5 Best Fast and Fun Running Shoes in July 2025 - Supwell Power Rankings
Here we take a look at the 5 Best Fast and Fun Running Shoes, what we are calling Zone 3 Champs, on the market in July 2025. Find out where the ASICS Superblast 2, Hoka Skyward X, Adidas EVO SL, Brooks Hyperion Max 3, and Adidas Prime X 3 Strung landed. We will tell you why each shoe made our power rankings list this month and how to choose which running shoe is right for you.
This is our second month looking at a new category in the power rankings: the Zone 3 Champs. These are the shoes we reach for when we want our daily miles to be fast and fun. Until now, they were either crowding the speed training and max cushion lists—or worse, getting left off altogether. Think of this as the expansion draft of running shoes. With this new list, the speed category can focus on true workout weapons, the max cushion roundup can highlight plush cruisers like the Bondi and Nimbus, and underrated gems like the Deviate Nitro 3 can finally get their moment. On last month’s list was the Adidas Evo SL, ASICS Superblast 2, Puma Deviate Nitro 3, Hoka Skyward X, and the Speedland RX:FPY.
Brooks Hyperion Max 3: Best Overall
The Brooks Hyperion Max 3 is entering the Power Rankings with a BANG. It’s upped the stack height, fun factor and drip factor, delivering a speedy and cushioned ride that excels for long and hard efforts. The magic here is the combination of soft PEBA and the firmer last-gen DNA Flash v2 foam, a super critical EVA/TPEE blend—all stabilized by a rigid plastic plate. It’s a great example of a high-tech shoe where the elements come together beautifully and cohesively.
Brooks Hyperion Max 3
Adidas Prime X 3 Strung: Most Fun
The Prime X Strung 3 is the ultimate enthusiast shoe—it’s not the shoe you need, but the one you want. With a 50mm stack of race foam and both rods and a plate in the forefoot, this is a funky chunky monkey designed to crush mileage. There are other shoes that are more practical (Hyperion Max 3) and better value (Evo SL), but none have the cool factor of the Strung X 3. This is the pick if you want the latest and greatest tech.
Adidas Prime X 3 Strung
Adidas EVO SL: Most Hyped
The Evo SL is one of the best value shoes on the market. At only $150, it provides a full slab of race foam in the midsole and striking good looks. Compare that to its freshly-released stablemate, the Prime X Strung 3, which costs $300. Yes, this thing has been hyped to the moon this year—but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s all marketing. While it’s not the jack-of-all-trades for every runner, it’s a solid uptempo choice with decent range.
Adidas Evo SL
ASICS Superblast 2: The OG Zone 3 Champion
The Superblast is holding strong to its slot on this list because if we left it off everyone would unfollow this account and write strongly worded letters to their local publicly elected officials. If you’re looking for a supportive and durable workhorse with no gimmicks and no plate, this is a solid choice. You’ll get a firmer, stable ride designed to last hundreds of miles (and it may take hundreds of miles to break in).
Asics Superblast 2
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Hoka Skyward X: Smoothest Ride
The Skyward X is an old head at this point. It’s been in the game long enough to remember when a 40mm stack was impressive and when hobby joggers were surprised to see a plate in a non-speed shoe. Things may have shifted since this dropped in spring 2024, but it remains a banger. This is still a bouncy, fun ride that’s one of the most enjoyable on the market.
If you're planning on tackling a 5k race this summer, check out our article on the 5 Best 5k Racing Shoes - Summer 2025 Edition.
Check out Yowana's 22 Mile Day in the new Brooks Hyperion Max 3 on the YouTube Channel here:
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