With Spring upon us and summer right around the corner, it's time to refresh your footwear for the season ahead. Whether you're hitting the pavement, exploring trails, or upgrading from everyday style, the 2025 Spring Shoe Guide has you covered. This year brings a perfect blend of innovation, comfort, and style, with top brands rolling out shoes that cater to runners, casual walkers, and lifestyle enthusiasts alike. Expect cutting-edge materials, eco-conscious designs, and bold aesthetics that will keep you ahead of the game. Get ready to step confidently into the new season with shoes tailored to your needs and preferences.
We gathered testers from all over the country, including veteran runners at ACTIVE, to extensively test the shoes in this guide. Our testers put their shoes through at least 20 running miles (some way more than 20 miles) while paying attention to comfort, fit, weight, breathability, flexibility, and ride.
From updates of old favorites that had our feet singing to new releases that will ensure you'll find something to motivate your miles well into summer, you're guaranteed to find a shoe you'll love. We know money might be tight, but if you can, treat yourself! You deserve it.
Spring Shoe Guides
AHNU | Asics | Brooks | Craft | Diadora | HOKA | KURU | La Sportiva | Merrell | New Balance | Nike | The North Face | Reebok | Rossignol | Salomon | Saucony | Scarpa | Skechers | Speedland | Under Armour
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts, including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Merrell SpeedArch Matis
Merrell Nova 4
Merrell SpeedArch Matis
About: For trail enthusiasts who demand agility and support, the Merrell SpeedArch Matis is a game-changer. This innovative trail running shoe is designed to provide exceptional arch stability while maintaining lightweight comfort for those tackling rugged terrains. It features a durable outsole that grips even the slipperiest surfaces, ensuring secure footing on every adventure. The Merrell SpeedArch Matis combines advanced cushioning technology with breathable materials to keep your feet cool, dry, and comfortable, regardless of how intense the trail becomes. Whether conquering steep inclines or navigating rocky paths, the SpeedArch Matis is built to enhance your performance and keep you moving effortlessly.
These trail shoes are the best choice for fast, effortless movement—wherever the adventure calls.
Things We Liked:
"They have unstoppable energy and give you a spring in your step."
"Such a fast shoe despite being built for hiking; the miles flew by at race pace."
Areas for Improvement:
"A design to hold the extra bungee cord would prevent the weighted end from bouncing around "
"The laces are too long. I love the pull-cord system, but I had to tuck it back in many places. I worried it would catch a vine or stick"
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for the ultimate hiking shoe, look no further. The groundbreaking SpeedARC midsole system won't disappoint, offering unrivaled comfort and unparalleled grip for all-terrain control. The unique bungee laces provide a secure fit, while the foam cushioning offers ultimate comfort. The energy return offers an extra spring to your step, which makes walking in these shoes effortless. Not to mention the unique style and versatility these shoes provide, they will not disappoint.
Specs:
- Drop: 8 mm
- Weight: 12.34 oz
- Price: $180
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Running - Trail
- Fit: True To Size
- Ideal for: Speed, Race
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Merrell Nova 4
About: Need a trail shoe that offers the perfect mix of durability, comfort, and versatility? Look no further than the Merrell Nova 4. This premium model is designed for runners and hikers alike to handle the toughest trails and casual off-road adventures. The Nova 4 features responsive cushioning that absorbs impact, giving your feet the protection they need on uneven terrain. With an ultra-resilient outsole for outstanding grip and lightweight uppers for maximum breathability, it’s ready to adapt to your every move. Whether running technical trails or walking forest paths, the Merrell Nova 4 has what you need to stay steady, comfortable, and confident on your journey.
The Merrell Nova 4 offers great grip on the trail and saves your feet from the sharp rocks!
Things We Liked:
"This shoe offered excellent support on rocky trails."
Areas for Improvement:
"While the shoes provide a more rigid support, some more flexibility would provide more comfort for longer runs. "
Final Thoughts
The Merrell Nova 4 has a rigid, structured build, which makes it ready to tackle anything on the trail. The shoe has a snug, locked-in feel, with a well-padded tongue that provides extra cushioning for the top of the foot. The fit was stable, ensuring a solid connection with rocky trails and uneven terrain.
,br/> The extra support is beneficial for shorter runs or casual hikes, but the rigidity limits the comfort when pushing out for longer runs. If a runner or hiker is looking for a comfortable shoe that provides safety and stability on a short scenic trail run, the Merrell Nova 4 would be a good choice..
Specs:
- Drop: 6 mm
- Weight: 9.5 oz
- Price: $155
- Category: Cushion/Stability
- Type: Running - Trail
- Fit: 1/2 Size Up When Buying
- Ideal for: Long Distance, Race, Trail
Buy:
Women's | Men's