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.
Brooks Ghost 17
Brooks Glycerin 22
Brooks Ghast Max SE & L
Brooks Catamount 4
Brooks Caldera 8
Brooks Ghost 17
About: The Brooks Ghost 17 delivers a smooth, reliable ride that runners have come to love. This versatile neutral running shoe features DNA LOFT v2 cushioning, offering a softer, lighter feel with every stride. Whether you're tackling a daily 5K or embarking on a long-distance run, the Ghost 17 offers the perfect balance of comfort and responsiveness. Its durable outsole and refined upper ensure peak performance mile after mile, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned runners.
The Ghost 17 isn’t trying to turn heads—it’s quietly clocking miles while your flashier shoes sit on the shelf.
Things We Liked:
"The plush yet responsive cushioning strikes a sweet balance for everyday miles without feeling sluggish."
"This shoe is comfortable with well-balanced cushioning and a structured heel that provides support I appreciate as a heel striker."
Areas for Improvement:
"The shoe could benefit from a more modern, energetic feel to match today’s more dynamic daily trainers."
"I would look into the mesh tongues to add to breathability."
Final Thoughts
The Brooks Ghost 17 continues the legacy of one of the most beloved daily trainers by staying true to what runners love—reliable cushioning, a smooth ride, and all-day comfort. This version doesn’t reinvent the wheel but offers subtle yet meaningful improvements that enhance the shoe’s versatility. The introduction of the DNA Loft v3 midsole foam brings a more responsive and slightly bouncier feel underfoot without sacrificing the Ghost’s hallmark softness. Combined with a breathable engineered mesh upper and a secure fit, it’s an easy choice for everything from easy miles to longer runs.
Durability and consistency are where the Ghost 17 shines. The outsole remains grippy and long-lasting, while the ride feels stable and predictable mile after mile. It’s not flashy, but that’s the point—it’s a dependable shoe for runners who value comfort over trends. That said, runners seeking a more exciting or lively ride may find the Ghost a bit too conservative, especially when compared to some newer, more energetic trainers on the market.
Specs:
- Drop: 10 mm
- Weight: 9.8 oz
- Price: $150
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Running - Road
- Fit: True To Size
- Ideal for: Recovery, Long Distance
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Brooks Glycerin 22
About:When long-distance comfort is a priority, look no further than the Brooks Glycerin 22. Designed with maximum cushioning, this shoe utilizes the plush DNA LOFT foam for a soft and luxurious underfoot feel. Engineered to handle endurance training or everyday recovery runs, the Glycerin 22 wraps your feet in a supportive and breathable mesh upper. With its plush interior and adaptive support, this model is designed to elevate your comfort to the next level, regardless of how far you run.
These shoes are a dream as you feel like you're walking on clouds.
Things We Liked:
"It's nice to have a pair of everyday shoes that I can wear in all seasons, whether exercising, walking the dog, or running errands."
"A soft yet supportive shoe that makes distance running enjoyable."
Areas for Improvement:
"While I appreciate the extra padding on the back of the heel, it did take quite a few days to get the shoe worked in and just right because the shoe was initially so tight around my ankles. I also had to loosen up the laces to allow my foot to move around."
"The tread on the bottom of the shoe is not aggressive enough for wet city pavement. Running on the different types of smooth pavement provided varying degrees of traction and stability in wet environments. The tread is fine for suburban asphalt and concrete. However, decorative concrete in city centers can be slippery."
Final Thoughts
Brooks built an ultra-soft shoe that is supportive and attractive even for those runners who may hesitate to break from a traditional, firmer running shoe. The nitrogen-infused cushion exhibits a different reaction time when used while running versus standing. The noticeable difference in shock absorption is apparent as a walk turns into a run. Don’t expect to break speed or time records while wearing these shoes, as the softness will absorb some of the energy. However, this is offset by the relief of the leg joints. Allow a little extra time for the body to adapt to balancing on the ultra-soft sole, but after a few miles, they are comfortable, steady, and enjoyable.
Ultra-soft does not mean the shoes are bulky or stuffy. They have good breathability and are lightweight, weighing 10.7 oz. Sometimes, it is too breathable, as running during a cool, damp morning will cut through the shoe and transfer right to a sock. The tread on the bottom is minimal, so road imperfections on a shallow stride won’t trip up the runner, but running on city sidewalks where the pavement is smooth can be slippery when wet. Overall, the shoes are comfortable, stable, breathable, and have a charming appearance.
Specs:
- Drop: 10 mm
- Weight: 9.1 oz
- Price: $165
- Category: Cushion
- Type: Running - Road
- Fit: True To Size
- Ideal for: Recovery, Long Distance, Walking
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Brooks Ghost Max SE & L
About:The Brooks Ghost Max was built for runners seeking both enhanced stability and cushioning. With its extended midsole geometry, this shoe offers impressive support for longer runs or uneven terrains. Pairing DNA LOFT cushioning with a wide platform design, the Ghost Max ensures a secure and confident stride every step of the way. From casual jogs to endurance challenges, this shoe delivers a reliable and consistent running experience for those who value comfort and control.
These shoes provide effortless feelings of walking on air!
Things We Liked:
"Amazing running shoes, lightweight and comfortable."
"Comfort, they are so lightweight, you don’t even realize you have a pair of shoes on. "
Areas for Improvement:
"Add a heel loop to ease the shoe on. "
"This shoe is bulky so that a slimmer shoe would be better."
Final Thoughts
The Brooks Ghost Max L walking shoe delivers an exceptionally comfortable experience right out of the box, making it a great choice for long walks or all-day wear. With a generously roomy toe box, your feet have plenty of space, helping to reduce discomfort during extended use. The leather upper adds a touch of durability and provides solid support while maintaining a polished look. Whether hitting the pavement or strolling through the city, the cushioned midsole makes each step feel soft and supportive.
However, one drawback is the shoe’s bulkier profile. It's noticeably thicker and heavier than other walking shoes on the market, which might not appeal to those who prefer a more minimal design. That said, the style has surprisingly resonated with younger users, who have commented on the modern, streetwear-friendly aesthetic. Despite the heft, the Ghost Max L blends comfort and style in a modern way while keeping feet happy.
Specs:
- Drop: 6 mm
- Weight: 10 oz
- Price: $160
- Category: Cushion
- Type: Running - Road, Walking
- Fit: True To Size
- Ideal for: Cross Training, Recovery, Long Distance, Walking
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Brooks Catamount 4
About:Ever dreamt of conquering trails with confidence? The Brooks Catamount 4 is your go-to trail running shoe. It is packed with DNA FLASH cushioning and delivers a fast, lightweight ride, even over technical terrains. Its rugged outsole provides exceptional grip, ensuring stability on muddy, rocky, or uneven trails. Built to handle rugged adventures without sacrificing comfort, the Catamount 4 is perfect for trail enthusiasts craving speed without compromise.
This is a great shoe for most runners seeking decent rock protection and moderate cushioning on the trail.
Things We Liked:
"Very impressed with the stability and cushioning of this shoe."
"It's great to have a little more cushion in this version without feeling too mushy!"
Areas for Improvement:
"The SkyVault carbon plate is full-length, which means less sole flexibility. "
"I would add a little more arch to the shoe and dial in the mid-foot fit better. "
Final Thoughts
I genuinely enjoyed putting miles on these shoes. The nitrogen-infused DNA Flash v2 cushioning and the SkyVault technology make this a versatile shoe that can withstand longer runs. The knobby tread makes getting up and down a breeze. And speaking of breeze, the mesh upper is airy and doesn't weigh the shoe down.
The fit is true to size and hugs your foot nicely. The padding around the ankle and heel is not overly thick, providing comfort without blistering or irritation.
Specs:
- Drop: 6 mm
- Weight: 9.5 oz
- Price: $170
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Running - Trail
- Fit: True To Size
- Ideal for: Speed, Long Distance, Race, Cross Training, Trail
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Brooks Caldera 8
About:For ultra-running or all-day adventures, the Brooks Caldera 8 takes the crown with its exceptional cushioning and durable design. Engineered with nitrogen-injected DNA LOFT v3 foam, this shoe strikes a balance between softness and responsiveness to keep your feet comfortable over long distances. The Caldera 8 also features a grippy outsole and a secure upper, making it easy to handle challenging terrains. Whether you're exploring forest paths or racing through mountain trails, this trail runner ensures you stay supported mile after mile.
The Brooks Caldera 8 cradles your stride in cloud-soft comfort, yet holds its ground like a mountain lion on the move — built for runners who refuse to choose between plush and power
Things We Liked:
"The incredible combination of cushioning and stability without feeling heavy."
Areas for Improvement:
"While the Caldera 8 handles dry trails, buffed paths, and rocky surfaces well, its outsole lugs aren't as deep or sharp as on more aggressive trail shoes. This can make the Caldera feel slightly underpowered in wet, muddy, or very loose technical conditions where you need serious traction."
Final Thoughts
The ASICS Gel Kayano 20 is a reliable, supportive running shoe designed for long-distance runners who need stability and cushioning. It features ASICS' renowned Gel technology in both the forefoot and heel, offering excellent shock absorption and comfort over extended runs. The shoe’s lightweight construction and a durable yet responsive midsole provide a smooth ride. The upper design offers a snug, secure fit, making it ideal for runners with moderate to severe overpronation.
This shoe is particularly well-suited for marathons, half-marathons, and other races that require consistent, supportive cushioning over multiple miles. Its stability and comfort make it a go-to for runners prioritizing injury prevention and needing long-lasting performance throughout their race. However, it may feel too cushioned for those who prefer a more minimalist, faster-paced feel.
Specs:
- Drop: 6 mm
- Weight: 10.6 oz
- Price: $150
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Running - Trail
- Fit: True To Size
- Ideal for: Trails
Buy:
Women's | Men's