Nathan's Favorite Shoes of 2025
These are our team's top running choices that came out this year.
By: Nathan Brown
Nathan's Favorite Shoes
- Best Daily Trainer: Altra Experience Flow 2
- Best Recovery Run Shoe: Nike Vomero Premium
- Best Performance Trainer: New Balance Rebel v5
- Best Long Run: Skechers Aero Burst
- Best Long Distance Racing Shoe: ASICS Megablast
My Top Daily Trainer: Altra Experience Flow 2
Review | Shop
If my foot was totally healthy (see note above about toe injury), I would be doing most/all my daily miles in this shoe. My favorite run of the year was in this shoe, a 12 mile run in the Northwoods of Wisconsin around a lake with constant rolling hills. The run included easy miles, a few bouts of mild steady state work, and simply getting lost in the run. Yes this next part will sound cheesy, but I felt very grounded (as a human) during that run, and also literally grounded because this shoe has such a natural feel. The foam is the softest of any Altra I've tried, which means it's still more moderate than truly soft, and gives a comfortable and mildly responsive feel. This softer foam is possible thanks to the 4mm drop, as you compress the foam without creating a dynamic negative drop. The fit was wonderful with a secure heel and a higher volume and wide forefoot. I hope they just run this model back next year when I'm healthier so I can keep slamming miles on it.
My Top Recovery Run Shoe: Nike Vomero Premium
Review | Shop
When I first saw this shoe, I did not think I would like it. Fun fact, my first time wearing this shoe it was when our family was picking pumpkins out of a pumpkin patch (pick your own...non of this preselected stuff). One of the bigger knocks on this shoe is the weight, which I can understand. But that is exactly why it is my pick for recovery runs. Despite its weight, it can sometimes feel like the shoe "runs for you" because of the bounciness from the Zoom Air units combined with a significant rocker. This was perfect for easy miles that are purposed for recovery and just 'chillin.' I also appreciate that compared to the Pegasus line, the fit is more forgiving and higher volume.
My Top Performance Shoe: New Balance Rebel v5
Review | Shop
Really I see this shoe as a daily trainer, but I wanted to give a bit more of a nod to "true" daily training to my pick above. The Rebel v5 is my favorite Rebel of the bunch, which I know is not everyone's opinion, as this shoe has lost some of its lightweight and nimble nature that was particularly true for the first few iterations. However, I think the midsole is soft yet responsive and fun, there's just enough forefoot flexibility to give a natural and grounded feel, and the fit is perfect. I hope the Rebel continues down this path, as I could do everything from slow, shuffling miles to picking up the pace for some tempo work.
My Top Long Run Shoe: Skechers Aero Burst
Review | Shop
When I got halfway through 2025, I had the Skechers Aero Burst as my long run shoe halfway through the year and confidently said, "I don't see this still being my favorite by the end of the year." Well, I was wrong. This shoe is simple, designed with a moderately soft foam on a semi-rigid rocker platform. However, it does the simple things right. There is a good fit, with a secure and padded heel with a roomy toe box. The rocker is gradual, allowing for rolling, smooth transitions. The foam has just the right amount of softness and a touch a bounce that makes it pleasant for longer efforts. It also has a toned down arch fit, which in previous Skechers models has been too prominent for me. Finally, it's the value of this shoe that wins. The durability is high, and the cost is on the lower end of high quality footwear.
My Top Racing Shoe (Long Distance): ASICS Megablast
Review | Shop
There are years when your top racing shoe is the Nike Alphafly, Puma Fast-R 3, or some other bonafide super shoe. This year is not that year for me. As a mid-pack runner in the last few years who is overcoming injuries (easy runs ~8:45-9:15min/mile, Marathon PR: ~3:30), I'm looking for a racing shoe that will give some pop and remain light while still providing some structure underfoot and overall comfort. I think the Megablast provides just that. It's lightweight, the foam is super fun, and yet it is constructed on a wider ground contact platform. In this shoe I felt I could get into a steady state rhythm or push for some 10K and 5K short intervals. This was my overall favorite shoe to run in this year, and while it's priced at a premium, I think you get the value out of it because of the performance and durability.
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NEXT: David's Favorite Shoes of 2025
