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.
Diadora Gara Carbon 2
Diadora Gara Carbon 2
About:When it comes to both performance and style, the Diadora Gara Carbon 2 sets a new standard for athletic footwear. Crafted for athletes who demand more from their gear, this shoe combines cutting-edge technology with Italian craftsmanship to deliver a robust and reliable choice. Whether chasing quick volleys or striving for precision during intense matches, the Gara Carbon 2 is engineered to handle the demands of modern sports with ease.
At the heart of the Gara Carbon 2 is its advanced carbon overlay design, providing superior stability and shock absorption without compromising speed. Its lightweight yet durable construction is tailored for athletes who maximize agility, minimize fatigue, and stay comfortable throughout extended play. Built to carry you through your toughest matches, this dynamic shoe ensures that your focus remains on your performance, not on your footwear. Read on to explore what makes the Diadora Gara Carbon 2 a standout in sportswear innovation.
PR's will be broken in these. The reactivity propels you forward!
Things We Liked:
"The carbon plate is a great addition to these shoes, but it doesn't sacrifice the comfort."
"The Gara Carbon 2's have a well-designed upper that prevents your foot from overheating."
Areas for Improvement:
"Would love to see an extra lace hole so I can lace lock these."
"A bit wider toe box would help"
Final Thoughts
The Diadora Gara Carbon 2's were made to have PR's broken. You won't go slowly in these shoes, even if you wanted to. The reactivity with the carbon plate is unmatched. The cushioning can provide the comfort you need while taking these for a short speed run versus a 1/2 to full marathon. Those with wider feet or who prefer a wider toe box may want to consider sizing up slightly, but the fit is great. Diadora is making a splash with their running shoes. They are on the pricier side, but for those of you chasing your PRs or qualifying for a particular race, these could be the ones.
Specs:
- Drop: 5 mm
- Weight: 8.11 oz
- Price: $300
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Running - Road
- Fit: True To Size
- Ideal for: Road, Race
Buy:
Unisex
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