From daily training miles to trail ultras and race-day PRs, these are the best running shoes of the year (so far) that I personally rely on and recommend after thousands of miles of real-world testing. This is the ultimate running shoe rotation.
I’ve been reviewing running shoes for over 15 years, across roads, trails, and distances all the way up to ultra marathons. Every shoe in this guide has earned its spot by performing in real conditions, not just by having some key specs on paper.
Price, and the key specifications you need to know about
If you’re unsure which pair is right for you, leave a comment below; I reply to everyone and I’m always happy to help you find the perfect fit.
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Fit: True to size | Width: Medium (spacious toe box) | Weight: 7.7oz / 218g | Drop: 8mm (45mm heel / 37mm forefoot)
The Asics Megablast is easily the most complete daily trainer I’ve tested this year. It’s light, smooth, and bouncy, delivering that rare mix of cushioning and energy return that makes every run feel fun. It masterfully handles easy jogs, long runs, and even faster tempo efforts.
The new FF TURBO²™ midsole gives you the lively rebound and forward roll of a plated shoe without the stiffness, while the rocker geometry keeps transitions effortless. It’s stable for such a tall shoe, breathable in warm weather, and very comfortable over long distances.
If you’re after a single shoe that can cover your entire training week, the Megablast does it all beautifully. It’s the best Asics road shoe I’ve ever tested, and the one I now recommend most often to runners looking for a “one-shoe quiver.”
Fit: True to size | Width: Medium with a roomy toe box | Weight: 10.9oz (309g) | Drop: 10mm
The Nike Vomero 18 is a smooth, max-cushioned daily trainer that excels during recovery runs, long miles, and slower-paced efforts when comfort is the main goal.
Its dual-layer midsole (ZoomX on top of ReactX), offers plush cushioning without feeling unstable or overly mushy. The ReactX base helps keep things feeling structured and balanced, while the wide platform and rocker geometry make transitions feel easy and natural.
Step-in comfort is excellent thanks to the plush collar and tongue, and the roomy toe box is a rare bonus for a Nike shoe.
Best firm tempo running / speed training shoe: Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
Key Specs: True to size, medium width, 8.6oz (244g), 8mm drop
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is a speed-focused trainer built for runners who want a light, energetic ride that doesn’t sacrifice comfort on longer efforts.
The PWRRUN PB foam midsole and winged nylon plate create a responsive, propulsive feel that shines in tempo runs and intervals but stays smooth at easier paces. Updates to the upper improve fit and breathability while the articulated heel counter locks in the rearfoot securely.
A refined, versatile shoe ideal for runners who appreciate lively cushioning without the stiffness of a carbon plate.
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