Whether you’ve just started your running journey or you’ve been pounding the pavement for years, you probably already know how important it is to find a quality pair of running shoes. Your joggers can literally make or break your run. If they don’t fit properly, you can end up with blisters that’ll hurt like a bitch. And aside from that, if the soles are worn out, you’ll be lacking the stability and support you need to enjoy your run.
There are a few things to consider when choosing your new running shoes. You want a decent amount of shock absorption cushioning (running can be hell on the old joints). Ideally, you want them to be lightweight (running with heavy shoes is no bueno), and you want them to have a good amount of support around the heel and ankles.
It’s also important to consider how often you run and where you run. Do you prefer running on a treadmill or road? Are you looking to get into trail running? Are you planning on joining a run club? Do you need these shoes to work for both running and in the gym? Because each shoe is different and each style of running typically requires different footwear.
So we’ve taken matters into our own hands and rounded up 2025’s best running shoes worth considering for your next upgrade.
11 Of The Best Running Shoes in Australia for 2025
The Best All-Rounder: Nike Pegasus 41
The everyday runner is going to love just how responsive Nike’s Pegasus 41 is. With a combination of Nike’s famous Zoom Air units and React foam, each step feels lightweight and springy while also being supportive and comfortable.
Why the people love it: The Nike Pegasus has been one of the brand’s best-selling running shoes for years now. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and supportive — and you can design your own colourway.
Food for thought: Some runners find these baddies a little uncomfy around the toes.
Image: Nike.
Best Daily Trainer: Lululemon Beyondfeel Women’s Running Shoe
Lululemon finally launched its first range of footwear in the Aussie market earlier this year, and they really live up to the hype. The Beyondfeel Running Shoe was designed to be as comfortable as it is supportive, with a mesh upper body that moves with your stride.
Why the people love it: Aside from the fact that they’ve finally landed in Aus, they feel like you’re bouncing around on a cloud with every step you take.
Food for thought: Word on the street is that these are probs better for your shorter, daily runs and hot girl walks as opposed to your long-distance clicks.
Image: Lululemon.
RunTok’s Favourite Running Shoe: Hoka Bondi 9
It feels like literally every girlie on RunTok is sporting a pair of Hoka’s. From the cult-famous Cliftons to the new and improved Bondis, there’s a pair for every style of runner. We’re personally obsessed with the new and improved Bondi 9 for road running. The higher bed of soft cushion sole provides a forgiving impact with each stride.
Why the people love it: Okay, both the cushioning and support are next level, but NGL most people’s favourite part is the fun colourways.
Food for thought: Some runners find these to be tough to ‘break in’ and all that cushioning can be a little much.
Image: Hoka.
Best Beginner Running Shoe: Adidas Ultraboost 5
Whether you’re about to run your first 5km or your first half marathon, the Adidas Ultraboost 5 might just be your new running companion. They’re an everyday trainer that seamlessly combines comfort and support from heel to toe. Everyone was OBSESSED with these when they first launched, so it comes as no surprise that the fifth iteration is just as loved.
Why the people love it: It’s a truly comfortable running shoe.
Food for thought: Some runners recommend you try these on IRL because they’ve typically had to change slightly from their usual size.
Image: Adidas.
Best Long-Distance Running Shoe: Asics Gel-Kayano 32
Asics Gel Kayanos are pretty famous among runners because of their comfort and stability. The pureGEL technology improves softness and shock absorption to reduce the impact on your joints and keep you running comfortably.
Why the people love it: People love Kayanos for long-distance runs. They’re so responsive and comfortable.
Food for thought: Some runners reported back that the fit of the 32s is different to previous Kayanos so it might be worth trying them on first.
Image: Asics.
Best Treadmill Running Shoe: New Balance Fresh Foam x 1080v14
From your daily activities to race day, New Balance’s The Fresh Foam X will show up as long as you do. It features midsole cushioning for smooth transitions from landing to push-off, while the mesh upper part of the jogger is breathable and supportive.
Why the people love it: We’d put these down as the fashion girlies’ running shoes. They’re a blend of support, cushion and aesthetics.
Food for thought: While the extra cushioning means you’ll probably get more life out of the shoes when you’re consistently running on treadmills, some runners say it makes them feel less supported.
Image: New Balance.
Best Walking And Running Shoe: On Cloudmonster 2
Folks on the internet are slowly but surely becoming obsessed with ON sneakers. They pull double duty, meaning they’re great for both high-intensity training like running or low-impact mobility work (read: hot girl walks).
Why the people love it: We love the Cloudmonster 2 because they double-duty and work for both running and walking.
Food for thought: If you’re looking for shoes you can also take to the gym, they can’t really be used for strength training.
Image: On.
Best Trail Running Shoe: Nike Pegasus Trail 5 Gore-Tex
Nike’s Pegasus Trail 5 Gore-Tex is said to deliver a smooth, responsive ride on mixed terrain, making them perfect for trail lovers. They’ve got a grippy outsole that provides durable traction for running between slippery roads and uneven surfaces. Plus, they’re comfy as hell.
Why the people love it: According to avid trail runners, they’re wonderful for hikes. They’re comfy, grippy and water-resistant.
Food for thought: The waterproofing may wear over time.
Image: Nike.
Best Sustainable Running Shoe: All Birds Tree Dasher 2
The All Birds Tree Dasher 2 is seriously springy and has increased stability, support, and grip to keep you hitting those Strava goals run after run.
Why the people love it: It’s one of the most eco-friendly running shoes on the market.
Food for thought: According to runners, it’s more of a daily, short-distance running shoe.
Image: All Birds.
The 5km to Half Marathon Runner: Brooks Glycerin Max
If you’re a runner with wide toots, we’ve been informed that the Brooks Glycerin Max have the perfect mix of stability and cushioning for long-distance runs. Thanks to the state-of-the-art cushioning technology, they’re also super comfy if you’re road running.
Why the people love it: The maximum comfort, responsiveness, and smooth heel-to-toe transitions.
Food for thought: A few people have pointed out that there isn’t a wide-foot version yet, which could cause some issues if your foot is on the bigger side.
Image: Brooks.
The Best Road Running Shoe: Salomon Aero Blaze 3
Salomon is best known for its hiking shoes — and is a cult-favouruite shoe amongst Melburnians — but they also do some damn good road running shoes. The Aero Blaze 3 is fit for road and pavement running, with a mix of cushioning, comfort and snappy transitions.
Why the people love it: They’re super lightweight and have good arch support, according to reviews.
Food for thought: The tongue isn’t gusseted and it’s not available in a wide fit, so it’s not the best shoe for wider feet.
Image: Salomon.
Of course, this is our running list (ha, get it) of 2025’s best running shoes in Australia, so we’ll be adding more as they drop throughout the year.
If you’re someone who already experiences pain from your running shoes (how fkd are shin splints?!), it’s best to go get fitted by an expert as opposed to buying online.
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