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Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Future) It’s been a stellar year for running shoes so far, and having tested most of the major new launches in 2025 I have several new favorites that have displaced shoes from last year in my affections. Narrowing down my top three shoes from the 53 I’ve tested this year wasn’t easy, but there are some standouts that offer an unparalleled blend of value and performance that I’d certainly pick up myself. I’ve gone for three shoes because while you can get by with just one running shoe to do everything, if you’re training most days and racing regularly, it’s worth having two or three shoes to call on. You may like I’ve tested 17 carbon plate running shoes this year — this is my favorite racer My job is testing running shoes — here are 7 shoes on sale for under $100 I’d recommend My job is to run marathons — here’s the 7 pairs of running shoes I’d buy this Prime Day For me, I’d pick up a cushioned daily trainer to cover my easy runs, a fast trainer to handle workouts, and then a specialist racer, which these days means buying one of the best carbon plate running shoes. I’ve picked out the top shoes for those jobs below, but it’s worth bearing in mind that these are the shoes that suit my preferences best — I tend to prefer lighter, leaner shoes over max-cushioned cruisers — so if you want more a varied range of opinions, check out our collaborative guide to the best running shoes of the year. Cushioned daily trainer — Puma Velocity Nitro 3 (Image credit: Future) I’ve been a fan of the Velocity Nitro line from Puma since the original model, and the fourth version of the shoe is the best yet. It’s a comfortable cushioned shoe with a great outsole that makes racking up your easy miles more fun. It’s not the most cushioned option available — lots of running shoes now have huge stacks of foam underfoot — but that’s one of the reasons I like it. The Puma Velocity Nitro 4 is cushioned enough to be comfortable for me on runs of any length, but it’s a bit nimbler and lighter than max-stacked options, and the nitrogen-infused midsole foam delivers a lot of energy return at any pace. Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. The Velocity Nitro 4 is also great value, coming in cheaper than most rivals, and given how much I want to spend on my racing shoe, it’s definitely handy to save a bit of money on my cushioned daily trainer. Puma Velocity Nitro 4: $140 at PUMA US The Velocity Nitro 4 is a comfortable daily trainer with a versatile ride that means you can use it as one shoe for everything, or as a cushioned shoe for your easy and long runs, which is here I’d slot it into my own running shoe rotation. Fast trainer — Adidas Adizero Evo SL (Image credit: Future) I’ve waxed lyrical about the Adidas Adizero Evo SL many times this year, both in writing and in person — I’d say every runner I’ve met in 2025 knows how much I like this shoe. It’s my favorite shoe of 2025 so far and a lock for my rotation as a fast trainer that’s actually versatile enough to do easy runs and race in as well. The Adidas Evo SL has a lightweight design with a midsole made from a springy foam called Lightstrike Pro, which is also used on Adidas' racing shoes. There’s no plate in the midsole, but the Evo SL does have a small plastic shank at the midfoot and quite a stiff ride and a sharp forefoot rocker, which help to move you along at speed during workouts. You can ease off and run slowly in the shoe as well, though it’s not the most stable, and it has a comfortable upper and an outsole that’s been durable and gripped well for me. Topping this all off is the fact the Adidas Evo SL is excellent value — the only shoes I’d consider rivals to it in terms of performance and versatility are the likes of the Asics Superblast 2 and Saucony Endorphin Speed 5, which cost far more. Adidas Adizero Evo SL: $150 at Adidas US The Adidas Adizero Evo SL is my favorite shoe of 2025 so far. It feels great for pretty much any kind of run, with a fast and comfortable ride, and is good value for such an impressive shoe as well. Racing shoe — Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 (Image credit: Future) Having picked two great value shoes for the rest of my rotation, I feel free to splurge on a racing shoe, which is good because carbon plate super-shoes do not come cheap. This was the hardest call for me to make, because I rate the Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo as highly as the Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3, but the Puma just edges it thanks to its incredibly efficient rockered design. When running in the Fast-R 3 I’m always going faster than I think I am based on my effort level. That was true in the London Marathon, where it helped me hold on for a fast time as I struggled in the second half, and in a five-mile race where I set my personal record, as well as several training sessions. It’s a great option for races of any distance, though some might find the ride a little too direct for the full marathon. The Puma Fast-R 3 has not been the easiest shoe to get hold of since launch, with the hype around it meaning it sells out quickly whenever stock does appear, but more drops are expected for the fall marathon season. PumaFast-R Nitro Elite 3: $300 at PUMA US The innovative design of the Puma Fast-R 3 creates an incredibly efficient ride that's perfect for races of any distance. They're expensive, but so are most carbon shoes, and they deliver when it matters most on race day. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. More from Tom's Guide I've run more than 1,700 miles this year — and these are the running shoes I’ve enjoyed most How to warm up for a run — 5 running coach-approved exercises Yoga for runners: This six-move routine boosts flexibility and builds stronger muscles Today's best Puma Fast-R 3 Nitro Elite andAdidas Adizero Evo SL Running Shoe deals $299.95View Deal $300View Deal $310View Deal We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Nick Harris-Fry Social Links Navigation Senior Writer Nick Harris-Fry is an experienced health and fitness journalist, writing professionally since 2012. He spent nine years working on the Coach magazine and website before moving to the fitness team at Tom’s Guide in 2024. Nick is a keen runner and also the founder of YouTube channel The Run Testers, which specialises in reviewing running shoes, watches, headphones and other gear. Nick ran his first marathon in 2016 after six weeks of training for a magazine feature and subsequently became obsessed with the sport. He now has PBs of 2hr 27min for the marathon and 15min 30sec for 5K, and has run 13 marathons in total, as well as a 50-mile ultramarathon. Nick is also a qualified Run Leader in the UK. Nick is an established expert in the health and fitness area and along with writing for many publications, including Live Science, Expert Reviews, Wareable, Coach and Get Sweat Go, he has been quoted on The Guardian and The Independent. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name. I’ve tested 17 carbon plate running shoes this year — this is my favorite racer My job is testing running shoes — here are 7 shoes on sale for under $100 I’d recommend My job is to run marathons — here’s the 7 pairs of running shoes I’d buy this Prime Day I ran 35 miles in the Puma Velocity Nitro 4, and it’s a shoe more runners need to know about I ran 100 miles in the Nike Vaporfly 3 racing shoe and it’s just hit its lowest ever price — save over $100 right now I review running watches and these are my top 3 suggestions for most people Latest in Running I ran 40 miles in the Asics Metaspeed Ray, and it’s one of the wildest racing shoes I’ve tested I ran 40 miles in the Hoka Challenger 8 and it might be the most versatile running shoe I've tested I ran 50 miles in the Nike Vomero Plus — and it's my new favorite running shoe Score Nike footwear from $35 — 15 deals I'd buy now on sneakers, sandals, running shoes and more I've run 2,000 miles this year and these are my four favorite stretches for post-run recovery I’ve tested 17 carbon plate running shoes this year — this is my favorite racer Latest in Opinion I’ve now held the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 7 — and there’s a clear winner Google Pixel 10 — 5 reasons to buy (and 2 reasons to skip) 'Peacemaker' Season 2 Kicks Things Off With a Shocking Premiere — and You Don't Want To Miss It I test Bluetooth speakers for a living — and there's only one I'd choose to power back-yard parties The Apple vs Google war is over — they need to join forces to survive against OpenAI This gripping western movie you (probably) haven’t seen just landed on Netflix — and I can't stop thinking about it LATEST ARTICLES 5 dark thriller movies to stream on Prime Video now 5 best new movies to stream this weekend on Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and more (August 23-24) I tried the Pixel 10 Pro XL — 5 ways iPhone 17 Pro Max could beat it I test bedding for a living — here’s how to recreate TikTok luxury dorm beds without burning a hole in your wallet I spent hours looking for mattress deals and found a Zinus king bed under $250 — the lowest price we've seen Tom's Guide is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. 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