Many interesting running shoes were released in 2025. Producers experimented with foam, shoe geometry, and purpose. While some releases went unnoticed, others sold like hotcakes. Which releases and models from this year were the most important? Which ones were more than just a changed number on the upper? Below is my subjective guide to the most interesting running shoes of the past year.
These are the models that I have selected over the past year. Remember that every runner has different needs and preferences and is guided by different criteria. It’s best to try on several pairs before deciding to buy. Ultimately, choosing shoes comes down to individual preferences.
Nike Vomero 18 – Best Daily Trainer of the Year
After several years of systematic improvements, the Vomero series has reached its 18th version. This edition puts the competition under serious pressure. Vomero has long been considered one of Nike’s best-cushioned running lines. For many, it is number one.
This season, the Vomero 18 returns in three variants: There is the Vomero 18, the Vomero Plus, and the Vomero Premium. The classic 18 is theoretically the weakest of the three. At the same time, it remains the cheapest. It often wins in its price range with its softness, comparable to the most max-cushioned shoes, and comfort. That’s what most runners expect from their everyday training shoes.
- Drop: 10mm
- Weight: 325g men’s, 263g women’s
- Regular price: 150 EUR
Asics Metaspeed Sky – Best Racing Shoe of the Year
I would love to include the most advanced version, the Metaspeed Ray, here. However, I haven’t had the chance to try it out yet. The Metaspeed Sky and its counterpart, the Metaspeed Edge, represent a significant step forward in running shoe technology. Among the biggest brands, I feel that Asics has done the most this year.
First, it added more softness to its flagship racing shoe. It has also become even more dynamic. Yet, the shoe weighs only 170 grams. This is an impressive result. It’s also significantly lighter than most of its competitors.
- Stack height: 39.5/34.5mm
- Drop: 5mm
- Weight: 170g
- Regular price: 250 EUR
Salomon S/LAB Ultra Glide – Best Trail Running Shoe of the Year
A trail monster. Very refined. It’s ready for almost any trail. Its hallmark is the heavily corrugated midsole. In addition to classic studs, it has rounded recesses. At first glance, it looks strange. In practice, however, it works great.
Add to that an upper featuring Salomon’s top-of-the-line technology. The only barrier may be the price. After all, this is the S/Lab line. However, it’s worth noting that the classic Salomon Ultra Glide offers a very similar construction at almost half the price.
- Stack height: 37/35mm
- Drop: 6mm
- Weight: 280g
- Regular price: 250 EUR
Salomon Aero Glide 3 GRVL – Trail Debut of the Year
The hybrid shoe segment has been quietly growing for several years. These shoes combine the features of hard surface and trail models. They were more durable than urban training shoes and provided a level of comfort similar to that of hard surfaces. At the same time, they were not as aggressive as top-of-the-line trail shoes.
This year, Salomon gave this segment a name: Gravel. Following the bicycle industry’s lead, Salomon named it Gravel. This accurately reflects their purpose: gravel roads. That’s where this type of shoe performs best. The Aero Glide 3 GRVL is the first shoe in this line. It is immediately very successful. However, Salomon’s lineup also includes the more affordable Aero Blaze GRVL.
- Stack height: 40/32mm
- Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 275g men’s, 235g women’s
- Regular price: 160 EUR
adidas Adizero Evo SL – Surprise of the Year
The Adidas Adizero Evo SL was one of the biggest surprises of the season. I didn’t expect much from it since it’s the simplest and cheapest model in the Adizero line. However, it is precisely this simplicity that has become its greatest advantage.
Thanks to its simplicity, the shoe works well in many situations, from everyday training to faster runs. Add to that the low price and the attractive, minimalist design that appeals not only to runners. The end result was much better than could have been predicted at the time of its release.
- Stack height: 36/26mm
- Drop: 10mm
- Weight: 224g men’s, 188g women’s
- Regular price: 150 EUR
