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.
Nike Pegasus Plus
Nike Pegasus 41
Nike Vomero 18
Nike Vaporfly 4
Nike Alphafly 3
Nike Zoomfly 6
Nike Pegasus Trail 5
Nike Motiva
Nike Pegasus Plus
About:Meet your ultimate daily trainer, the Nike Pegasus Plus. Designed with a focus on versatility, this shoe offers a responsive underfoot feel and exceptional durability, helping you conquer everything from short sprints to long-distance runs. Its lightweight construction and breathable mesh upper make it a go-to option for runners seeking reliability and function in one sleek package.
I love the sock-like fit that completely conforms to my foot. This is a great feeling shoe!
Things We Liked:
"Superlight and great fit with the knit upper, so good for all runs."
"This is a great lightweight, comfortable shoe that handles well."
Areas for Improvement:
"Don't love the 10mm heel, 6-8 is a good sweet spot."
"While the very light and white colors are nice looking, it only takes one day on wet terrain to get a dingy look."
Final Thoughts
The Nike Pegasus Plus is great! It's a solid shoe for medium to long runs, from the colorway to the Flyknit upper to the reduced weight. The overall fit is excellent—they feel good all around. The laces and pattern are simple and effective, without overcomplicating things like some shoes in the same category. The oversized Nike logo on the side also stands out—it looks fantastic.
Responsiveness is top-notch. The shoe doesn’t slow you down, delivering energy return throughout every run. Traction is surprisingly good, and while the lugs are minimal, this road shoe can still handle light trails without any problem.
The ZoomX foam midsole offers springy cushioning that isn’t overly soft, unlike some spongy trainers that can hinder performance. During testing, there was no slipping or instability; the shoe felt secure and locked in. Nike shoes sometimes run narrow through the midfoot, but that wasn’t the case here—fit felt dialed in and comfortable.
Specs:
- Drop: 10 mm
- Weight: 7.2 oz
- Price: $180
- Category: Cushion
- Type: Running - Road
- Fit: True To Size
- Ideal for: Speed, Long Distance, Race
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Nike Pegasus 41
About: The legacy of the iconic Pegasus line continues with the Nike Pegasus 41. Built for runners of all levels, the 41st edition features enhanced React foam for a smoother ride and optimized traction for various surfaces. Whether logging miles on the pavement or cruising through the park, the Pegasus 41 offers the perfect balance of support and speed to elevate your run.
The Pegasus 41 brings bounce, comfort, and everyday versatility—ready for any run, any day.
Things We Liked:
"I love the cushioned details found in heel, arch, and tongue."
Areas for Improvement:
"While they are lighter than any Pegasus I have ever worn, to race in them, they need to be even lighter for faster turnover"
Final Thoughts
If you're a runner always looking for a reliable daily trainer to keep up with everything from easy jogs to tempo runs to fast walks around the neighborhood, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 41 provides the ultimate versatility. This latest update to Nike’s legendary Pegasus line delivers a light, responsive, and breathable ride, making it an excellent choice for runners of all levels.
The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 41 blends comfort, responsiveness, and durability into a lightweight, everyday trainer that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re just starting or logging serious miles, it’s a dependable choice that feels effortlessly smooth and ready to go whenever you are.
Specs:
- Drop: 10 mm
- Weight: 10.4 oz
- Price: $160
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Running - Road, Walking
- Fit: 1/2 Size Up
- Ideal for: Long Distance, Cross Training, Walking
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Nike Vomero 18
About:Get ready for plush excellence with the Nike Vomero 18. This shoe takes comfort to a new level with its ultra-soft ZoomX cushioning and adaptive fit. Ideal for long-distance runners, the Vomero 18 delivers unparalleled shock absorption and a smooth stride, ensuring you can go farther without compromising on ease and protection.
These are the most comfortable shoes for any activity. They are like walking on a pillow!
Things We Liked:
"It’s so nice to have a comfortable shoe as an option to use for working out and/or a leisure day out. "
Areas for Improvement:
"The shoe laces seemed difficult to grab and tie the shoes quickly, as a grab and run."
Final Thoughts
This iteration of the Nike Vomero has significantly improved the shoe's comfort. The cushioning provides both stability and comfort, making it suitable for a wide range of activities. It is particularly recommended for long-distance running due to its lightweight design and foam sole, which facilitates a smooth heel-to-toe transition. The mesh fabric used in the shoe ensures that the feet remain cool.
The Nike Vomero 18 is an excellent choice for daily wear, highly recommended for both short and long runs, as it provides support for any discomfort or previous injuries. This version of the Nike Vomero delivers the excellence behind building a shoe for any physical activity.
Specs:
- Drop: 10 mm
- Weight: 9.3 oz
- Price: $150
- Category: Cushion
- Type: Running - Road
- Fit: True To Size
- Ideal for: Recovery, Long Distance, Race, Cross Training, Trail
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Nike Vaporfly 4
About:The Nike Vaporfly 4 is built for speed and designed to help you smash your records. Featuring the revolutionary ZoomX foam and a full-length carbon fiber plate, this shoe provides an unparalleled energy return for competitive runners seeking peak performance. Sleek, lightweight, and incredibly fast, the Vaporfly 4 is the footwear of choice for elite marathoners around the globe.
This is the best compliment I can give any shoes I receive to review: I would buy these with my own money. Uncompromising speed!
Things We Liked:
"The Vaporfly 4 takes everything incredible about the previous model and makes it even lighter and faster."
"Nike continues to show why they are leading the pack in this super shoe. Crazy light and ultra responsive."
Areas for Improvement:
"If I were desperate to make one nitpicky change, I would fully integrate the tongue like older Vaporfly 4% Flyknits; these were especially great triathlon shoes because they allowed super-quick shoe changes in transition."
Final Thoughts
They’re even lighter than before!
The Vaporfly 3s previously offered best-in-class performance in a shoe that was among the lightest on the market. With the Vaporfly Next% 4, Nike focused on reducing the weight even further without compromising speed or comfort. They managed to shave another 10 grams off the scale by using a lighter foam design, lighter upper materials, and a lighter midsole and outsole. Fresh out of the box, they feel nearly weightless when held in the palm.
Understand that this is a race-day shoe. It’s not a high-mileage daily trainer. The trade-off for making a shoe this light and fast is that longevity isn’t the primary design goal. The outsoles are made of foam, as opposed to a highly durable rubber layer. The mesh uppers are so thin and breathable that they’re see-through. Pull them out of the box on race day, set a PR, and put them back in the box.
What most runners with a goal race in mind may want to know, though, is "How does it compare to the Alphafly 3?" With the higher stack, larger drop, and Air Zoom pods, the Alphafly is a stronger marathon shoe. The Next% 4, on the other hand, certainly feels superior in the mile-to-13.1 distances. Regardless, both models offer the capability to achieve personal bests.
Specs:
- Drop: 6 mm
- Weight: 6.7 oz
- Price: $260
- Category: Race
- Type: Running - Road
- Fit: True To Size
- Ideal for: Races
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Nike Alphafly 3
About:Push the limits of possibility with the Nike Alphafly 3, the ultimate race-day shoe for those who demand top-tier performance. With dual Zoom Air pods, responsive ZoomX foam, and a carbon plate, the Alphafly 3 delivers propulsion like never before, providing an effortless feel with every stride. Designed for speed and durability, this shoe is a game-changer for athletes striving for greatness.
The Alphafly 3 feels like flying—only now, with a gear that sticks the landing.
Things We Liked:
"The smooth, propulsive ride shines across marathon distances, marrying energy return with a newfound sense of control."
"It's hard to describe just how fast and nimble these shoes feel, and it's the complete package from top to bottom. "
Areas for Improvement:
"It’s still an expensive, niche shoe that’s best reserved for race day, limiting its versatility for everyday runners."
"With durability comes additional weight, so it's worth it, but these shoes do become worn pretty quickly. "
Final Thoughts
The Nike Alphafly 3 is the brand’s most refined super shoe yet, evolving its elite-level race day design to be smoother, more stable, and more accessible without compromising the speed that made the original iconic. With a streamlined midsole that better integrates Zoom Air pods, a full-length carbon plate, and ZoomX foam, the Alphafly 3 delivers an explosive toe-off and silky-smooth transitions, especially in the later miles of a race. Nike has also improved the upper with Atomknit 3.0, offering a snug, race-ready fit that breathes well and holds the foot securely without unnecessary weight.
What sets this version apart is the increased stability, something previous Alphafly models struggled with. Runners who previously found the silhouette too wobbly will appreciate the wider platform and better ground feel, especially during cornering or on uneven terrain. While it remains a high-performance shoe, the Alphafly 3 feels slightly more forgiving, making it a strong contender for marathoners across a range of paces. That said, the shoe still leans heavily into the elite end of the spectrum and may not be the best fit for casual racers or those looking for a plush, easy ride.
Specs:
- Drop: 8 mm
- Weight: 7.7 oz
- Price: $285
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Running - Road
- Fit: True To Size
- Ideal for: Speed, Long Distance, Race
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Nike Zoomfly 6
About:Experience the thrill of speed with the Nike Zoomfly 6. Crafted for tempo runs and speed training, this shoe features a streamlined design with lightweight React foam and a responsive full-length plate. The Zoomfly 6 is ideal for runners seeking to build pace and progress toward their race-day goals, all while enjoying a smooth and natural ride.
These shoes look great and feel amazing on your feet. Extremely light and breathable
Things We Liked:
"The shoe is light and has great heel support."
"The rocker geometry and midsole give this shoe a fast feel that has become a consistent feature across the Nike Super Racer group of shoes. "
Areas for Improvement:
"I would extend the great heel support down through the shoe to the toe box. The toe box comfort is a bit lacking compared to the heel."
"Extra padding and foam in the midsole make this shoe a little heavier for a racing shoe. "
Final Thoughts
The Nike Zoom Fly 6 is a step up from basic daily trainers. While it may not provide the same level of excitement as the Vapor Fly and Alpha Fly, the dual-layer midsole, featuring a combination of ZoomX and SR-02 foam, offers a balanced ride. The full-length carbon plate provides responsiveness, making this a great option for tempo runs, long intervals, and marathon-paced efforts. Its rocker geometry facilitates smooth transitions, making it suitable for extended distances. At $170, the Zoom Fly could be a great option for runners seeking a more affordable racing shoe. For more advanced runners, this shoe could get lost in the middle between an everyday trainer and a racer. For those seeking options, this shoe will provide a valuable tool in their arsenal for fast-paced and track training days.
Specs:
- Drop: 8 mm
- Weight: 8.8 oz
- Price: $170
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Running - Road
- Fit: True To Size
- Ideal for: Speed, Long Distance, Race
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Nike Pegasus Trail 5
About:For adventurers who love to explore off the beaten path, the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 is your ideal companion. Combining the versatility of the Pegasus line with rugged trail-specific features, this shoe boasts durable traction, a cushioned midsole, and a water-resistant upper for all-terrain performance. Whether you're tackling rocky trails or muddy paths, the Pegasus Trail 5 is built to go wherever your run takes you.
Stylish shoes that can do it all, and the ones I pack for all of my travels. Whether I'm running in the mountains, on the beach, or in the city, I know the Trail Pegasus 5 is up to the job.
Things We Liked:
" As a stylish shoe that is great on roads, trails, and everywhere between, this is THE shoe to grab when you will be traveling for a month and can only take one pair of shoes!"
"It's nice to have a pair of shoes that have enough cushioning for longer distances, but you don't have to worry about having a second pair of shoes for shorter distance runs. "
Areas for Improvement:
"I found myself rolling or near-rolling my ankles in these more than usual. While they perform "well-enough" on even the most technical trails, a few improvements to the grip on the outsole, and perhaps a slightly firmer midsole and/or add a rock plate, if it could be done without increasing the weight too much, then these would be all stars."
"I felt like the upper part of the shoe had a little too much cushioning, and at times could feel like my heel was sliding around in the heel cup. "
Final Thoughts
The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 strikes an impressive balance between comfort, versatility, and trail-readiness, making it a good option for runners who like to transition between road and trail. Its ReactX foam midsole provides a noticeably softer and more responsive run than previous versions, while still maintaining enough structure for uneven surfaces. The shoe’s outsole features multi-directional lugs that offer decent grip on gravel, dirt, and mildly technical terrain, though it may fall short in slippery or muddy conditions.
One of the standout features of the Pegasus Trail 5 is its adaptability. It’s cushioned enough for long runs and light enough for faster efforts, making it ideal for everyday training, hybrid runs, or casual hiking. While it may not be the top pick for highly technical trails or ultra distances, it excels in comfort and all-around performance for the majority of runners. Overall, it’s a dependable, do-it-all trail shoe for runners who need versatility and comfort in varied environments.
Specs:
- Drop: 9.5 mm
- Weight: 10.5 oz
- Price: $150
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Running - Trail
- Fit: True To Size
- Ideal for: Speed, Recovery, Long Distance, Race, Cross Training, Trail
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Nike Motiva
About:For adventurers who love to explore off the beaten path, the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 is your ideal companion. Combining the versatility of the Pegasus line with rugged trail-specific features, this shoe boasts durable traction, a cushioned midsole, and a water-resistant upper for all-terrain performance. Whether you're tackling rocky trails or muddy paths, the Pegasus Trail 5 is built to go wherever your run takes you.
These are fun shoes to try out as the unusual rocking motion inspires you to try different strides, foot strikes, and speeds. Slip them on and rock on!
Things We Liked:
"This shoe is very comfortable out of the box with good cushioning."
"With multiple shoes on the market, the Nike Motiva stands out with its high-stack cushioning and unique wavy sole that acts as a shock absorber."
Areas for Improvement:
"The tongue was a bit on the short side for me."
"The exaggerated rocker, a defining part of the shoe, feels very unnatural at first when walking, but particularly when running. I thought that I would get used to the motion, but not being a heel striker, this never happened, so I would prefer an option on the shoe with a less noticeable rocking motion."
Final Thoughts
The Nike Motiva walking shoe stands out for its plush, thick cushioning that provides a soft, almost cloud-like feel underfoot, making it an excellent option for those seeking comfort during long walks or busy days on their feet. Its modern design is eye-catching, with a sleek silhouette and a variety of vibrant color options that appeal to a wide range of styles.
On the downside, like many other Nike models, the Motiva may run small, so be sure to check the sizing for the best fit. Additionally, the shoe’s rocker sole—designed to promote a smooth heel-to-toe transition—can feel a bit unusual at first. While most users adjust quickly, it might take a few wears to get fully comfortable with the unique motion it encourages. Overall, the Motiva is a stylish, well-cushioned choice for walkers.
Specs:
- Drop: 9 mm
- Weight: 12.16 oz
- Price: $110
- Category: Cushion
- Type: Walking
- Fit: True To Size
- Ideal for: Walking, Light Hiking
Buy:
Women's | Men's