Top-tier Running Brands: Sleek Design, Fashionable Appeal, and Speed-oriented Construction
In the world of running, style and performance are no longer mutually exclusive. The top running brands of 2025 are merging fashion-forward aesthetics with advanced performance technology, creating a new wave of stylish and high-performing running gear.
Path Projects, a running brand known for its innovative fabrics and high-quality materials, offers running gear that performs exceptionally well without compromising on style. The Wadi line, for instance, keeps runners cool and dry even in the sweatiest of conditions.
Andrew Chen, co-founder of 3sixteen, shares that looking good while running is a big part of the fun for him. This sentiment is echoed by many runners who are investing in the right running gear, as they recognise that the right clothing can have a halo effect on the rest of their wardrobe.
Lululemon, a brand known for its spandex and slim fits, offers running clothing that is suitable for actual running. However, newcomers like Miler Running, which won a Fitness Award last year for its practical and high-quality running gear, are also making a mark in the industry. Miler Running's running shorts are equipped with multiple pockets, while its tops and bottoms are minimalist and streamlined.
On Running is loved for its distinctly crenelated running shoes and its apparel is geared toward lightweight, agile gear. Other brands like ASRV, Puma, Adidas, Saucony, Hoka, Nike, and New Balance are also merging recognised performance technologies with on-trend styling.
ASRV, for example, is known for premium sportswear and activewear tailored for running and training, emphasising style and function with new designs featuring signature cut-off tanks and gym-ready apparel. Puma offers racing-focused models with lightweight Nitro Elite foam and carbon plates, blending performance with sleek design. Adidas' Adizero Evo SL highlights versatility as a daily trainer with premium Lightstrike Pro foam, delivering excellent value and stylish appeal.
Saucony's Endorphin Speed 4, awarded Editors' Choice in 2025, features responsive PWRRUN PB foam combined with a nylon plate, balancing speed performance and comfort. Hoka is known for cushioned, breathable models like Clifton 10, emphasising comfort without sacrificing style, combining durable construction with modern aesthetics.
Salomon and Cecilie Bahnsen are emerging niche brands noted for their trainers, blending new style trends with functional running shoe designs. These brands, along with Saysky, a Danish brand, District Vision, Parisian-based brand Satisfy, and Kuta Distance Lab, a fashion guy's fitness brand, are producing stylish running gear with a retro feel, modern materials, and smart technical details.
Janji's socially conscious line of running gear is designed to keep runners comfortable and minimal strain on the environment. Represent's 247 line comprises a hefty collection of performance-ready tops, bottoms, and more that help runners get after it without looking like a schlub. Bandit, a New York City-based running brand, produces airy, silky performance gear that earns head nods from fellow joggers.
Nike and New Balance remain forefront brands that merge recognised performance technologies with on-trend styling. Ciele is known for its popular running caps with reflective coatings and has branched out into equally high-performing apparel. Soar Running is a Hackney, London-based designer's brand that produces cutting-edge fabrics and smart technical details in its line of running gear.
The best running brands are now available outside of big box sporting goods stores, offering runners a wider variety of choices and styles to suit their preferences and needs. Whether you're a serious runner or just starting out, there's a stylish and high-performing running gear option out there for you.
- Path Projects, with its innovative fabrics and high-quality materials, offers running gear that not only performs exceptionally well but also exudes style, making it a go-to brand for runners who value both performance and fashion.
- Lululemon's foray into running clothing caters to those who seek practicality, while brands like Miler Running, known for its minimalist and streamlined designs, attract those who appreciate a blend of style and function in their running gear.
- Brands such as On Running, ASRV, Puma, Adidas, Saucony, Hoka, Nike, New Balance, and others, such as Salomon, Cecilie Bahnsen, Saysky, District Vision, Satisfy, Kuta Distance Lab, and Soar Running, stand out due to their merging of recognised performance technologies with on-trend styling, offering runners a wide range of fashionable and high-performing options.
