The Best Running Shoes for a 5K 2025

Got your sights set on a new PB this season?

If you’re training for a 5K race, you’ll want to make sure you have the perfect pair of running shoes to keep you comfortable and supported.

Check out our selection of racing category models that are fast, sleek and engineered to help you smash your 5K target.

*Please note: The following shoes are not listed in rank order*

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1. Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3

Catch 'em if you can - Giving you race-day speed to conquer any distance.

The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 is made for the chasers, the racers, the elevated pacers who can't turn down the thrill of the pursuit. Nike reworked the leader of the super shoe pack and tuned the engine underneath to help you chase personal bests from a 10K to marathon.

From elite runners to those new to racing, this versatile road-racing workhorse is for those who see speed as a gateway to more miles and more seemingly uncatchable highs.

2. adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 10

The adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 10 are Race-Day running shoes for a fast 10K to half-marathon.

When milliseconds matter, these adidas running shoes are tuned for speed. The Adizero Takumi Sen 10 has been designed with two layers of LIGHTSTRIKE PRO cushioning, combined with ENERGYRODS 2.0 for stiff and snappy toe-offs as you transition from corners to straights. Get to the finish line in your fastest time yet.

3. ASICS METASPEED™ SKY

The ASICS METASPEED™ SKY racing shoes are designed for stride-style runners who are looking to start fast and finish faster. Runners wearing these shoes will be able to take longer strides while conserving energy with each step. ​Thanks to an energetic midsole foam and a propulsive carbon plate, runners wearing these shoes will be able to conserve more energy while maintaining their pace at the later stages of the race.​

The METASPEED Racing Shoes are designed for runners who are looking for PB's in anything from 5k's to full marathons. The METASPEED™ SKY is ASICS' elite carbon-plated racing shoe, updated for 2025.

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4. HOKA Rocket X 2

The ultimate road racing shoe, designed to take you further in pinnacle competitions, the HOKA Rocket X 2 is the newest addition to the Rocket family. World Athletic approved, the Rocket X 2 has been amplified with a hyper-focused on construction for the best possible ride.

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5. New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v4

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is a race day shoe designed for the moments when seconds really do count. The propulsive feeling of FuelCell is combined with a thinner carbon fibre plate, offering superior energy return in a lightweight package that can be used at all levels of competition.

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6. Saucony Endorphin Elite 2

Introducing Saucony's fastest shoe yet!

This next generation super shoe features PWRRUN PB and PWRRUN HG for propulsive movement and snappy Carbon plate for responsive speed.

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7. Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB

The Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB are designed to help you chase down PB's in distances from the 5k to the marathon. This running shoe offers a competitive edge for racing and features innovative 100% PEBA DNA GOLD cushioning alongside a carbon fibre-tuned propulsion plate. A new upper delivers breathability and a snug fit. Combined, these elements work together to deliver a smooth, ultralight ride to get you from start to finish in record time.

8. Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash 2

The little sister or brother to Rebellion Pro 3, The Flash 2 is a great option for those that find carbon racers a little too hot to handle. The combination of fibreglass plate and responsive foam makes this the optimum choice for racing, intervals and fast training.

Looking for some training tips and advice? Then head over to our Training category where our athletes and experts explain everything you need to know.