Winter running shoes 2025: Top picks for daily runs, speed work and long distances

The cold months are when the roads get quieter, the air gets sharper, and every runner suddenly remembers the magic of a good midsole. Winter marathon training is a special kind of madness, but it’s also when real progress happens – steady miles in the cold set you up for spring glory!

The right shoes make all the difference. You need grip when the roads turn slick, cushioning that doesn’t freeze up, and uppers that keep your toes from going numb halfway through a long run.

Here’s a look at the best running shoes to carry you through your winter block – tough, reliable, and energetic.

Daily trainers

Nike Vomero Plus

The Vomero Plus is the replacement for the popular Nike Invincible Run. It’s a highly cushioned, incredibly bouncy daily trainer that’s pure joy to run in. It has a super thick ZoomX midsole that compresses and quickly decompresses to bounce you forward. It’s stable for such a tall shoe, and it has a full rubber coverage on its outsole. This fun trainer will make you want to get out and run every single day.

Adidas Adistar 4

One of the best value-for-money daily trainers on the market, the Adistar 4 is the sleeper hit of 2025. It’s an all-rounder capable of performing every kind of run well. It’s a maximalist trainer with 40 mm in the heel and a 5 mm drop, so there’s plenty of deep cushioning to protect your legs. It also has a forefoot rocker to improve efficiency and save you energy. It has an extremely durable outsole and excellent traction in wet and dry conditions.

Speed trainers

Adidas Boston 13

The Boston 13 is a trainer designed specifically for up-tempo runs. It’s perfect for intervals, tempo runs, threshold runs and fartleks. It has Energy Rods in its midsole to provide propulsion, and it has Lightstrike Pro foam to provide lightweight, springy cushioning. Continental rubber on its outsole provides first-in-class traction and durability. Version 13 has a brand-new upper which makes it much more comfortable than its predecessor, and it has a softer, more energetic ride.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5

The Endorphin Speed 5 is a speed trainer for runners who don’t want such a stiff midsole- it has more natural transitions than the stiff speed trainers with rigid plates. It has a full PWRRUN PB (PEBA) midsole, so it feels super agile and engaging. A flexible nylon plate provides stability and ensures the forefoot is snappy. The Endorphin Speed 5 is also lightweight, which makes it extremely versatile.

Long run trainers

ASICS Megablast

A brand-new super trainer from ASICS, the Megablast is like a souped-up Superblast. It’s lighter, firmer and faster than the Superblast. The Megablast is an all-round, versatile trainer that specialises in long runs. A new, FF Turbo Squared midsole made entirely of A-TPU provides a lightweight, springy ride that feels better the faster you go. It has a really narrow last, so runners with wide feet need to be cautious when buying the Megablast.

Mizuno Neo Vista 2

If you enjoy super soft and extremely bouncy rides, look no further than the Mizuno Neo Vista 2. This version has much more energetic transitions than its predecessor, with deeper cushioning. A fibreglass plate in its midsole provides support, so the Neo Vista 2 has a stable ride for such a tall super trainer. A bootie construction, knitted upper keeps your feet warm during long efforts, and X10 outsole rubber provides superior traction and durability.

Racers

ASICS Metaspeed Edge/Sky

The Metaspeeds from ASICS are two of the most well-rounded super racers on the market. Both of them have the new FF Leap (A-TPU) foam in their midsoles to make them lighter, softer and more energetic. A stiff carbon plate ensures the forefoot is snappy while a thin, breathable upper provides superior foot lockdown. They are suitable for 5K races all the way up to the marathon. Choose the Metaspeed Edge if you’re a heel striker and the Metaspeed Sky if you’re a powerful forefoot striker.

New Balance SC Elite v5

The New Balance SC Elite v5 is one of the most durable new racers that money can buy. Its PEBA midsole is not only tough, but it’s also responsive and very stable. It has best-in-class outsole durability, so you don’t have to worry about traction when it rains. Version 5 feels faster than its predecessors: it’s stiffer, firmer and has a more prominent forefoot rocker. A soft, accommodating upper provides fantastic foot lockdown.

Join our mailing list to stay up to date with the latest UK running events, training tips, and exclusive offers on running products. Rest assured, we value your privacy and would never dream of selling your address. Sign up now…