While the lifestyle market is still under criticism for its lack of innovation, the same can’t be said for the running shoe market. The past two years have seen some huge developments as more and more brands have caught up with the super shoe race, with 2024 culminating in a number of record-breaking races as well as world-stage events like the Paris Games. Such acts are hard to follow, and though there’s always a chance that new super shoe prototypes could hit the ground running this year, typical development cycles would suggest they won't make it to market just yet. With that said, 2025 is shaping up to offer a ton of mass-market options, with a number of mid-pack marathon options dropping alongside a new wave of super trainers to enhance non-race day action. Here are the running shoes we’re looking forward to testing out in 2025.
Nike Vomero 18
The Swoosh are keeping things simple as they refocus on sport in 2025, and have split their key running franchises into three categories. Their Vomero line has always focused on comfort and cushioning, and they’re set to dial that up even further with the introduction of the Nike Vomero 18 in February. This iteration features its highest stack yet, coming in at a chunky 46mm.
The Vomero has never really been pitched as a race shoe, and this one’s chunky build does put it over the World Athletics’ height limit. However, if you’re a keen runner who just wants to increase their mileage or you need something plush for recovery runs, it’ll tick the right boxes. As well as nicely balanced foam stacks (ZoomX throughout the length and ReactX in the heel and forefoot), it features an enhanced rocker shape for better propulsion. It’s not going to break any records, but it could be a solid daily beater for the max cushion crew.
Adios Pro 4 and Pro Evo SL
adidas introduced their Adios Pro 4 and Pro Evo SL towards the tail-end of 2024, but the wider releases will take place in January and February, respectively. Neither are as tech-packed as the record-breaking adios Pro Evo 1, although the Adios Pro 4 has been designed as a race-day model and features a new Lightlock upper and a more hardwearing outsole than the Pro Evo 1. Being honest, the mass market model is more the focus here, as the Pro Evo SL features Lightstrike foam, a low-weight build and an ultra-breathable upper for a budget price, making it a potential disruptor towards some long-time legacy franchises like Nike’s Pegasus line.
The adios Pro 4 is due to land on January 2, with the Pro Evo SL touching down at the start of February.
ASICS Novablast 5
There’s a bit of a pattern here with some stacked-up runners! ASICS’ latest model, the Novablast 5, continues the theme and comes in just over the legal limit with a 41.5mm stack height. That’s actually unchanged from its predecessor, but it does feature a new FF Blast midsole, which was introduced to make the ride lighter and give the pair more bounce. ASICS have also improved the upper (another big trend going into 2025), and have gone back to the jacquard weave seen on the fan-fave Novablast 3.
The ASICS Novablast 5 actually dropped in December 2024, so if you’re looking for a versatile daily runner that can handle a wide range of runs, you can actually pick up a pair right now.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2
The original Saucony Endorphin Elite was a big hit with the race day crowd, as it delivered a snappy sensation with plenty of rebound. And while following up a fan-fave model is a tricky job, it's essential to keep pushing innovation forward. A very small quantity of the follow-up race rocker dropped ahead of the Paris Olympics, but a wider release is planned for March 2025.
Early reviews of the Endorphin Elite 2 peg it as equally loved and hated. But the new model does feature a lot of changes. Its usual PEBA foam has been replaced with much softer option called Incredirun, Saucony’s next gen of super foam cushioning. Though the brand haven’t revealed the specific make-up, it feels very different to the original version. It’s soft and squishy – like running on a marshmallow – but that does make it more unstable at the same time.
PUMA Fast RB
PUMA’s rule-breaking super trainer made headlines as it released in small quantities in 2024, but the controversial creation returns this January, and this time it has laces. In case you’re not up to speed with this one, PUMA designed the shoe to push the limits of running, giving it a hefty boost with a ginormous 58mm stack height, and a heel that defies gravity, not touching the ground. It also comes packed with three carbon fibre plates for an ultra-springy feel, which works in tandem with the unique shape to literally propel you forwards. On its release, the laceless upper caused some concern with heel slippage, but 2025's laced version offers a more adjustable fit. It’s still not for every runner, but if you’re into your tech it’s definitely a fun shoe to experiment with!
On Cloudboom Max
On made a splash with the introduction of Lightspray and subsequent Cloudboom Strike LS, but they do have other techy racers on the cards for next year, too. One of their most versatile upcoming styles is the On Cloudboom Max, a race day shoe that’s designed for the mid-pack marathoner. Given that the shoe isn’t available until August, you’re gonna have to wait a little longer for the full breakdown on this one, but what we do know is that they feature a Pebax foam midsole and a glassfibre-infused Speedboard, which is more flexible than a typical carbon fibre one.
Nike Pegasus Premium
Finally, long-time fans of the Peg series will be pleased to know that the range is getting an upgrade in 2025. The model was revealed back at Nike’s ‘On Air’ event in Paris last year, gaining interest from runners and lifestyle Swoosh fans alike.
Though the Pegasus 41 was treated to a ReactX foam midsole, the Pegasus Premium also has a full-length Air Zoom unit and ZoomX midsole for improved energy return, making it the most responsive, cushioned member of the Peg family yet. The model has been designed as a daily trainer and has a 45mm stack height, with a 10mm drop. It also features an all-new upper – another trend for 2025 – with engineered mesh and circular patterned knit for better breathability.
Wondering how these stack up to last year's releases? Here's a rundown of the best running tech from 2024.