles.

PWRRUNPB foam delivers soft, responsive cushioning, while the 3D engineered mesh upper adapts to your foot for a supportive yet flexible fit. Lightweight XT-900 rubber in high-wear areas ensures durability without added weight. With a 10 mm drop and maximal cushioning, the Triumph 23 will make you feel light and smooth on every run.

At a glance: Saucony Triumph 23
- 9.7 oz | 275 g (Men’s size 9)
- 8.6 oz | 244 g (Women’s size 8)
- Heel stack: 42 mm
- Forefoot stack: 32 mm
- Heel-toe offset: 10 mm

For runners chasing plush comfort without losing everyday reliability, the Brooks Ghost Max 3 delivers a plush, protective ride built for comfort on everyday miles.

Its DNA LOFT v3 nitrogen-infused foam provides soft, pressure-reducing cushioning, while the GlideRoll Rocker helps you transition smoothly and effortlessly through each stride. The engineered mesh upper is breathable and offers extra forefoot volume for orthotics and broader foot shapes, and the shoe’s CarbonNeutral¨ certification reflects Brooks’ commitment to sustainable design. The Ghost Max 3 is made to keep your runs feeling cushioned, smooth, and easy from start to finish.

At a glance: Brooks Ghost Max 3
- 10.7 oz | 303 g (Men’s size 9)
- 9.5 oz | 269 g (Women’s size 8)
- Heel stack: 38 mm
- Forefoot stack: 32 mm
- Heel-toe Offset: 6 mm

Powered by energetic bounce and a playful, spring-loaded ride, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 makes everyday training feel electric.

Its FuelCell PEBA-blend foam delivers an ultra-light, soft, and highly responsive ride that makes every step feel lively and effortless. A one-piece forefoot rubber design adds stiffness for snappy toe-offs, while targeted heel rubber boosts traction without adding weight. The FantomFit engineered mesh upper keeps things breathable and minimal, rounding out a shoe that’s all about quick, energetic strides on daily runs. The Rebel v5 brings speed-ready fun to every session.

At a Glance – New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
- 7.9 oz | 224 g (Men’s size 9)
- 6.8 oz | 193 g (Women’s size 8)
- Heel stack: 38 mm
- Forefoot stack: 32 mm
- Heel-toe Offset: 6 mm

With explosive rebound and smooth, rolling efficiency, the ASICS Megablast is made for long miles that feel effortless and fast.

Its FF TURBO2™ superfoam delivers a featherlight, highly responsive ride usually reserved for racing shoes, while the engineered mesh upper keeps your feet comfortable and secure with breathability and sustainable design. ASICSGRIP™ rubber ensures traction across varied road surfaces, making this shoe ideal for covering longer miles efficiently. The Megablast combines cushioning and energy return to keep your stride fast, smooth, and effortless throughout long runs.

At a Glance – ASICS Megablast
- 7.8 oz | 221 g (Men’s size 9)
- Heel stack: 45 mm
- Forefoot stack: 37 mm
- Heel-toe Offset: 8 mm

Ultra-light and tuned for effortless momentum, the adidas Adizero Evo SL turns every type of runs into a smooth, fast-flowing rhythm.

Its Lightstrike Pro superfoam delivers lightweight, responsive cushioning, while a top-loaded nylon stiffening element keeps the midfoot stable and promotes smooth, energetic transitions. The engineered mesh upper is ultra-light and breathable, providing targeted support where you need it most, and Continental rubber in the midfoot and forefoot ensures grip for fast toe-offs. The Adizero Evo SL combines featherlight construction and responsive energy return to make every stride feel quick and effortless.

At a Glance – adidas Adizero Evo SL
- 8.1 oz | 230 g (Men’s size 9)
- 7.2 oz | 204 g (Women’s size 8)
- Heel stack: 37 mm
- Forefoot stack: 30 mm
- Heel-toe Offset: 7 mm

Built for runners seeking explosive speed with maximum cushioning, the Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 is our pick for the Best High Stack Super Shoe.

Its NITROFOAM Elite superfoam delivers lightweight, highly responsive cushioning, while the full-length PWRPLATE carbon fiber plate boosts propulsion and stride length. The ULTRAWEAVE engineered mesh upper provides a breathable, race-ready fit, and strategic PWRTAPE overlays offer just enough support without adding weight. PUMAGRIP rubber ensures traction and durability across surfaces. The Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 combines high-stack comfort, responsiveness, and race-ready efficiency to make every stride feel fast and effortless.

At a Glance – Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3
- 6.0 oz | 170 g (Men’s size 9)
- 5.2 oz | 147 g (Women’s size 8)
- Heel stack: 39 mm
- Forefoot stack: 31 mm
- Heel-toe Offset: 8 mm

Trail runners looking for a dependable comfort, confident grip, and a smooth, predictable ride, the HOKA Speedgoat 6 remains a go-to for daily off-road mileage.

Its signature CMEVA foam delivers plush, protective cushioning, while MetaRocker geometry and Active Foot Frame create an efficient, stable roll over technical or rolling trails. A dynamic sandwich mesh upper offers breathable comfort with recycled materials, and Vibram Megagrip with Traction Lugs ensures top-tier grip with 5 mm lugs for secure footing in all conditions. The Speedgoat 6 combines comfort, traction, and confidence for trail runners who want a dependable daily trainer that handles everything.

At a Glance – HOKA Speedgoat 6
- 10.0 oz | 283 g (Men’s size 9)
- 8.6 oz | 244 g (Women’s size 8)
- Heel stack: 37 mm
- Forefoot stack: 32 mm
- Heel-toe Offset: 5 mm

NNormal Kjerag 02 - For trail runners chasing speed, precision, and peak performance.

Its upgraded EExpure+ superfoam delivers lighter, softer, and more responsive cushioning, while the Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole keeps traction sharp and weight low with versatile 3.5 mm lugs. The single-layer Matryx jacquard upper offers elite durability and breathability, giving you a secure, race-ready feel on varied terrain. The Kjerag 02 brings an efficient, fast-rolling ride that feels dialed-in and ready for any trail effort.

At a Glance – NNormal Kjerag 02
- 8.1 oz | 230 g (Men’s size 9)
- Heel stack: 29 mm
- Forefoot stack: 23 mm
- Heel-toe Offset: 6 mm

For trail runners who want plush cushioning, smooth efficiency, and reliable all-terrain grip, look no further than the ASICS Trabuco Max 4.

Its FLYTEFOAM BLAST PLUS ECO midsole delivers a lighter, softer, and more cushioned platform, while GUIDESOLE rocker geometry reduces ankle flexion to keep your stride effortless over long distances. The ASICSGRIP outsole brings sticky, confidence-boosting traction across mixed terrain, pairing durability with secure footing. The engineered mesh upper completes the package with breathable comfort and a locked-in fit, plus a lace-garage loop for clean, race-ready organisation. The Trabuco Max 4 offers a highly cushioned, smooth-rolling ride that stays stable and energetic on every trail.

At a Glance – ASICS Trabuco Max 4
- 9.5 oz | 269 g (Women’s size 8)
- 11.0 oz | 312 g (Men’s size 9)
- Heel stack: 40 mm
- Forefoot stack: 35 mm
- Heel-toe offset: 5 mm

For athletes chasing carbon-fueled propulsion on rugged terrain, the adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra brings road-race speed into the trail world.

Its dual-density Lightstrike Pro midsole delivers powerful responsiveness with a rockered profile that encourages fast, efficient turnover on any gradient. Energy Rods add snap and propulsion through each transition, while the Continental Rubber outsole provides trusted grip in both wet and dry conditions. Finished with a durable, breathable engineered mesh upper that drains quickly and supports securely, the Agravic Speed Ultra is built for maximum pace and podium-level performance on technical trails.

At a Glance – adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra
- 9.3 oz | 264 g (Men’s size 9)
- 8.4 oz | 238 g (Women’s size 8)
- Heel stack: 38 mm
- Forefoot stack: 30 mm
- Heel-toe offset: 8 mm

How often should I replace my running shoes?

There are a number of signs that tell you whether it's time to replace your current running shoes. How many miles are on them? How do they feel during your runs? For a detailed answer, check out this article.

How much should I spend on running shoes?

The amount you spend on running shoes is dependent upon a lot of factors, such as your budget, how often you run, and whether you have injury concerns. The shoes that made this year's list range anywhere from $200 to $400.

How many pairs of running shoes should I have?

If you're the type of runner who runs most days of the week, has multiple races on the calendar, or loves to mix it up on the trails, then it sounds like a running rotation is right for you! However, if you would rather have one shoe that can handle all of your training and racing needs, consider a do-it-all shoe such as the ASICS Superblast, ASICS Novablast, or HOKA Clifton.