Four New Running Shoes to Watch in 2025

Introduction

A new season of running shoes always brings a handful of models worth keeping an eye on, and the 2025 lineup looks genuinely interesting. Four releases in particular stand out: a completely rebuilt Saucony racer, a new Adidas Prime X that hopes to recapture some old magic, a massive-stacked Mizuno with an unusual outsole, and a heavily cushioned Nike premium trainer whose place in the lineup is still unclear.

Here is what we know so far, what each shoe promises, and who each one might suit.

Saucony Endorphin Elite 2: A Full Rebuild

The Endorphin Elite 2 already saw a limited release, and a wider launch is expected in March 2025. This appears to be a major update rather than a refresh, to the point where there is not much obviously carried over from the first version. Saucony has essentially ripped up the blueprint and started again.

The most significant change is the upper. The original used a weight-relieved mesh with an almost clog-like look aimed squarely at racers. The new version is far more traditional and could prove more runner-friendly as a result. The heel area has clear DNA from the Endorphin Pro 4, with a flared aerodynamic heel that also recalls some older releases from a few years back. Double lace loops at the final eyelets suggest runner’s knot options are on the cards, and the fresh colorway look is a nice touch.

Underfoot, the new IncrediRun foam is said to be softer, and the classic 8mm drop returns. The outsole gets way more rubber than the first version, which was arguably a weak point: a lot of exposed midsole picked up aesthetic damage quickly, even if the ride properties held up. At $275 this is no joke pricing, so it is worth waiting for wider impressions before committing.

Adidas Prime X 3: Chasing the Original Magic

The Prime X line has always been exciting to try. The original was arguably one of the most fun running shoes ever in terms of bounce, the Strung versions followed, and the Prime X 2 still had an engaging ride with a pleasant rolling action, but it felt a little muted and heavier than the first version.

The Prime X 3 looks set to be a bit of a gamble on going back to what made the original special. The plate elements visible in early looks suggest a thinner plate than the V2, sandwiching what Adidas has previously called its energy core foam. That material is reported to be extremely soft, with some measurements putting it among the softest foams ever used in a top-level shoe, and it should bring plenty of rebound.

The upper looks similar to the V2, which was a little too voluminous, so going a half size down may be worth considering. The hope is that the V3 recaptures the reasonable weight and pure fun of the original. With the line’s history, this is one of the most anticipated releases of the year.

Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3: Big Stack, Bold Outsole

Mizuno’s Wave Rebellion Pro 3 has quietly launched in some regions with very little fanfare, but it is a shoe likely to build momentum through 2025. This is a maximal stack racing shoe, and Mizuno is arguably bending the rules a little with just how much foam is underfoot. The earlier versions were a hard sell for some everyday runners due to perceived stability concerns and the sheer height of the shoe.

The weight is a talking point too: around 225g for the sample size puts it more in the territory of lightweight max-cushion options rather than other super shoes. One clear plus point is the price at £209, which, while still a lot of money and close to Vaporfly pricing, undercuts some rivals.

The outsole is striking: a mesh of rubber rather than the standard flat sticky rubber, reminiscent of old track trainers and other minimal-outsole race classics. Combined with the new Mizuno Energy XP foam, it should offer a distinctive ride. The minty green and white colorway may not be the best bet for slushy winter running, but “Neo Mint, Black and Hint of Mint” might just be the best colorway name around. This is a shoe for runners willing to try something genuinely different.

Nike Pegasus Premium: Big Stack, Big Questions

The final shoe is not fully confirmed by name, but early looks point to a premium model from Nike with a very clear direction: big cushioning. The midsole features dual air units with a massive stack, apparently using ZoomX foam, with a claimed 36mm of forefoot stack and a 6mm drop, which implies roughly 42mm of heel stack in the sample size.

That puts it in the same conversation as the tall stacked shoes Adidas and Saucony already have on the market. The question is why it has taken Nike so long to join this trend, especially as the dual air units and a bulkier upper with plentiful outsole traction will add weight.

There is also some uncertainty about where this leaves the broader lineup. The Pegasus Premium expected in 2025, with its full-length air unit and loads of foam, has drawn a mixed reception so far, with some testers finding the mass simply too much. Nike is reportedly simplifying its running lineup in 2025, but with multiple shoes apparently doing similar things, the direction is still confusing. More information is needed before this one earns a recommendation.

Buying Advice: Which One Fits Your Running?

If you want a race day shoe with a more forgiving, runner-friendly build, the Endorphin Elite 2 looks like the strongest all-round bet, provided the price suits your budget. If pure fun and bounce are your priority and you do not mind a very tall shoe, the Prime X 3 could be the highlight of the year if it delivers on its thinner plate and softer foam.

The Wave Rebellion Pro 3 appeals to runners who want something genuinely different, with a huge stack, distinctive outsole and slightly friendlier pricing than most super shoes. The Nike premium option is the wildcard: impressive cushioning numbers on paper, but too many open questions to recommend with confidence just yet.

Conclusion

2025 is shaping up to be a strong year for running shoes. The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 and Adidas Prime X 3 carry the most excitement, the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3 offers a bold alternative at a slightly lower price, and Nike’s premium stack remains a wait-and-see proposition. Whichever direction you lean, keep an eye on early impressions before these hit full release.