You might think that as someone who tests running shoes as part of her job and is often training for races, I would have a perfect shoe rotation locked down. In reality, with so many new releases every year, it is trickier than it sounds. That said, this year I can confidently name three shoes that have defined my running.
Not all of them are brand-new 2025 launches, but that has given me plenty of time to put them through their paces. These are the shoes I have worn most consistently this year, and the ones I keep reaching for. A couple were released last year, which means you are likely to find them on offer. After all, chasing every new release is not always the best move for your wallet or the environment.
If you are unfamiliar with a shoe rotation, it simply means owning two or more pairs of running shoes that you switch between for different types of runs, whether that is long miles, speed sessions, or easy recovery days. New runners, you absolutely don't need to rush out and buy several pairs at once. As our guide to the best running shoes shows, a solid daily trainer can cover most of your training needs.
That said, having a small rotation can make a big difference once your mileage increases. With that in mind, here are the three shoes that have formed the backbone of my running this year.
Cushioned daily trainer — Saucony Hurricane 25
I loved marathon training in the Saucony Hurricane 24 so much that I very reluctantly passed them on to a friend when I got my hands on the brand-new Hurricane 25 to test. It only launched in July, and I was nervous about what Saucony might change. You know the saying: if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. Thankfully, this update didn’t disappoint.
At first glance, the Hurricane 25 looks a little bulky. That’s partly because it’s a max-cushioned daily trainer, but also because it’s built as a stability shoe with a wider base to support runners who overpronate. Even as a neutral runner, I’ve found it works brilliantly as an everyday trainer.
The midsole uses a layered combination of Saucony’s PWRRUN and PWRRUN PB foams, which makes the shoe feel both soft underfoot and springy. It thrives on easy or recovery miles, but it also has enough bounce to handle the occasional uptempo session. For me, it’s been a reliable training partner while preparing for a summer 10K and a half marathon this fall. Whether I’m heading out for a long run or something gentler, I know my legs will be well protected in the Saucony 25.
Trail shoe - Hoka Speedgoat 6
Living in London for four years meant I never really had a need for a pair of the best trail running shoes. Since moving back home to Scotland, where it’s hard to find a run without any elevation, I have fallen in love with trail running and the Hoka Speedgoat 6 has been a big part of that.
My local trails are steep, rocky, gravelly, wet, and muddy, which is exactly the kind of terrain my favorite daily training shoe, the Saucony Hurricane 25, struggles with. The Speedgoat 6, on the other hand, eats this for breakfast. It has a rockered design like Hoka’s road shoes, which helps support a natural gait, and with a stack height of 40mm in the heel and 35mm in the forefoot, it soaks up the shock from rough trails. There is plenty of cushioning to keep your feet comfortable on long or technical runs.
The upper is lightweight and breathable to keep your feet cool, and if you want waterproofing, you can go for the Speedgoat GTX. The outsole has 5mm lugs and uses Vibram Megagrip, a sticky rubber compound that grips rocks, mud, and loose terrain for better traction on steep climbs and tricky trails.
If you're like me and newer to trail running, I'd definitely recommend starting out with a pair of Hoka's Speedgoat 6.
Race day shoe: Nike Alphafly 3
I find there can be a lot of noise around the best carbon plated shoes, whether it’s chatter about injury risk, the idea that they are only for 'fast runners', their eye-watering price tags, or the fact that some athletes have been prevented from racing in certain super shoes. As a result, I’ve always been a little carbon plate shy. But when the Nike Alphafly 3 hit the scene, I decided to try them in training and racing this year.
I definitely had some teething issues during marathon training as I got used to the slightly less stable feel and the firmer, lower-profile cushioning in the heel and upper. But after running a half-marathon race in them and shaving 15 minutes off my time, I started to see the hype.
This shoe is all about speed, energy return, and efficiency, which is exactly what you want on race day. It has a full-length carbon fiber plate that gives a springy, propulsive feel. The ZoomX foam is light and bouncy and keeps your feet comfortable and energized over long distances. The dual Air Zoom Pods under the forefoot act like little mini trampolines with each push-off and add extra snap to your stride.
Even little details like the bobbly laces are a bonus for me. I get major race day fear about my shoelaces coming undone, and I really dislike double-knotting, so the grippier laces have been a real help for my nerves.
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