2025 SELF Sneaker Awards: Top Picks for Performance, Comfort, and Style

Diverse Selection:: The awards cover a wide range of categories, including racing, trail running, walking, gym workouts, and everyday wear, ensuring there's a perfect sneaker for every need.

Top Brands:: Featured brands include Hoka, Ryka, On Running, Adidas, Nike, New Balance, and more, showcasing the latest innovations in sneaker technology.

Performance-Driven:: Each sneaker is chosen based on real-world wear-testing, focusing on key factors like cushioning, support, stability, and durability.

Stylish Designs:: The awards also recognize sneakers that blend performance with style, making them suitable for both workouts and casual wear.

Racing and Road Running:

Best for Race Day:: Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 ($290) - Known for its bouncy carbon-plated design.

Best Cushioned Run:: On Cloudboom Strike ($280) - Offers stability and responsiveness for long races.

Best for Short Races:: Nike Vaporfly 4 ($260) - Lightweight and streamlined for speed.

Best Supertrainer:: Hoka Mach X 2 ($190) - Combines racing shoe benefits with everyday running sneaker features.

Best for First Races:: New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 ($243) - Provides speed without compromising stability.

Best for Everyday:: Asics Novablast 5 ($150) - Versatile for various paces and distances.

Best for Everyday:: Puma Velocity Nitro 4 ($140) - Fits like a glove with comfortable cushioning.

Best for Beginners:: Nike Vomero 18 ($155) - Stable and responsive for new runners.

Best for Recovery Runs:: Hoka Clifton 10 ($155) - Eases joint stress with plush cushioning.

Best Walk-to-Run:: Skechers Aero Burst ($150) - Comfortable and supportive with a trendy design.

Most Versatile:: Brooks Glycerin StealthFit 22 ($165) - Suitable for various training types.

Best Off-Road:: Salomon Aero Glide 3 Grvl ($160) - High-cushion trainers for on and off-road running.

Trail and Hiking Sneakers:

Best for Trails:: Lululemon Wildfeel Trail Running Shoe ($168) - Designed for uneven terrain with a sock-like upper.

Best for Trail Sprints:: Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro 2 ($140) - Lightweight and responsive for fast trail runs.

Best Multi-Terrain Trainer:: Columbia Konos Swift Shoe ($120) - Versatile for city streets and country trails.

Best Hiking Boot:: Teva Grandview Max Gore-Tex Hiking Boot ($185) - Weatherproof and comfortable for long hikes.

Best Hiking Sneaker:: Columbia Escape Thrive Titanium OutDry Mid Shoe ($160) - Hybrid style with ankle protection.

Best for Nature Walks:: Flower Mountain Yamano 3 ($278) - Lightweight and responsive for outdoor adventures.

Best Trail-to-Street:: Merrell Moab Speed 2 ($170) - Technical design with updated cushioning.

Best Water Shoe:: Nortiv 8 Quick-Dry Water Shoes ($29) - Waterproof, comfortable, and secure for water activities.

Supportive and Walking Sneakers:

Best for Walking:: On Cloudnova X ($170) - Sleek and comfortable for everyday steps.

Best Support:: Ryka Devotion X Max Rs ($100) - High-endurance for intense walking with arch support.

Best Commuter:: Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Time Off Win Lace Sneaker ($110) - Stylish and supportive for daily commutes.

Best Hands-Free:: Vivaia Sneaker Sliders (U-Leaf) ($149) - Easy to slip on without bending over.

Best Athleisure:: Aldo Clubfly ($85) - Sporty inspiration with functional features.

Best Retro Look:: SeaVees Acorn Trainer ($130) - Lived-in feel with support and durability.

Best for Office:: Ecco Street Court ($195) - Versatile for work with subtle pops of color.

Best Dad Shoe:: Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 ($155) - Inspired by casual athletic sneakers of the 90s.

Gym and Court Sneakers:

Best for Basketball:: Nike A'One “OG Pearl” ($115) - Unisex basketball shoe with cushioning and traction.

Best Tennis Beginner:: New Balance Coco Delray ($110) - Versatile for tennis and pickleball.

Best Tennis Pro:: K-Swiss Ultrashot 4 ($165) - Sleek with extra bounce for quick turns.

Best Gym Sneaker:: Lululemon Chargefeel 3 ($148) - Re-engineered for flexibility and support.

Best for HIIT:: Nike Free Metcon 6 ($125) - Nimble and light for bootcamp.

Best for Lifting:: Adidas Dropset 3 ($130) - Flat and supportive for weightlifting.

A:: Winners are selected after rigorous testing of nearly 200 sneaker styles, rated on fit, shape, feel, and style by the SELF team and trusted experts.

A:: The awards cover a wide range of categories, including racing and road running, trail and hiking, supportive and walking, and gym and court sneakers.

A:: The article includes links to various retailers, such as Amazon, Nordstrom, Nike, and more, where you can purchase the featured sneakers.

The 2025 SELF Sneaker Awards offer a comprehensive guide to the best sneakers for various activities, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your needs.

Consider your primary activity (running, hiking, gym workouts, etc.) when choosing a sneaker to maximize performance and comfort.

Look for key features such as cushioning, support, stability, and durability to enhance your active lifestyle.

Don't compromise on style – many of the award-winning sneakers blend performance with stylish designs, making them suitable for both workouts and everyday wear.