Best Neutral Running Shoes in 2025

As a running coach, I’ve seen firsthand how a well-fitting, neutral running shoe can help prevent injury, improve performance, and make training simply more enjoyable. Whether you’re training for a marathon, sticking to your treadmill in January, or running on. a local high school track, the right neutral shoe makes all the difference.

Neutral shoes are best for runners with a relatively stable gait—meaning no significant overpronation or supination. These shoes focus on balanced cushioning and responsiveness, providing support without correction. In 2025, brands have stepped up with new materials, improved midsoles, and refined fits. This roundup includes the best neutral shoes currently available on Amazon.com as of May 2025, with direct affiliate links using my tag so you can support this work if you choose to purchase.

Below is a quick comparison table for our picks for best neutral running shoes for 2025. After that, I’ll walk you through each shoe with a detailed review.

Summary Table: Best Neutral Running Shoes for 2025

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 41

Best for: Versatile daily training

The Pegasus 41 has been a staple in my coaching kit for over a decade, and the 41st edition continues to deliver for runners of all levels. This shoe performs across the board—from base-building mileage to fartlek workouts. The ReactX midsole adds a noticeable energy return that feels livelier than earlier models, and it’s surprisingly resilient after long, wet runs through Buffalo’s spring streets.

The forefoot flexibility and durable outsole make it equally suitable for treadmill miles, park loops, and road intervals. The fit runs true, though narrow-footed runners may appreciate the lockdown a little more. If you’re looking for one shoe that can do it all reasonably well, this is the one I’d recommend first.

Gait type

• Neutral gait
• Suitable for midfoot or heel strikers
• Accommodates average to high arches

Best surfaces

• Roads and sidewalks
• Tracks and treadmills

Specs:

• Drop: 10 mm
• Weight: 266 g (Men’s), 230 g (Women’s)
• Stack height: 38 mm heel / 28 mm forefoot
• Midsole: ReactX foam

Pros:

• Durable enough for daily use
• Responsive yet cushioned ride
• Breathable and secure upper

Cons:

• Fit may be snug for wide feet
• Not a true max-cushion option

Men’s version | Women’s version

Brooks Ghost 16

Best for: Smooth long runs

The Ghost 16 remains a consistent choice for runners putting in steady weekly mileage. It’s a great option for the 20-to-40-mile-per-week runner training for fall races or simply maintaining base through winter. The DNA Loft v2 cushioning is soft without being squishy, and the ride feels smooth across both tempo and recovery paces.

My runners appreciate how the Ghost 16 transitions well from outdoor sidewalks to indoor tracks and treadmills. It holds its structure well after 500 km (300 miles), which is why it’s often my recommendation for runners who want reliable comfort and longevity from one pair of shoes.

Specs:

• Drop: 12 mm
• Weight: 278 g (Men’s), 238 g (Women’s)
• Stack height: 36 mm heel / 24 mm forefoot
• Midsole: DNA Loft v2 foam

Pros:

• Comfortable and forgiving underfoot
• Long-lasting durability
• Accommodating fit for most foot shapes

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than competitors
• Not responsive enough for faster workouts

Men’s version | Women’s version

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27

Best for: Maximum comfort and recovery

The Gel-Nimbus 27 is the plushest neutral trainer I’ve run in this year. For runners coming off injury or building back volume, it’s a great recovery shoe. The FF Blast+ Eco midsole is soft but not unstable, and the new PureGEL heel insert smooths out impact like nothing else I’ve tried recently. The upper is premium-level comfortable—ideal for runners doing easy double-digit weekend miles or walking recovery days.

I’ve also found the Nimbus helpful for heavier runners or those dealing with joint soreness. It’s not a speedster, but for comfort-focused running, this is one of the top picks of 2025.

Gait type

• Neutral gait
• Best for heel strikers
• Works for runners with medium to high arches

Best surfaces

• Road and sidewalk
• Treadmills

Specs:

• Drop: 10 mm
• Weight: 292 g (Men’s), 250 g (Women’s)
• Stack height: 41.5 mm heel / 31.5 mm forefoot
• Midsole: FF Blast+ Eco foam with PureGEL

Pros:

• Excellent for recovery and comfort
• Upper feels secure yet soft
• Very shock-absorbing for heel strikers

Cons:

• On the heavier side
• Premium price range

Men’s version | Women’s version

Saucony Ride 18

Best for: Balanced and flexible daily training

The Ride 18 is Saucony’s latest update to their neutral workhorse line, released in early 2025, and it shows subtle but smart refinements over the Ride 17. It still features PWRRUN foam, but the updated formulation gives it a slightly softer step-in feel with a touch more flexibility through the forefoot. I’ve had several runners in the 25–60 km (15–40 mile) range using this as their daily trainer, and it transitions well from recovery days to moderate tempos.

One thing I appreciate is its adaptability. Runners with neutral gaits, high arches, or even mild fatigue in the calves tend to do well here. It feels nimble without being overly minimalist and holds up well on long treadmill sessions and outdoor loops around Delaware Park or Tonawanda trails. The upper is slightly more breathable this year, and the fit stays dialed in without any midfoot pinching.

I run on these myself when I go out on long runs on the road. They have replaced my Ride 17’s and they are a nice upgrade. See our Saucony Ride 18 full review.

Gait type

• Neutral gait
• Best for midfoot and heel strikers
• Suitable for medium to high arches

Best surfaces

• Pavement
• Treadmills
• Light gravel and suburban trails

Specs:

• Drop: 8 mm
• Weight: 255 g (Men’s), 220 g (Women’s)
• Stack height: 35 mm heel / 27 mm forefoot
• Midsole: PWRRUN foam (updated blend)

Pros:

• Lightweight, smooth ride
• Breathable and secure upper
• Versatile for various paces

Cons:

• Still firmer than some cushioned trainers
• Not intended for max recovery comfort

Men’s version | Women’s version

HOKA Clifton 9

Best for: High mileage and recovery runs

The Clifton 9 is often the first shoe I suggest for runners recovering from injury or looking to increase weekly mileage without extra pounding. With a low drop and a plush yet structured EVA midsole, it’s gentle on joints while offering smooth transitions via HOKA’s signature Meta-Rocker geometry. Buffalo runners training on the bike paths or soft track loops have especially appreciated its cushion and fatigue-reducing ride.

This shoe is particularly useful for beginner runners who are new to distance running or for experienced runners looking for a dedicated easy-day shoe. It accommodates heel strikers and heavier runners very well. That said, if you want a close-to-the-ground feel, the Clifton 9’s high stack might feel disconnected.

Gait type:

• Neutral gait
• Great for heel strikers
• Accommodates low to medium arches

Best surfaces:

• Pavement
• Cinder and crushed gravel trails
• Treadmills

Specs:

• Drop: 5 mm
• Weight: 247 g (Men’s), 207 g (Women’s)
• Stack height: 32 mm heel / 27 mm forefoot
• Midsole: Compression-molded EVA foam

Pros:

• Very soft ride for long and recovery runs
• Smooth heel-to-toe transitions
• Lightweight for a max-cushion shoe

Cons:

• Lacks ground feel
• May feel too soft for faster efforts

Men’s version | Women’s version