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Our favorite running shoes of 2025 (there’s some good ones)
By running in the damn shoes for lots of miles, and weighting our individual choices into an overall decision
Everything from daily trainers to race day and all the shoes in between
Last year, we left The Running Event feeling excited with a sprinkle of overwhelm — at least on the trail side. It wasn’t necessarily the explosion of trail running options (though we are 80-plus trail shoes deep this year). Rather, the anxiety came from the fact that every shoe looked the same on paper. Many trail trompers now have a technically engineered mesh upper, a supercritical midsole, and a tacky outsole.
While that may appear to portend a boring year for shoe reviewing, it actually gave us the opposite impression. As shoe reviewers at Believe in the Run, this is what we were made for. Even in the deluge of similar shoe recipes being, each company has managed to put its own spin on it– and it’s up to us to explain how those nuances affect experience.
Here are a few takeaways from 2025:
With that in mind, let’s get into the awards. The following were given top honors in their respective categories based on our Dirt Division team’s votes as well as their overall pigeon score.
These are the shoes that provided an overwhelmingly positive experience. Often, these are the shoes that pushed the boundaries of innovation and performance most this year.
XFlow Speed midsole, SpeedFilm midsole protection, FriXion White outsole rubber, Power Wire upper
9.3 oz. (264 g) for a US M9 / 8.3 oz. (235 g) for a US W7.5
34 mm in heel, 28 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop)
Taking our most coveted award of the year, the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro delivered exceptional performance and stayed true to the brand, resulting in a win-win in 2025. With a bold move of not following the masses with plated technology, the Prodigio Pro was a Goldilocks shoe for many, having not too much nor too little in all aspects.
La Sportiva leveraged a beautiful XFlow Speed midsole concoction that boasts a noticeable amount of energy return and cushion, yet was stable enough to feel very sure about every step. That would all mean nothing without a sock-like secure fit via the Power Wire upper and a degree of grip that’s not often found in a race day shoe.
The La Sportiva Prodigo Pro shoe provided the highest ratio of confidence, versatile performance, and fun across the board.
Arnitel TPEE midsole, Vibram Megagrip Elite outsole, Bio-Dyneema upper, Dyneema lace
7.5 oz. (214 g) for a US M8.5 / 6.2 oz (177 g) for a US W8
28.5 mm in heel, 21.5 mm in forefoot (7 mm drop), midsole only
In probably the closest battle we’ve ever had, Norda delivered what could possibly be the best pound-for-pound trail running shoe we have ever seen. The 005 is certainly on brand, featuring the highest quality materials available, exceptional durability, and an entirely unique ride. I believe the Norda 005 is the future of trail running, where a slimmed-down construction can still provide out-of-the-ordinary performance across a variety of terrain.
Dual-layer Helion HF midsole, Trail-specific Cloud System, Propulsion Speed Board, Mission Grip outsole
9.3 oz. (265 g) for a US M9 / 8.3 oz. (235 g) for a US W7
38.5 mm in heel, 32.5 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop)
This one has been years in the making and, honestly, it is On’s first major splash in the trail running realm. Like the other overall BIG award winners, a unique ride leads the experience. The On Cloudultra Pro is one of the most efficient models, making it highly effective in the ultra-running game when your legs are absolutely beat after long hours in the wild.
This is your one shoe quiver that has impressive performance across the board.
Dream foam midsole, Vectiv 3.0 TPU plate, 5 mm Surface Ctrl rubber outsole, Dual Warp mesh upper
9.7 oz. (275 g) for a USM9 / 8.4 oz. (238 g) for a US W7
30 mm in heel, 24 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop)
I’m still wondering why The North Face Vectiv Infinite 3 wasn’t higher on The North Face’s marketing priority list because it is a phenomenal shoe that is relatively unknown to the public. This has been a popular choice for many of their athletes’ training and racing in moderate to technical terrain.
After our review, it was undoubtedly a go-to for a wide array of trail running miles this summer. Honestly, it shares many of the same qualities that I love from this year’s overall winner, the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro, but at a lower price point. The Infinite 3 has a great fit, a versatile underfoot recipe, and durability that follows suit.
While the MTN Racer series took a little bit of a hiatus from being a top performer on rugged terrain, there were still great things going on with the series. Now, the Topo Athletic MTN Racer 4 has picked up its ability to romp on more technical terrain while retaining the capacity to smoothly move over the less technical as well. This is a spectacular option for just about any terrain, at any pace, whether you specifically desire a broader toe box or not.
Looking for a little more protection and cushion but still tackle the majority of terrain and conditions? Here are our favorites.
Nitrogen-TPU midsole, Surface Ctrl outsole, Dual-Warp upper, Vectiv 3.0 Stability Plate
10.1 oz. (287 g) for a US M9, 9 oz. (280 g) for a US W7
32 mm in heel, 26 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop)
Versatility is the main theme of this year’s award-winning shoes. Perhaps no other shoe exemplifies that as much as The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4. This is one of those shoes that can offer just about anything you want, from underfoot protection and a responsive ride to stability, and a fit that can certainly handle more technical terrain. Whether you’re looking for a trainer or a budget-friendly long distance racer, you can’t really go wrong with the North Face Vectiv Enduris 4.
Finally! The Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 is legitimately ultra-ready. While we really enjoyed previous versions, the higher stack (from version 3), dual-density midsole, a more durable upper with a stellar fit, and the addition of a Vibram Megagrip outsole really gave this package the life it deserves. This is one of our recommendations for those who want a higher stack trail shoe and often traverse moderate to technical terrain.
These trail shoes have the highest priority on underfoot comfort and cushion.
Dual-density Fresh Foam X midsole, Vibram Megagrip outsole, updated mesh upper
10.3 oz. (294 g) for a US M9 / 8.3 oz. (236 g) for a US W7
42 mm in heel, 38 mm in forefoot (4 mm drop)
Is there anything better than a massive stack of Fresh Foam X? Golly! The updated Hierro v9 gained quite a few millimeters of foam and took over where the More Trail left off. Reviewers loved the cushy and smooth ride and no-frills build. This is a simple, solid option for those who love cushion for the pushin’.
While the Hoka Mafate 5 may get a bad rap for being quite different from its predecessor, that’s what was meant to happen. When taken for what it is, a max stack trail runner, it’s really hard to argue with its comfort, efficient ride, and surprising ability to run a variety of trails… even with 44 mm of stack.
Treacherous trails call for an unwavering fit and grip.
Dream midsole, Vectiv 3.0 plate, Dual-warp upper, Surface Ctrl outsole
8.3 oz. (235 g) for a US M9 / W10.5 (Unisex sizing)
25 mm in heel, 19 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop)
The North Face Vectiv Sky 2 is another example of how this brand excels in trail running. This is a modern take on the classic light and fast design. A lower stack of luscious Dream Foam and Vectiv 2.0 carbon fiber plate is a very unique setup that allows for extreme control and dynamic ride. What more do you want out of your technical performer?
Precision is everything on technical terrain. The Arc’teryx Vertex Speed Low merges running shoe design with climbing and approach footwear to ensure the most accurate footstep possible. If you’re typically in some gnarly terrain or mix in some scrambling, this is a worthy option to look into.
The best options for traversing between surfaces like pavement, gravel, and light trail.
CircleCell midsole, Versagrip outsole, jacquard mesh and Kevlar upper, dual lace zones
8.5 oz. (242 g) for a USM9 / 7.9 oz. (223 g) for a US W9
35 mm in heel, 29 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop)
While there are many shoes that can handle nicely on a mix of terrain, there’s no other that can run so proficiently on both roads and light trails as the Mount to Coast H1. It’s a lightweight trainer that has a secret sauce in the CircleCell midsole. There are subtle yet durable materials used throughout, which is certainly something to consider within this package.
This is the second year in a row that the Craft Xplor has shown up on our BIG awards. This time around, it’s a significantly better shoe due to the attention given to the upper. Before, this was a glorified road rider. Now, it can take its show off-road better than ever. We appreciated its monster truck-like abilities, whether on gravel or light trail.
Long ultras on technical terrain need the best of fit, protection, and efficiency.
XFlow Speed midsole, SpeedFilm midsole protection, FriXion White outsole rubber, Power Wire upper
9.3 oz. (264 g) for a US M9 / 8.3 oz. (235 g) for a US W7.5
34 mm in heel, 28 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop)
Is this really a surprise? I mean, come on! Claps and snaps all around for the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro. It is one of the few shoes with a super foam, extreme grip, and one of the best fits around. This is the king of versatility, capable of playing on any terrain and at any pace.
While many shoes in the racing category feature a plate and stack heights of 40 mm or more, the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro leaned into its mountain expertise and honored runner intuition with its design.
Ultra-distance performance often hinges on overall comfort. The Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide 1.5 was designed for exactly that. It boasts one of the highest stacks in trail running, but can really romp on more technical terrain due to its unique geometry and updated fit in the heel/collar regions. We took the first version out in the Alps and found confidence in the bouncy, cushioned, and protective ride. Salomon’s Relieve Sphere outsole tech is no gimmick.
It’s really the updated version (and the Ultra Glide Dust version, which contains an integrated booty) that took that confidence to the next level. It’s rare that I would want to take a shoe with such a high stack and soft foam on technical terrain, but this one can handle it in the mountains.
Each course is entirely unique. These options are best suited for the very runnable terrain for long periods of time.
ATPU-based Super Foam, H-shaped Carbon Plate, Engineered Mesh upper, 3.5 mm lugs
10 oz. (282 g) for a US M10.5 / 8.1 oz. (230 g) for a US W8
42 mm in heel, 36 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop)
3, 2, 1, launch! The Hoka Rocket X Trail is based on the brand’s road super shoe, but it takes on some meaningful trail applications thanks to Jimmy. This shoe combines an energetic sensation through a unique H-shaped carbon plate and super-foam that’s optimized for long-distance running. Honestly, it was a little disappointing at first because I mentally wanted the constant zip zap; however, I quickly learned to appreciate the efficiency that governed it the further I went.
With a broader footprint and versatile outsole, the Hoka Rocket X Trail is a true ultra-distance racer that is stable, fun, and feels incredibly good underfoot.
Efficiency is the name of the ultra game. Perhaps no other shoe exemplifies that better than the On Cloudultra Pro. This is the shoe that will rewrite the script for On trail running with a unique trail-specific Cloud System, Propulsion Speedboard, and two layers of their Helion HF foam. This ride is smoother than clarified butter on a hot skillet! A subtle Mission Grip outsole and lightweight Leno weave upper pull together the package that can go any distance you ask with confidence, even with some technicality mixed in.
Each course is entirely unique. These options are best suited for the very runnable terrain for long periods of time.
Arnitel TPEE midsole, Vibram Megagrip Elite outsole, Bio-Dyneema upper, Dyneema lace
7.5 oz. (214 g) for a US M8.5 / 6.2 oz (177 g) for a US W8
28.5 mm in heel, 21.5 mm in forefoot (7 mm drop)
As mentioned above, the Norda 005 is the future of our sport. While it has an extremely lightweight build and lower stack, its right hook feels more like Muhammad Ali. The 005 is a dangerous combination that allows runners to feel the benefits of a pure super foam with a true sense of connectedness to the trail. There really isn’t another shoe on the market that can compare to the experience that the Norda 005 offers.
To be fair, even though this shoe valiantly triumphs in the “shorter” distances of trail running, we do want to acknowledge that the Norda 005 has been on the feet of many, many trail runners running ultra distances too. We’re just saying its best application is when you can lean on the side of letting it rip.
Because of its technical prowess, lightweight construction, and unique features, the North Face Vectiv Sky 2 is an obvious choice for the sub-ultra race day list. This was one of the most enjoyable shoes to put in more technical miles this year. It felt like an extension of your foot that could dance among the heights as well as open up on the smoother sections of trail. One of our reviewers commented that the Vectiv Sky 2 had a similar spark for the trails that he also felt the first time he ran in the Nike Vaporfly on the roads. That’s saying something.
When you’re weighing your pocket book with performance, these are the shoes that shake out to be most worth it.
Nitrogen-TPU midsole, Surface Ctrl outsole, Dual-Warp upper, Vectiv 3.0 Stability Plate
10.1 oz. (287 g) for a US M9, 9 oz. (280 g) for a US W7
32 mm in heel, 26 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop)
The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4 takes the W in this category because of its versatility mentioned above and price tag. There’s no hiding that this shoe can be used in pretty much any trail scenario. It will likely give you highly satisfactory results and keep going. Just ask TNF athlete Seth Ruhling, who chooses to use this for both day-to-day miles and to set course records.
It’s really fun to see this bird in flight again. The Saucony Peregrine is one of the shoes that has shown up on our list for years. The all-around performance of the most recent version really eclipses that of the past few. Reviewers really loved how the fit complemented a versatile ride and stayed true to its historically aggressive nature, especially when the trails demanded a little more. Because of its moderate stack, this is another shoe that can do just about anything for a sweet price of $145.
Many trail shoes can make fantastic hiking shoes because they are a lot more lightweight and nimble. The most notable characteristics of these options are underfoot protection, stability, and durability. They do get bonus points for [typically] being more forgiving and, obviously, boast the ability to run when desired.
XFlow Endurance midsole, Frixion Red outsole, Comfort Wire upper, XFlow insole
10.4 oz. (295 g) for a US M9 / 9.1 oz. (260 g) for a US W7
37 mm in heel, 31 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop)
True mountain grade meets long-distance capabilities in the La Sportiva Prodigio Max. We’ve loved the Prodigio lineup of shoes that offers a more accommodating fit than previous La Sportiva shoes, high-quality foams, and great grip. The Prodigio Max adds protection and stability to the equation, resulting in a very proficient long-distance mountain shoe that feels just as good at a hiking pace. Many hikers will appreciate the durability and comfort this one offers.
We’ve been waiting a long time for Topo Athletic’s arrival in the max stack category. The Vista is not only the highest stack, but it is also the softest Zipfoam that they’ve ever offered. It provided a pillowy experience that also offered a roomy anatomical fit, a moderately aggressive Vibram Megagrip outsole, a wide stable footprint, and a slight heel-to-toe drop. These are literally all the ingredients desired to keep your feet in optimal condition to keep going.
These are legitimately good options that surprised us this year.
Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole, Matryx Micro upper, InFuse EVA and Polyolefin midsole, aggressive rocker
10 oz. (292 g) for a US M9
29 mm in heel, 23 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop)
I remember my first run in the Arc’teryx Sylan Pro. There were audible recognitions of pleasant surprise. While it obviously boasted quality, being that it’s from Arc’teryx and has a Matryx upper, integrated sock-like collar, and Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole, it was the overall ride that struck us. Both the Infuse supercritical EVA/Polyolefin midsole and the geometry brought created a smooth yet nimble footstep that bridges the best sensations from shoes that perform best on light and very technical terrain.
Rossignol, the iconic ski brand, dropped one of our favorites of the year with its first-ever trail shoe. The Vezor is meant for race day, but can be a dynamic training addition too. While the fit was snug and secure, it was the underfoot recipe that wowed us. It felt like a speedier version of the Hoka Tecton X 2…. We like.
While Keen is no stranger to the trails, the Seek was its first dive into the trail running world. It’s obvious that it used its expertise to provide a solid general trail trotter that reminded us of some of our historic faves in the space. This shoe gave notes of the Brooks Catamount 3, Altra Mont Blanc, and even the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro. That’s a heck of a list to compare to in an inaugural shoe.
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Taylor Bodin is a trail and ultra runner living in Estes Park, Colo., with his wife and daughters. As the head of the Dirt Division at Believe in the Run, trail running is pretty much the only hobby he can manage right now and loves it. Every so often, he will pop off a race or FKT attempt because competition is pure and the original motivator for him getting into running anyway.
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So many great brands!
Thanks for gear testing the Xplor 2! More to come in 2026. 🙌🏼