Top 5 Race Shoes of 2025
Below are our top 5 race shoes of 2025. Find out where the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo, Puma Fast-R 3, New Balance SC Elite v5, ASICS Metaspeed Ray, and Metaspeed Edge Tokyo landed on our list and why. Also check out our 4 honorable mentions!
These five race shoes have been tearing up the roads all year and continue to prove why they’re at the front of the pack. From explosive propulsion to buttery-smooth transitions, each one earned its spot by bringing race-day speed you can feel. Puma, ASICS, and New Balance all delivered serious heat with silhouettes that have stayed locked into the conversation all season.
1. Puma Fast-R 3
Featuring the fastest midsole tech on the market, a feather-light construction, and a propulsive rocker geometry, Puma’s pinnacle racer is our go-to choice for Demon Time PR efforts.
Foam: NITROFOAM (ATPU)
Stack: 39mm heel, 8mm drop
Weight: 6 oz / 170 grams
Fit: True to Size
Characteristics: Firm, Propulsive, Lightweight
Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3
2. ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo
The Fast-R 3 might be the quickest shoe out there, but the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo is the most well-rounded marathon racer of 2025. The aggressive plate position coupled with a bottom layer of soft, springy FF Leap foam creates a versatile, balanced ride that’s both snappy and comfortable.
Foam: FF Turbo+, FF Leap
Stack: 39.5mm heel, 5mm drop
Weight: 5.9 oz / 167 grams
Fit: True to Size
Characteristics: Bouncy, Responsive, Versatile
ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo
3. ASICS Metaspeed Ray
Weighing just 122g despite delivering 40+mm of stack, the Metaspeed Ray set a new precedent for what lightweight marathon racing shoes can be in 2025.
Foam: FF Leap
Stack: 43mm heel, 5mm drop
Weight: 4.3 oz / 122 grams
Fit: True to Size
Characteristics: Soft, Bouncy, Springy
ASICS Metaspeed Ray
4. New Balance SC Elite v5
The SC Elite v5 is a bouncy, soft, and accessible marathon racer that works well for a wide range of paces and foot strikes. While not mindblowing, the SC Elite v5 has one of the most versatile and reliable rides on the market.
Foam: Fuelcell (PEBA)
Stack: 40mm heel, 8mm drop
Weight: 7.3 oz / 207 grams
Fit: True to Size
Characteristics: Comfortable, Bouncy, Versatile
New Balance SC Elite v5
5. ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo
The Edge Tokyo is a bouncy racing shoe designed for lighter touch, high cadence runners. With a scooped, less aggressive plate position than the Sky Tokyo and a top layer of soft ATPU foam, the Edge Tokyo is a fantastic pick if you tend to drive less power through your stride.
Foam: FF Leap, FF Turbo+
Stack: 39.5mm heel, 5mm drop
Weight: 6.0 oz / 170 grams
Fit: True to Size
Characteristics: Bouncy, Responsive, Cushioned
ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo
Honorable Mentions
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2
Too soft and unstable for our racing needs, but we applaud Saucony’s innovative new Incredirun foam.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2
Nike Streakfly 2
The best specialized short distance racing shoe on the market. A true track spike for the roads.
Nike Streakfly 2
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Brooks Hyperion Elite 5
An unremarkable, but highly-capable racing shoe with a versatile midsole and a reliable, comfortable ride.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 5
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3 Lo
A firmer, stable, more normal feeling racer with high-end speed capability at a great $230 pricepoint.
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3 Lo
Check out our 5 Most Improved Running Shoes List of 2025, Top 5 Long Run Shoes of 2025, and Top 5 Running Shoe Trends of 2025 for more Supwell-certified shoes!
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