With the running season now in full swing, many runners may be thinking it’s time to update their current shoes. To help you wade through the vast number of footwear options, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite shoes from the first half of 2025.
Best for neutral runners seeking a responsive and cushioned ride
Brooks Ghost 17
A mid-level cushioned daily trainer
This wildly successful shoe has been updated this season with more DNA Loft v3 foam in the forefoot and heel, resulting in even more cushioning without compromising the responsive ride that runners have come to expect from this shoe. Due to these changes, the Ghost 17 now sports a 10 mm drop (down from the 12 mm found in the previous iteration) and should appeal to a broader range of runners. This updated midsole and the new outsole’s flex grooves deliver smoother heel-to-toe transitions, encouraging runners to pick up the pace during faster training runs. For the upper, Brooks has chosen a new double jacquard air-mesh textile that offers excellent breathability and comfort. Speaking of comfort, the Ghost 17 now also has an updated padded heel collar that reduces irritation and a less bulky tongue for a more secure fit. If you’re looking for a well-cushioned neutral shoe with a more traditional drop and stack height construction, consider the Ghost 17.
Best for runners seeking excellent cushioning and responsiveness
Saucony Ride 18
A versatile neutral shoe for daily training
The Saucony Ride 18 now features an updated PWRRUN+ foam in the midsole. This new foam is not only lighter, but it also offers improved cushioning as well as increased responsiveness. The result is a shoe that offers plenty of protection for long runs, while remaining light and sufficiently responsive during faster training. For those interested in numbers, Saucony has spec’d a 35 mm heel stack and a 27 mm forefoot stack, resulting in an 8 mm drop. These are somewhat conventional numbers (in a good way) and ensure the show will work for a very broad range of runners. Moving to the outsole, Saucony has retained a very similar design compared to the previous version of this shoe, but has added more rubber to the forefoot and has also tweaked the lug pattern. These minor changes ensure even greater durability and somewhat improved wet weather traction. Finally, the upper consists of an engineered mesh that is highly breathable while also having sufficient stretch to conform to the shape of your foot easily. If you are looking for a versatile, lightweight daily trainer that hits a sweet spot between cushioning and responsiveness, check out the Ride 18.
Best for runners seeking max cushioning for training and recovery runs
HOKA Bondi 9
A plush neutral daily trainer
The Bondi 9 is not only lighter and more durable than its predecessor, but it now also offers even more cushioning. Hoka has updated the Bondi 9 midsole with an additional 2 mm of supercritical EVA foam, resulting in a supremely plush ride that’s perfect for long, easy runs and logging daily training miles. As a max-cushion shoe, no one will be shocked to know that the Bondi 9 has a substantial stack height (42 mm in the heel and 37 mm in the forefoot for the women’s model, while the men’s clocks in at 43 mm and 38 mm). That’s a lot of cushioning! Hoka has also updated the upper, which now features a 3D moulded heel collar that provides a more secure and comfortable fit. Speaking of fit, the Bondi 9 is ideal for runners with more slender feet, but may feel a bit snug for those who require more room in the forefoot. If, however, you have a narrow forefoot and are looking for an extremely well-cushioned shoe for training and recovery, the Hoka Bondi 9 may be perfect for you.
Best for runners seeking exceptional cushioning for long runs
Asics Gel-Nimbus 27
A neutral shoe with exceptional cushioning
The Gel-Nimbus 27 continues its legacy as one of the best cushioned shoes on the market. The latest version adds 2 mm of Asics’ FF Blast Plus Eco foam in the midsole, resulting in even more cushioning. Asics has also updated the upper with a new, lighter and more breathable jacquard mesh textile for greater comfort in warm conditions. The 2 mm increase in the midsole has obviously upped the stack height numbers, with the men’s registering at 43.5 mm in the heel and 35.5 mm in the forefoot. The women’s version clocks in at 42.5 mm in the heel and 34.5 mm in the forefoot. Runners familiar with the numbers will instantly understand that the Gel Nimbus 27 is a maximalist shoe and, not surprisingly, delivers an exceptionally plush, shock-absorbing ride. If you’re logging long, easy recovery miles or are just looking for a supremely cushioned daily trainer, check out the Gel-Nimbus 27.
