25/05/2025

ON SUNDAY MAY 25, 2025 theSunday Special V Best running shoes in 2025 Whether you’re training for a half-marathon or just trying to outrun your weekday stress, here’s your ultimate guide

BY ASHRAF WAHAB

L ET’S face it – if you’re going to pound pavements before or after office hours, your shoes better be doing more than just looking good. In 2025, brands have taken comfort, tech and style to a whole new level, catering to every kind of runner. Whether you’re chasing a new personal best (PB), doing easy Sunday long runs or just getting started, there’s something out there that feels like it was made just for your feet. Here are the best running shoes in 2025, split by what they’re best at – so you don’t have to overthink your next purchase. Best for speed training: Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 RM999 (Adidas Malaysia) Designed with elite marathoners in mind, but now more accessible for the rest of us, the Adios Pro 4 is basically legal cheat code for your intervals and tempo runs. It features Adidas’ Lightstrike Pro foam with embedded carbon-infused Energy Rods, making every stride feel like you’re being launched forward. Yes, it’s pricey, but it’s a legit performance shoe that feels like race day every time you lace up. This is for runners who chase speed or want to break the 1-hour barrier in a 10K. Takeaway: You don’t need carbon plates, but once you try them, it’s hard to go back. Save it for your most challenging workouts or race day.

Best all-rounder: Nike Pegasus 41 RM609 (Nike Malaysia)

The Pegasus line is the nasi lemak of running shoes – a staple. Nike’s latest Pegasus 41 gets a serious tech upgrade. It’s now equipped with ReactX foam, which feels springier and PRUH HQHUJ\ Ḣ FLHQW WKDQ SUHYLRXV YHUVLRQV SOXV Zoom Air units in the forefoot and heel for that VQDSS\ WRH R̆ It’s ideal for daily training, whether you’re doing a 5K loop around Lake Gardens or squeezing in a treadmill run after work. With its sleek design, it wouldn’t look out of place with your Uniqlo joggers at brunch. Takeaway: The Pegasus 41 is a no-brainer if you want one shoe that can do a little bit of everything. Great for beginners, commuters and anyone who doesn’t want to overthink training days.

Best for long runs: Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 RM799 (Asics Malaysia)

If your ideal Sunday involves disappearing into Bukit Kiara or Putrajaya for 20km of zen, the Gel-Nimbus 26 is your new best friend. Asics has leaned fully

into comfort this year, with their FF BLAST+ ECO cushioning giving you cloud-like softness without turning your run into a marshmallow mess. The upper is stretchy and breathable and the new Hybrid ASICSGRIP outsole provides great traction even in rainy conditions (which, let’s be real, are often). This one’s for runners who value comfort over speed – think marathon training or recovery days.

Best for daily comfort: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 RM799 (New Balance Malaysia) Let’s say you’re not chasing PBs. Maybe you just want a pair of shoes that feel good on your feet and can double as a good pair for errands at the Pavilion later. The 1080 v13 R̆ HUV RQH RI WKH VRIWHVW ULGHV LQ WKH game, thanks to its Fresh Foam X midsole and an engineered knit upper that hugs your feet’s like a pair of cosy socks. It’s amicable for those who’ve had past injuries or just want to reduce impact after long hours on their feet. Also works well for walking, gym sessions and city commutes. Takeaway: Your feet’s happy place. Perfect if you’re mixing easy runs with casual wear. Final stride The best running shoe is the one that makes you want to lace up and head out, whether that’s for a 3K jog around the condo or a 42.2K grind in Putrajaya. The PRGHOV DERYH FDWHU WR GL̆ HUHQW JRDOV DQG EXGJHWV VR WDNH D PRPHQW WR ¿JXUH RXW what your run looks like. Hey, even if you’re mostly just running late for your Grab, at least you’ll do it in style now.

Takeaway: Not the lightest, but one of the plushest. Your knees will thank you after hour-long weekend runs.

Best budget pick: Decathlon Kalenji Kiprun KD900X

RM499 (Decathlon Malaysia) Don’t sleep on Decathlon. The KD900X is their carbon-plated R̆ HULQJ WKDW VKRFNHG WKH UXQ ning world by delivering solid performance at half the price of big-name brands. It’s light, responsive and designed for mid to-long distances.

Sure, you’re not getting the same level of premium foam or marketing pizzazz, but what you are getting is a shoe that holds its own during tempo runs and even full marathons. Great for students, part-timers or anyone who’s just budget-conscious but still wants in on the carbon plate hype. Takeaway: Bang for buck. Seriously. This shoe performs way above its price tag.