The Best Summer 5k Race Shoes
Below we will take a look at the 5 best 5k road running race shoes on the market in the Summer of 2025. Find out which of these shoes is best for you—the Nike Streakfly 2, Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3, ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris, Adidas Adios 9, or Adidas EVO SL—depending on your goals.
This time we’re dropping a lineup built for all your summertime 5K goals. Whether you’re chasing a PR, pulling up for some demon time, keeping it classic with a racing flat, or just want that undeniable start line drip—Supwell’s Summer 5K picks have you covered.
Best Specialized 5k Racer: Nike Streakfly 2
The Streakfly 2 is a highly-specialized short distance racing weapon—a true track spike for the roads. With its bouncy foam and aggressive geometry, there’s no better shoe for all-out 5k PR attempts (so long as you don’t mind your calves getting chewed up in the process). Check out our team review of the Streakfly 2.
Nike Streakfly 2
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Best for Worry-Free Speed: ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris
The Sky Paris is a popular marathon racer that also excels at the 5k distance. While highly capable, it’s not as in-your-face aggressive as the Streakfly 2 or Fast-R 3, making it a great option for runners seeking a reliable, streamlined, and bouncy ride for their summer races.
Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris
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Best for Demon Time: Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3
In our testing, the Fast-R3 shone brightest at 5k pace and below. Would we want to take it the full 26.2? Probably not. But for 15-20 minutes of demon time? Absolutely. The Fast-R 3 is lightning quick if your strides are long and powerful to fully activate its firm, aggressive midsole. Read about how the Puma Fast-R 3 was developed and our first run review.
Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3
Best Traditional Racing Flat: Adidas Adios 9
The low stack racing flat is a dying breed, but the Adios 9 is in keeping with this traditional category. Featuring a minimal, non-plated stack of Adidas’ top race foam, the Adios 9 is perfect for those who prefer a direct, old school ride for their fastest paces.
Adidas Adios 9
Best for Start Line Drip: Adidas EVO SL
Want to show up to the start line of your local 5k in style (without sacrificing performance)? You can’t go wrong with the EVO SL. It has the drip of a “run club shoe” with the technology of a genuine racer. For the vast majority of 5K runners, the EVO SL is more than enough.
Adidas Evo SL
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