Stepping into Summer: The Latest and Greatest Running Shoes Hitting Shelves (May - July 2025)

For all you pounding the pavements and conquering the trails, the running shoe landscape is looking rather exciting! Here at Sundried, we've been keeping a keen eye on the latest drops and the hotly anticipated arrivals from the big players - Nike, Adidas, Puma, Skechers, New Balance, ASICS, Under Armour, On Running, Hoka, Brooks, and Salomon. Get ready to lace up in some seriously innovative footwear, as we delve into the key trends shaping your next pair of runners.

What's the Buzz? Key Trends on the Tarmac and Trails:

We're seeing a few themes really taking hold in the running shoe world right now:

• Maximum Plushness: Comfort is still king (or should we say, ruler?). Brands are continuing to push the boundaries of cushioning to keep your legs feeling fresh mile after mile.
• Supercharged Foam: Expect to see more and more shoes boasting "supercritical" foams. These fancy materials offer a delightful blend of bounce and energy return, making your strides feel a bit more springy.
• Performance Meets Pavement Style: Some brands are cleverly merging high-tech features with designs that wouldn't look out of place down the high street.
• Carbon Fibre for More: What was once reserved for elite racers is now trickling down, with carbon plates appearing in more accessible shoe categories, giving everyday runners that extra bit of propulsion.
• Upper Innovation: Shoe uppers are getting smarter, with new materials and constructions aiming for the perfect balance of breathability, support, and a snug fit.

Right, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and see what each brand has been up to!

Nike: From Ingebrigtsen's Speed to Premium Comfort

Nike's recent activity shows they're catering to everyone from the track star to the weekend warrior. The Jakob A. Ingebrigtsen x Nike Running Collection (Released May 15th) is a prime example. This collaboration with the Norwegian maestro brings a touch of his winning pedigree to several models:

• The Nike Pegasus 41 Jakob A. Ingebrigtsen likely offers the reliable versatility of the standard Pegasus, now with a special colourway for fans. The Pegasus is a proper workhorse, good for all sorts of road running.
• For speed demons, the Nike Zoom Victory 2 Jakob A. Ingebrigtsen track spike is built for racing, keeping things light and grippy on the track.
• Tempo runs and faster sessions are the domain of the Nike Zoom Fly 6 Jakob A. Ingebrigtsen, probably with a responsive midsole to help you pick up the pace.
• At the sharp end of road racing, the Nike Vaporfly NEXT% 4 Jakob A. Ingebrigtsen continues the Vaporfly legacy, known for its bouncy ZoomX foam and propulsive carbon plate - a favourite for marathons and halfs.
• Finally, the Nike Dragonfly 2 Elite Jakob A. Ingebrigtsen is a top-tier track spike for serious racers, prioritising minimal weight and an aggressive spike plate.

Nike also dropped the Nike React Pegasus Trail 5 Gore-Tex SP (Released May 1st) in earthy Mink Brown and crisp Summit White. This one's for the trail aficionados, featuring a Gore-Tex membrane to keep your feet dry when the heavens open. Expect a grippy outsole and a comfy, water-resistant upper for those off-road adventures.

Looking ahead, Nike has some exciting plans:

• The Nike Pegasus Premium (Releasing June 12th & July 3rd) looks like a game-changer for the Pegasus line. With a higher stack height and a triple-foam midsole (ZoomX, Air Zoom unit, and ReactX), it's promising serious cushioning and responsiveness. It's being touted as a performance shoe with lifestyle appeal - a smart move to cater to runners who want tech in their trainers without sacrificing style. Keep an eye out for the Summit White Bright Crimson, Atmosphere, Ghost Persian Violet (Released May 10th), White Metallic (Released May 15th), After Dark Tour (Released May 22nd), Barely Green Bright Crimson (July 3rd), and Modern Mayfly (July 20th) colourways.
• The Nike Vomero 18 is also on the horizon (some whispers suggest within the next couple of months). Nike is streamlining its training shoe categories, and the Vomero is now the go-to for max cushioning. Expect a lofty 46mm heel and 36mm forefoot stack, with a dual-foam system (ZoomX on top for bounce, ReactX underneath for stability). This sounds like a proper plush ride for those easy miles and recovery days.
• The Nike Zoom Pegasus 41 Modern Mayfly (Releasing July 20th) is part of the "Modern Mayfly Collection," nodding to Nike's rich running heritage. As a Pegasus, it'll likely be a dependable daily trainer, offering a good balance of cushioning and responsiveness.
• Keep an eye out for the Nike Winflo 12 (Estimated June 2025), likely continuing its role as a budget-friendly daily road runner. The Nike Flex Experience 13 (Also Estimated June 2025) will probably cater to those who prefer a more flexible, natural feel for shorter runs or cross-training. And the ever-reliable Nike Pegasus 42 (Mentioned for June release) shows Nike's commitment to its flagship daily trainer.

Adidas: Heritage Meets High-Performance

Adidas is also making waves, blending their iconic history with modern running tech. The Adidas Adizero Boston 13 EQT Edition (Released May 5th) is a fantastic example. Part of a Boston Marathon pack, it draws inspiration from vintage adidas Equipment designs and the 1991 Boston Marathon staff uniforms - a proper retro vibe! But it's not just about looks; the midsole boasts 13.8% more Lightstrike Pro foam for a softer, more comfortable feel during those faster sessions. Plus, the Lighttraxion outsole aims to keep the weight down without sacrificing grip.

Another recent release is the Adizero EVO SL (Limited drop October 2024, wider release Spring 2025). This lightweight trainer takes cues from the record-breaking Adizero Pro Evo 1, bringing elite racing DNA to a more accessible training shoe. With a full Lightstrike Pro midsole, it's built for energy return and a speedy feel, bridging the gap between high performance and everyday training.

What's coming up from the Three Stripes?

• More colourways of the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 (Releasing June 4th) are on the way, continuing the focus on fast training with that lovely Lightstrike Pro cushioning.
• The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 "Rio Marathon" Edition (Expected June 2025) celebrates a major running event with a vibrant 'Semi Impact Orange' and light blue colour scheme. Expect Lightstrike Pro cushioning and EnergyRods 2.0 for a propulsive ride - likely a limited edition for those connected to the Rio race.
• The Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 11 (Estimated May 2025) signifies Adidas's ongoing dedication to specialist racing shoes. Spotted on Solereview and the World Athletics certification list, it's likely a lightweight racer optimised for shorter distances.
• The general release of the Adidas Boston 13 (Anticipated May 2025) will follow the initial EQT edition.

Puma: Charging into the Super Shoe Arena

Puma is making a serious statement, particularly in the high-performance category. The Puma Fast-R NITRO Elite 3 (Released April 25th, limited early access) is their bold re-entry into the super shoe market. Engineered for race day, it's claimed to improve running economy by a significant 3.15% (according to a University of Massachusetts study). Key features include the super-bouncy NITROFOAM™ ELITE, a restructured PWRPLATE for propulsion, a lightweight ULTRAWEAVE upper, and a PUMAGRIP outsole for traction. Its debut at the Boston Marathon underlines its elite ambitions.

Puma isn't stopping there:

• A new blue colourway of the Fast-R NITRO Elite 3 (Releasing June 4th) will expand its availability.
• Several other Puma models are expected in May 2025. The Puma Velocity NITRO™ 3 is listed on their website, suggesting a recent or imminent release. Likely a versatile daily trainer with their signature NITRO foam. The Puma Deviate NITRO™ 3 is touted as a "Best Tempo Shoe" and also on their site, suggesting a performance trainer potentially with a carbon plate. And the highly-rated Puma ForeverRun NITRO™ 2 looks like a stability-focused shoe with NITRO foam for cushioning and support.

Skechers: Bringing Tech to More Runners

Skechers is continuing to impress with performance shoes packed with innovation. The exact release date of the Skechers GO RUN Razor 5 within the last two weeks isn't specified, but it's likely a recent addition. Expect HYPER BURST PRO™ cushioning for a super responsive and light ride, a HYPER ARC™ rocker for smooth transitions, and a carbon-infused plate for stability and energy return - a versatile option for various types of training.

Looking ahead:

• The Skechers Aero Tempo (Launching May 2025) represents a new design direction for Skechers performance. It features a single-density supercritical Hyperburst foam platform and a carbon-infused H-frame in the midsole for stability. An 8mm TPU sockliner adds further cushioning and energy return. Likely a responsive daily trainer or tempo shoe.
• The Skechers Aero Burst (Estimated June 2025) is a brand-new introduction according to Solereview, so it'll be interesting to see what this new model brings to the Skechers lineup.

New Balance: Celebrating Grey Days and Looking to the Future

New Balance has been celebrating its iconic grey colourway with its annual "Grey Days" collection throughout May 2025. While many of the 21 footwear styles are lifestyle-focused, the collection does include a new colourway for the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14, a recent max-cushioned neutral road running shoe perfect for daily miles and longer distances.

Coming soon from New Balance:

• Two new models are launching on May 22nd, 2025: the ABZORB 2010, inspired by 2000s running shoes (likely a blend of retro design and modern performance), and the 471, reimagined from '70s running silhouettes (possibly a lightweight trainer or lifestyle sneaker with running DNA).
• The New Balance Propel 6 (Estimated May 2025), an update to the Propel V5, will likely continue as a versatile daily trainer known for its responsive feel and potentially a TPU plate for added oomph.

ASICS: Cushioning and Stability Remain Key

ASICS continues to build on its reputation for comfortable and performance-oriented shoes. The ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27 (Likely recently released) reinforces its position as their most cushioned neutral shoe, with an increased stack height, a new Engineered Jacquard Mesh Upper, FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO cushioning, and PureGEL™ in the heel for maximum comfort and shock absorption. Their commitment to more sustainable materials is also a welcome touch. The ASICS Novablast 5 (Released December 2024, but still new) showcases their innovation in creating versatile shoes with a softer and lighter FF Blast Max midsole, suitable for various runs.

Looking ahead for ASICS:

• The ASICS GEL-Kayano 32 (Releasing June 1st) underscores their focus on stability, featuring the 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM™ for adaptive support, PureGEL™, and increased FF BLAST™ PLUS in the forefoot - ideal for runners who need that extra support.
• While just outside our two-month window, the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo and Metaspeed Edge Tokyo (Releasing July 25th) are their pinnacle racing shoes, designed for different running styles and featuring a combination of new FF Leap and FF Turbo Plus foams for lighter weight and more bounce.

Under Armour: A Refreshed Focus on Running

Under Armour has recently dropped a flurry of new running shoes, signalling a renewed commitment to the market. Their official website lists the UA Velociti 4, UA Infinite Elite 2, UA Infinite Pro 2, UA Pursuit 4, and UA Velociti Elite 2 as "New Products." The Velociti 4 is likely their lightweight speed option, the Infinite Elite 2 a max-cushioned endurance shoe, the Infinite Pro 2 a balanced daily trainer, the Pursuit 4 an entry-level cushioned option, and the Velociti Elite 2 their entry into the carbon-plated racing scene. The UA Sonic 7 is also highlighted as a "Best Value" shoe, suggesting a recent, affordable, and responsive option.

On Running: Innovation in Cushioning and Speed

On Running has recently launched the Cloudsurfer 2 (Available now). This updated daily trainer features a Helion foam midsole and CloudTec Phase pods for a smoother transition and a firmer, more responsive ride. They also released a limited edition Cloudboom Strike LS (April 10th), a revolutionary spray-on super shoe with a laceless LightSpray™ upper, a Helion hyperoam midsole, and a glass fibre plate - already being used by elite athletes!

Looking ahead for On:

• The Ultra 3 (Releasing July 3rd) is a trimmed-down version of their Ultra line for technical trail races and ultra distances, featuring a dual-density midsole and a nylon composite plate.
• The On Cloudflow 5 is also mentioned as having performance features, likely a versatile road runner, though its exact release timeframe within the next two months isn't clear.

Hoka: Continuing the Cushion Revolution

Hoka has recently released the Clifton 10 (Available since April 15th). This updated daily trainer features a CMEVA midsole and a slightly roomier forefoot, offering a smooth ride and a comfortable upper with more heel cushioning. The Hoka Bondi 9 (Released January 2025) remains a prominent recent release, offering ultra-cushioned comfort with a new supercritical EVA midsole for those easy runs and recovery days.

Coming soon from Hoka:

• The Mafate X (Expected May 2025) is a new max-cushion trail shoe with a PEBA-cored midsole, Vibram Megagrip outsole, and a carbon fibre plate, designed for long distances on smoother trails.
• The Hoka Mach 6 and Hoka Speedgoat 6 have likely been released recently or are imminent, offering versatile options for daily training and trail running, respectively.
• The Hoka Cielo X1 2.0, a performance racing shoe, has also likely seen a recent release or is just around the corner.

Brooks: Comfort and Collaboration

Brooks recently launched the delightful runDisney x Ghost Max 2 Collection (April 7th). These limited-edition Disney-themed versions of the popular Ghost Max 2 (known for its max cushioning and smooth ride) are perfect for both training and those fun runDisney events.

What's next for Brooks?

• The Brooks Glycerin 22 (Likely May 2025), their top-tier cushion shoe, will feature even more DNA Loft v3 midsole foam and a new Engineered Warp Knit upper for ultimate comfort on recovery days and everyday training.
• Also expected in May 2025 is the Brooks Ghost 17, an update to a reliable daily trainer, featuring DNA Loft v3 foam and a slightly lower 10mm drop.
• Just outside our two-month window, the Brooks Hyperion Max 3 (Anticipated July 2025) looks like an exciting super-trainer with a high stack height, DNA Gold foam (PEBA), and nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3, designed for longer training runs and potentially racing.

Reebok: Stepping Back into the Game

Reebok has likely recently released the FloatZig 1, offering comfort and support with their Floatride Energy Foam for runners of all levels.

Coming soon from Reebok:

• The FloatZig X1 (Launching June 28th) is a carbon-fibre plated shoe built for marathon racing and long-distance training.
• Also launching on June 28th is the Reebok FloatZig 1 Adventure, designed for tackling those outdoor trails.

Salomon: For Road and Trail Adventures

Salomon has recently launched the Aero Glide 3, a highly cushioned road shoe, and the Aero Glide 3 GRVL, a gravel-specific version. The stylish Salomon XT-4 OG "Rave at Dawn" Collection also dropped on April 15th.

Looking ahead for Salomon:

• The Salomon Ultra Glide 3 (Launching July 3rd) will cater to the ultra-distance trail running community.

Conclusion:

The latest releases and upcoming styles in the running shoe market reflect several key trends. Supercritical foams continue to gain prominence across various brands, promising enhanced responsiveness and lighter weights for a more efficient running experience. Maximum cushioning remains a central focus, with brands like Nike, Hoka, and Brooks offering updated models designed for ultimate comfort during daily training and recovery. The increasing segmentation of running shoes for specific terrains and runner types is also evident, with specialized models for trail running, gravel running, and stability needs. Technological advancements, such as the integration of carbon plates in more accessible price points by brands like Skechers, suggest a democratization of high-performance features. Additionally, the emergence of innovative upper constructions, as seen in On Running's Cloudboom Strike LS, hints at a future where shoe manufacturing and design are further optimized for performance. The running shoe market in mid-2025 showcases a dynamic blend of performance innovation, comfort-focused design, and a growing awareness of both heritage and emerging trends, providing a wide array of options for runners of all levels and preferences.