ASICS · Tempo / workout · Not yet tested
ASICS Magic Speed 5
190 g, 7 mm drop, 37.5/30.5 mm stack, carbon plate, FF LEAP / FF BLAST PLUS foam.
190 g · 7 mm drop · 37.5/30.5 stack
$180
MSRP
Shoe guide
The best shoes for 5K training
The 5K rewards speed tolerance: the ability to run hard for 20 to 30 minutes without fading. Training for it means short, frequent efforts – and shoes that make fast running feel natural.
These picks cover the faster end of a 5K runner's week. Most runners pair one of these with a comfortable daily trainer for easy days.
Adidas · Tempo / workout · Not yet tested
Adidas Adizero Japan 9
177 g, 7 mm drop, 27/20 mm stack, LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam.
177 g · 7 mm drop · 27/20 stack
$130
MSRP
Adidas · Tempo / workout
Adidas Adizero Boston 13
A durable tempo trainer with composite rods: quick enough for workouts, tough enough for daily abuse.
260 g · 6.5 mm drop · 38.5/32 stack
$160
MSRP
Puma · Tempo / workout · Not yet tested
Puma Deviate Pure NITRO
220 g, 8 mm drop, 38/30 mm stack, NITROFOAM foam.
220 g · 8 mm drop · 38/30 stack
$150
MSRP
Puma · Tempo / workout · Not yet tested
Puma Deviate NITRO 4
250 g, 8 mm drop, 38/30 mm stack, carbon plate, NITROFOAM foam.
250 g · 8 mm drop · 38/30 stack
$170
MSRP
New Balance · Tempo / workout · Not yet tested
New Balance FuelCell Rebel 5
223 g, 6 mm drop, 35/29 mm stack, FuelCell PEBA / EVA foam.
223 g · 6 mm drop · 35/29 stack
$145
MSRP
ASICS · Tempo / workout · Not yet tested
ASICS Megablast
230 g, 8 mm drop, 46/38 mm stack, FF TURBO SQUARED foam.
230 g · 8 mm drop · 46/38 stack
$225
MSRP
Brooks · Tempo / workout · Not yet tested
Brooks Hyperion 3
232.5 g, 8 mm drop, 36/28 mm stack, DNA FLASH v2 foam.
233 g · 8 mm drop · 36/28 stack
$140
MSRP
Saucony · Tempo / workout · Not yet tested
Saucony Endorphin Speed 6
233 g, 8 mm drop, 38/30 mm stack, PWRRUN PBX foam.
233 g · 8 mm drop · 38/30 stack
$175
MSRP
HOKA · Tempo / workout · Not yet tested
HOKA Mach 7
237 g, 5 mm drop, 37/32 mm stack, super-critically foamed EVA foam.
237 g · 5 mm drop · 37/32 stack
$145
MSRP
HOKA · Tempo / workout · Not yet tested
HOKA Mach X 3
242 g, 5 mm drop, 42/38 mm stack, PEBA / EVA foam.
242 g · 5 mm drop · 42/38 stack
$190
MSRP
Saucony · Tempo / workout · Not yet tested
Saucony Endorphin Azura
240 g, 8 mm drop, 40/32 mm stack, PWRRUN PB foam.
240 g · 8 mm drop · 40/32 stack
$150
MSRP
Specs and role judgements are reviewed editorially and carry a last-reviewed date on each product page. This is decision support, not medical advice.
Read before you buy
Race preparation · 5 min
Your first 5K
A first 5K needs consistency more than speed work – six to eight weeks of regular running is enough for most beginners.
Read →Running basics · 4 min
What is a tempo run?
A tempo run is a sustained, comfortably hard effort – the bridge between easy running and race pace.
Read →Race preparation · 4 min
Training shoes vs race shoes
Trainers are built to absorb daily miles; race shoes are built to make one specific pace feel easier. Most runners benefit from both.
Read →