Coolers are the gastroenterological core of every camping trip. If your cooler fails, your drinks are only lukewarm and your perishables go bad. While ice retention, exterior durability, and interior capacity are all important features to consider, we also think the devil is in the details when it comes to buying the right cooler. A massive amount of insulation won鈥檛 do you any good if the clasps don鈥檛 seal it closed, and spaciousness doesn鈥檛 matter if you can鈥檛 find things or carry it. After months of testing, here are the six best coolers for car campers, vanlifers, and beach bums.

Updated August 2025: After months of additional testing, we added five new coolers, including the Rugged Road 65, Canyon Pro 65, Maluna 50-Quart, Grizzly 60, and Wyld Gear 65 Freedom Series. We鈥檝e also updated info and pricing on some of our previous picks that we still highly recommend.

Watch: How to Choose a Cooler

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Every woman is built differently and has a different idea of what makes the perfect sports bra. But every woman wants (and deserves) a sports bra that is comfortable and supportive, and lets her do activities with zero distraction. In light of that, we had a team of testers鈥攁ll different sizes鈥攖ry more than 30 of the best sports bras while hiking, climbing, practicing yoga, running, weightlifting, and more to find the models that delivered the best performance and comfort for a variety of different types of bodies, conditions, and activities.

Update April 2025: We鈥檝e replaced the sports bras in four categories, added three new categories (best for summer, best for wearing a pack, and best simple running bra) and changed the categories of two we carried over from the fall round-up.

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Active recovery footwear is having a moment. It鈥檚 technically a category as old as the bedroom slipper鈥攁nd has existed as a purpose-made product for more than a decade. But we seem to be reaching a new peak in active recovery footwear. New kicks launch each season and new recovery technologies debut every year. Recovery research is increasingly showing us all that we cannot ignore this intrinsic part of the training process. I also need more recovery in my life. And, like many of you, I have grown tired of torturing myself with a lacrosse ball.

This truly luxurious trial gave my barking dogs, tight hips, and sore calves a break (and potentially a recovery boost). And, as a bonus, I got to help you figure out the best recovery sandals for you鈥攁n update that spanned from spring to summer this year. The world, my fitness, and my goals have changed since the first round up but the pure luscious joy that a good recovery slip can deliver has not. Here鈥檚 what I found.

How I Tested

I started the test with a deep dive into recovery sandal research, scouring reviews and zeroing in on the best recovery sandals on the market, then pulling back the curtain on the science of each one to make sure brands weren鈥檛 making any bullshit claims. Once samples arrived, I subjected each one to a couple of tests.

For this most recent round of testing, I reached out to all of the recovery footwear brands that I tested for the previous story and asked if they had updated any of the original slips or taken them off the market. I also reached out to some brands that I missed on my original list and ran them through the paces.

For starters, I ran a similar 4.5-mile loop over the course of two weeks and wore each of these sandals for a full day after each run, taking notes on how they felt. I kept the run as uniform as possible, wearing the same pair of shoes and keeping the same pace, and kept my use of the sandals as similar as possible to reduce the number of variables affecting my results. I wore them inside my house and took them on the four 0.4-mile, head-clearing neighborhood walks I take each day.

In addition to the above daily-driver test, I wore each sandal for an hour and took them each on a 0.4-mile neighborhood walk when my legs were beat to a pulp after my first ambitious 8-mile run. I also cycled through all these sandals after days of manual labor to test their effectiveness against general full-body soreness.

The soreness tests remained incredibly similar for the update. My 4.5-mile loop is basically exactly the same 8 months later except for leg strength training, hill sprint work, and downhill specific run training as I prepare for a Rim to Rim to Rim Grand Canyon run.

Best Recovery Sandals: At a Glance

• For Active Recovery:
• For Foot Injuries:
• Most Versatile:
• Best Cushion:
• For Minimalists:
• Adjustable Support:
• For Camping:
• Most Luxurious:
• Most Stylish:
• Best Upper:
• Best Stimulation:
• What Are Recovery Sandals?
• Do I Need Recovery Sandals?

Best for Active Recovery

Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3

The Ora Recovery Slide 3s were cushy as hell鈥攋ust as you might expect from the brand that made us fall in love with maximalist shoes. The dual-density foam layup is made from a soothingly soft, sugarcane-based EVA midsole and a sturdier, more supportive EVA outsole. The shoe felt truly therapeutic during my sorest steps around the neighborhood. But it was actually the way these slides helped inform my steps that made me fall in love with them.

The Oras take advantage of their huge 33mm/27mm stack height to carve a serious rockered curve in the front. That helps roll your foot forward with every step. This mechanical aid felt like a hand from an old friend when my legs were achy and tired after a long run. I was able to walk it out further, giving the lactic acid more time to flush out of my system. Wearing these did make my legs feel better over the course of the day. It is worth noting that this rocker profile isn鈥檛 for everyone. I bought a pair of these for my dad, and he couldn鈥檛 stand the way they messed with his gait鈥攁nd went back to his beat-to-hell Rainbow Sandals instead.

Best for Foot Injuries

OOFOS OOahh Sport Slides

While these slides were not as cushy as the Hokas or Crocs, they did deliver a top-three performance in terms of comfortable walking stride鈥攅ven on the very first step. That鈥檚 thanks to the ample footbed. At first glance, the footbed looks almost comically large, but that extra material allows it to slope inward, creating a three-dimensional hammock for my feet. It delivered support and an extremely stable walking platform, but with an overall width that really gave my feet room to splay out on each step. This unrestricted feeling was appreciated on every walk, but particularly when my feet were swollen after my long run.

The OOah鈥檚 were the only recovery sandal I wanted to put on after I sustained an embarrassing toe-overuse injury from not clipping my toenails before a high-mileage week. The downside of that ample footbed and upper is that they felt sloppy during quick movements and were ankle-rolling machines when I was on the playground chasing my six-year-old.

Most Versatile

Kane Revive Active Recovery Shoe

It feels almost embarrassing to call anything 鈥渕inimalist鈥� in this test, due to how straight-up huge the three slip-on models are. With the Kanes, there鈥檚 also an added 10mm heel-to-toe drop鈥攁s opposed to the zero-drop Crocs and the 5mm drop on the Hokas. With that said, in terms of movement alone, there was something brilliantly minimalist about how these recovery kicks walked. Credit the heavy longitudinal channels on the outsole, which allowed the shoe to bend laterally with my foot during each step. That flexibility also provided a light stretch to my stiff arches when I walked. I also appreciated the light rocker in the sole, which helped move my steps along.

The Kane Revive is more of a shoe than a sandal, but it still breathed extremely well thanks to the myriad holes in the upper. But the thing I loved most about the show was its versatility. While the footbed texture and smooth ride made them feel like a recovery shoe, plentiful heel support and a more streamlined silhouette made them my favorite for running errands and pretending to be the Loch Ness Monster at my kid鈥檚 playground without worrying about rolling my ankle. The biggest con: The fully encased uppers were the toughest to get on and off of the bunch. If I were recovering from an ultra or a multiday objective, I definitely would prefer the ease of a slip-on.

Best Cushion

Crocs Mellow Recovery Slides

The steps I have taken in these Crocs have been the softest, most marshmallow-y, and best cushioned of my life. The difference was so noticeable that I made audible pleasure sounds during my first test drive鈥攄elivering 鈥渙ohs鈥� and 鈥渁aahs鈥� not yet out of my house. My feet visibly sunk into the footbeds like a fancy memory foam mattress when I first put them on, and they delivered Cadillac-smooth rebound with every single step. These slip-ons were the most luxurious of the bunch in terms of cushioning鈥攁nd I could feel myself sinking into the cush with each step. That helped my whole leg relax, which translated into a tangible feeling of relief all the way up to my back. They were my favorites when my legs were their most sore, both after long runs and after manual labor. As for downsides: The Mellows had the least breathable upper in the test, with only two small vents at the base and an ample amount of plastic over the top of my foot. As a result, my feet swamped out pretty badly on hot days.

Best for Minimalists

Salomon Rx Slide 3.0

A minimalist recovery shoe reads like an oxymoron. Even though Salomon鈥檚 Rx Slide 3.0 had the least cushioned footbeds in the test, it really delivered therapeutic steps to my sore hips and knees. The wide EVA midsole, which cradled underfoot, married with a breathable 3D mesh upper that hugged my Fred Flintstone feet without smothering them felt damn good on my pissed off feet. The dual-density鈥�two part midsole with highly cushioned layer next to the sole of my foot backed up by a slightly denser cradling layer below鈥攈elped absorb impact on my most tired days, while the lightweight construction made them track more like a house slipper than a recovery shoe. I especially appreciated how stable they felt on my short post-run walks around the neighborhood. The wide chassis kept me from pronating when my hips and knees were still wrecked from hill repeats. These were also the pair I reached for on hot afternoons when my feet were swollen and cranky. The open mesh drained heat exceptionally well when I wore them all day during a brutal 95-degree high and the slip-on design made them easy to take off when I wanted to air out. That mesh, which made it so good for the heat, snagged on sticks and rough ground whenever I took these on little trail walks around my office so they wouldn鈥檛 be my top pick for a camp shoe. And while they cradled my feet beautifully at rest, the footbed was flatter than others I tested, so I didn鈥檛 get the same gentle arch massage or mechanical 鈥渞ocker鈥� assistance. Still, for sheer lightness and breathability, the Rx Slide 3.0 was a standout

Adjustable Support

OOFOS OOahh Sport Flex

The original OOFOS OOahh I tested last fall delivered cloud-like softness, yet the Sport Flex has an even more dialed-in fit. The version I tested for the update includes a discreet Velcro strap across the upper that lets you snug them up to your foot鈥檚 exact width, which I found key for getting the full cuddle benefit from the deeply contoured footbed. I wore these the day after hammering out four straight days of running and lifting and immediately noted how the arch cradled my tired plantar fascia. The sole is made of OOFOS鈥檚 signature OOfoam, which feels somewhere between a marshmallow and a dense yoga block, absorbing impact so my calves didn鈥檛 tense up with my steps. The wide, slightly sloping footbed let my forefoot splay, which felt especially nice when my toes were puffy from mileage. Even though the Sport Flex鈥檚 had that wide sloping footbed, they still felt secure thanks to the adjustable upper. This is a real plus compared to the original OOahh that could feel sloppy on quick moves. The plushness does come at a cost: The slide can feel a bit squishy on uneven terrain, so I stuck to sidewalks and indoor recovery with these. As far as pure foot-coddling goes, though, the Sport Flex was one of the most soothing in the entire test.

Best Double-Duty Camp Shoes

Bogs Boga Slip On

Unlike many slides in this roundup, the Boga鈥檚 rubbery exterior and slip-resistant outsole made it perfectly suited for the river-based camping trips that dominate my summer weekends. The contoured footbed offered surprising comfort, with a slightly raised arch and a soft underfoot feel that still provided solid ground contact. I wore these after back-to-back days of shoveling dirt and rebuilding an irrigation system at my house, which left my legs even more beat than my longest runs. The gentle support coupled with a massaging ridge just in front of the ball of my foot before my toes caused me to make an audible pleasure noise. The slip-on design was easy to pop on with muddy hands, and they rinsed clean with a hose. However, the heavier rubber upper trapped more heat than mesh competitors, so my feet got aggravatingly sweaty during walks in temps above 80 degrees. While the Bogas gripped well on damp surfaces, they didn鈥檛 flex with my foot quite as naturally as EVA-based recovery slides. The soft swiveling strap, like a classic Croc, locked the slips to my feet making them an even more capable all around sandal.

Most Luxurious

Roll Recovery Superplush Slide

True to its name, Roll Recovery鈥檚 Superplush Slide felt like stepping onto a memory foam mattress. The broad footbed is engineered with an ultra-soft, proprietary EVA blend that delivered the most decadent cushioning in this update. On the days when my feet were absolutely throbbing after my first hard downhill trail workout for my Rim to Rim to Rim attempt, I was incredibly thankful for how kind those cush sinking feeling steps were to my barking dogs. Credit the proprietary Superplush foam used in the midsole of this recovery slip. The foam is incredibly porous, made of algae along with the EVA foam, which had a lovely soft give and rebound thanks to all of the air in the foam. They reduced the jolt of each step around my block allowing the rest of my kinetic chain to relax. The upper is a simple, wide band that felt secure without pinching, and the footbed鈥檚 slight arch contour offered a gentle, static massage. I also liked the slightly rockered heel-to-toe design, which helped move my foot forward with minimal effort鈥攁n underrated asset when your calves are tight and your hips ache. If there鈥檚 a downside, it鈥檚 that the Superplush was almost too soft for active errands or uneven ground. They felt best when I was shuffling around the house or yard. For pure luxury, though, the Superplush Slide was untouchable.

Most Stylish

Norda 008 Slide

Most recovery slides scream 鈥減erformance foam,鈥� but the Norda 008 is a whole different beast, crafted from a premium Dyneema and bio-EVA combo that is fashionable, durable as hell, and a highly functional recovery tool. Norda鈥檚 running shoes are known for their ultra-strong Dyneema uppers, and designers brought that same ethos to this slide. The 008s are lightweight, breathable, and feel incredibly sturdy in every part of the slip. On foot, the 008 felt surprisingly firm and tracked less like a cushy pillow and more like a supportive platform that encouraged stable midfoot loading. I wore these after a brutal set of weighted box step ups and appreciated how the slight underfoot stiffness seemed to activate my feet rather than simply coddle them. The wide toe box gave my battered toes space to decompress, and the subtle footbed texture encouraged a bit of blood flow. At $145, they鈥檙e easily the most expensive option here and the ride is more stimulating than purely plush, which can feel a bit cruel when your feet hurt like hell. But the muted tones and sleek, lower profile of these recovery slips compared to the rest made me look significantly less schlubby. I even dressed them up with a collared shirt and nice shorts for a date. Note: I would suggest sizing up. My heels ever so slightly crept over the backs of the pair I tested in my normal shoe size.

Best Upper

Vionic Rejuvenate Recovery Sandal

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The cushioned, two-part upper鈥攚hich is adjustable via a Velcro strap鈥攔eally set the Vionics apart from the rest of the sandals in this test. The customizable fit made my entire foot鈥攏ot just the soles鈥攆eel cradled and loved, and the soft brushed cotton-like fabric interior also had a much more organic next-to-skin feel than the plastic uppers of the other slips. While every foot is different, I found its high arches took some getting used to. For the first 150 to 200 steps, I felt like I was lurching forward, but once I adjusted, I did appreciate the light massage the hump gave the arch of my foot. Another perk is that these slips look much lest orthotic than some of the other options, thanks to that leather-looking adjustable upper. Wearing them made me feel more like a put together adult (when worn with jeans) than a middling-sporty dad when picking up my daughter from school.

Best Stimulation

Topo Athletic Revive

The pronounced, wavy ridges covering the footbeds of Topo Athletic鈥檚 Revives are designed to stimulate blood flow鈥攚hich is why I turned to them when my feet were at their most swollen. The washboard-like texture provides a light massage with every step, which felt especially good on day three of my training plan when my soles were throbbing. Walking around in these babies seemed to positively affect the swelling. The Athletic Revives feature a wide toe box, which also allowed my angry toes to splay out and relax. One downside: These lean more towards slippers than sandals with their rugged Vibram outsole and fuzzy upper, so I鈥檓 less likely to turn to them as a camp shoe. But in a hut setting? Now we鈥檙e talking; I鈥檓 already salivating about how they will feel after a long ski tour this winter.

What Are Recovery Sandals?

Recovery sandals are shoes that are easy to get on and off, are extremely comfortable to walk around in, and stimulate blood flow to your feet. All of the recovery footwear I tested, and most in this category, have versions of the following attributes to achieve those goals:

• Some type of raised surface in the footbed that stimulates blood flow at the bottoms of your feet
• Cushy feel under foot
• A stable platform to walk on 鈥� usually from a wide exterior outsole
• A large, roomy, footbed

Do I Need Recovery Sandals?

While each purchase has a nuanced answer based on individuals鈥� needs and budget, my short answer is: yes. If you have the money and don鈥檛 mind occasionally getting called out for wearing one of these pretty ostentatious styles in public, they are a great investment. If you are going to wear sandals anyway, why not wear a pair that at best benefits your athletic recovery with every dang step?

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This year, there have been some nice trends in the best outdoor Bluetooth speakers: 鈥淭rue stereo,鈥� which lets you pair two speakers at once and play the left channel in one and the right in the other, is available in more and more models. While it may be a clever way of selling you two speakers instead of one, it makes the experience more like sitting in front of your home hi-fi system. Meanwhile, battery life keeps on improving across the board, and it鈥檚 kind of stunning how water-resistant these devices have become: All of the speakers below have an ingress rating of at least IP57, which means they can be submerged in three feet of water for up to 30 minutes. If you鈥檝e ever combined a swimming hole and a large dog in the same outing, you know why this matters. All of which makes the new speakers highlighted here some of the best ever for your adventures.听Here are reviews of seven of our current favorite outdoor Bluetooth speakers, depending on your needs and budget.

Update July 2025: We鈥檝e tested and selected new Bluetooth speakers in two of our seven categories, including a new best all-around pick of the Brane X, and updated prices and availability for all.

At a Glance

• Best Overall:听
• Best Value:听
• Most Portable:听
• Most Rugged:听
• Best for Audiophiles:听
• Best for Parties:听
• Best for Travel:
• How to Choose
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Tester

Best Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker Overall

Brane X

Pros and Cons
鈯�听More bass than you鈥檒l believe possible
鈯�听Wi-Fi connectivity
鈯�听Makes funny noises on startup
鈯�听Touch controls are overly sensitive

It鈥檚 rare that a product has so much crossover appeal that it鈥檚 nearly impossible to categorize鈥攍abels be damned. The Brane X is an ingenious piece of technology that transitions neatly from a bookshelf-style speaker for your desktop to a backyard DJ boom box to a travel companion for a remote lakeshore, where, as one tester said, it produces bass that can 鈥渟care away the bears.鈥� This versatility and its surprising power are what led our team to name it the best outdoor Bluetooth speaker we tested.

The reason this 7.7-pound unit has such outsize power is magnets. Specifically, it鈥檚 the first Bluetooth speaker with a subwoofer, which relies on a Repel-Attract Driver (RAD), a patented technology that employs specially designed magnets that cancel internal air pressure and allow it to produce deeper bass than was previously possible.

In practice, the results are impressive: Played at lower volumes, it produces fine detail that is as good as anything that comes out of a Bose product. But when you pump up the volume, you can hear bass notes that reach lower into the audio spectrum. It鈥檚 safe to say nothing we鈥檝e seen at this size (under ten inches wide) has been able to create such a rumble way down deep in your belly.

The Brane X can connect with your home Wi-Fi, eliminating the problem of your Bluetooth speaker glitching out during a party because you stepped outside to fetch ice. This feature also makes streaming music over a subscription service or using the built-in Alexa voice assistant easier and more reliable.

And yes, despite its urban looks, the Brane X can withstand water, dust, and a fair bit of rough handling: Its IP57 rating means it can survive in three feet of water for up to 30 minutes. A 12-hour battery life is respectable, given its power. And the Brane app makes it easy to set up and equalize, for less bass, more bass, or more more more bass. Listening to jazz with a double bass, one user said, 鈥測ou can hear all the subtle squeaks of the player鈥檚 fingers on the strings.鈥�

If there鈥檚 a drawback to a speaker this good, it would only be that it makes the windows rattle. Said one tester: 鈥淚t makes other portable speakers seem like toys.鈥�

Best Value

Fender x Teufel Rockster Go 2

Pros and Cons
鈯�听Sound fills the room
鈯�听Long battery life
鈯�听Controls not all in same place

The German audio engineers at Teuful got together with the American guitar and amp brand Fender to make this thing of beauty. The sleekly designed Rockster Go 2 is smaller than a hardcover airport novel, at eight by four inches, but it pumps out some of the best, bassiest sound in this size range. Much like Bose鈥檚听鈥攚hose latest version weighs in at 1.3 pounds and costs $149鈥攖he 1.6-pound Rockster Go 2 amazed us with its 鈥渟traight-ahead sound quality and musical vividness,鈥� as one tester put it. It goes one step further than Bose with a button that engages what鈥檚 called Dynamore virtual stereo sound, an impressive, non-gimmicky feature that seems to magically move the music to the corners of the room. The speaker is unidirectional, but the Dynamore feature does a lot to make it sound good from the front or the back.

The Rockster Go 2 is supposed to last for up to a whopping 28 hours in Eco Mode (which reduces the bass), though you鈥檒l probably get more like the 15 hours it promises in regular mode at medium volume. Quick charging, however, gets you out the door faster if you forgot to plug it in the night before. A short carry strap enables easier toting, and GoPro users will appreciate the quarter-inch threading on the base, which is compatible with camera mounts. Although its range is only 30 feet, one reviewer remarked that 鈥渨ith a design that鈥檚 worthy of residing on your bookcase plus its rugged build, this may be the ideal indoor/outdoor speaker in the midsize range.鈥�

Note: The Rockster line includes two other, larger sizes: the $180听听and the monster $480听.

Most Portable

Ultimate Ears Miniroll

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Pros and Cons
鈯�听Very compact
鈯�听Impressive sound for its size
鈯�听Bungee strap is useful
鈯�听Can get only so loud

Over the past decade, the 鈥渕ini speaker鈥� category has been relentlessly trying to reach a level of sonic quality that sounds so much better than your laptop speaker that it warrants a purchase. With the Miniroll, we may have achieved the singularity. At less than 10 ounces and a fits-in-your-hand five-inch diameter, this grab-and-go disc produced some moments of startling loudness for its size. Physics wouldn鈥檛 allow it to be in the same acoustic class as the others in this test, but testers were impressed by what it can do.

Think of the places it can go: With its eminently handy built-in rubber strap, the Miniroll can bungee right over your bike handlebars, onto your belt loop, or鈥攁 habit I鈥檝e acquired solely on account of this portable Bluetooth speaker鈥攐ver the shower curtain rod, so I can keep clean while keeping up with the news. As secure as the strap is, a bouncy bike ride might eventually dislodge it, but with its sturdy build, we wouldn鈥檛 be too concerned about damage鈥攁nd its crazy-long range of 131 feet means you won鈥檛 lose connection when you turn around to retrieve it. A PartyUp feature lets you pair multiple Minirolls together for more power or a stereo effect.

Anyone debating whether to pack a speaker for an overseas flight or strap it to a backpack for playing podcasts on a hike can be confident that the Miniroll, with its 鈥渞oad-friendly size and shape,鈥� is well worth the consideration.

Most Rugged

Turtlebox Gen 3

Pros and Cons
鈯�听Extremely tough
鈯�听Easy to tote
鈯�听Smooth sound
鈯�听Not cheap

Like Pelican and Otter, Turtlebox thinks in terms of durability that will see you through any terrain on earth, if not other planets. Case in point: The company claims that they were able to park a six-ton monster truck on this speaker, to no ill effect. Encased in super-hard plastic and completely waterproof (even floatable), the Gen 3 has quickly garnered a following among fishermen and watersports enthusiasts for more than being tough. The 120-decibel speaker is 鈥渂oth incredibly loud and impressively refined,鈥� one tester observed. Indeed, our team was hard-pressed to find many differences in audio quality between the Turtlebox 3 and the other top scorers in this year鈥檚 test. The unit plays for 25 hours at lower volumes and about six hours at max volume, such as what you鈥檇 need for a big party.

During LCD Soundsystem鈥檚 鈥淭ribulations,鈥� the bass tones flowed smooth as silk and distortion-free, thanks to the 6-by-9-inch woofer, and, to our surprise, the high and midrange sounds also came across with great clarity. With five color options and an ideal form factor鈥攁 lunchbox-size 9.5-pound boombox with a hard nylon handle coated in rubber, plus rubber bumpers on the undercarriage鈥攖he Turtlebox Gen 3 gets just about everything right, and its fairly high price tag is less scary when you consider its durability.

Best for Audiophiles

Bose SoundLink Max

Pros and Cons
鈯�听Very rich, loud sound
鈯�听Long battery life
鈯�听Easy to pair
鈯�听Needs 5-volt charger; standard USB-C is slow

For those who were wowed by Bose鈥檚 1.3-pound SoundLink Flex (our 2022听Editor鈥檚 Choice winner), this larger and far more powerful 4.9-pound edition of the SoundLink will be true love. It punches above its weight, with rich bass and perfect balance in the higher registers. While the addition of a rubber-coated rope handle is both convenient and cute, the sticking-to-basics features from this classic brand made it a bit less fun than other party-ready units in this test. Where Bose beats them, though, is with more subtle orchestral and ambient tracks. Max Richter鈥檚听The New Four Seasons听came through with a dynamism and presence that was a notch above.

Battery life is 20 hours, range is a passable 30 feet, and Bose鈥檚 app is more versatile than those that accompany most speakers, with EQ settings to suit your tastes and listening environment. IP67 water and dust resistance means it鈥檚 fine being dropped in the pool for up to 30 minutes. The SoundLink Max does cost a lot for its size, but for those among us who like to just sit and focus on great music, it may be the most ideal鈥攁nd ideally sized鈥攑ortable Bluetooth speaker to date.

Best for Parties

Treblab HD-Max

Pros and Cons
鈯�听Loud volume when wanted
鈯�听Great value
鈯�听One-dimensional sound
鈯�听Confusing LED modes

If you鈥檙e looking for a speaker to churn out volume in a big crowd for a fair price, the HD-Max delivers. The sound is not as detailed or three-dimensional as the others in this guide, but that matters less when it鈥檚 about a crowd and, as the evening wears on, they鈥檙e getting down and boogying. Treblab鈥檚 newest offering has the power to fill a sizable outdoor space, and if you want to go a notch higher, a bass-boosting feature adds even more thump. 鈥淚t makes you feel like dancing,鈥� said one reviewer.

Two other fiesta-friendly novelties are a pair of multicolor lights on either end that can be turned off and on, and a bottle opener on the removable carry strap. It鈥檒l get 20 hours of play time if you keep it at 10 percent volume, but at 100 percent it鈥檚 certified for only 6.5 hours鈥攕till, enough to get you through the night, or, if not, you can always plug it in. (And the power goes both ways: If your phone is running out of juice, the HD-Max can charge it.) One thing that could use improvement: It鈥檚 hard to tell when you鈥檙e in indoor, outdoor, or bass mode; they鈥檙e indicated by a clunky system that involves deciphering a series of blinking LED lights.

These are small trade-offs when you consider that the HD-Max is a tough-built five-pound, foot-wide boom box that retails for $200鈥攂ut can be found for 30 percent less than that. Others in its class, like Ultimate Ears鈥櫶�, usually set you back $350 or $400. When the fun is over and it鈥檚 back-to-work time, the speaker has a built-in mic that performs well for conference calls, with an average range of 33 feet. One tester praised the HD-Max for its 鈥渃ombination of sound quality, volume, and portability.鈥�

Best for Travel

Marshall Emberton III

Pros and Cons
鈯�听Solid, compact, travel-friendly build
鈯�听Room-filling sound
鈯�听No bass/treble controls on unit

Don鈥檛 let the throwback looks of the Emberton III fool you: This technology is far from basic. Marshall鈥檚 newest travel Bluetooth speaker has better, more robust sound than its predecessors while adding some new features like Bluetooth LE鈥攁 more efficient form of Bluetooth that sucks less energy鈥攁nd Auracast, an incoming technology that will soon have you wirelessly linking several of your speakers and headphones at once, making a connected life more seamless.

The Emberton III is that one piece of gear you鈥檒l wish you鈥檇 packed for your family reunion on the lake this summer. You鈥檒l realize this when you go to play home movies on your tablet with its anemic speaker. You鈥檒l hardly notice the Emberton III in your luggage, at a little over six inches from end to end and only 1.5 pounds鈥攖hree percent of your checked-bag limit. But you鈥檒l notice it when you fire it up, because, in the words of one tester, 鈥渢his little thing cranks!鈥�

As with other Marshall speakers, the Emberton III achieves a deceptively dynamic sound quality through 鈥淭rue Stereophonic鈥� multi-directional technology, which replicates the experience of being on a soundstage by moving different tones to different areas of the speaker. One tester noticed the 鈥渞ich bass notes鈥攏ot much thump, but clean and clear.鈥� And the well-rounded sound is just as good from the back side as the front.

A whopping 32-hour battery life makes it even more travel-friendly, and a 20-minute quick charge provides six more hours of battery life. The range (thanks to the Bluetooth LE addition) is an excellent 100 feet. And an IP67 rating lets you drop it in the drink (up to three feet deep) with no repercussions (although no testers reported trying this).

One tester summed up his report, 鈥淚 love the retro looks and small package. It makes a cool statement on the shelf but is small enough you can slip it into your pocket on the way out the door.鈥�

How to Choose the Best Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker

When shopping for a new outdoor Bluetooth speaker, your first move is to check its听听to get an idea of how much water and dust resistance it offers; these are typically reliable. Next, think about how much you鈥檒l be carrying it around鈥攂etween house and backyard, say, or moving from campsite to campsite鈥攁nd whether you鈥檒l be on foot (carrying a pack or duffel, or not) or on wheels. Then consider what makes sense in terms of weight and dimensions. As a general rule, the heavier a speaker is, the more volume you鈥檒l get out of it, but playing it loud isn鈥檛 always a necessity鈥攕ome of you will be entertaining large groups, but others will just be setting it up for mellow creekside cocktail-hour listening with your partner.

If you鈥檙e someone who moves around a lot, a portable Bluetooth speaker with long battery life might also make a difference. These days most new models will play for a good 10 hours or more even at high volume, but some are longer-lasting than others, as detailed in the models reviewed here. Finally, more and more models offer 鈥渢rue stereo鈥� linking, where two or more speakers can be paired to play at once but in stereo; this makes smaller models with this option a little more attractive than before, because if you later decide to invest more, you can give your soundscape an appreciable boost.

Finally, don鈥檛 assume that if one of the speakers in this list doesn鈥檛 sound great to you, it鈥檚 your fault. Different folks have different tastes, and some types of music sound better鈥攐r worse鈥攐n certain speakers. If you make a purchase and are feeling lukewarm afterwards, keep an eye on your return window and don鈥檛 feel guilty if you have to exchange it.

How We Tested Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers

• Hours of Testing:听419
• Test Environments:听Hiking, pool parties, stand-up paddleboarding, yardwork, movie watching, car camping, making dinner, conference calls
• Highest Elevation:听10,152 feet, Leadville, Colorado
• Lowest Elevation:听5 feet underwater in Lake Pleasant, Arizona
• Most Listened-To Tracks:听Bon Iver: 鈥淒ijon,鈥� Charli xcx featuring BB Tricks: 鈥淐lub Classics,鈥� Childish Gambino: 鈥淟ithonia,鈥� Drugdealer and Kim Bollinger: 鈥淧ictures of You,鈥� Flock of Dimes: 鈥淒ay One,鈥� Fontaines D.C.: 鈥淔avourite,鈥� J Dilla: 鈥淲orkinonit,鈥� Kenya Grace: 鈥淪trangers,鈥� The Hold Steady: 鈥淪tuck Between Stations,鈥� Magdalena Bay: 鈥淚mage,鈥� Prince: 鈥淓lectric Chair,鈥� Puentes: 鈥淎mor y Unidad,鈥� Kathleen Smith: 鈥淚 Can See for Miles,鈥� Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross: 鈥淐hallengers鈥�

The first thing we do with any Bluetooth speakers is attempt to pair them with our phones without consulting the user manual: The quicker, more intuitive, and easier the sync, the more points scored. Then we put them through hours of testing doing the kinds of things听国产吃瓜黑料听readers do鈥攕oaking in remote hot springs, inviting friends over for outdoor dance parties, playing audiobooks while riding a bike, etc.

Our team turns in reports on each product tested, providing a score of 1 to 10 for five different measures: sound quality, pairing and connectivity, fit and comfort, rain and drop protection, and user friendliness. Scores are averaged, with more weight given to sound quality and (knowing our audience) how well they stand up to the elements. Note: Battery life estimates in these reviews are based on manufacturer specs; it鈥檚 difficult to confirm those numbers, given the time involved and variances among user habits (different volumes, different uses, different functions enabled). Actual results may be 10 to 20 percent lower, judging from averages experienced in general testing.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Will Palmer has been testing gear for 21 years for 国产吃瓜黑料, where he was managing editor and copy chief for nine years. Based in Santa Fe, he has been a runner since 1984, and while the mile counts have decreased over the years, he鈥檚 kept motivated to head out the door on the hottest, coldest, and wettest days by the opportunity to test the best new products鈥攁nd to commune with the junipers and pi帽ons.

The post The 7 Best Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers of 2025 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Finding the right pair of road running shoes can invigorate鈥攐r reinvigorate鈥攁nyone鈥檚 relationship with running. Shoe technology is constantly evolving. With lighter weight, springier midsole foams, comfort-enhancing upper materials, novel shapes that add stability, and embedded plates for increased efficiency, there are more great shoes on the market than ever to meet the demands of an incredibly wide range of runners.

The multitude of choices, however, can lead to decision paralysis. To help you find the best running shoe for your specific needs, we鈥檝e tested more than 100 pairs of new and updated models with a diverse team of over 20 testers. Whatever your current goals may be鈥攍earn to love running or best your marathon PR鈥攐ur guide is here to help.

Updated July 2025: We鈥檝e tested and selected new models in four out of 14 categories, naming new shoes for Best Lightweight Trainer, Best for Recovery Runs, Best Natural Ride, and Best All-around Stability Shoe鈥攁nd updated prices and availability for all the shoes in the guide.

At a Glance

Training Shoes

• Best All-Around: Asics Novablast 5 ($140)
• Best Cushioned Trainer: Nike Vomero 18 ($150)
• Best Distance Trainer: Brooks Glycerin Max ($165)
• Best Value: Brooks Launch 11 ($120)
• Best Lightweight Trainer: Adidas Adizero Evo SL ($150)
• Best Super Trainer: Nike Zoom Fly 6 ($170)
• Best for Recovery Runs: Hoka Bondi 9 ($175)
• Best Natural Ride: Topo Athletic Cyclone 3 ($155)

Stability Shoes

• Best All-Around: Asics GEL-Kayano 32 ($165)
• Best Plush Stability: Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2 ($150)
• Best Lightweight Stability: Brooks Hyperion GTS 2 ($140)

Racing Shoes

• Best Marathon Racer: Nike Alphafly 3 ($285)
• Runner-Up Marathon Racer: Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 ($275)
• Best For Shorter Road Races: Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 ($250)

Trail Running Shoes

Tips and How We Test

• How to Choose a Road Running Shoe
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Testers

Best Training Shoes

Best All-Around

Asics Novablast 5

Weight: 9 oz (men), 7.9 oz (women)
Stack Height: 41.5鈥�33.5 mm (men鈥檚); 40.5鈥�32.5 mm (women鈥檚)
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 6-13, 14, 15 (men鈥檚), 5-12 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Great weight-to-cushioning ratio
鈯� Smooth ride
鈯� Poor outsole grip in slick conditions

Versatile, cushioned, and responsive, few shoes check as many boxes as the ASICS Novablast 5. Underfoot, ASICS upgraded the midsole to FF Blast Max, a polyolefin-based compound that鈥檚 a touch softer and bouncier than its predecessor. Testers praised it for its 鈥減lush experience鈥� and 鈥渓ively and energetic feel underfoot.鈥� The shoe delivers a buttery smooth ride with a noticeable poppy feeling most everyday trainers lack. Despite the thick stack of foam underfoot, the Novablast 5 remains surprisingly nimble for an everyday trainer. While it鈥檚 not our first choice for dedicated speedwork, it handles uptempo efforts better than any other daily trainer we tested. The ride is also surprisingly stable thanks to the wide base and the responsiveness of the foam, which saves it from feeling squishy.

The fit, which is true to size, remains largely unchanged from the Novablast 4. Testers appreciated the new stitch-free engineered jacquard mesh upper, noting it felt a touch softer, improving overall comfort. Straight out of the box, the Novablast 5 felt run-ready with no break-in required.

One area that could be improved is the outsole. In an effort to keep the weight down, ASICS skimped on the rubber. This didn鈥檛 affect traction on dry surfaces, but one tester noted that he lacked confidence in the shoe during cold and wet runs. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not slick, but it doesn鈥檛 grip,鈥� he said.

We rarely suggest one shoe that would work for every runner, but the ASICS Novablast 5 is a standout that just about anyone would appreciate for almost any type of run.

Best Cushioned Trainer

Nike Vomero 18

Weight: 11.5 oz (men), 9.3 oz (women)
Stack Height: 46鈥�36 mm
Drop: 10 mm
Sizing: 6-13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 (men鈥檚), 5-12 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Outstanding stability for such a tall shoe
鈯� Extremely comfortable
鈯� Heavy, slow

When it comes to adding volume to running shoe midsoles, more isn鈥檛 always better. Sometimes more is just more. That鈥檚 not the case with the Vomero 18. With an added six millimeters of foam underfoot, everything about this shoe exudes comfort. Holding the title as Nike鈥檚 most thickly cushioned running shoe to date, the Vomero 18 features a dual-density midsole that pairs a new version of Nike React X鈥攚hich Nike claims has 13 percent more energy return鈥攚ith a new, TPE-based ZoomX foam. React X, the firmer, more durable layer, delivers structure and support on the bottom, while the softer, more responsive ZoomX sits on top for a bouncier ride. The pairing delivered a smooth, cushioned ride that testers found both plush and surprisingly stable for such a high-stack shoe.

Nike didn鈥檛 just add more cushioning underfoot鈥攖he revamped engineered mesh upper also receives a healthy dose of padding for all-day comfort. The downside to all this plushness is that the Vomero 18 tipped the scales at 11.5 ounces for men and 9.2 ounces for women, making it the heaviest shoe we tested. While they are well balanced and don鈥檛 feel like weights on your feet, testers did note the shoe is best suited for everyday, easy, comfortable runs.

Best Distance Trainer

Brooks Glycerin Max

Weight: 10.5 oz (men), 9.5 oz (women)
Stack Height: 45鈥�39 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizing: 7-13, 14, 15 (men鈥檚), 5-12 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Tuned midsole is both soft and responsive
鈯� Wide platform keeps tall midsole stable
鈯� Feels somewhat bulky

The Brooks Glycerin has long been Brooks鈥� premium highly cushioned everyday trainer. However, with stack heights increasing across the industry, its 38mm/28mm profile no longer stands out as a true max-cushioned option for long-distance running. Enter the Glycerin Max, which is Brooks鈥� highest-stacked shoe to date but manages to not feel overly tall.

Brooks鈥� new DNA Tuned midsole starts with its familiar nitrogen-infused EVA-based compound, but instead of being a consistent density throughout, the foam has different-sized cell structures in different locations, making it softer on the outside of the heel and firmer and more responsive on the inside of the heel and throughout the forefoot. 鈥淭he result is a high-cushion shoe that I found doesn鈥檛 wallow and allows the foot to engage as it rolls through the stride, making it a shoe that I, usually a max-shoe hater, wanted to wear more,鈥� noted one tester.

Raised sidewalls and a noticeably wide base aid in creating a stable stance for such a tall shoe. To enhance a smooth roll from an otherwise inflexible sole, a rockered forefoot encourages a natural forward transition, helping maintain momentum with each stride. A rather simple engineered mesh upper, consistent with other Brooks models, provides a true-to-size fit that complements the shoe鈥檚 plush underfoot feel. All in all, the Glycerin Max coddled our feet while rolling smoothly through the miles, making us want to keep going no matter how far from home we wandered.

Best Value

Brooks Launch 11

Weight: 7.7 oz (men), 7.1 oz (women)
Stack height: 35.5鈥�27.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 7-15 (men鈥檚), 5-12 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� A lot of bang for the buck
鈯� Foot-following fit and ride
鈯� Versatile
鈯� Narrow for some

It is not easy to find a good running shoe for less than 125 bucks these days, but the Brooks Launch 11 is an exception. The Launch 11 may not offer massive cushion or a carbon or nylon plate, but we kind of love that about it. Instead of the trampoline-like ride of so many other shoes on the market right now, the Launch 11 provides a classic, almost old-school vibe by allowing groundfeel while still offering a little bouncy rebound. Paired with an upper that conforms around and moves with your feet, plus looks great, we think this shoe gives a range of runners great bang for their buck.

With this update to the Launch, Brooks added 1.5 millimeters more lightweight, responsive cushioning (Brooks nitrogen-infused DNA Flash foam) under the heel and 2.5 millimeters more under the forefoot, with an insert of even lighter and springier DNA Flash 2. This gives the Launch 11 a higher stack height but a lower heel-toe offset (eight millimeters instead of 10) than the Launch 10. We found this update super comfortable and more than capable for everything from daily miles at a cruisy pace to shorter, faster efforts, and even allowed us to dance nimbly over tame trails. One tester noted that this shoe feels 鈥渓ight and springy and propels you forward,鈥� while another called it 鈥渄ownright snappy.鈥� Another tester gave the $120 Launch 11 a score of 10 out of 10, raving that it has 鈥渙ne of the best sneaker fits so far鈥� for her narrow foot, with 鈥渁ll the bells and whistles needed.鈥� Some other testers, however, found the fit too narrow.

Best Lightweight Trainer

Adidas Adizero EVO SL

Weight: 7.9 oz (men), 6.6 oz (women)
Stack Height: 39-32 mm (men鈥檚), 36-30 mm (women鈥檚)
Drop: 7 mm (men’s), 6 mm (women’s)
Sizing: 6.5鈥�15 (men鈥檚), 5-12 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Smooth at any pace
鈯� Excellent balance between cushioning and responsiveness
鈯� Lightweight and nimble
鈯� Toe box can feel wide
鈯� Thin laces can be hard to tie

A great lightweight trainer is the ideal one-shoe quiver: nimble enough for speed workouts yet providing enough cushioning and support for daily mileage. Of all the shoes we tested, the Adidas Evo SL nailed this versatility better than any other. 鈥淚t strikes a nice balance between cushioning and responsiveness,鈥� said one tester.

At the core of the Evo SL鈥檚 excellence is a thick slab of Adidas鈥� gas-infused TPEE foam called Lightstrike Pro, the same high-energy midsole used in their flagship racing shoe, the Adios Pro 3. Testers described the foam as soft but not squishy, with a lively, more responsive feel. Regardless of pace, the Evo SL鈥檚 ride is buttery smooth, with a gentle, flexible forefoot rocker that is absent of Energy Rods鈥擜didas鈥檚 version of a carbon-fiber propulsion plate鈥� making it more versatile for different strides. 鈥淭he shoe rolls really well and does a great job returning energy and propelling me forward,鈥� said a tester.

The clean-looking mesh upper, accentuated by oversized versions of Adidas鈥� signature three stripes, offers a surprising level of structure for such a lightweight shoe, especially through the heel, and provides excellent lockdown through the midfoot. A few testers, however, noted that the toebox felt slightly wide.

Still, the Evo SL delivers great performance at a price that鈥檚 hard to beat. 鈥淕reat for fast days without breaking the bank,鈥� summed up one tester.

Best Super Trainer

Nike Zoom Fly 6

Weight: 9.3 oz (men), 7.7 oz (women)
Stack height: 40鈥�32 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 6-15 (men鈥檚), 5-12 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Works for a variety of runners
鈯� Performs at a variety of paces
鈯� Can feel funky when heel striking

By definition, supertrainers combine racing technology with more durable elements. The Zoom Fly 6 borrows ZoomX, Nike鈥檚 premium Pebax midsole foam, from the lauded Vaporfly super shoe racer. But while the Vaporfly 3 (and Alphafly 3) are solely built with ZoomX cushioning, the Zoom Fly 6 adds a bottom layer of more stable and durable EVA foam, making it a daily trainer built to last day in and day out. The Zoom Fly 6 also has a wider profile to feel less tippy than the raceday rockets, and a lower stack height which allows greater connection to the ground.

While the previous version of the Zoom Fly could feel thick and chunky on the foot, the 6 is lean and streamlined. We found it felt light and fast on tempo runs or when doing speedwork, and stable and comfortable on longer, slower runs, although the heel-toe transition is less smooth when heel striking at an easy pace.

The carbon plate sandwiched between the two layers of foam, which feels slightly less rigid and aggressively rockered than that in the Zoom Fly鈥檚 racing siblings, seemed to stabilize the ride and save energy. The texturized rubber outsole does a great job gripping dry or wet roads, and even feels capable on smooth dirt. The woven mesh upper is comfortable and breathable, and the partially gusseted tongue cradles the foot. The Zoom Fly 6 feels capable and fun for daily miles, but is no slouch as a race-day choice either.

Runners who don鈥檛 want to fork more than $250 for a race-only super shoe may just fall in love with the Zoom Fly 6, as many of our testers did.

Best For Recovery Runs

Hoka Bondi 9

Weight: 10.5 oz (men), 9.3 oz (women)
Stack Height: 43-38 mm (men), 42-37 mm (women)
Drop: 5 mm
Sizing: 7-16 (men鈥檚), 4-12 (women鈥檚); D, 2E, 4E widths

Pros and Cons
鈯� Upgraded, livelier midsole
鈯� Plush upper
鈯� Stiff sole

When your legs are still aching from yesterday鈥檚 run, few things feel better than slipping into a pair of thick-soled running shoes with a plush, cushioned upper鈥攕omething just like the Hoka Bondi 9. For this version, Hoka completely overhauled the midsole, adding two millimeters of stack height and replacing the standard EVA foam found in the Bondi 8 with a new supercritical (gas-infused) EVA compound. The result? A softer, more responsive ride.

We were pleasantly surprised to find the Bondi 9 had a speedy streak that we would not expect from such a thick-soled shoe. One longtime Bondi tester described the updated version as more plush and squishy, with a sole that feels noticeably less stiff than the previous version. Another noted the new foam felt livelier and springier. While it鈥檚 still not a shoe we鈥檇 pull for speed sessions, it made recovery runs feel a little peppier.

Hoka incorporates strategically placed flex grooves, carved into the outsole and bottom of the midsole, to promote smooth transitions and enhance flexibility throughout the gait cycle. That said, compared to most running shoes, we still found the Bondi 9 to have one of the least flexible soles. But Hoka鈥檚 signature rocker shape, which allows the foot to roll forward without bending, compensates for this, and the shoe delivered a smoothly flowing ride from heel-strike to toe-off.

The engineered mesh upper is generously padded around the heel collar and tongue, providing a secure and comfortable wrap around the foot. One tester praised the extra cushioning, noting that it made the shoe fit better. On that note, all agreed that the Bondi 9 runs true to size.

If you’re looking for the classic plush and protected Hoka ride, the Bondi 9 delivers. 鈥淚t’s got all the right bells and whistles of a true Hoka,鈥� said one tester.

Best Natural Ride

Topo Athletic Cyclone 3

Weight: 6.9 oz (men鈥檚), 5.5 oz (women鈥檚)
Stack height: 28鈥�23 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Sizing: 8-13 (men鈥檚), 6-11 (wome鈥檔s)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Extremely lightweight
鈯� Comfortable toe space with secure foothold
鈯� Excellent ground feel combined with bouncy cushioning
鈯� Best limited to short runs for most

Topo Athletic shoes are known for their roomy toe box, which provides ample wiggle room and allows for natural foot movement, while also offering a secure midfoot and heel hold. The Cyclone 3 lives up to that reputation. We felt, in fact, that the foot hold and comfort of the Cyclone 2 was improved upon here. And in an era where the vast majority of shoes boast massive amounts of midsole foam and rigid propulsion plates, the Cyclone 3 unapologetically keeps things simple with a thin, flexible layer of premium Pebax foam.

This shoe may have one of the lowest stack heights available on the market (short of minimalist models), but the Pebax midsole still provides springy cushioning that one tester said makes you want to run faster: 鈥淲hen you put it on you feel like you can take off quicker than expected. It鈥檚 an easy-going ride.鈥� Another noted, 鈥淎s the foam compresses, I feel a connection with the ground without being harsh, and when it bounces back, it seems to enhance the power of my push-off.鈥�

We credit the Cyclone 3鈥檚 easy forward roll to its incredibly light weight, rockered geometry, great flexibility, and midsole pop. 鈥淭his reminds me of an old-school, lightweight, flexible shoe for speed and racing,鈥� said a tester.

We found the airy upper ideal for summer running, whether in the hot and dry climate of Colorado, thick humidity of Virginia, or tropical vibes of Hawaii. And because of its feather weight, flexibility, and versatility, the Cyclone 3 is a great choice for traveling: it packs easily and is equally adept whether running on the soft surfaces of a beach or a concrete bike trail.

Best Stability Shoes

Best All-Around Stability Shoe

Asics Gel-Kayano 32

Weight: 10.6 oz (men), 9.0 oz (women)
Stack height: 40鈥�32 mm (men鈥檚), 39鈥�31 mm (women鈥檚)
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 6-16 (men鈥檚), 5-13 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Reliably stable
鈯� Plush cushioning
鈯� On the heavier side

Two Kayanos ago, Asics ditched the traditional medial post with a more forgiving, smoother-running geometry and foam combination to achieve stability for those who need it. The Kayano 31 built on the success of the 30, and the Kayano 32 is even better. This is a plush, well-cushioned, supportive shoe that can take overpronators from mile one to 26, and through all of their long-run training miles. It鈥檚 not a lightweight, speedy shoe, but it doesn鈥檛 claim to be.

Stability comes from a wide, flared sole and a soft, bouncy insert under the arch designed to reduce how long a runner鈥檚 foot is in a pronated position. 鈥淭he shoe feels supportive under the midfoot, but not firm,鈥� said one tester. 鈥淚t allows my foot to move naturally, then rebounds under the arch and provides a pleasant push-back as I roll onto my toes.鈥� The cushioning, while feeling slightly firmer and more responsive than that in the 31, remains plush鈥攍ong gone are the days of overpronators having to wear a blocky, stiff shoe.

This version is updated with two millimeters more foam under the forefoot, reducing the heel-toe drop for a more balanced stance, making the forefoot rocker more pronounced, and delivering more comfort over the long haul. Plus, it gets a better-fitting tongue. 鈥淚 found the fit and feel of the shoe to be great,鈥� said a tester. 鈥淭he gusseted tongue wraps a bit nicer than in the past, and the slightly thinner material is more sock-like so there are no pressure points.鈥�

Final verdict: The Kayano32 is protective without feeling overbearing. This tried-and-true model has evolved, and continues to impress.

Best Plush Stability

Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2

Weight: 10.4 oz (men), 8.1 oz (women)
Stack height: 38鈥�28 mm
Drop: 10 mm
Sizing: 7-13, 14 (men鈥檚), 6-11 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Soft and smooth
鈯� Stable without feeling controlling
鈯� Toe box uncomfortable for some

The Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2鈥檚 significant stack of nitrogen-infused TPE foam underfoot and a wide forefoot silhouette make this feel like a lot of shoe. This thing is plush. But for that much cush this shoe comes in at a reasonable weight and offers a forgiving, comfortable ride.

Testers found the foam鈥攁 combination of a softer core surrounded by a firmer perimeter 鈥攖o feel great underfoot, noting that the shoe ran 鈥渟mooth and easy.鈥� That鈥檚 not a description that comes easy for a stability shoe, and makes the ForeverRun Nitro 2 stand out. Complementing the underfoot cush is a premium engineered mesh upper that eliminates interior seams (aside from the partially gusseted tongue, which adds midfoot hold) to provide a welcoming step-in feel.听 The secure heel hold with a stabilizing external heel clip gives way to a narrow/secure-fitting midfoot, then splays out to a wide forefoot geometry that seems to add inherent stability throughout the gait cycle.

Despite the wide forefoot shape at the base, some testers craved more room on the interior, noting a feeling of crammed toes. But overall, the ForeverRun Nitro 2 is a great option for those seeking a combination of stability and cushioning in a good-looking shoe.

See our full round-up of stability shoes

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HOKA Clifton 9 Running Shoe

Need a light, plush shoe for your everyday miles? Meet the HOKA Clifton 9. HOKA added more foam underfoot yet somehow dropped ounces to give increased shock absorption at a lower weight, making the ride smoother and your stride freer. The strategically placed rubber zones ensure this pair holds strong against the rigors of a daily trainer, while the articulated heel collar keeps you locked in mile after mile.

Best Lightweight Stability

Brooks Hyperion GTS 2

Weight: 7.6 oz (men鈥檚), 6.9 oz (women鈥檚)
Stack Height: 31.5鈥�23.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: Men鈥檚 7鈥�15; Women鈥檚 5鈥�12

Pros and Cons
鈯� Lightweight
鈯� Low-profile, agile-feeling, and supportive ride
鈯� Highly breathable upper
鈯� Can feel too squishy in the heel for some

We loved the first-iteration Hyperion GTS for its lightweight comfort and springy, nitrogen-infused cushioning that one tester described as 鈥渇un and fast.鈥� The second version is updated with a new midsole compound鈥攏itrogen-infused DNA Flash v2鈥攚hich Brooks says is lighter weight and more responsive than its predecessor. We concur鈥攐ne tester described it as 鈥渟nappy,鈥� while another remarked on how it seems to push back while compressing and offers impressive rebound.

The GTS 2 still features stabilizing guide rails along the sides of the heel鈥攁 raised extension of the midsole foam on the outside, a firmer TPU piece on the inside鈥攖o help reduce heel shift and rotation for runners whose stride strays excessively inward or outward, especially towards the end of their run as a result of fatigue.

We appreciated the feeling of support while still being able to run smoothly and speedily when we wanted to up the effort. 鈥淚鈥檇 definitely speed train in these,鈥� said a tester. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e responsive, nimble, and light.鈥� These shoes are ideal for any runner looking for a daily trainer or racer that gives them a connected ground feel without being minimal. The cushioning is noticeable and lively, while the stability features are discreet. 鈥淚 found these easy to run in at any speed,鈥� said one. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e very responsive to whatever I feel like doing in them.鈥�

See our full round-up of stability shoes

Best Racing Shoes

Best Marathon Racer

Nike Alphafly 3

Weight: 7.8 oz (men), 6.2 oz (women)
Stack Height: 40鈥�32 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 6-15 (men鈥檚), 5-12 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Bouncy, trampoline-like ride
鈯� Works for a wide range of runners
鈯� Lighter weight than previous versions of the AlphaFly
鈯� Heel can feel unstable
鈯� Can be hard to find in specific sizes

We鈥檝e run in all three versions of the AlphaFly to date and think this third iteration is a great update. Subtle adjustments to the shoe鈥檚 geometry, including a wider footprint and carbon fiber plate, paired with repositioned Air Zoom units and strategically sculpted midsole, give the Alphafly 3 a distinctly different feel from its predecessor, which many found heavy and clunky compared to the original. This shoe again feels bouncy, fun, and fast.

Complementing the cush and rebound of ZoomX (Pebax) foam and Air Zoom units (pockets of compressed air and tensile threads) is a full-length carbon fiber plate that gives the shoe extra snap and adds a touch of appreciated stability that even the most efficient runners can benefit from when fatigued (marathon, anyone?). One of our more competitive testers praised the Alphafly 3 for its bouncy, energy-saving ride and says she鈥檒l wear no other shoe for races longer than 10 miles. Another speedy tester noted, 鈥淓ven running as fast as 5k pace, I found the Alphafly responded quickly, encouraging a fast turnover.鈥� Some slower runners noted, however, that landing on the Alphafly鈥檚 sculpted heel can create a feeling of instability until the plate is engaged at the midfoot roll.

The upper of the Alphafly 3 is a lightweight, super-breathable mesh with an integrated tongue and thin, notched laces that pull tight and stay tied. Our feet were comfortable and secure without any pressure points on top of the ready-to-fly platform. We love that this shoe got lighter than its previous versions, which adds to its race-readiness.

Read our full review of the Alphafly 3. .

Runner-Up Marathon Racer

Saucony Endorphin Elite 2

Weight: 7.0 oz (men)
Stack height: 39.5鈥�31.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 3.5-14 (men鈥檚/unisex)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Fast and springy
鈯� Secure foothold
鈯� Slightly unstable

Talk about an overhaul. This second iteration of the Saucony Elite could not be more different than the first. The primary reason is the underfoot feel of Saucony鈥檚 new, proprietary midsole material made out of TPEE that they鈥檙e calling 鈥淚ncrediRUN鈥� foam. While the original Elite鈥檚 midsole felt until compressed powerfully, the Elite 2鈥檚 midsole feels wildly squishy and unstable when walking or slow jogging in the shoe. But, as one tester noted, 鈥淥nce I started to pick up the pace, the foam firmed up and became insanely responsive.鈥� With a stack height that falls just within legal limits for a marathon-racing shoe, that massive amount of rebounding foam鈥攃ombined with a carbon fiber plate that鈥檚 slotted in the forefoot for flexibility (the same plate as in the original Saucony Elite) and an aggressive toe spring鈥攎akes this shoe beg for speed.

The upper has also been drastically updated, and we dig it. A combination of knit and mesh plus an airy knit tongue makes the shoe highly breathable. Testers found the heel collar and areas underneath the TPU overlays a bit warmer, but loved the secure heel fit paired with a roomier toe box. This is a fast, fun, lively shoe for race day.

Fit notes: We found this shoe to run a bit short. Also, the heel collar comes up high enough that a longer-than-no-show sock is needed.

Best For Shorter Road Races

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4

Weight: 7.1 oz (men), 6.1 oz (women)
Stack Height: 39鈥�33 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizing: 6-13.5, 14.5 (men鈥檚), 5-12 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Soft, bouncier midsole than previous versions
鈯� Great fitting, comfortable upper
鈯� Less stability and ground feel than previous versions

For short road races like the 5k and 10k you need a shoe that鈥檚 lively, explosive, and ready to roll. The new Adios Pro is all that. 鈥淯nlike the Pro 3, which felt more like a cruising shoe, the Pro 4 actively pushed you forward,鈥� one tester remarked, adding that 鈥渋t makes fast paces feel easier.鈥� To achieve this, Adidas overhauled the Adios Pro 4 from top to bottom. Previously recognized as one of the firmer and more stable super shoes, it now joins the ranks of softer, bouncier super racers built for maximum cushioning and energy return. The newly formulated midsole is noticeably softer and bouncier.

Adidas鈥� signature energy rods are still embedded in the midsole, adding a bit of rigidity to the squish and roll. The start of the rocker, however, has been shifted backward, from 70 to 60 percent of the distance from heel to toe. When building their ultralight, high-performing race model, the , Adidas鈥� designers learned that the longer rocker engages the foot earlier in the stride and benefits forefoot and midfoot runners, enabling a smoother transition from midfoot to toe-off. Testers noted the change, with one saying, 鈥淭his shoe allows you to push off of your toe a lot easier than other shoes, which gives that fast feel.鈥�

Substantial improvements were also made to the upper, which is now crafted of a one-way stretch-woven upper material that鈥檚 incredibly soft and form-fitting. Testers loved how it adapted to their foot鈥檚 shape, providing a secure, locked-in feel for total control. 鈥淭he upper disappears on my foot in the best way possible,鈥� remarked one.

鈥淭he Pro 4 is lighter, bouncier, and responsive than the Pro 3鈥攁 huge step up.鈥� Unfortunately, those who liked the firmer, more stable and grounded feel of the Pro 3 may feel differently.

How to Choose a Running Shoe

When choosing a road running shoe, the first step is to determine the type of running you鈥檒l primarily be doing in them. Do you need a speedy racer, a shoe that offers comfort during long, slow jogs, or a versatile trainer that can handle various distances and paces?

Next, consider your preference for the feel of the shoe鈥檚 cushioning: do you like a soft, forgiving ride, a more energetic, bouncy sensation underfoot, or a firmer platform that provides better ground feel? With advancements in foams and technologies, many shoes today offer cushioning without compromising responsiveness or stability. However, each shoe balances these characteristics differently, providing a spectrum of options to choose from. The key to finding the perfect running shoe is choosing the one you鈥檙e most comfortable with.

Once you鈥檝e narrowed the search to a certain type of road shoe, you need to find a pair that complements your unique body and stride. Every runner鈥檚 body, gait, speed, experience, and ride preferences are different, so every runner will interact differently with each running shoe. The shoe that your best friend or your sister-in-law loves may be uncomfortable for you and make running feel slow, sluggish, or even painful. Finding the perfect pair of road running shoes is a seriously personal affair.

The process for choosing the best running shoes is a matter of finding the models that both fit your foot and also feel best when you鈥檙e running. To determine fit and feel, there鈥檚 no substitute for trying the shoes on and running in them.

Fit: Match Your Foot Shape

When assessing fit, first pay attention to length. You need room at the end of your toes as your feet lengthen during their dynamic movements on the run. A rule of thumb is to allow a thumb鈥檚 width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Runners often wear a running shoe a half or full size bigger than their street shoes.

Ensure that the shape of the sole and the upper matches your foot shape. The sole should be as wide or wider than your foot for the whole length, and match the curve of your arch comfortably. The shoe should hold your foot securely over the instep, while allowing the ball of the foot and the toes to splay and flex when you roll forward onto them. Your heel shouldn鈥檛 slip when you lift it, and the arch should be able to dome and lengthen naturally. Nothing should bind or rub as you roll through the stride.

Feel: Match Your Movement Path

If the shoe fits, it鈥檚 time to take them on a short run on a treadmill, around the store, or, ideally, down the block and back. Every running shoe has a unique ride created by the type and density of foam in the midsole and the geometry of that foam: its thickness, width, heel-to-toe drop, molded sidewalls or flares, and forefoot flexibility or rocker shape (plus, in an increasing number of models, the presence of and type of embedded plate). Each of these elements interact with each other and your stride to determine how the shoe reacts on landing, how much it cushions, how stably it supports, how smoothly it transitions from landing to toe off, and how quickly and powerfully it rebounds.

The best way to choose the shoes that complement your body and stride is to find the ones that feel right on the run. Benno Nigg, the world-leading biomechanics professor who , calls it the 鈥渃omfort filter,鈥� but makes clear it is far more than how plush the shoe feels when you step into it. What you want to assess is whether the shoe allows and supports the way your feet want to move, what Nigg calls your 鈥減referred movement path.鈥� In the right shoe, while running at your normal pace, you will touch down where you expect to land, roll smoothly and stably through the stride without noticing the shoe, feel both cushioned from and connected to the ground, and push off naturally, quickly, and powerfully. When this comes together you鈥檒l know that you鈥檝e found your pair.

It鈥檚 likely that several shoes will feel good on your feet. To find the most comfortable, it helps to compare them back to back, like an eye doctor will do with corrective lenses: flipping between 鈥淎鈥� or 鈥淏,鈥� 鈥�1鈥� or 鈥�2.鈥� You may also find that different shoes feel better at different paces or level of fatigue, and you may want more than one pair. In fact, research shows that wearing a variety of different shoes is one of the few to reduce injury risk as it appears to vary the stresses on your feet and joints.

What About Injury Prevention?

Running shoes have long been marketed and sold as prescriptive devices to help runners stay healthy, but there is correlating shoes, or any specific shoe properties鈥攍ike cushioning or pronation control鈥攚ith running injuries. Medical professionals say that it is highly difficult to determine whether a runner needs a certain type of shoe, and studies have shown that prescribing shoes using traditional methods like treadmill gait analyses or wet-foot arch height tests don鈥檛 consistently reduce injuries.

Don鈥檛 assume that you need more cushioning or more stability if you have sore joints, or if you鈥檙e a heavier runner, or if you鈥檙e a beginner鈥攅vidence doesn鈥檛 support many common beliefs. The best way prevent injury is find two or three different pairs that feel right on the run, ease into using them, and vary your shoes, your running surface and your pace regularly (plus avoid rapid increases in your training load and work on ).

How We Test

• Number of testers: 27
• Number of shoes tested: 119
• Number of miles: 21,000+ over a year

To test running shoes, we begin by researching every brand鈥檚 upcoming offerings for the coming season. We wind up with dozens of samples of the models (39 road shoes this season, 119 over the year) that are most promising鈥攏ot just for us, but for 27 testers that range in age, ability, running form, geographical location, and preferred shoe types. We try to put each tester in models from within the same category (e.g., neutral, stability, carbon fiber, zero drop or uptempo) so everyone can compare apples-to-apples.

After three to six months of running in each model on paved roads, concrete multi-use paths, treadmills, sandy beach paths, dirt roads, and tracks at a variety of distances, paces, and weather conditions, our crew members report back with their assessments of fit, comfort, traction, cushioning, flexibility, stiffness, pop, what type of running the model is best used for, how the shoe compares to other models, and more. We also run in every shoe ourselves, and, combining all the tester feedback with years of personal experience, hone in on the best. This guide combines the best recent shoes with outstanding shoes still available from the past two test periods.

Meet Our Lead Testers

Lisa Jhung

Freelance journalist, editor, and author has researched, tested, and written about running shoes for the past decade and a half, much of that time for 国产吃瓜黑料 and 国产吃瓜黑料 Buyer鈥檚 Guides. She coordinates a fleet of female shoe testers out of Boulder, Colorado, and says her home office is a perpetual obstacle course of cardboard boxes and piles of running shoes. Lisa鈥檚 written about gear of all kinds for numerous national magazines as both an editor and freelancer, including a stint as the Shoes & Gear blogger and trail running microsite editor for Runner鈥檚 World.

A high school jumper and occasional sprinter/hurdler, she started running鈥攔eally running鈥攁fter walking off the collegiate volleyball team, and moved on to road and trail races of any distance, triathlons, adventure races, and mountain running. She鈥檚 happiest testing rugged trail shoes on gnarly terrain, and also loves a good neighborhood jaunt鈥ut is almost always looking for ribbons of dirt. Lisa is the author of Running That Doesn鈥檛 Suck: How to Love Running (Even If You Think You Hate It) and Trailhead: The Dirt on All Things Trail Running.

Cory Smith

passion for running started over 30 years ago in high school when he became the number six ranked runner in the nation at 3000 meters his senior year. After high school, he competed at Villanova University, earning two NCAA Division I Championship showings. Today, he鈥檚 determined not to let age slow him down and competes on the national master鈥檚 circuit, running a 4:12 (4:30 mile pace)) 1500 meters and 9:04 (4:52 mile pace) 3000 meters in 2021 at age 43. He prefers a hard track workout or tempo run over an easy long run any day but also appreciates a challenging trail or mountain run.

His obsession with running shoes started in 2014 when he wrote his first shoe review for Gear Institute. Since then, he鈥檚 tested and reviewed hundreds of running shoes, clothing, and gear for 国产吃瓜黑料, Runner鈥檚 World, Footwear News, and other outlets. He has a soft spot for speedy shoes over heavy trainers but loves dissecting all shoes equally and thinking like a product engineer to explain the why behind every design detail. Cory is the Founder of , an online running coaching business, and since its inception in 2014, has coached runners鈥� to over 100 Boston Marathon Qualifying times.

Here鈥檚 one of 颁辞谤测鈥檚 shoe-testing routes on MapMyRun:

Jonathan Beverly

Jonathan fell in love with running his freshman year of high school and quickly became fascinated with finding the perfect pair of running shoes. That quest got a boost when he became editor of Running Times in 2000 and started receiving every new model as they were released. The parade of shoes continued while he served as shoe editor for Runner鈥檚 World, then editor of PodiumRunner, and currently fitness gear editor at 国产吃瓜黑料. Having now worn nearly every running shoe created in this century鈥攁nd a fair amount of those dating back to the early models of the 鈥�70s鈥攈e鈥檚 given up on finding the one best and now relishes the wide variety of excellent options.

Once a 2:46 marathoner regularly doing 50+ mile weeks, recent injuries and his age have reduced his volume by about half and slowed his easy training pace to around nine-minute miles鈥攂ut he says he still enjoys an uptempo workout or two each week. Beverly is the author of the book which explores how each individual鈥檚 gait鈥攁nd, consequently shoe preference鈥攊s unique. He enjoys getting scientists鈥� take on new shoe trends and trying to describe the nuances of each shoe鈥檚 ride.

The post The Best Running Shoes for Training and Racing (Summer 2025) appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Having grown up a San Diego beach kid and Santa Barbara college kid, I鈥檝e spent a lot of time in bikinis. Now that I live in Boulder, Colorado, I鈥檓 often at a community pool swimming laps, paddling on lakes or reservoirs, or playing volleyball in the sand. I also travel often to beaches where I can surf, ocean swim, and play soccer in the sand with my boys. So it was natural for me to test bikinis for active women.

I鈥檝e always felt the right two-piece is way more comfortable鈥攎ore supportive on top and less creeping on the bottom, plus cooler in summer heat鈥攖han a one-piece bathing suit. But as I鈥檓 not 20 years old anymore (far from it, actually) I鈥檝e wondered: Do I need to retire my two-pieces and give in to a life of wearing only one-piece bathing suits? Do societal norms accept us in our 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond, baring our midriffs and wearing bikinis?

I鈥檝e decided I don鈥檛 care. And if you also prefer bikinis over one-pieces, I鈥檓 suggesting that you don鈥檛 care, either. To help you find the best bikini for any activity, I鈥檝e updated last summer鈥檚 list of bikinis for active women with 11 more styles that appear as either a new category winner for this season, or as a runner-up option in a key category.

At a Glance

• How I Tested Bikinis for Active Women
• Most Comfortable
• Most Coverage
• Most Secure
• Most Fashionable
• Best Value

How I Tested Bikinis for Active Women

I took a collection of bikinis for active women on family trips to Costa Rica and Hawaii. I鈥檝e worn them surfing, swimming, bodysurfing, and playing volleyball and soccer on the beach with my teenage sons and husband. I鈥檝e sometimes spontaneously taken off on a barefoot run on the sand at low tide while wearing these suits. I also brought the suits on a river rafting trip in Arizona where we paddled and hiked for a week, only removing our bathing suits at the end of each day, sometimes after doing cartwheels on the riverbank.

This year, I also had some suits tested by friends鈥攚ho are also a bit past 20 years old, but, one could say, hyperactive. One hiked and swam in her test suits on a family trip in Switzerland. Another swam laps and lounged at the community pool in Boulder.

The following bikinis for active women have been thoroughly鈥攁nd I mean thoroughly鈥攖ested over two summers. They all provide more coverage both in the rear and up top than skimpier bikinis, and they stay put whether you鈥檙e paddling out, diving for a volleyball, chasing a toddler鈥攐r racing a teenager.

Most Comfortable

Carve Designs Escondido Top

The pulls on overhead and fits like a sports bra. Though the company rates it as 鈥渓ight support鈥� for A/B cups, I found it plenty supportive for a run and any other beach activity. I love the simplicity of this top. There are no hooks, loops, adjustment straps, or fasteners digging into the skin, so it鈥檚 comfortable to wear under a PFD or backpack. I also love how the fabric is a blend of 82 percent recycled polyester, made from plastic water bottles, and 18 percent spandex for stretch. I鈥檓 a big fan of companies striving to minimize plastics that end up in the ocean, especially when I鈥檓 wearing a suit to enjoy said ocean. Plus, the material is 50 UPF.

Carve Designs Pipa Compression Bottoms

The strike a great balance between modesty and style. They have decent rear-end coverage, although they鈥檙e a tad cheeky, and the material extends high enough to cover the lower belly. These bottoms stayed put while doing cartwheels, surfing, and playing in the ocean. They鈥檙e made with a compressive fabric blend: 42 percent spandex (the compressive quality), 35 percent recycled polyester, and 23 percent recycled nylon. They feel supportive in the right places without being constrictive. 50 UPF.

Most Comfortable Runner Up Top and Bottoms

Carve Designs Tofino Top

The interior shelf bra inside the makes this half-tankini (it doesn鈥檛 extend to the waist) a comfortable, supportive choice for going for a run and then jumping in the ocean for a full-on swim afterward, goggles and all. The soft v-neck front, combined with a wide-cut back, adds to the Tofino Top鈥檚 ability to work well for activities like pickleball鈥攊t鈥檚 as supportive as a shimmel-style sports bra, but the styling adds just that: style.

Carve Designs Reversible St. Barth Bottom

The strike a great balance of fit, function, and style. Fun prints (reversible with a solid color) and comfortable recycled polyester/spandex make these bottoms easy to wear. 鈥淭hese were chafe-free during a short trail run,鈥� said a tester who took them on a family summer trip to Switzerland. She also wore them on a sweltering hike where she got sweaty and took a dip in the ocean. 鈥淚 loved that these bottoms stayed in place,鈥� she reported. 鈥淧erfect practical and flattering suit for a 50+ year old.鈥�

Most Coverage

Patagonia Cami Top

The 鈥檚 high neck silhouette made me feel perfectly appropriate when driving my 13-year-old son and his friend to the local pool. It then remained comfortable when I snuck in 1600 yards of laps, and it dried in time to drive home comfortably. The racerback cut makes the top fit and stay put as well as a sports bra, while the blend of recycled nylon/recycled spandex material both looks and feels good.

Prana Baja Bound Swim Bottom

The are the most full-coverage of any other bottoms I tested, both in the rear and around the midsection as the top extends past my belly button. The wide side cut helps the material鈥�78 percent recycled nylon, 22 percent Lycra/elastane blend鈥攕tay put for minimal creeping. A small, zippered pocket at the back holds a key or other essentials, though it kept me from wanting to do crunches or yoga poses on my back. An adjustable tie at the waist helps keep them from getting washed off my body while playing in whitewater, though I鈥檓 not sure they need it. 50 UPF.

Most Coverage Runner Up Top

Carve Designs Sanitas Compression Reversible Top

The made me feel securely covered, with its high neck providing both modesty and coverage from the sun. The neckline and the racerback style (with a cut out), also provide support, making the top function like a long sports bra. We love all the reversible color and print options, and the top鈥檚 major comfort helped it stand out in our testing.

Most Secure

Left on Friday Double Scoop Top

The surprised me. The Italian fabric blend of 46% nylon/ 38% polyester/16% Lycra is ridiculously smooth, soft, and supportive all at once. (That support may also come from the top seeming to run a bit small.) A band around the rib cage and the scoopneck cut make this top fit somewhat like a sports bra, but it鈥檚 much better looking. It also handles swimming and surfing without moving or sagging, and dries quickly. This is a comfortable, secure, do-everything swim top.

Patagonia Nanogrip Bottoms

I鈥檝e long been a fan of for their in-between amount of coverage and comfort. The , however, stay in place better. They feature a 鈥淣onslip Nanogrip lining鈥� throughout the entire interior which felt like it did, indeed, stick to my bare skin just a touch, and didn鈥檛 slip or creep when I paddled out on a longboard or played volleyball. The cut is midrise and mid-coverage: they鈥檙e much lower at the waist than others in this roundup, but the material covers more of my rear and stays put.

Most Secure Runner Up Bottoms

Carve Designs Stinson Bottom

听

Earning a place among the best bikinis for active women this year, the Carve Designs Stinson Bottoms have a banded waist designed for high-energy activity, and they stayed put through lap swimming, surfing, pickleball, and sand volleyball. The Stinson Bottoms provide moderate coverage without being frumpy. They鈥檙e extremely comfortable for active use and lounging alike.

Most Fashionable

Left on Friday Playa Top

The one-shoulder cut of the had me intrigued. I鈥檇 seen the style worn by the Canadian beach volleyball team and noted how the tops kept them covered despite amazing, body-flailing digs. I found the top just as secure as a two-shoulder design, and surprisingly comfortable. Not only is one arm completely free to swing, swim, and pull weeds (I may have done some gardening in a bikini behind my tall fence), but the support and compressive feel of the smooth fabric just doesn鈥檛 budge. As a bonus, the style made me feel cooler in the heat. Note: This cut seems to run smaller than the we also tested in this roundup.

Vuori High Waisted Bikini Bottom

The strikes an interesting balance of mom-vibes and cheekiness. The high-waist cut offers a slight compressive鈥攜et comfortable鈥攆eel on the belly, while the backside is more Euro-chic (as one tester pointed out, European women well into their golden years embrace cheekiness more than on American beaches). The polyamide/elastane material of Vuori suits is smooth and stretchy, and it feels great against the skin鈥攚et or dry. And the cut of this suit adds style, even in classic solid colors. (Check out the for a more traditional cut.)

Best Value

Quince V-Neck Bikini Top

It鈥檚 nearly impossible to find a good-looking, activewear bathing suit top and bottom for under 50 bucks, but these two separates deliver a modest, functional cut and style at that bargain price. And their performance won them a spot on our list of best bikinis for active women in this new category this year.

The provided more coverage than a classic triangle top and stayed put while wallowing in lazy rivers and hitting the snack bar. The adjustable shoulder straps helped two testers of different shapes and cup sizes find a perfect fit, but our personal recommendation: This suit is best for low-impact activity. 鈥淭his top is movement-friendly and okay for walking and easy swimming, but didn’t stay in place for cliff-jumping,鈥� said a 52-year-old tester. The recycled polyamide/spandex blend fabric looks and feels good when dry but seems to stay wet longer than other suits in this roundup, especially with the removable pads in place. (Staying damp can provide a natural cooling system in sweltering heat, but it can be a drag after a while.)

Quince High-Rise Bikini Bottom

While most high-rise bikini bottoms make up for the tummy coverage by practically baring both butt cheeks, the offers a bit more material on the rear, without looking like your granny鈥檚 underwear. We appreciated the coverage when walking around the community swimming pool and liked how the bottoms stayed in place while swimming a few casual laps. A downside to these bottoms is that this suit, like the top, stays wet longer than others, and it can feel like a lot of material on the skin.

The post 13 Best Bikinis for Women Who Move appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Whether you鈥檙e scrambling through slick alpine streams or chasing shade on a lazy river, your water shoes can make or break the mission. The best pairs are equal parts amphibious and all-terrain: grippy, breathable, quick to dry, and unbothered by a little sand in the seams.

Gone are the days of clunky neoprene booties and tight rubber slip-ons that would fill with water and never fully drain. Sure, they got the job done, but you wouldn鈥檛 be caught dead wearing them beyond the put-in. Today鈥檚 water shoes and sandals strike a balance between performance and style, letting you move seamlessly from waterfront to town with dry feet and dignity.

Our crew of water-loving testers, ranging from professional river guides to weekend water warriors, put 13 shoes and sandals through the wringer. From high alpine lakes to technical whitewater, over rocky portages and sandy put-ins, here鈥檚 what held up when the rubber hit the river rock.

At a Glance

• Best Sandal: Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D PRO
• Best Sneaker: Xtratuf Kiata Drift Sneaker
• Best Hybrid Shoe: Keen Hyperport H2
• Best for Wet Trails: Salomon Techamphibian 5
• Best Classic River Shoe: Astral Brewer 3.0
• Best for Rocky Terrain: Simms Pursuit Shoe
• Best Flip Flop: Chaco Flip Flop
• Most Versatile: Danner Rivercomber
• Other Water Shoes and Sandals We Tested
• Frequently Asked Question
• How We Test

Best Sandal

Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D PRO Sandals

Size Range: 5-14 (men鈥檚), 6-15 (women鈥檚)
Comfort Rating: 8/10
Traction Rating: 9/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Three adjustable straps for customizable fit
鈯� Versatile enough for technical activities and casual wear
鈯� Exceptional durability
鈯� No half sizes
鈯� Minimal protection compared to closed-toe options

The Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D PRO hits a sweet spot between technical performance and everyday wear, making it our top pick for all-around water adventures. It鈥檚 the beefiest of Bedrock鈥檚 offerings, built with added sole structure compared to the more minimal models. With a three-point adjustable strap system, it offers a dialed-in fit that adapts to everything from rocky river scrambles to casual lakeside hangs.

鈥淚 can go anywhere with them,鈥� said one tester who wore them on steep hikes, river crossings, and into town. The open-toe design sheds water instantly and dries fast. Most testers reported fully dry sandals in under an hour.

What really sets the Cairn Evo apart is its crossover appeal. Testers loved how easily it moved between trail and town, offering stable grip on slick surfaces thanks to a Vibram outsole, and minimalist construction that lets you easily shake out debris mid-hike鈥攁n annoyance that comes part and parcel with wearing sandals.

鈥淭hey could overtake Chacos as my go-to sandal,鈥� said one veteran river guide who logged serious miles across multiple rivers, including an 18-day Grand Canyon trip. The sandals held up impressively, showing only minor cosmetic wear. And when the tread finally wears down? Bedrock offers a so you can extend the life of a well-loved pair instead of tossing them after a single season.

Just a heads-up: These shoes do not come in half sizes. If your toes flirt with the edge, consider sizing up.

Best Sneaker

Xtratuf Kiata Drift Sneaker

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Size Range: 7-14 (men鈥檚), 5-11 (women鈥檚)
Comfort Rating: 7/10
Traction Rating: 8/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent traction on rocky terrain
鈯� Easy slip-on design
鈯� Not the most stylish
鈯� Slow to dry in cold conditions

The Xtratuf Kiata Drift Sneaker delivers solid all-around performance at a price point that won’t break the bank. This hybrid style bridges the gap between technical water shoes and everyday sneakers, making it a smart pick for anyone on a budget who wants one pair that can do it all.

“They performed like tennis shoes on dry land,鈥� said one tester after boating on the Arkansas River. What stood out most was the grippy TUFgrp outsole, which proved reliable on slick river rocks, dry trails, and boat decks alike. The stretchy, unlined, engineered upper makes them easy to slip on and prevents hot spots around the ankle and heel, while the quick-drain design means you鈥檙e not sloshing around all day. 鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 feel water retention at all,鈥� noted another tester.

The style leans a bit utilitarian and the shoe was slow to dry in cold conditions, but the comfort and versatility make up for it. For boaters, casual hikers, and anyone seeking a reliable water shoe that can double as everyday footwear, this Xtratuf pair delivers where it counts without the premium price tag.

Best Hybrid Shoe

Keen Hyperport H2 Sandals

Size Range: 7-17 (men鈥檚), 5-11 (women鈥檚)
Comfort Rating: 8/10
Traction Rating: 6/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Exceptional comfort and cushioned footbed
鈯� Quick drainage and fast-drying
鈯� Great airflow and breathability
鈯� Wide size range for men
鈯� Limited traction on wet rocks
鈯� Pebbles can get trapped and are difficult to remove

For water lovers who value comfort over techy features, the Hyperport H2 delivers all-day wearability. With a plush, injected foam midsole and breathable design with strategically placed cutouts, it鈥檚 a solid pick for passenger rafters, beachgoers, or anyone logging long hours on a boat deck.

The comfort and footbed cushion stood out most to one tester after a day of rafting on Colorado鈥檚 Upper Taylor River. The sandal drains fast thanks to the side openings, dries quickly, and stays breathable even during hot, all-day wear. On dry land, it offers decent support and cushioning for casual walking or campground loops.

That said, the Hyperport H2 isn鈥檛 built for more demanding water or land terrain. Testers noted limited grip on slick rocks, so it鈥檚 not ideal for technical scrambles or strong current crossings. Debris can also be a nuisance: small pebbles tend to sneak in and stay there.

Still, for mellow summer floats, shoreline strolls, and easy river days, this sandal nails the comfort brief. If you鈥檙e looking for a laid-back, go-anywhere water shoe that prioritizes cushion over performance, the Hyperport H2 is an easy win.

Best for Wet Trails

Salomon Techamphibian 5

Size Range: 7-14 (men鈥檚), 5-11 (women鈥檚)
Comfort Rating: 8/10
Traction Rating: 9/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Superior traction on wet and slippery surfaces
鈯� Durable construction with excellent protection
鈯� Versatile for both water and trail use
鈯� More trail-focused sole than water-specific tread

The Salomon Techamphibian 5 stands out as a confident crossover option for those who want one shoe that can handle both water and trail. Tested in Class III whitewater in Colorado鈥檚 Browns Canyon, the shoe held its own across a range of terrain, offering reliable comfort through long, wet days. Its anti-debris mesh drains efficiently after full submersion and dries at a reasonable pace, ideal for mixed days that shift between paddling, hiking, and loading gear at the put-in.

But it鈥檚 not without limitations. In colder conditions where drysuits and neoprene socks come into play, the fit can get tricky. The collapsible heel design offers some versatility between slip-on and 鈥渟port mode,鈥� but testers noted that it sacrificed some of the secure, locked-in feel needed for more technical river environments when wearing the shoes over neoprene socks.

鈥淭his shoe would be great for raft trips and kayaking alike,鈥� one tester said, though he noted the sole felt more like a trail runner than a water-specific grip. If your days are evenly split between land and river, and you鈥檙e not in big whitewater or cold-weather gear, the Techamphibian 5 is a versatile choice.

Best Classic River Shoe

Astral Brewer 3.0

Size Range: 5-12 (men鈥檚), 6-13 (women鈥檚)
Comfort Rating: 9/10
Traction Rating: 8/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Stylish sneaker design with excellent drainage
鈯� Comfortable for all-day wear
鈯� Works well with neoprene socks for cold water
鈯� Sizing runs small
鈯� Durability concerns with heavy use

The Astral Brewer 3.0 has long been a favorite among river guides and seasoned paddlers, and for good reason. 鈥淭hey look good, are comfortable, and drain well,鈥� said one tester, echoing a common refrain across the paddling community. The low-profile, sneaker-like aesthetic gives them a streetwear edge that most water shoes don鈥檛 have, without sacrificing grip, drainage, or comfort. Even better, they still fit great when worn with neoprene socks.

With a super-sticky rubber outsole designed for wet, uneven surfaces, plus quick-dry canvas and breathable mesh in the upper, testers reported stable performance across everything from early-season runoff to hot, sandy beaches. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e grippy on wet rocks and feel trustworthy in variable terrain,鈥� said one paddler who wore them through Class III-IV conditions. However, testers recommend sizing up to accommodate thicker socks or drysuits.

While the Brewer excels in comfort and style, durability emerged as a concern. “They wear out fast with heavy use,” reported one tester, though testers were willing to overlook this given the shoe’s versatility and reasonable price point. For those seeking a water shoe that transitions seamlessly from Class III rapids to post-float town hangs, the Astral Brewer 3.0 remains the gold standard that has influenced an entire category of footwear.

Best for Rocky Terrain

Simms Pursuit Shoe

Size Range: 5-14 (men鈥檚), 7-16 (women鈥檚)
Comfort Rating: 8/10
Traction Rating: 10/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Exceptional toe protection for rocky terrain
鈯� Outstanding grip on wet and slippery surfaces
鈯� Durable construction built for rugged use
鈯� Runs small in sizing
鈯� Takes longer to drain after full submersion

The Simms Pursuit Shoe shines in rocky rivers and technical terrain where protection and grip matter most. Originally built for fly fishing, it鈥檚 equally well-suited for rafting, guiding, or any water-based adventure requiring confident footing on wet rocks and uneven surfaces.

鈥淭hese are so solid鈥擨 never worried about where I was stepping,鈥� said one professional raft guide who wore them on shallow, rock-strewn rivers. Testers consistently rated the Pursuit as having the best traction in the lineup, thanks to its aggressive lug pattern and reinforced TPU overlay toe caps that guard against painful stubs.

The shoe’s burly slip-resistant outsole construction prioritizes durability over quick-drying convenience. They take a little longer to drain and dry compared to more open styles, but the tradeoff is worth it for the security and protection they provide. The paracord lacing system with a locking toggle keeps the fit secure all day, and testers appreciated the reliability over flimsier bungee systems.

One caveat: These run small, especially for women, so sizing up is key. Despite that, the Pursuit earned high marks for confidence-inspiring grip, comfort, and bombproof build quality. For water users tackling rough terrain, this shoe delivers exactly what you want for navigating challenging rocky terrain.

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XTRATUF Guy Harvey Ankle Deck Boots

For summer adventure on land or on the water, slip on XTRATUF Ankle Deck Boots. These iconic non-slip, waterproof boots now feature marine artwork by acclaimed artist and conservationist Dr. Guy Harvey. Plus, a portion of proceeds benefit ocean conservation and marine science education through the Guy Harvey Foundation.

Best Flip Flop

Chaco Rapid Pro Flip Flop

Size Range: 7-15 (men鈥檚), 5-12 (women鈥檚)
Comfort Rating: 8/10
Traction Rating: 7/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Exceptional versatility across multiple activities
鈯� Reliable traction on varied terrain
鈯� Limited security in water activities
鈯� Inherent flip-flop limitations for technical use

The Chaco Rapid Pro Flip Flop walks the line between casual comfort and legit outdoor function, making it a solid pick for anyone who wants one sandal that can handle water, trail, and town without missing a step. Our tester praised its versatility across every kind of terrain, from rocky riverbeds to sandy beaches.

鈥淚鈥檇 recommend them for their comfort and versatility,鈥� said one Colorado-based tester who used them for moderate climbing approaches, rafting, and daily wear. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e great for everything from floating the river to hanging at the coffee shop.鈥� The footbed offers Chaco鈥檚 signature support, and the rugged outsole held up to repeated use without showing much wear.

Of course, it鈥檚 still a flip-flop. You鈥檙e not getting full-foot security or toe protection, and they鈥檙e not ideal for technical terrain or swift water. But for everyday summer adventures where you don鈥檛 need to be locked in, they get the job done in comfort and style.

If you鈥檙e looking for a dependable sandal to cover your bases until it鈥檚 time to lace up something more specialized, the Chaco Flip Flop brings surprising capability to the table.

Most Versatile

Danner Rivercomber

Size Range: 7-14 (men鈥檚), 5-11 (women鈥檚)
Comfort Rating: 8/10
Traction Rating: 8/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent for trail-to-water transitions
鈯� Lightweight with good wet rock traction
鈯� Stylish enough for casual wear
鈯� Tight opening makes them difficult to put on
鈯� Not ideal for muddy conditions

The Danner Rivercomber nails the balance between style and function, earning our top pick for versatility. Lightweight and quick-drying, it transitions seamlessly from trail to river; but what really sets it apart is how naturally it fits into every part of the day. It鈥檚 structured enough for short hikes and stable enough for river crossings, but with a streamlined, low-profile design, it doesn鈥檛 scream 鈥渢echnical footwear.鈥�

鈥淭hey were comfortable and stable,鈥� said one tester after wearing them on the Yampa and Upper Taylor Rivers. The Rivercomber held up well across varied conditions, from deep desert canyons to chilly mountain streams. The shoe features a sock-like fit with stretch-mesh construction and no traditional lacing system, instead relying on a snug slip-on design that hugs the foot. It dries quickly, usually within a few hours in the sun, and sheds water well thanks to its mesh construction and drainage ports.

The snug fit has its drawbacks though. Several testers noted the shoe is tough to get on due to a tight opening that isn鈥檛 easily adjustable, and the secure fit that鈥檚 great for in-water use can feel restrictive over longer stretches. Traction is solid on rock, but less dialed on muddy terrain.

For guides and casual users alike, the Rivercomber is a sharp-looking, all-around performer built for life on and around the water.

Other Water Shoes and Sandals We Tested

: These minimalist sandals impressed us with their lightweight design and exceptional traction, earning praise for handling rocky terrain and easily dumping debris thanks to their open construction. However, testers found the GEN3WINGS buckle system less comfortable and adjustable than competitors. The Lunas are still a solid choice for those who prioritize the barefoot feel and don’t mind spending time dialing in the fit.

: These sandals stood out for their bombproof build and sharp aesthetic, with solid traction and durability across creeks, trails, and sandy riverbeds. But the single-strap design made it tough to dial in a secure fit, and the hefty soles felt bulky over time. Straps took overnight to dry, and overall comfort fell short for all-day water use. Stylish, but not our top pick for performance.

: The Hydratrek delivers on comfort and basic water performance, but its bold design didn鈥檛 land with most of our testers. While the shoe handles mellow water activities just fine, its eccentric, bulky and color-blocked styling limits its versatility for casual users who want something more understated. If you鈥檙e looking strictly for function, it鈥檒l do the trick. But for those who care about post-float wearability and a more streamlined look, the Keen Hyperport H2 came out ahead.

: Originally built for canyoneering, this rugged approach shoe has become a go-to for professional whitewater guides and rescue teams who need max protection and grip in extreme terrain. With bomber construction, sticky Vibram rubber, and a reinforced upper, it outperformed most true water shoes in high-consequence environments. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e not designed for whitewater, but they鈥檙e what every other water shoe should be aiming for,鈥� said one tester.

That said, it鈥檚 not for casual users. It retains water, doesn鈥檛 drain quickly, and is too bulky for tight playboats. But for those working daily in gnarly river terrain, the TX Canyon is unmatched. Just know you鈥檙e strapping on more of a mountain boot than a summer sandal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What鈥檚 the Difference Between Water Shoes and Waterproof Shoes?

Waterproof shoes are designed to keep water out, using materials like Gore-Tex or other water-resistant membranes. Great for rainy hikes or slushy streets, but once they鈥檙e wet on the inside? Game over.

Water shoes, on the other hand, are built to get wet. They鈥檙e designed for traction on slick rocks, protection from sharp riverbeds, and fast drainage when you’re in and out of the water. Whether you鈥檙e paddleboarding, scrambling along a rocky coastal or lakeside shoreline, or hopping off the raft for a side hike, water shoes are made to dry quickly, shed debris, and keep you on your feet, not sliding around on them.

How Should Water Shoes Fit?

A good water shoe should fit snug. Too loose and you鈥檒l be slipping around inside the shoe. Too tight and you鈥檒l regret it halfway through a portage. If you’re wearing them barefoot in warm weather, look for a true-to-size fit with just enough room up front to wiggle your toes. For colder water or shoulder seasons, you鈥檒l want to size up slightly to accommodate neoprene socks or liners. Keep in mind that some models stretch a bit once wet, and others don鈥檛 give at all. Materials like mesh or knit tend to mold to your foot over time, while burlier rubberized options stay rigid.

Should I Wear Socks with Water Shoes?

It depends on where you鈥檙e headed and how long you鈥檙e out. For quick dips, mellow floats, or SUP laps around the lake, barefoot works just fine. But if you鈥檙e clocking longer hours on the river, hiking to remote put-ins, or dealing with colder water, socks start to make a big difference. Neoprene socks are the go-to for chilly conditions because they add warmth without sacrificing too much dexterity. For warmer weather, lightweight wool or synthetic socks can help prevent blisters and cut down on that soggy-foot friction. Just remember, if you鈥檙e planning to wear socks, especially bulkier neoprene ones, size up accordingly.

Can I Wear Water Shoes for Hiking or Different Activities?

You can, but not all water shoes are built the same, and not all trails are forgiving. Some models are purpose-built for water: lightweight, minimal, and made to drain fast. Great for paddleboarding, canyoneering, or rocky beach scrambles, but maybe not the best choice for grinding out miles with a heavy pack.

Others are true hybrids: beefier soles, more foot support, and enough structure to handle light hiking, side trails, or hauling gear to and from the put-in.

If you鈥檙e fishing or wading, look for options with low profiles and stealthy tread. For SUPing, lightweight and grippy is key. Whitewater? You want something that won鈥檛 come off mid-swim and protects your toes. Bonus if they look good enough to pass for streetwear when you roll into town for post-float tacos.

So yes, water shoes can multitask, but the right pick depends on how, and where, you plan to roam.

Are Water Shoes Worth It Compared to Just Wearing Old Sneakers or Sandals?

Sure, you can wear your old running shoes on the water, but you鈥檒l probably regret it by lunchtime. Water shoes are designed specifically for wet, uneven terrain. They drain fast, grip slippery surfaces, and dry out quickly. No sloshing around hours after you鈥檝e left the water.

So yeah鈥� they鈥檙e worth it. Once you try a real water shoe, you鈥檒l wonder why you ever lugged a soaked pair of sneakers up a canyon in the first place.

How We Test

• Number of testers: 5
• Number of products tested: 13
• Bodies of water tested in: 8
• Number of rocks slipped on: 4
• Number of trapped pebbles: Too many to count!

Our crew of testers ranged from professional whitewater guides to weekend river warriors; people who play in and around water every day and know what works (and what doesn鈥檛). Over several months, we put this year鈥檚 crop of water shoes to the test on the iconic Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument and the technical flows of the Arkansas, with side trips to alpine lakes and icy headwater streams.

Each pair was tested in the kinds of real-world scenarios that actually matter: scrambling over mossy riverbank boulders, scouting rapids, balancing on SUP boards, and hiking into remote put-ins. We wore them through long days on Class III whitewater and walks around town for post-river brews.

We focused on the fundamentals: grip on slick rocks (nobody wants an unplanned swim), drainage after full submersion, all-day comfort, and durability under real river abuse. We also paid attention to how they handled dry land, because the best water shoes shouldn鈥檛 leave you sloshing.

And beyond pure performance, we considered the little things: how easy they are to slip on when your hands are full of gear, whether they stay put when you鈥檙e swimming, and if they鈥檙e something you鈥檇 actually wear off the river. Because the best water shoe is the one you鈥檒l keep reaching for, whether you鈥檙e headed out on a multi-day mission or for a float around your neighborhood lake.

Meet Our Lead Tester

听is a writer, gear tester, and amphibious enthusiast based in Crested Butte, Colorado. She鈥檚 guided rivers across Southwest Colorado, from the Dolores to the San Miguel, and has twice ventured down the Big Ditch (aka the Grand Canyon). When she鈥檚 not on the river, you鈥檒l find her exploring alpine lakes in the high country. Her work has appeared in听SKI Magazine,听Warren Miller, and beyond.

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The contact points between the rider and a bicycle are some of the most important aspects of riding a two-wheeled steed (think saddle, grips, pedals, and, yes, shoes). The bike shoe category has widened dramatically in the past few years to include everything from the highest-performance road shoes to versatile gravel kicks to flat pedal pumps designed for rugged mountain bike rides.

Our testers rode hundreds of miles to find the best cycling shoes for fit and performance across all of these categories. From sleek, clipless shoes for dancing on dirt to the mountain biking equivalent of steel-toe construction boots for your own personal Redbull Rampage, we hand-picked the following options that meet the needs of modern riders.

Updated July 2025: We added 8 new picks, including our new favorite MTB and road cycling shoes鈥攖he Crankbrothers Mallet BOA and Specialized Torch 3.0. We also updated pricing and info on previously listed bike shoes.听

Best Bike Shoes at a Glance

Best Mountain Bike Shoes

• Best Do-It-All Clipless Shoe: Crankbrothers Mallet Boa ($200)
• Best Flat Pedal Shoe: Pearl Izumi X-ALP Launch ($150 $90)
• Best Downhill/Enduro Shoe: Shimano GE7 ($180)
• Best Protection: Ride Concepts Tallac Mid BOA MTB ($220)

Best Road Cycling Shoes

• Best Overall: Specialized Torch 3.0 ($280)
• Best Performance: Shimano RC903S ($475)
• Best On a Budget: Fizik Beat Tempo ($180)

Best Gravel Shoes

• Best Gravel/XC Shoe: Giro Sector ($240)
• Best High-End Gravel/XC shoe: SIDI Physis ($399)
• How to Choose Bike Shoes
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Testers

Best Mountain Bike Shoes

Best Do-It-All Clipless Shoe: Crankbrothers Mallet BOA Clip-In Shoes

Available sizes: US M 6 – 14

Pros and Cons
鈯� Very comfortable
鈯� Super durable
鈯� Supremely adjustable fit
鈯� Limited ankle coverage

Technically, the Mallet is Crankbrothers鈥� offering for gravity-focused endeavors鈥攄ownhill, park, and enduro racing鈥攂ut these well-padded shoes are lightweight and breathable enough that if you loathe the ballet slipper look, they do just fine for any riding this side of XC racing.

While the brand makes their own pedals, the Mallet utilizes the brand鈥檚 鈥楳atch鈥� design philosophy: a long and wide cleat pocket that鈥檚 designed to both shed mud and aid cleat engagement/release regardless of your preferred clipless pedal. The shoes come with shims to optimize your pedal-cleat-shoe interface, but in a nod to their own pedals, and as an encouragement for you to use them, the Mallets come with Crankbrothers鈥� own cleat already installed in a neutral position.

The shoes are burly yet offer a comfortable amount of padding, with silicone gripper dots in the heel cup for a secure fit. They also utilize just the right amount of ventilation for good breathability on all but the hottest days. The medium stiff midsole combined with a nicely rockered sole makes for exceptional comfort both on and off the bike. All these features, combined with the ability to dial in an exact fit with the BOA dial, make these shoes a winner. Our only complaint: We wish they offered a little more ankle coverage.

Best Flat Pedal Shoe: Pearl Izumi X-ALP Launch

Available sizes: EU 39 – 49

Pros and Cons
鈯� Lightweight
鈯� Optimal for narrow feet
鈯� BOA loosened on longer rides
鈯� Soles not as grippy as Five Ten or Ride Concepts

The X-ALP Launch is an affordable flat pedal mountain bike shoe that takes the cake when it comes to a lightweight, flexible feel. The shoe features a stout Cordura mesh upper with a single BOA dial that allows for quick fit adjustments. We found that the X-ALP has a low-to-medium internal volume that runs a bit narrower in the toe box than other brands. An EVA foam midsole is paired with an outsole featuring Goodyear rubber molded with a chevron pattern, designed to offer good grip and traction.

Despite the use of brand-name rubber, the X-Alp is not the grippiest shoe out there. But that鈥檚 not necessarily a bad thing: this allows for easy micro foot adjustments compared to the locked in feel of some other shoes on our list. What the sole lacks in grip, it makes up for with impressive lightweight feel and efficient power transfer. In our testing, the shoes excelled on longer trail rides in dryer weather where heat and foot fatigue can be issues. And while the single BOA loosened up a bit on our longer rides, it’s fairly easy to tighten up on the fly. This might not be the shoe you want for bike park laps, but it hits the mark for those who prefer the versatility of a flat pedal shoe versus clipless for hot cross-country and trail rides.

Best for Downhill/Enduro Riding: Shimano GE7

Available sizes: EU 38 – 48

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent off the bike grip
鈯� Longer cleat channel
鈯� Roomy toe box
鈯� Runs a little hot

The Shimano GE7 is one of our favorite clipless MTB shoes. The SPD-compatible GE7 features laces with a velcro instep strap for precise fit, a burly outsole for enhanced grip, raised and padded ankle collar, enhanced toe cap, and a reinforced fiberglass midsole (TORBAL 2.0, a midsole technology that provides targeted rigidity and flexibility) for stellar pedaling efficiency.

Originally designed for Enduro style racing, this shoe is meant for big days that could involve a fair bit of hike-a-bike as well as full-tilt boogie pedaling. Translation: it鈥檚 super comfortable and holds up well on longer rides thanks to a nice balance of stiffness and flex in the sole, plus a relaxed鈥揹are I say 鈥榬oomy鈥�?鈥搕oe box to give those little piggies room to stretch out. The traction is excellent when you鈥檙e off the bike and the cleat placement is slightly more centrally placed than other brands, allowing for a more performance-oriented cleat position. More importantly, the shoe can take a beating. And the asymmetric padded ankle cuffs keep ankle/crank interaction downright civilized.

Shimano shoes tend to be durable enough for multiple riding seasons, and while this one runs a little on the warm side and lacks the bling of a BOA system, the fit and performance won鈥檛 let you down. 鈥淸This is a] great all around mountain bike shoe for gravity-oriented folks that want traction while off the pedals,鈥� commented one tester from Hood River, Oregon.

Best Protection: Ride Concepts Tallac Mid BOA

Available sizes: US M 7 – 13

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent grip in all conditions
鈯� Mid-height design adds extra protection to ankle
鈯� Easy to adjust fit with BOA庐 system
鈯� Bulky

When Ride Concepts released these mid-high shoes into the wild last summer, there was much rejoicing from riders demanding a more robust solution for technical gravity riding. The surprisingly roomy mid-volume shoe features BOA鈥檚 PerformFit Wrap for a snug fit, and burly Cordura mesh upper with liberal amounts of D3O padding in the ankles, toe, heel, and insoles for bombproof impact resistance. A stiff EVA midsole helps reduce foot fatigue, and an outer sole crafted from RC鈥檚 Maxgrip rubber provides secure pedal grip and confident traction off the bike.

The mid-height upper offers greater support than a low-fit shoe, while the gusseted tongue keeps debris at bay like a champ. Surprisingly, the Cordura mesh breathes tolerably well, but the trade-off for all this added material is a much longer break-in period. If you have the patience for that, the reward is a glorious, comfortable fit that offers loads of confidence no matter how gnarly the trail or how much you鈥檙e off the bike scouting lines and sessioning techy features.

Best Road Shoes

Best Overall:听Specialized Torch 3.0

Available sizes: EU 36-49

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent weight
鈯� BOA Li2 dials
鈯� Hard wearing exterior
鈯� Cleat mounts aren’t adjustable

Road cycling shoe prices aren鈥檛 just creeping up鈥攖hey鈥檙e skyrocketing. Specialized is part of that trend, but the Torch 3.0 offers a refreshing exception. It鈥檚 not quite as performance-oriented as the S-Works Torch ($500), but you鈥檙e getting 90 to 95 percent of the performance for significantly less鈥攁nd with some surprising perks. The Torch 3.0 actually has a better BOA system. Both models use a dual-zone setup and the same pressure-optimized tongue cut, but the S-Works dial doesn鈥檛 pop for quick release. The Torch 3.0鈥檚 BOA Li2 dials, BOA鈥檚 best, make on/off much easier.

Elsewhere, the Torch 3.0 simplifies slightly. The upper is more uniform but still durable and easy to clean. The carbon sole is just as stiff, though slightly heavier and less detailed. It lacks cleat-mount adjustability鈥攂ut after thousands of foot scans, Specialized says you won鈥檛 miss it. (We didn鈥檛 during testing.) Bottom line: The Torch 3.0 delivers elite-level performance without the elite-level price.

Best Performance:听Shimano RC903S

Available sizes: 38-47

Pros and Cons
鈯� Supple, form-fitting upper
鈯� Hard to keep clean

Shozaburo Shimano would be proud to know the freewheel company he started in 1921 has grown to showcase a wide range of cycling components and gear for competitive and recreational riders alike, including high-performance cycling shoes like the RC903S, which falls within Shimano鈥檚 S-Phyre line.

Dual Boa metal dials lock a rider鈥檚 foot into the anti-twist heel cup with the help of the wrap-around upper and six points of retention over the front end of the foot. The carbon sole is strategically reinforced around the cleat for added power transfer while remaining compliant toward the heel for optimal stiffness鈥攔ated as 8/10 by our test team who altogether put more than 4,000 miles of riding in these shoes.

Best On a Budget: Fizik Tempo Powerstrap R5

Available sizes: EU 36-48

Pros and Cons
鈯� Impressive weight for price
鈯� Velcro powerstrap
鈯� Vertical volume in toe box
鈯� Non-adjustable cleat mount
鈯� Narrow fit

Budget road cycling shoes are a tough category鈥攎ost cut corners so severely they鈥檙e no fun to wear. One common compromise? BOA dials. The top-tier Li2 dials are great, but cheaper versions often can鈥檛 adjust both ways and don鈥檛 pop for quick release.

The Fizik Tempo Powerstrap R5 avoids those issues altogether. It uses the same lightweight, easy-to-adjust Powerstrap system found on Fizik鈥檚 higher-end Aeroweave model, and it outperforms many dual-BOA setups: It鈥檚 easy to adjust (even mid-ride), lightweight, and offers a snug fit with zero hotspots. The shoe is on the narrow side, typical of older Fizik models, but a tall toe box adds comfort. The carbon-reinforced nylon sole is shaped well enough to feel plenty stiff. The biggest downside: The cleat mount point is fixed and offers limited adjustability.

Still, for this price, we were willing to overlook that shortcoming. The Tempo R5 doesn鈥檛 feel cheap鈥攕kipping BOA is a smart move here, not an oversight.

Best Gravel Shoes

Best Overall: Giro Sector

Available sizes: EU 39 – 50

Pros and Cons
鈯� Lightweight
鈯� Quick drying
鈯� Responsively stiff
鈯� Pricey
鈯� Not ideal off the bike

The Giro Sector is our go-to riding shoe for all types of riding, from laps on our local trails to all-day gravel adventures to XC racing. They offer a nice balance of comfort and stiffness to keep the feet remarkably comfortable regardless of how hard you鈥檙e pedaling. The Sector features a one-piece synchwire material upper, dual BOA庐 adjustment, reinforced toe and heel, and a fairly stiff carbon-composite sole (for pedalling efficiency) with a dual injected rubber outsole with impressively tall lugs for off-the bike traction and pre drilled toe spike mounts.

While the Sector is lightweight and adequately ventilated, it is not the lightest on the market, but it鈥檚 by no means portly either. That being said, it gets extra points in comfort, and despite the fragile appearance of the upper, the shoe is surprisingly durable and robust; they show very minimal signs of wear despite extensive testing. If you are a one shoe do-it-all household, we highly recommend the Sector, although it鈥檚 happiest pedaling hard.

Best Performance: Sidi Physis

Available sizes: EU 36 – 50

Pros and Cons
鈯� Wide toe box
鈯� Excellent power transfer
鈯� Expensive
鈯� Walkability

Brutally efficient and decadently comfortable aren鈥檛 descriptive phrases that typically go together. But if you鈥檙e describing Sidi鈥檚 new Physis shoes, then you鈥檝e pretty much hit the nail on the head. But to tweak an old Keith Bontrager maxim鈥攂rutally efficient, decadently comfortable, cheap鈥ick two鈥攂ecause at $400, these ain鈥檛 cheap.

But what you get is what you pay for: Sidi鈥檚 legendary Italian craftsmanship mated to modern footwear ergonomics. With the Physis, you get a phenomenally-fitting and well ventilated dual density TPU upper that errs on the roomy side (consider sizing down a half size for Sidi鈥檚 legendary glove-like feel while still enjoying the roomy forefoot volume of the Millenium fit), secured with Sidi鈥檚 proprietary BOA庐 type system and their patented Tension Strap over the instep, mated to a X2FC carbon sole so stiff that you might as well be wearing two-by-four planks with a footbed strapped to your feet. Only a two-by-four never screamed performance the way these do; rest assured that every single watt you generate is going right into your pedals. Other details: rubber dimples in the heel cup for a more secure fit. Minimalist abrasion/impact guards around the toe box and heel. Threaded holes at the toes for spikes (CX anyone?).

In essence, these are Ferraris for your feet, but are purpose built for performance gravel and XC riding; if your ride involves any halfway serious hike-a-biking, look elsewhere. But if you鈥檙e chasing podiums or KOMs, these are just what the doctor ordered.

How To Choose Bike Shoes

Cycling shoes can be segmented into categories based on their intended use and cleat interface.

Cleats/Clipless Shoes

Road cycling shoes are typically compatible with composite-based, three-bolt style cleats like Shimano鈥檚 SPD-SL and Look Delta/Keo. These cleats offer a high amount of retention and have a greater surface area to maximize stability and power transfer per pedal stroke, which is ideal for road cycling. However, the cleats are often exposed and provide poor walkability.

Gravel shoes use a two-bolt pattern for use with cleats like Shimano鈥檚 SPD. Two-bolt cleats are generally smaller and made of metal, offering greater durability for walking on uneven surfaces.

Flats

More and more mountain bikers are ditching clipless bike shoes in favor of flats, shoes with sticky rubber soles that offer good grip on pedals and don鈥檛 require you to clip in/out of pedals. Many experienced riders and downhillers who navigate high-consequence terrain prefer flats because they allow you to bail off your bike more easily.

Flat shoes are also better choices for novice riders, since they don鈥檛 come with a learning curve (getting the hang of clipless shoes and cleats can be tricky). The downside to flats is they don鈥檛 offer the same power transfer as clipless shoes.

Budget Versus Performance Cycling Shoes

Don鈥檛 disregard your budget. Bike shoes can be exorbitantly expensive, especially on the high-performance end of the spectrum. If you鈥檙e looking to get into racing, the higher price tag might be worth it for every additional watt of power. If you鈥檙e not racing, we recommend leaning to the more comfortable end of the spectrum, rather than trying to maximize stiffness and performance; these shoes generally come with more palatable price tags.

Materials

Road biking shoes feature lightweight soles made up of carbon or composite materials that blend stiffness and compliance to best suit the rider鈥檚 needs. A stiffer sole generally provides higher power transfer; a more compliant shoe flexes more and provides a more comfortable ride, but often equates to more power loss.

Gravel and mountain bike shoes add tread around the sole to improve walkability and stability.

Shoe uppers will consist of a microfiber or knit material with varying amounts of suppleness, ventilation and foot/ankle support. Microfiber uppers tend to provide more durability and support, while knit uppers have a greater amount of ventilation and suppleness.

How Should Bike Shoes Fit?

Fit is critical in a cycling shoe and directly impacts performance. If you can, try before you buy. Your local bike shop may have a selection of bike shoes and employees with a wealth of experience to help you find the right fit. Call around to see what鈥檚 available and visit your local bike shop to get a real feel for the shoes before you commit.

How We Test Bike Shoes

• Number of products tested: 21
• Number of Testers: 8
• Number of miles collectively ridden during testing: 12,000
• Biggest ride: 110 miles

Our group of testers, made up of men and women across the country and bike industry experts like and , put 21 pairs of the year鈥檚 newest road, gravel, and mountain bike shoes to the test on various rides, races, and trails. Some testers assessed a shoe鈥檚 performance while preparing for marquee road and gravel events, while others set out to determine a shoe鈥檚 comfort and versatility on their weekly coffee ride.

Our primary testing ground for MTB shoes was mountain biking mecca Hood River, Oregon, where we assessed a shoe鈥檚 performance on everything from technical, muddy trails to mellow, meandering cruisers. We graded each pair of shoes we tested on characteristics like stiffness, weight, comfort, and functionality. The shoes on this list impressed our crew in all departments.

Meet Our Lead Testers

Nikki Rohan has been mountain biking for close to 20 years, and testing mountain biking gear for Pinkbike for almost a decade. She resides in Hood River, Oregon, with her husband, two teenagers, a 1-year-old, two dogs, and a grumpy cat. When she is not working, cooking, or parenting, you will find her biking on the local trails.

David Kennedy has been riding road and gravel bikes for 15 years and has been writing about the latest tech in the sport since 2017. He鈥檚 toed the line at premier road and gravel events nationwide, including the Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego and the Unbound 200. When he鈥檚 not writing or riding, he鈥檚 pulling apart bikes at his local shop and connecting with the diverse cycling community around his hometown of Los Angeles.

听is a senior tech editor at Velo. He hails from the Pacific Northwest but when it鈥檚 time to ride, hot and dry is better than cold and wet. He will happily talk for hours about the minutiae of cycling tech but understands most people just want things to work. He is a road cyclist at heart and doesn鈥檛 care much if those roads are paved, dirt, or digital. Although he rarely races, if you ask him to ride from sunrise to sunset, and beyond, the answer is always yes.

More Bike Gear Reviews

The Best Road Bikes of the Year
The Best Gravel Bikes of 2025
The Best Bike Helmets for Road, Gravel, and Trail Riding

The post The 9 Best Bike Shoes for Road, Gravel, and Trail Rides (2025) appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

When I was younger I had a high-adrenaline running playlist that I carefully curated to pump up my heart rate: Arctic Monkeys, Jay-Z, Rage Against the Machine. As my preference shifted toward podcasts, I seized the opportunity to explore ideas while chasing my weekly mileage goals. What remained constant was my appreciation for the best sports earbuds on the market. I鈥檝e tested hundreds of pairs, ranging from wired to wireless, with features like active noise cancellation and customizable tap-activated controls. Here are the seven sport earbuds we liked best, whether indoors or out, on land or in the water, on city sidewalks or remote trails.

Update July 2025: We鈥檝e tested the best new sport earbuds tailored to every activity, awarding a place to four new models鈥攊ncluding our new best overall pick, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2鈥攁nd updated prices and availability for all.

At a Glance

• • Best All-Around:听
  • Best High-Fidelity:听
  • Best for Runners:听
  • Best Open-Ear:听
  • Killer Value:听
  • Best for Water:听
  • Most Innovative:听
  • The Hottest Trend in Sport Earbuds
  • How to Choose Earbuds
  • How We Test

Best All-Around

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

Pros and Cons
鈯�听 Secure fit and comfort
鈯�听 Push buttons that you control
鈯�听 Too trebly at times
鈯�听 Heart-rate device pairing takes some work

The second generation of the Powerbeats Pro is a big step up from the first, and it quickly gained go-to status for every member of our test team. 鈥淎ctual buttons you can feel and click, paired with rich sound, comfy fit, and a microphone that canceled the noise of the windstorm I was walking through while talking on the phone? Wow,鈥� enthused one tester.

This model is loaded with features not seen on the first鈥攏otably active noise cancellation (ANC) and heart-rate monitoring capability. Battery life is a superb 10 hours on a charge, which adds to their everyday-wear appeal. The case, which now allows wireless charging, supplies a total of 45 hours before you need a plug-in.

As with everything Beats (and parent company Apple), the acoustics shine: Adaptive EQ on the Pro 2 reads the environmental factors around you and adjusts the frequencies in your music for optimal sound. That sound is full and rich, without too much bass鈥攂ut a bit too harsh on the treble end for some testers.

The ANC in the Pro 2 shows just how far that tech has come. 鈥淣oise canceling made the city disappear until I had to cross traffic, then鈥攑op!鈥攆ull awareness,鈥� one tester noted. We also appreciated the push-button controls, which not only provide a satisfying haptic response so you know when the button has been pushed, but also eliminate accidental pauses when you brush your finger against the earbud (a huge annoyance for many users). The buttons also make it easy to toggle from one connected device to another without swiping to your Bluetooth controls, and they can even be pressed with a tilt against your shoulder, which comes in handy in the kitchen or whenever both hands are occupied.

The IPX4 rating stands up well to sweat and rain, and the lighter profile (vis a vis the first gen) and soft rubbery coating make them comfortable through long hours of use. The flexy ear hooks鈥攐ne of the big attractions for any athlete鈥攁re extremely well designed, fitting each tester鈥檚 ears perfectly and not budging a millimeter during HIIT workouts. Even the new color palette is alluring, with new orange and purple options. All told, the Powerbeats Pro 2 represent the state of the art in active-user earbuds. As one tester reported, they 鈥渢ransition seamlessly from workout to travel to urban navigation.鈥�

Best for Audiophiles

Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 In-Ear True Wireless Earbuds

Pros and Cons
鈯�听Pristine sound quality
鈯�听Non-frustrating touch controls
鈯�听Not cheap

鈥淭he most audiophile worthy of all the earbuds I鈥檝e tested,鈥� one of our veteran reviewers gushed after a month with the Pi8s. Through hours of listening sessions on planes, on trails, on couches, and on city sidewalks, this was the pair that invariably impressed everyone on our test team, with their 鈥渋ncredibly balanced and musical鈥� sound quality.

The $400 price鈥�$150 above Apple鈥檚 ubiquitous AirPod Pros and $100 north of the Bose QuietComfort Ultras鈥攎eans you have to be serious about your music, and about taking good care of them. They鈥檙e IP54-rated, able to handle sweat and a misty rain, but are not the pair you want to bring to the gym each day. While the four sizes of ear tips help them sit pretty securely and comfortably, they will fall out on occasion. All the same, we won鈥檛 discourage you from ever bringing them on a run on a sunny day, where their high-fidelity clarity is sure to put a little more oomph in your step.

The active noise cancellation on the Pi8s is excellent, similar to that on the Bose QCII, with touch controls for toggling between on, off, and transparency mode. The touch controls work better than in most earbuds we鈥檝e seen, with a satisfying light noise that鈥檚 akin to a mouse click. We also love the pearlescent finish on the outer surface of the Pi8s, which come in four colors. A robust companion app lets you turn off the touch controls and has a five-band equalizer so you can tweak the sound profile to your liking. Battery life here is an average 6.5 hours, and the charging case holds two additional charges (13.5 hours).

Another nice feature is something called retransmission. This allows you to use the included USB-C-to-3.5mm cord to plug the unit鈥檚 charging case into an external device like an in-flight entertainment system and the case will send the signal into the buds, so you鈥檙e not stuck listening on that plastic-wrapped pair the flight attendants hand out with the peanuts.

One reviewer reported, 鈥淚 listened to an album with two double basses鈥�’But Who鈥檚 Gonna Play the Melody?’ by Christian McBride and Edgar Meyer鈥攁nd I could hear their fingers and the pull of the bow on the strings in ways I hadn鈥檛 before.鈥� That鈥檚 a good example of what makes these shine like few have before them.

Best for Runners

Shokz OpenFit2

Pros and Cons
鈯� Great volume despite open-ear design
鈯�听Long battery life
鈯�听Sound not as rich as high-end models
鈯�听Might not fit large ears

鈥淪o comfortable, I forgot I was wearing them,鈥� said one fan of the latest release from Shokz. This, and the smart minimalist design of the ear hooks, made them our favorite trail companions this year鈥攐n both shorter runs and longer hikes. And they鈥檙e another entry in the fast-improving open-ear category.

One distance runner in our test group said, 鈥淭hese are my new favorite for running: no distracting foot-thudding sounds resonating through an earbud, no whooshy wind sounds, and full awareness of the aggro downhill bro bombing up behind you.鈥�

The soft rubber on the ear hooks, combined with the open design, make them one of the most comfortable to wear for long hours鈥攁nd the OpenFit 2 will play for up to 11 hours per charge and 48 hours from the charging case.

It鈥檚 clear that Shokz put a lot of thought into this model. The handy companion app allows you to equalize treble and bass or customize the controls鈥攂oth push-button and touch can be turned on or off. Where the Bose Ultra has one speaker, this one comes with a pair of speakers that get more volume into your ears, making them louder than Bose, if a touch less refined. Like the Bose Ultra (see below), they have multipoint pairing so you can switch between devices with a single push or tap.

IP55 water resistance is a notch higher than most models here, keeping water and dust at bay. And the nicely compact case and overall superlight package make them even more appealing for runners with limited pocket space.

Best Open Ear

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

Pros and Cons
鈯�听Deceptively rich sound
鈯�听Impressive companion app
鈯�听Microphones were subpar
鈯�听Bass is underwhelming

When I first saw this newfangled design鈥攁 mini speaker held in place by clamping around the side of your ear 鈥擨 didn鈥檛 know what the Bose people were thinking. Is this an earbud or jewelry? Turns out, they put plenty of thought into these surprisingly powerful earbuds. The Ultra Open Ears, small and featherlight as they are, somehow grab onto your ear and stay there even in high-impact sprints or multi-position yoga鈥攁ll while churning out the dynamic blend of sound you鈥檇 expect from Bose.

For audiophiles, the ongoing problem with open designs has been inadequate volume reaching our eardrums鈥攚e鈥檝e enjoyed them for podcasts, but for music, not so much. By shifting the design, Bose has managed to get the speaker a bit closer to the ear canal, while also leaving an ample gap for ambient sounds to get in. Which, of course, is the whole idea: enjoy your audio while also hearing that tourist on an e-bike coming up from behind.

Bose鈥檚 excellent app goes a long way toward making this possible. An easy-to-adjust equalizer lets you dial in the bass, mids, and treble to your exact preferences. The app also has an Immersive Audio setting that shifts the sound profile from left to right as your head moves around so it feels like the sound is coming from the same source the whole time. One tester called it 鈥渄ownright supernatural, making music sound like it鈥檚 coming from a speaker somewhere around you.鈥�

The IPX4 rating gives it good water resistance, and the seven-hour battery life (total of 48 in the case) is good (although immersive mode will reduce this). (If you’re looking for longer battery life in an open-ear model, consider the , which goes for 12 hours per charge.)

For runs, walks, and bike rides, testers found the extra awareness of their surroundings worth the trade-off in volume, which probably isn鈥檛 the best thing for your ears in the first place. Open designs will never provide the same fullness for music-philes as in-ear, but nothing before this has come so close.

鈥淓ven my wife, who is allergic to trendy tech, was won over,鈥� said one user.

Killer Value

Back Bay FirstClass 50

听

Pros and Cons
鈯�听Excellent noise canceling
鈯�听Robust sound quality
鈯�听Slipped out of some users鈥� ears
鈯�听Touch controls aren鈥檛 the most intuitive

鈥淪eriously: $40,鈥� said our Aspen-based tester. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 less than a hamburger in this town.鈥� While we don鈥檛 envy those restaurant prices, we all concurred that the Back Bay FirstClass 50 is one of the best sport earbuds for the price.

Boston-based Back Bay has created something like a day-for-night version of Apple鈥檚 AirPods: similar size and shape but in black, and with sound quality that comes eerily close to that perennially pricey fave. Since Back Bay cuts out a lot of costs by selling straight to consumers, their quality products鈥攁ll certified carbon-neutral, to boot鈥攄on鈥檛 bear any of the marks of cheapness, unlike many similarly priced items.

Even at the bargain price, they deliver excellent sound quality and also offer active noise canceling. Seriously: One itinerant tester said, 鈥淪itting in the noisiest seat on the aircraft鈥攁ft of the wing, and in front of two worked-up toddlers鈥擨 could make it all disappear with a click.鈥� The company claims these earbuds block 97% of noise. We鈥檙e not sure how that鈥檚 possible, but they do the job as well as almost anything we鈥檝e put to the test for a fraction of the price.

While battery life is an average five hours per charge (with 25 hours overall in the case), they offer a 15-minute quick charge to add two hours of playtime. The IPX5 water protection keeps them going in a storm, and while the fit isn鈥檛 as secure as others in this review, they one-up AirPods in this regard by adding rubber tips to help them stay secure.

Best for Water

H2O Audio TRI 2 Pro

Pros and Cons
鈯�听Totally waterproof
鈯�听Onboard memory
鈯�听Song transfer is slow
鈯�听Can cause tickling

Have you harbored dreams of funneling techno into your auditory nerve while windsurfing on San Francisco Bay, then voice-commanding to switch over to an incoming business call? One member of our review crew put three models of waterproof earbuds through this very test and, while the process stands to be improved through future innovations, it worked fairly well, with the TRI 2 Pro coming out on top.

H2O Audio has been selling good products for swimmers and the like for years. It takes a special approach, not least because they need to be IPX8, able to go 12 feet underwater for as long as you want them to鈥攍ike this model can. And, of course, a Bluetooth signal won鈥檛 travel under the waves with you, so tracks need to be stored locally, either on a waterproof MP3 player or an even better solution, like this unit鈥檚 8GB of onboard memory that can store 130 hours of tracks. (It can move your own mp3 files over or 鈥渞ecord鈥� music from a streaming service like Spotify, though this is a slow process.)

The TRI 2 Pros employ bone conduction technology, which makes them great for podcasts while out on a run or bike ride, but a little less ideal when trying to rock out in said open-air activities: Then they can start to tickle. Still, H2O Audio and other companies are making these units sound better every year. And it鈥檚 underwater that they really shine: When you use the included earplugs to neutralize the water noise in your ears, it鈥檚 surprising how smooth music sounds, and at much more moderate volumes. They鈥檙e a minor godsend for lap swimmers, snorkelers, and triathletes (presumably the core audience for the Tri line) who like to enhance their life aquatic by playing their favorite symphony or devouring an audiobook. The headset will play for up to nine hours in Bluetooth mode and six hours in memory mode and comes with a zip case (which is rather bulky) that provides two and a half refills.

Back to our windsurfer: The TRI 2 Pro worked under a helmet (and this success was replicated on the ski slopes), which also secured them in the event of a fall. Playing tunes when the wind was low was enjoyable, but in high wind it was a challenge: 鈥淚 could hear the music, but the output of the headphones had to compete with the roar of wind in my ear canals. It鈥檚 simply a matter of physics.鈥� This also meant the tester鈥檚 hopes of 鈥渢urning sales meetings into sails meetings鈥� by joining conference calls were largely dashed. Listening worked fine, but the microphone couldn鈥檛 pick up his voice from deep inside his helmet. Maybe one day.

Most Innovative

Denon PerL True Wireless Earbuds

Pros and Cons
鈯�听Rich, dynamic sound
鈯�听Impressive app
鈯�听Customizable sound profile
鈯�听Chunky size

鈥淓ach product is hand-tuned by our sound master,鈥� Denon says of the PerLs, and while we don鈥檛 know exactly what that means, it speaks to the Japanese DNA in these premium-sounding buds. Take the accompanying software, for instance: The first thing you do with these wireless buds is download an app that streams a series of sounds and frequencies into your ears to measure how you hear, then creates a personalized profile that transforms how good music sounds. It鈥檚 one of the best uses of a headphone app we鈥檝e seen.

The PerLs came across as lively but not piercing on the high end, with realism and verve. There鈥檚 even a high-gain option on the app that boosts volume for quiet recordings, which one tester called 鈥渁 welcome feature that I would love to see in a lot of sometimes anemic Bluetooth earbuds.鈥� These capabilities are made possible by a series of ultra-sensitive microphones, which probably explains their rather enormous size鈥攐ne reviewer called them 鈥渟harp-edged Alka-Seltzer tablet earbud bodies鈥� and noted, 鈥淚 had to remove the supplied fin attachment before these felt okay.鈥�

Others liked the fit and found them great for running, where they kept the adrenaline flowing with some of the best full-on rocking-out sound in the test. 鈥淪t. Vincent and Spoon sounded like I was listening to vinyl,鈥� one tester said. The active noise cancellation is decent, the six hours of battery is average (with two more charges from the case), and an IPX4 rating means they can handle a light rain. Given the quality and attention to detail, we consider these a true bargain at $139 or less.

The Hottest Trend in Sport Earbuds

This year, for the first time in our testing history, open earbud models outnumbered traditional in-ear ones among our test candidates. The open design allows you to hear far more of what鈥檚 going on around you, and I鈥檝e been slow to take a liking to them. There鈥檚 no doubt that they make a lot of sense for people who run along the roadside or, even more so, cyclists who go anywhere near cars鈥攇enerally a very bad time to be canceling the noise around you.

Since I live in the desert and rarely pass another living soul on the trails, I don鈥檛 prioritize hearing what鈥檚 going on around me, and open earbuds will always be challenged to sound as good, or as loud, when they鈥檙e handicapped by having to reach your hearing by alternative methods. So for music, they鈥檙e not my favorite; for the spoken word, I鈥檝e learned to appreciate them.

During this year鈥檚 tests, one of my fellow reviewers said he liked how the open design allowed him to hear not just passing cars but songbirds. Which sent me into a brief panic: Am I missing all the birdsongs? Sadly, there aren鈥檛 a lot of birds on my trail, but this summer when I鈥檓 hiking above 10,000 feet and the dark-eyed juncos are chirping in the high branches, I鈥檒l be putting that theory to the test.

Open earbuds work in one of two ways: either with the transmitter positioned near your ear canal but not in it (the , a previous winner, is a prime example) or through bone conduction (found in the , named Best for Water this season), which bypasses your eardrum, sending sound directly to your inner ear by way of your skull bones. More recently, a new design has popped up, which I refer to as the clip-on earring style: these fall into the first category but use a more diminutive design that grabs onto the lower part of your ear. The that won the category this summer is one example, but lower-priced models from and use the same concept, all with good results鈥攎eaning they manage to get enough clear sound into my ears that I enjoy hearing music on them.

In the meantime, many closed-ear models these days (see ) let you employ a transparency (or awareness) mode that enhances ambient sound. This can be a nice in-between solution if your need for awareness isn鈥檛 so much life-and-death as it is a courtesy to the runner or biker 鈥渙n your left.鈥�

How to Choose Earbuds

Earbuds are more like shoes than most other gear categories: so much depends on the right fit. What comfortably fits one person鈥檚 ears may not suit another鈥檚, and there鈥檚 more to it than size. The internal anatomy of the ear makes certain designs actually sound better to one person than the next. If you can鈥檛 try them out at a store or borrow them from a friend, it may be best to buy them from a retailer with a good return policy. Once you have them in hand, do some real-world tests with the different tip sizes, and trade them in if you aren鈥檛 in love.

If you want to get serious about the perfect fit, consider aftermarket foam eartips, like听. In addition to helping with a more secure fit, they provide passive noise isolation, which can improve the experience with both ANC-equipped and ANC-less earbuds. Should fit issues persist, consider a model with behind-the-ear hooks like the听.

Also give some thought to which features do it for you: Some people like sleek touch controls, others prefer old-school push buttons; some like to tap for quick pausing, others would rather forgo that feature and pull out one bud to ask for directions, so as to avoid the annoyance of unwanted pauses every time your fingers go near them. And if you live in a rainy climate, be sure to choose ones with an听听ending in 4 or higher (as all the models here do).

Finally, be aware that there are more specialized designs emerging and getting better each year鈥搇ike these earbuds for听, and others for .

Also see: How to Clean Your Earbuds

How We Test Sport Earbuds

• Hours of Testing:听419
• Test Environments:听Running, hiking, dog walking, cycling, windsurfing, swimming, skiing, rock climbing, HIIT workouts, plane rides, gardening, shoveling gravel, grocery shopping, making dinner, car camping, conference calls, video calls, video streaming, noisy coffee shops
• Highest Elevation:听10,152 feet, Leadville, Colorado
• Lowest Elevation:听5 feet underwater in Lake Pleasant, Arizona
• Most Listened-To Tracks:听Bon Iver: 鈥淒ijon,鈥� Charli xcx featuring BB Tricks: 鈥淐lub Classics,鈥� Childish Gambino: 鈥淟ithonia,鈥� Drugdealer and Kim Bollinger: 鈥淧ictures of You,鈥� Flock of Dimes: 鈥淒ay One,鈥� Fontaines D.C.: 鈥淔avourite,鈥� J Dilla: 鈥淲orkinonit,鈥� Kenya Grace: 鈥淪trangers,鈥� The Hold Steady: 鈥淪tuck Between Stations,鈥� Magdalena Bay: 鈥淚mage,鈥� Prince: 鈥淓lectric Chair,鈥� Puentes: 鈥淎mor y Unidad,鈥� Kathleen Smith: 鈥淚 Can See for Miles,鈥� Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross: 鈥淐hallengers鈥�

The first thing we do with any earbuds, headphones, or speakers is attempt to pair them with our phones without consulting the user manual: the quicker, more intuitive, and easier the Bluetooth setup, the more points scored. Then we put them through rigorous hours of testing doing the kinds of things听国产吃瓜黑料听readers do鈥攆rom dog walks to HIIT workouts, from fireside listening to our day jobs, which for one of us is at the local woodworking shop. Our testers, who range in location from Alaska to Berkeley to Aspen to Santa Fe to New York City, spent hours in them, bouncing up and down on trails, treadmills, and trains.

Our team turns in reports on each product tested, providing a score from 1 to 10 for five different measures: sound quality, pairing and connectivity, fit and comfort, rain and drop protection, and user friendliness. Scores are averaged, with more weight given to sound quality and (knowing our audience) how well they stand up to the elements. Note: Battery life estimates in these reviews are based on manufacturer specs; it鈥檚 difficult to confirm those numbers, given the time involved and variances among user habits (different volumes, different uses, different functions enabled). Actual results may be 10 to 20 percent lower, judging from averages experienced in general testing.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Will Palmer has been testing gear for 21 years for 国产吃瓜黑料, where he was managing editor and copy chief for nine years. Based in Santa Fe, he has been a runner since 1984, and while the mile counts have decreased over the years, he鈥檚 kept motivated to head out the door on the hottest, coldest, and wettest days by the opportunity to test the best new products鈥攁nd to commune with the junipers and pi帽ons.

The post The 7 Best Sport Earbuds (Summer 2025) appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

We test a lot of gear here at 国产吃瓜黑料, and we have the data to prove it. For the 2025 Summer Gear Guide on 国产吃瓜黑料, , and , our gear editors, category managers, and testers put more than 800 products through many months of rigorous field testing.

After adding hundreds (and in some cases, thousands) of collective miles on each shoe, watch, bike, etc., we collected testers鈥� written feedback, tallied scores, and hand-picked 377 products across 66 categories鈥攆rom to running shoes to mountain bikes and more鈥攖o include in our 鈥渂est of鈥� lists. We鈥檝e spent years tweaking and perfecting our testing process and stand behind the performance of every one of these products.

No amount of advertising dollars can buy brands a spot on our gear lists. (This should go without saying, but we鈥檒l play the record on repeat until it sinks in.) To be included in 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 Gear Guide, a product has to perform and impress in the real world, plain and simple. Gear that doesn鈥檛 live up to the challenge doesn鈥檛 make the cut, while gear that blows the socks off our savvy testers earns a special nod: our coveted Editors鈥� Choice award.

This season, just eight of the 800-plus products tested earned this distinction. These pieces either demonstrated best-in-class performance (applause for the Trek Slash+ eMTB), showcased exciting new technology (see the Garmin InReach Messenger), or have reinvented the wheel for classic products (props to the Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft sleeping pad).

While only seven products earned our Editors’ Choice award, there were plenty of others that rose above the competition in their respective categories. You鈥檒l find those items listed here, too. If thoroughly vetted, top-tier gear is what you鈥檙e after, keep reading.

At a Glance

• Editors鈥� Choice Satellite Messenger: Garmin InReach($500)
• Editors鈥� Choice Electric MTB: Trek Slash+ ($13,200)
• Editors鈥� Choice Sleeping Pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft ($240-260)
• Editors鈥� Choice Trail MTB: Canyon Spectral ($5,799)
• Editors鈥� Choice Road Bike: Enve Melee ($4,800)
• Editors鈥� Choice Gravel Bike: Specialized Crux DSW ($2,600)
• Editors鈥� Choice Enduro MTB: Trek Slash ($10,300)
• More Top-Performing Gear听

Editors鈥� Choice Satellite Messenger

Garmin InReach Messenger Plus

Improvements in satellite messaging tech tend to be slow and incremental, but the Messenger Plus takes a huge leap forward in backcountry communication. It鈥檚 the first such device to be able to send photos and voice memos. And long missives, historically broken up into bite-sized messages over a few minutes, are sent in mere seconds thanks to significant hardware and software upgrades from previous iterations. All this, and the Messenger Plus still weighs a scant 4.1 ounces in the form of a tiny, 3.1-by-2.5-by-0.9 inch puck.

Editors鈥� Choice Electric MTB

Trek Slash+

Trek electrified the Slash, and we are obsessed. The decently powerful motor and impressive battery range paired with a comfortable suspension makes this a winning build. While the price is on the high side for the electric mountain bike category, the joy of riding this thing is worth it. It powers up hills, and coasts on descents, all the while keeping you stable and strong. The wide range of adjustments mean you can customize it to your liking. Read more.

Editors鈥� Choice Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft

TAR鈥檚 NeoLoft is the first sleeping pad to bring true car camping comfort into the backcountry. Thanks to the brand鈥檚 clever use of triangular, air-filled chambers and a heat-reflective coating for insulation, it鈥檚 able to keep the weight of this pad down to a respectable 25 ounces (in regular) and a packed size of just 5.7-by-9.5 inches. But with a raised 鈥済uard rail鈥� around the perimeter, stiff, 4.6-inch-thick sidewalls to provide structure, and a soft, stretchy knit polyester face fabric, this pad will keep even the heaviest side-sleepers snoozing through the night.

Editors鈥� Choice Trail MTB

Canyon Spectral

At home on a broad range of trails, the Canyon Spectral surprised us with its snappy energy. We鈥檇 recommend this trail bike to any kind of rider for its versatility, from its supportive suspension on climbs and descents to its convenient in-frame storage that can stash a tube and tire lever. Bonus points for the flip chain on the chainstay that can accommodate dual 29-inch wheels or mixed wheels. Read more.

Editors鈥� Choice Road Bike

Enve Melee

The Melee is Enve鈥檚 first production bike that isn鈥檛 custom, and we dig it. But with a wide range of sizes and drivetrain choices, it鈥檚 still semi customizable. Lightweight and aerodynamically optimised, it鈥檚 designed to go anywhere a modern road cyclist wants to go. By placing the rider in a slightly upright position, it鈥檚 both comfortable and ready to respond. Read more.

Editors鈥� Choice Gravel Bike

Specialized Crux DSW

Don鈥檛 write off this premium gravel bike just because it has an alloy frame. Specialized claims that at 1,399 grams for a 56 centimeter frame, the Crux DSW is the lightest aluminum gravel bike frame ever made. That鈥檚 about one pound more than most traditional carbon gravel bikes. The geometry, cable routing, and seat post are all relatively simple and straightforward, which works in this bike鈥檚 favor, making it an accessible option for both beginners and spec heads. As for its handling, we felt spry and encouraged to go faster on tight singletrack. Read more.

Editors鈥� Choice Enduro MTB

Trek Slash

Typically known for playing it safe, Trek pushed the envelope this year with this year鈥檚 Slash. It features a high pivot layout (the main pivot is placed above the top of the chainring and the rear axle) that can mow through chunky sections of trail but also stay dialed in tight and slow spots. Jumping felt natural, intuitive, fun, and energetic, especially on smaller side hits and natural doubles. Overall, its versatile geometry, persistence on uphills, and speed on downhills won our hearts. Read more.

Best Road Running Shoe

Asics Novablast 5

The Novablast 5 impressed our editors with its fun, versatile performance and superior cushioning-to-weight ratio. Its new midsole material delivered a buttery smooth ride that was simultaneously plush and energetic underfoot. The wide base kept it stable during long runs, and the light weight and responsive foam made it nimble enough to hold its own during uptempo efforts. Almost anyone can feel comfortable during nearly any run in the NovaBlast 5, making it our top pick. Read more.

Best Trail Running Shoe

Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide

We were initially leery of this funky-looking shoe with a wavy sole and huge stack height (41鈥�35 mm) topped by ankle-deep sidewalls, but the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide delivered a surprising blend of cushioning, stability, and responsiveness. The shoe employs a chassis of firmer foam around the perimeter to reduce tipping, while a core of soft and bouncy PEBA/EVA blend made the ride comfortable and springy. Underneath, the wavy indents in the sole actually worked, morphing over uneven surfaces and keeping the ride smooth and supportive on nearly every terrain. The Ultra Glide was so much fun we found ourselves reaching for it more often than any other shoe in the test, making it easy to name as our all-around favorite. Read more.

Best Sports Watch

Garmin Enduro 3

Our editors called the Garmin Enduro 3 one of the best sports watches we鈥檝e ever tested thanks to its wealth of features, big (51 mm) screen, light weight, and phenomenal battery life. The time between charges stood out most: with solar charging it can last up to 90 days of general use, and 320 hours (that鈥檚 13+ days) of GPS tracking鈥攚e often went for more than a month without needing to charge, using the watch 24/7 with about an hour of activity tracking per day. We never found an sport it didn鈥檛 have a tracking mode for (it even has rugby, and wakeboarding), and the analysis of metrics like training readiness were clear and useful. The Enduro 3 also has plenty of space for downloading maps or songs, the interface for tasks like creating custom screens is intuitive, and the strap was the most comfortable and effective we鈥檝e found. Read more.

Best Sport Earbuds

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

The Bose QuietComfort emerged as our all-around favorite sport earbuds with their understated, competent performance. The earbuds deliver Bose鈥檚 signature smooth, warm, and balanced sound, active noise cancellation, and an above-average battery life (8.5 hours with ANC on). Testers also appreciated their secure fit while working out, and the easy-to-use app that let you modify touch controls or enable voice commands. The Bluetooth Multipoint feature let us connect a phone and a laptop at the same time, without needing to fuss with Bluetooth settings every time, and the reasonable price sealed the all-around best award. Read more.

Headlamp with the Best Features

Coast RL35R Headlamp

If you鈥檝e ever ski-toured at night or tackled a pre-dawn summit, you鈥檒l know the pain of pulling off thick gloves and fumbling with a headlamp while moving at speeds or holding onto a rope. The RL35R headlamp solves that with its clever voice-activated functionality, which allows you to turn the headlamp on and off, swap between beams, brightness settings, and colors. And with a powerful 1100-lumen beam, red, blue, and green light modes, and an extendable battery for stashing in your coat, the RL35R can handle the job in nearly any climate.

Best Men鈥檚 Rain Shell

Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0

Finding a hardshell that can stand up to heavy rainstorms and driving snow while still being breathable and not weighing you down is a bit of a pipe dream, but Helly Hansen鈥檚 Verglas Infinity 2.0 is the closest we鈥檝e ever tested. Helly Hansen鈥檚 proprietary three-layer shell proved positively impenetrable over a season of testing, including several spring snowstorms while ski-touring. And thanks to new weight-shaving measures, the jacket clocks in at under a pound鈥攁 respectable burden for a quiver-killer.

Best Women鈥檚 Hiking Boot

La Sportiva Aequilibrium Hike GTX

The Aequilibrium Hike GTX is a rare boot capable of handling up to 40-pound loads in mountainous terrain while still feeling light and flexible enough for casual dayhikes. Sturdy mountain chops come courtesy of a resilient PU foam midsole with a polypropylene stiffener and abrasion-resistant welts and fabric at the toe and heel. It鈥檚 counterbalanced by a PU-injected rubber outsole that felt bouncy on hard-packed trail and a high, stretchy ankle that resembles a neoprene sock, keeps dirt and gravel out, and doesn鈥檛 chafe over long miles.

Best Car Camping Tent

Nemo Aurora Highrise 4

As a temporary shelter, we usually expect some level of discomfort from a tent. But the Aurora Highrise 4 impressed us with its supreme livability. When Nemo says four-person, they really mean it: A family of four slept comfortably inside its 75-inch peak height and 62.5-square-foot floor area, and stored their gear within two generous 19.5-square-foot vestibules. Steep sidewalls create even more headroom, so much that our 6-foot-2 tester could stand upright and move around freely. Doors on either side allow easy in-and-out access, and setting up two base poles and two cross poles was a breeze even for first-timers. Small details make a huge difference, like the canopy pocket for diffusing light at night and the slightly opaque mesh windows that offer shade. We could easily camp in the Aurora Highrise all summer. Read more.

Best Camping Sleeping Pad

Nemo Roamer Double Sleeping Pad

Nemo gets double the accolades when it comes to car camping gear. The Roamer Double Sleeping Pad gave us the best nights of sleep during our testing period, and it was also the most efficient to self inflate and easiest to deflate and pack up when it came time to break down camp. Editors loved the generous 78-by-52-inch sleeping area, which comfortably fit two adults and their six-year-old child. Rather than a plasticky or crinkly texture that you find on many other sleeping pads, the Roamer Double has a four-way-stretch polyester fabric and TPU topper that is soft against the skin, so you can do without a sheet and thrash all you want without waking your sleeping partner. Sufficient beauty rest is worth the $400 investment. Read more.

Best Action Camera

Insta360 Ace Pro 2

This time around, Insta360 podiumed higher than the reigning GoPro and DJI with its Ace Pro 2, co-engineered with Leica. Editors most loved the ultra high-resolution footage, rich 4K slow-mo, and high-quality audio of this action camera for skiing, cycling, overlanding, and more. A dedicated chip helps with low-light shooting, and a back screen flips up for selfie footage that doesn鈥檛 point straight up your nose. More experienced shooters will have an easier time dialing settings, but the camera鈥檚 interface is also pretty intuitive even for newbies. Read more.

Best Cooler

Yeti Roadie 32 Wheeled Cooler

Why carry your fully-loaded cooler when you can wheel it? With a telescoping handle and off-road wheels that easily navigate over rough terrain, the Roadie 32 won top marks as the most portable cooler of our test. And what鈥檚 more, it retained coolness far beyond our expectations. The taller height accommodated wine bottles alongside our snacks and cans, and the single drain plug made it easy to refresh ice and clean once we got back from adventuring. Read more.

Best Bike Rack

Kuat Piston Pro

Despite getting lighter and lighter, bikes are still awkward to load and unload. But the Kuat Piston Pro makes transitions from home to trail and back again simple with the press of a lever. The dual arm opens wide for fiddle-free loading, and the foot-operated tilt mechanism allows easy trunk access even when the tray is already weighed down. We love that this hitch frame secures both tires (accommodates a variety of sizes) and avoids frame contact. No scratches on the new build. Read more.

Best Outdoor Climbing Shoe

Scarpa Arpia V

With a subtle downturn and asymmetry, the Scarpa Arpia V hits a sweet spot for intermediate to advanced climbers pushing into 5.13. Its precise toe, comfy fit, and wide-foot-friendly last excel on everything from limestone to gneiss. Testers praised its edging, smearing, and all-day comfort. While durability dips after about 20 sessions, the shoe softens into a sensitive workhorse. It’s a solid pick for gym mileage, sport projecting, or multipitch days on mixed terrain.

More from the 2025 Summer Gear Guide

The Best Trailers and Campers
The Best Duffels, Backpacks, and Roller Bags
The Best Camp Chairs听

The post We Tested More Than 800 Pieces of Summer Gear. These 7 Are the Best. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.