2 min readWE LOVE SNEAKERS. It’s a wearing a different pair every day, memorizing design specs, tracking release dates for the best new models. We don’t love shoes so much because we’re hypebeasts (if you want to get caught up in that excitement, more power to you); it’s because we understand just how important what we put on our feet can be for our lives.
The shoes we lace up every day can serve so many purposes beyond just giving our soles some support: They can help to make us more efficient runners, provide just the right platform to nail a deep squat in the gym, or simply add the right detail to match our favorite outfit perfectly. The sneaker is function, fashion, and fun, rolled up in one garment.
So when it comes to identifying and recommending the best of the best in the sneaker world, we take our job extremely seriously. Over the past year, our team at Men’s Health—including fashion and fitness editors, professional trainers, freelance gear writers, and more—collaborated to test dozens of pairs of (mostly) new-for-2025 footwear. To be clear: Award-worthy means more than just stylish or comfortable—it means a sneaker that does its job exceptionally well. That’s how we landed on a diverse list of the best, from breakthroughs like Adidas’s Adizero Evo SL, the industry-consensus best running shoe of the moment, to throwbacks like the Puma Speedcat OG, a low-slung nod to F1 that rolls from weekend errands to nights out without missing a beat. Those are just two picks on a list that spans strength training, hiking, pickleball, and more.
JUMP TO:
RUNNING
TRAIL/HIKING
TRAINING
ACTIVITY
LIFESTYLE
WORK
We’ve tested plenty of overpowered supershoes that are incredible for faster runners but too much for folks outside the front of the pack (notably, our other super shoe pick on the list). Hoka’s update to the Rocket X line strikes the perfect balance: speed without too much propulsion, a much more wearable mesh upper, and a smoother ride at slower paces.
Maxed-out midsoles have become the norm in running lately, and if you ask us, Brooks’s thicc bois are the best of the best. The key is the brand’s DNA Tuned cushion, which features a mix of nitrogen-infused foam cells placed to respond to your stride. The result on the road is max comfort and energy return—in other words, maximally enjoyable runs.
Nike tuned up this super trainer with a generous stack of its ZoomX foam (the not-so-secret sauce behind its celebrated Alphafly and Vaporfly racers), making a light, propulsive shoe for your fastest workout sessions. For some runners—especially anyone looking for something under $200—the Zoom Fly 6 can serve as a solid option for race day too.
This shoe is simply fun to run in. The brand’s new midsole foam is light and bouncy, but it’s not stacked so high at 32 mm that you feel like you’re on a platform, which is the case for some recent trainers. As always, Altra’s generous FootShape toe box leaves plenty of room to splay out the toes and stay comfortable on the road.
Barefoot brand Vivo’'s lightest running shoe yet (5.3 ounces) provides more midsole cushion than you’d expect (4 mm of it, to be exact), along with the wide toebox, flexible fit, and ground connection you do. Just make sure you acclimate before jumping into barefoot running.
The FloatZig 2 is the type of responsive, highly cushioned shoe every runner needs in their arsenal; we loved its surprisingly stable foam stack for everything from easy miles to tempo work. The best feature might just be the $120 price tag, the best bang-for-your-buck deal currently available in running.
At just 7.9 ounces, the Adizero Evo SL is one of the lighter daily trainers you’'ll find. Every Men’'s Health editor who has worn these for extended periods has had the same thing to say: These really are damn nice to run in. The Lightstrike Pro midsole cushioning provides good amounts of energy return and comfort. And the mesh upper ensures your feet never get too overheated. The 6 mm midsole drop allows for a more natural gait cycle, but really this shoe accommodates a wide variety of runners and running styles.
Speed is the name of the game with this premium supershoe, which we initially tried in Puma’s development lab. After more runs on the road, we can’t deny the Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 is the real deal. If you’re already running fast, this highly efficient racer could be your key to a PR.
Design and function are in harmony in this versatile hiker, which has the chops to take on trails—Merrell’s SpeedARC midsole provides propulsion with each step, and a Vibram Megagrip outsole keeps your steps stable on any terrain—while also looking flat-out cool with its urban streetstyle aesthetic. They’ve become one of our go-to pairs for everything from dog walks and park days to throwing a big fit.
Comfort might not be your first concern on the trail—support and grippy outsoles are key off-road—but this update to Nike’s stable has those features plus a plush ride, thanks to the healthy stack of ReactX foam. We’ve enjoyed our trail runs and hikes wearing the shoes, but we’ve worn them casually almost as much since they’re so cushy.
These slip-ons shouldn’t be your go-to hiking shoes, but they’re not meant to be; they’re designed for climbers’ quick approaches, since they’re so easy to slip on and off. But they’re seriously comfortable and surprisingly rugged, with a Vibram Megagrip outsole. We like them for casual hikes and as the all-important camp sneaker, easy to step into straight out of your tent.
These trail runners have a pedigree—the brand was cofounded by champion ultrarunner Kilian Jornet as a certified B corp—that’s backed up by performance and a genuinely unique look and feel. The TPE upper provides a good fit and lockdown, while the midsole’s super-critical foam (dubbed EExpure) delivers a responsive ride. That, and they look damn cool on and off the trail.
Hoka went all out to make this trail runner, stuffing it full of performance tech (a carbon fiber plate, Peba foam, super-thick treads)—but the real story here is the 49 mm midsole stack height. That handled the conditions we ran in shockingly well, cushioning joints over the long haul. There‘s a bit of a learning curve with this much foam on tough terrain, but once you get acclimated, the miles roll by.
Danner has long been a name for rugged, hard-wearing hiking boots. But the N45 is one of the comfiest and lightest (13.5 ounces per shoe) hiking shoes we’ve tested in the past few years. The energy-absorbing EnduroFoam midsole combined with the ultra-breezy Perspair upper make this the best hiking shoe we’ve worn this year. We've tested it on gravel, mountain, and boulder terrain and it's excelled everywhere. The one thing it isn’t great at is water, as it lacks waterproofing. So while you won’t be able to wear it for every hike, you’ll certainly want to for all its other incredible features.
While it is far from the most technical trail-running shoe, the Terrex Agravic 3 is a great option for those just getting into the pursuit or more casual trail enthusiasts. The user-friendly design still delivers on comfort thanks to the Lightstrike cushioning and grip from the combination of a 4 mm lug system and a Continental Rubber outsole. A TPU stabilization plate also helps deliver steadiness on most terrains, along with some responsiveness. We’ve pushed it a bit this year, and while it does have previously mentioned limits, it’s a great entry point into the sport.
This barefoot-style cross-trainer might not be as flashy or pricey as other options out there, but through extensive testing we’ve found that it strikes just the right balance between flexibility and structure. The 360 provides the groundfeel and wide toebox that barefoot enthusiasts love, along with reinforced sections on the toe caps and lateral and medial sides for rough-and-tumble activities like rope climbs.
On brings its responsive CloudTec cushion to the gym, along with fitness-friendly features like a wider toebox and lockdown lacing. There’s still enough running DNA in the Cloudpulse to make it the ideal cross-trainer for workouts that move from the tread to the weight floor.
R.A.D. has burst onto the fitness scene over the past few years, and the second version of the brand’s shoe makes it clear why. The V2 is a versatile trainer that can handle everything from heavy lifts to plyos and rope climbing—we particularly appreciate the wide profile and SwellFoam midsole, which is responsive without being overly springy.
The Dropset is designed for serious training, but the main takeaway we had from our testing was how ridiculously light and breathable this shoe is while still providing a stable, structured base for heavyweight lifts.
Dwayne Johnson’s latest signature shoe is the Goldilocks of trainers, with just enough cushion to support you on runs, forefoot freedom for jumps and hops, and stability for deadlifts, squats, and other moves. A bonus: You can slip in and out of them without even undoing the laces (depending on the workout, of course).
Meet the perfect entry-level gym shoe. Reebok’s budget Nano delivers a flexible forefoot (perfect for skater hops and burpees) and just enough heel stability for your big lifts—all in a running shoe’s silhouette that wouldn’t look out of place in a boxing, CrossFit, or Zumba class.
Traditional-style golf shoes tend to be all about support—comfort and flexibility are not really a consideration. But Sun Day Red, Tiger Woods’s brand, decided to merge that classic on-course support with all the technical comforts of modern shoes. The result is the Pioneer Cypress soft spike shoe, which provides traction all over the course, delivers lasting comfort thanks to an EVA midsole, and needs zero break-in time thanks to the supple premium waterproof leather upper. While pricey, the Pioneer Cypress offers locked-in stability and truly nails the modern take on the classic golf shoe silhouette.
If spikeless golf shoes are all you’ve ever worn on the course, you’re missing out on the enhanced traction and ground force that soft spikes can provide. In 2025 there’s no better example of this than the FootJoy HyperFlex. One of the more technical golf shoes we’ve worn in the past year, it has a breathable knit and a supportive StratoFoam midsole, mimicking the running and walking shoes we’re all accustomed to wearing. Add the six-spike system and you’ve got a golf shoe built for just about anyone’s needs.
Pickleball shoes are a lot like tennis shoes (although they need to hold up on indoor courts as well). The Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickler is a continuation of the brand’s Rush Pro Ace all-court tennis shoe. The first thing to notice about the Rush Pro Ace Pickler is the padding and comfort—there is plush cushioning to hug your feet while still supporting lateral movement. The rubber drag pad on the toebox makes it really hold up to the wear and tear of the toughest matches. And the midsole foam offers up rebound for dynamic play. These are great for any player, anywhere.
If you’re just getting into pickleball, you don’t want to be dropping $200 on a pair of shoes. A great budget pick is the Asics Gel-Renma, which utilizes the brand’s legendary gel technology in the forefoot to soften impact and aid absorption. And the outsole flex grooves and wider gauge help increase flexibility for multidirectional movement. These are the ones we recommend to anyone new to the sport or those who prefer a low-cost option that’s still going to hold up.
This ultra-affordable entry from New Balance is perfect for anyone who relies on quick cuts and Euro steps. The midsole offers plenty of cushion, and the outsole stays responsive whether you’re moving laterally on defense during a game or working through V-cut drills during a practice.
The 40th edition of MJ’s signature shoe marries an old-school look to an extra-cushiony full-length ZoomX foam. The end result: A supremely versatile on-court product that feels tailor-made for high fliers and shot blockers (but still responsive enough for guards too).
The ninth iteration of the GEL-1000 series has become a certified streetwear staple, boasting metallic detailing and mesh underlays for maximum breathability. A durable rubber outsole and squishy heel cushioning cap things off for all-day comfort.
Racing shoe turned style legend, PUMA has stuck to the formula for off-track swagger. The Speedcat OG keeps its motorsport DNA with pit lane-inspired detailing and smooth suede finishes. With each wear, its slipper-like fit molds comfortably to your foot.
A razor-sharp shape and premium layers make Onitsuka Tiger’s Mexico 66 SD VIN an easy go-to, but hidden inside is a soft heel wedge and a springy insole that make this more than a fashion play. It’s a sneaker that holds up—whether you’re clocking miles or flexing fits.
Some things never get old—one of them would be the soccer-casual hybrid Adidas Samba OG. The ultimate footwear superstar earned its stripes with suede paneling, supple leather, and a traction-ready gum bottom that can handle any setting.
Simple yet sleek, Axel Arigato’s Daze Runner has that designer polish up top and just enough attitude to anchor wide-leg trousers or elevate a simple tee-and-jeans fit. Its low-profile sole features a knitted-style texture that adds visual depth and better grip.
New Balance’s 530 is powered by a special midsole that absorbs impact from every step in your day-to-day life. Its upper design combines ventilated mesh, synthetics, and dynamic curves for a futuristic profile that looks fast and feels even better.
The simplicity of Koio’s Capri is the sneaker’s superpower. Clean design, luxe leather, and tech-foam cushioning make it a wear-anywhere essential that works for everything from coffee runs to casual Fridays.
Lightweight and responsive, Nike’s Zoom Vomero 5 delivers soft landings and springy takeoffs thanks to built-in air cushioning. Originally designed for high-mileage runs, it’s now a daily staple for commutes, errands, and everyday wear.
Classic, modern, and versatile, Original Achilles sneakers have the magic to pair just as easily with tailoring as they do with denim. The Common Projects silhouette is a minimalist icon. These are crafted in Italy with buttery leather, tonal stitching, and that signature gold-stamped heel.
A dress sneaker with the pared-back finish of Italian craftsmanship is always a smart office choice. The Netto Due from M. Gemi pairs hand-painted leather, waxed cotton laces, and a memory foam footbed for a look that’s refined and a feel that lasts all day.
Dual-density foam and a padded insole bring lasting support to the Abbott slip-on, a no-fuss style built to handle busy days and long-hour standing shifts with ease.
This lace-up number is sharp enough for punching the clock and grabbing dinner afterward. Suede and premium leather bring long-term durability with a polished edge, finished with a gum sole that gets the job done—even on sticky floors.
Timberland’s Radius Toe Work sneaker combines job-site durability with sneaker-level comfort. The composite safety toe protects your foot, while an abrasion-resistant upper, Anti-Fatigue technology, and a slip-resistant outsole keep you steady and supported.
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Brett Williams, NASM-CPT, PES, a senior editor at Men's Health, is a certified trainer and former pro football player and tech reporter. You can find his work elsewhere at Mashable, Thrillist, and other outlets.
As the Style and Reviews Editor for Men's Health, Joseph covers all-things fashion and grooming. Previously, Cheatham was a commerce editor for Spy, and he has written for Travel + Leisure.
