Our favourite running gear from 2025

If you are looking for a versatile up-tempo training and racing shoe, you need to check out the Adizero EVO SL.

Built with a full-length Lightstrike Pro superfoam midsole, the Adizero EVO SL delivers an almost perfect blend of cushioning and responsiveness, making it an ideal choice for any running distance. Adidas has spec’d a 39-mm heel stack with a 33-mm forefoot stack, resulting in a 6-mm drop. These numbers deliver very balanced performance while still remaining legal (40-mm stack height or less) for more formal sanctioned running events.

Up top, Adidas has spec’d a simple and lightweight engineered mesh upper that provides excellent breathability and conforms to your foot. Runners with wide feet will also appreciate the roomy forefoot and toe box, but should keep in mind that the shoes tend to run true to size. Underneath, the Adizero EVO SL sports a thin, minimalist Continental rubber outsole that has been formulated to provide solid traction on various paved surfaces. Finally, it’s worth noting that the EVO SL weighs in at a very feathery 230 grams–surprisingly light when you consider the performance and plushness that this shoe delivers.

Looking for a daily-training shoe that has plenty of cushioning while retaining enough pop for faster training? Check out the Asics Novablast 5.

Asics has updated the midsole (FF Blast Max foam), resulting in a bouncy ride that you’ll appreciate on runs of any distance. The upper has also been updated with a unique jacquard mesh that is noticeably more breathable while providing a secure foot-conforming fit. Asics has maintained the height from the previous model: 41.5 mm in the heel and 33.5 mm in the forefoot for the men’s, while the women’s is 40.5 mm/32.5 mm. These numbers nudge the Novablast 5 into maximalist territory, which contributes to the shoe’s plush ride. It’s also worth noting that the outsole uses the same geometric, trampoline-inspired shape as the previous model, which was a hit with many runners.

If you are looking for a fast, well-cushioned daily trainer with a bouncy ride, check out the Novablast 5.

Winter Gear

It’s now widely acknowledged that merino wool is an excellent material for technical outdoor clothing. Not only does it not retain odours (unlike many synthetics), it also tends to have a wider temperature comfort range, as well as excellent moisture-management properties. With the Intraknit Thermal Merino Base Layer top, Smartwool supercharges the material’s performance by blending it with 44 per cent polyester and three per cent Elastane. The result is improved durability, fit and overall performance that runners will appreciate.

Smartwool also adds strategic, seamlessly knit mesh ventilation panels, allowing excess heat and perspiration to escape. This versatile body-conforming top can be used alone in milder conditions or as part of a layering system when temperatures drop.

The Smartwool Smartloft Hybrid Jacket may be the ideal cold-weather running jacket. Smartwool starts by employing a wind-resistant yet highly breathable front panel that’s insulated with 50 per cent recycled wool. This construction delivers plenty of core warmth when running in cold weather.

To prevent overheating, the back panel and sleeves are built with a polyester/merino/Elastane fabric blend that is warm, highly breathable and has enough stretch to allow for easy movement. This hybrid construction ensures runners remain warm, dry and comfortable in challenging weather.

Other details worth noting include three pockets for storing small essentials and thumbhole wrist cuffs for additional hand warmth and to block out drafts. This is a very intelligently designed winter running jacket.

Built with a blend of merino wool and Tencel Lyocell, the Active Beanie is perfect for cool-weather running. The beanie’s sophisticated fabric delivers exceptional moisture management, resists odours and offers a broad temperature comfort range. Thanks to its lightweight fabric, you can put the beanie on at the start of your run, and if it gets milder, you can easily tuck it into a pocket.

At first glance, the Smartwool Active Fleece Gloves look like many other lightweight running gloves. However, these gloves actually have a number of unique and sophisticated features, making them a top choice for winter running.

The most compelling detail has to be the fabric that Smartwool has spec’d–a soft merino wool on the inside with a durable and weather-resistant recycled polyester on the outside. The combination plays to each textile’s strength, creating a glove that exceeds the performance of either individual fabric. Other notable details include silicone grippers on the palm and fingers, touchscreen-compatible thumb and fingertips and reflective highlights for additional visibility when running in low-light conditions.

Summer Gear (because it’s never too early)

Runners seeking a lightweight and highly breathable top for warm running conditions or indoor training will love the Salomon Sense Aero Graphic. Salomon uses a unique engineered fabric that features 37.5 Technology for exceptional thermoregulation and, in turn, comfort in warm weather. Runners will also appreciate the shirt’s minimalist, glued-seam construction, which reduces chafing during longer runs. Finally, Salomon adds an antimicrobial treatment that prevents odour build-up, allowing runners to wear the shirt multiple times between washes.

The S/LAB product line has always been designed to represent the pinnacle of Salomon’s design and manufacturing skills, and these shorts live up to that heritage. Weighing just 60 grams, with a 3-inch inseam, and using an ultralight stretch fabric, these shorts will not hold you back as you sprint to the finish line.

And while there is no escaping the minimalist purpose-driving construction of these shorts, Salomon still manages to add a number of subtle, nice-to-have details–for example, the addition of Salomon’s 37.5 Technology, which provides exceptional thermoregulation in warm conditions. Salomon also uses glued seams, which reduce bulk and weight and help eliminate chafing. Finally, one small side pocket is perfectly sized to accommodate an energy gel, ID or key.

As with other pieces in the Active Lined program, these shorts feature a unique stretch-woven exterior fabric and a merino wool and Tencel Lyocell blend liner. The combination ensures easy movement while minimizing the odour issues that frequently arise with some synthetic fabrics. The shorts’ 3” inseam is ideal for more competitive runners who want greater freedom of movement during races and fast workouts. Yet, unlike some more Spartan, purely race-oriented offerings, Smartwool has included a flattering drawcord-adjustable waistband, as well as a small drop-in pocket and a zippered pocket.

The Salomon Sense Aero 5″ shorts are the perfect addition to any runner’s wardrobe.

Salomon has spec’d a classic 5″ inseam and mated it to their Active Fit construction and 4-way stretch fabric, ensuring unrestricted movement during long, easy runs, as well as more spirited interval workouts. The shorts also feature Salomon’s micro-perforated Aerotech fabric, which offers superb breathability and comfort in warm conditions. Salomon employs a low-profile elastic waistband that minimizes chafing and provides a secure fit.

Finally, a simple, easy-to-access front pocket offers ideal storage for an energy gel, credit card or ID. These are great workhorse shorts at a very reasonable price and should be part of every runner’s clothing collection.

The GoCap Comp Century is a classic cap elevated with upgraded materials, incredible cooling, and a dialed‑in fit.

Its foundation is a lightweight, recycled Flexweave woven fabric that delivers stretch comfort and UPF 50+ sun protection. This is paired with fast-drying and inti-odor materials across the top, sides, and headband to give it even more utility in hot conditions.

The GoCap Century comes in three sizes, making it easier for runners to find a truly secure, comfortable fit.

If that doesn’t sell you, we love that it’s backed by the brand’s Million Miles Guarantee, so you know you’re getting a quality product.

The Run Ankle Socks hit the sweet spot for most winter runners; they provide additional ankle coverage and warmth than lower-cut socks, without the bulk associated with crew-height offerings. As with almost all Smartwool socks, these feature Indestructawool construction technology for exceptional durability, as well as Smartwool’s 4 Degree elite fit system for a foot-hugging fit. The addition of targeted cushioning zones and mesh panels ensures additional comfort and breathability during long runs.

Products reviewed in this article: