RunDNA Team: Favourite Shoes of 2025
2025 Wrap Up
As the year comes to a close, the RunDNA team is reflecting on their favourite running shoes released this year. There's never been a better time to be a runner - we're truly spoilt for choice and we feel so lucky that we get to test so many incredible shoes.
We asked the team to pick their single top shoe of the year and briefly share why it rose above the best. The options were completely open - road or trail, from daily trainers to race-day shoes, as long as the model was released in 2025.
Curious which shoes made the cut? Let’s dive in!
Nike Vomero Plus
Surface: Road | Category: Daily Trainer | RRP: $260
Lach
I think it filled a void for me in my rotation that I’d been needing, replacing Nimbus in my rotation as I found it more stable and comfortable whilst being impressed by its durability.
Jack A
Good mix between high cushion and responsiveness - I feel like I can do whatever I want in it.
Noah
Comfy, looks great, fun to run in.
Harry
I like the Vomero Plus because it’s comfortable, consistent and just easy to run in.
Asics Megablast
Surface: Road | Category: Super Trainer | RRP: $360
Kiara
Light and responsive, love it for my long runs!!
Adele
Light & bouncy but also the perfect amount of cushion, love the glittery foam on my white pair and they have great laces too!
Molly
They are fun and responsive and helps to get the pace going a bit easier!
Nikki
A fun shoe, versatile and feels good on a Sunday longy!
Puma MagMax Nitro 2
Surface: Road | Category: Daily Trainer | RRP: $280
Ed
Such a good cushioned daily trainer and a really nice lightweight update.
Caitlyn
Great cushioning, super smooth ride and feels noticeably lighter than the previous version.
Mizuno Wave Sky 9
Surface: Road | Category: Daily Trainer | RRP: $280
Josh
A shoe for my long runs and easy days. Having taken part in the development testing of this shoe 18 months ago, I was able to see exactly what Mizuno had in mind with the changes in the pipeline for the Sky series.
The combined cushioning, extremely stable platform and great overall lockdown the Sky 9 has been an absolute pleasure to bank the easy kilometers out on the road.
Matt
The Wave Sky 9 is ultra‑plush and super comfy - feels like stepping into a soft yet stable cloud that you can wear all day.
Rhys
A floating feeling, great for easy runs - protective underfoot feel.
Brooks Hyperion Max 3
Surface: Road | Category: Super Trainer | RRP: $320
Lucy
A nice stable ride that provides the same bounce over long distances and good value for money.
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5
Surface: Road | Category: Racing | RRP: $380
Miffy
Responsive, lightweight - just makes it easier to hold pace on race day.
adidas Adizero Evo SL*
Surface: Road | Category: Daily Trainer | RRP: $240
Lindsay
Fun daily trainer, fast shoe that is fantastic to use as a session shoe - incredible versatility.
*Technically the Evo SL launched in late December 2024, but we’re treating it as a 2025 release as it landed right at the crossover.
Mizuno Neo Vista 2
Surface: Road | Category: Super Trainer | RRP: $320
James
I've had some problematic knees in the past few years while running and this shoe has allowed me to push my distance further than any other. The glass fibre plate allows me to pick up my pace when I want to but the soft midsole makes easy runs feel effortless. A really unique feel that is well worth a try!
Altra Experience Wild 2
Surface: Trail | Category: Daily Trainer | RRP: $270
Talia
I really love the Altra fit, the toe box is super roomy and accommodating. It’s also a really versatile shoe that performs well across different distances and terrains.
Brooks Cascadia 19
Surface: Trail | Category: Daily Trainer | RRP: $280
Seb
The upgrade the Cascadia needed after the last couple of versions - still stable, reliable and protective, but way more forgiving underfoot with the new foam. Just that trusty, go-anywhere trail companion.
adidas Adizero Boston 13
Surface: Road | Category: Daily Trainer | RRP: $260
Jessie
Good balance of low stack that provides ground contact feel and pop to pick up the pace but nice cushion to take over longer distances. Priced very well too.
Hoka Clifton 10
Surface: Road | Category: Daily Trainer | RRP: $270
Leila
The wider forefoot works well for my feet and makes the shoe much more comfortable.
Asics Metaspeed Tokyo (Edge/Sky)
Surface: Road | Category: Racing | RRP: $400
Zach
The Metaspeed Edge Tokyo stands out as my top running shoe of the year, delivering exceptional performance. Even in US size 13, this shoe feels remarkably light, and with its upper being extremely breathable keeping feet cool during hot, intense runs.
After two half marathons, the shoe holds up brilliantly in the tail end of races, with no “dead” or mushy feeling. This durability and responsiveness make it ideal for all race distances.
Georgia
Due to an injury at the start of the year, I didn't get to lace up in super shoes till July - perfect timing for the Metaspeed Edge Tokyo release! The rocker sits exactly where I need it to, the ride underfoot is so propulsive and I'm able to hold consistent paces without having to overthink it. I've been able to wear them for a couple of events recently and can't wait to complete some half marathons in them early next year. Definitely my favourite race shoe to date.
Tom D
This shoe was my favourite due to its lightweight feel and propulsive ride (Edge).
Jono
I raced in it and ran a huge PB this year at City-Bay, as well as also being an excellent training shoe for threshold and VO2 sessions, making running fast feel effortless (Sky).
Nike Vomero 18
Surface: Road | Category: Daily Trainer | RRP: $220
Jamo
Love the comfortable bouncy ride, I wear them for all my warmups and cooldowns before and after sessions plus many of my midweek runs. Really enjoy running in them.
Josh L
Honest, cushioned, stable and looks great!
Degras
Easy to wear warming up, cooling down, long runs and it looks good!
Harvey
The Vomero 18 is just really comfortable - plush, soft and feels great on your feet all day.
Puma Velocity Nitro 4
Surface: Road | Category: Daily Trainer | RRP: $180
Casey
It’s a simple low stack daily trainer that has a natural feeling which I quite enjoy.
Asics Gel Nimbus 27
Surface: Road | Category: Daily Trainer | RRP: $260
Brayden
Smooth, soft, good for easy running/long runs. Long runs were crucial this year for me while training for Ironman.
Nike Vomero Premium
Surface: Road | Category: Daily Trainer | RRP: $320
Ben
This shoe is truly unique and unlike anything I've worn before. As soon as you step in it’s super soft and plush, and once you start running the ride is bouncy and fun, almost like having little trampolines under your feet. It's quickly become my go-to for recovery runs or days when my legs are feeling tired.
2026 is just around the corner, and we’re really excited for all the new releases, updates and fresh shoes we know you’ll love - stay tuned, there’s plenty more to come!
