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Walking inside a running shoe store can be more like walking into a candy store than you might realize. Color psychology plays a big role in why you suddenly feel excited, interested, and drawn to certain shoes on the shelf, just like those bright sugary confections in a candy store suddenly make your mouth water for something sweet.
And according to a 2024 study in Cambridge Sport Science, the color of shoes you pick might impact your level of excitement, focus, and even competitiveness.
So don’t feel bad if your eyes wander to those bright pink running shoes on display or you feel a little envious of the slick red trainers your running buddy just showed up wearing.
In fact, lean into your favorite running shoe color to look good and feel good while you train because the right color could make you feel more motivated to lace up, log the miles, and achieve your goals.
But color is only one (small) factor in what makes a running shoe right for you. It goes without saying (well it should, anyway): Before you go out and buy the most pleasing purple running shoes you can find, make sure you’re investing in legitimate, quality shoes built for durability and designed to care for your running physiology.
Outside’s team of editors spent thousands of hours hands-on testing, analyzing, and reviewing running shoes; we’ve compiled all of that research to bring you the best (actual) running shoes for men and women in pink, blue, green, purple, orange, red, and yellow.
Section dividerTested: The Best Pink Running Shoes for 2025
Runners who train regularly in groups will find that pink running shoes help them relate to those around them as the color evokes feelings of gentleness. But if you run alone, they can still be a fun personality statement, or just be pleasing to get you out the door to run.
Brooks Launch 11
| Shoe type: | Neutral |
| Weight: | 7.7 oz (men), 7.1 oz (women) |
| Stack height: | 35.5–27.5 mm |
| Drop: | 8 mm |
| Sizing: | 7-15 (men’s), 5-12 (women’s) |
The Launch 11 is our best value pick in our 2025 best running shoes for training and racing. Don’t let the smaller price tag fool you. Our testers say this is still a high-quality shoe with a good balance between being lightweight to allow you to connect with ground feel while having enough cushion to spring back for a snappy shoe on both the road and even mild trails.
The women’s Brooks Launch 11s are not an in-your-face kind of pink running shoe. It’s soft, gently feminine, and simplistic, making it fit into any runner’s wardrobe.
If you’re looking for an understated men’s pink running shoe, snag the limited-edition White/Murmur/Blithe colorway while it’s available. The bulk of the pink is on the sole, allowing you to show off a splash of color with every step without compromising on a pair of flashy shoes you’ll only want to wear in certain settings.
Why We Picked It
- One of the most affordable running shoes at just $120
- Classic cushioning that connects the runner with ground feel
- Snappy, responsive shoe
- Adaptable to tame trail running
- Fitted upper offers a slightly narrower fit for those between widths
Tested: The Best Blue Running Shoes for 2025
Wearing blue could help you feel calm and hopeful, according to color psychology research. It’s also a common college and pro team color—go ahead and proclaim your fandom!
Brooks Glycerin GTS 22
| Shoe type: | Stability |
| Weight: | 10.7 oz (men’s), 9.5 oz (women’s) |
| Stack height: | 38–28 mm |
| Drop: | 10 mm |
| Sizing: | 7-15 (men’s), 5-12 (women’s) |
Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 was our runner-up for the best overall stability running shoe of 2025 thanks to its non-intrusive stability. The newest version of the shoe has a tuned midsole with softer and firmer segments built into the foam, which, combined with guide rails in the rear, makes it a slightly more aggressive stability shoe than previous versions. So for those looking for a more versatile shoe, you’ll want to review the full listing on our stability shoe roundup to find a better fit for your needs.
Color-wise, there’s something quite pleasing about the Amparo Blue women’s Brooks Glycerin GTS 22. It’s almost a royal blue with sparingly used yellow accents, making the shoe unique.
The men’s Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 blue running shoes have a black layer over top, allowing them to offer a pop of color without being too flashy.
Why We Picked It
- Balanced shoe offering plush comfort and stable support
- Tuned midsole foam allows for cushion to absorb impact and firmness where you need responsiveness
- Protection from pronation, while allowing for a connected feel with the ground
Altra Experience Form
| Shoe type: | Stability |
| Weight: | 9.6 oz (men’s), 7.8 oz (women’s) |
| Stack height: | 32–28 mm (men’s); 30–26 mm (women’s) |
| Drop: | 4 mm |
| Sizing: | 7-15 (men’s), 5.5-12 (women’s) |
Altra Experience Form earned the label of the most invisible support on our list of the top 2025 stability shoes. The mesh upper offers secure, yet comfortable support for your feet. Testers said it helps hug the shoe’s heel to their feet while giving toes plenty of room to spread out in the spacious toe box. The shoe isn’t as bouncy as many shoes on the market, according to our reviewers, but offers a soft ride while still being responsive. With a gentle rocker design, the shoe flexes naturally to offer fast toe-offs for days when you’re looking to push the pace.
The Altras are a good pick for a pair of women’s blue running shoes because the color is an agreeable blue-gray. Or, if you’re looking for a blue that will awaken your senses, go with the teal. Either way, you’re getting one of the most subtle but effective stability shoes of 2025.
For men, you’ll find two great color choices in blue: one feels like you’re staring into the crystal blue waters of the ocean on a sunny day; the other is a mild navy with small bright blue accents.
Why We Picked It
- Spacious toe box
- Guide rails on both sides of the heel for gentle, unobtrusive stability
- Engineered mesh upper offers a close fit at the heel for stability while giving your toes room to move
- Moderately thick, responsive, less squishy design
- Light, nimble, and ready for days when you want to push the pace
Saucony Tempus 2
| Shoe type: | Stability |
| Weight: | 8.2 oz (women’s); 9.4 oz (men’s) |
| Stack height: | 33–25 mm |
| Drop: | 8 mm |
| Sizing: | 7-15 (men’s), 5-12 (women’s) |
For a stability shoe, our testers felt the Saucony Tempus 2 was incredibly nimble, bouncy, and fast, while still offering unmatched support and guidance for the foot. Its nimble design includes ample ultralight cushioning to provide exceptional rebound, strategically intertwined with a firmer frame. Most stability shoes have very firm heels, which is good support but makes for rough landings. Meanwhile, the Tempus has firm foam up close to your foot with soft Pebax foam closer to the sole under the heel for a good balance of firm support with comfortable landings.
An ashy navy blue, the women’s version includes some gentle lavender accents to provide a touch of femininity to the shoe. The Saucony is a good pick for a men’s blue running shoe because it offers a bolder royal blue with silver accents.
Why We Picked It
- Secure-fit mesh upper
- Peppy heel for a stability shoe
- Good marathon shoe or daily trainer
- Over-under foam for firm stability close to the foot and soft foam near the sole under the heel for smooth landings, and the reverse up front for peppy push-offs
Tested: The Best Green Running Shoes for 2025
Be at one with nature when you go with green for your shoe color. Experts say this color also speaks to growth, which can help you improve.
Nike Vomero 18
| Shoe type: | Neutral |
| Weight: | 11.5 oz (men), 9.3 oz (women) |
| Stack height: | 46–36 mm |
| Drop: | 10 mm |
| Sizing: | 6-18 (men’s), 5-12 (women’s) |
The midsole of the Nike Vomero 18 includes six more millimeters of foam compared with its predecessor. That extra foam also gives it the title of the most cushioned Nike running shoe. Additional padding is present in the mesh upper, making the shoe comfortable all around, according to our testers.
However, with all that extra plush comes added weight, which is the only setback to these shoes. They tipped the scale at 11.5 oz for men, 9.3 oz for women. So don’t plan to make these your race shoes or long-run shoes.
In both the men’s and women’s versions of this shoe, you get a clean white upper with some green sprinkled throughout and a bright green midsole that pops like springtime.
Why We Picked It
- Most cushioned Nike running shoe
- Comfortable
- Impressively stable despite being a tall shoe
- Bouncy ride
Diadora Nucleo 2
| Shoe type: | Neutral |
| Weight: | 9.7 oz (men), 7.4 oz (women) |
| Stack height: | 35–30 mm |
| Drop: | 5 mm |
| Sizing: | 7-15 (mens); 6-11.5 (women's) |
The mix of cushion with gentle guidance earned the Diadora Nucleo 2 the title of the best recovery shoe on Outside’s 2025 running shoes list. While the shoe has ample cushion to absorb impact, it also has a firmer heel that testers said gives guidance to a tired stride for recovery run days. But you don’t have to only wear it as a recovery shoe. Testers said the shoe made them feel “capable” for long run days.
It’s also a versatile shoe, capable of taking on wet, icy roads, packed trails, and the road. One caution: Those with wider feet might find the toe box too snug.
Diadora offers one of the most vibrant men’s green running shoes we tested: described as “green flash,” it fully lives up to its name. The all-over green might also add some spring to your step.
Ladies, the green option in this shoe is a little toned down. The main shoe color is white but it has lime green accents to still give it some color.
Why We Picked It
- Offers guidance while delivering a neutral, uncontrolling ride
- Good mix of cushion and stability
- Effective traction on a variety of surfaces
- Soft, secure mesh upper
Asics GEL-Kayano 31
| Shoe type: | Stability |
| Weight: | 10.8 oz (men’s), 9.5 oz (women’s) |
| Stack height: | 40–30 mm (men’s); 39–29 mm (women’s) |
| Drop: | 10 mm |
| Sizing: | 6-15 (men’s), 5-12 (women’s) |
For 2025, the Asics GEL-Kayano 31 earned the top spot for stability shoes on our list. Without firm, controlling devices, the shoe uses clever geometry and new, unobtrusive foot-guidance strategies to provide a stable yet exceedingly comfortable ride, testers said. The shoe’s design comes from the theory that running injuries don’t stem from the degree of pronation, but rather the amount of time spent at peak pronation. As such, the shoe encourages the runner to resupinate quickly thanks to a lower-density, high-rebounding foam under the arch.
Cool matcha is the name of the green colorway: The men’s version includes a few strategically placed dark green accents, while the Asics GEL-Kayano 31 is a good choice for women’s green running shoes because it uses lighter green accents for a softer, more feminine appearance.
Why We Picked It
- All-around good stability shoe for all types of runners
- Unobtrusive foot guidance strategy
- Comfortable for runners seeking gentle stability
Tested: The Best Purple Running Shoes for 2025
Purple evokes feelings of contemplation and meditation, ideal for those who use running to relax and unwind from daily stresses.
Asics Novablast 5
| Shoe type: | Neutral |
| Weight: | 9 oz (men), 7.9 oz (women) |
| Stack height: | 41.5–33.5 mm (men’s); 40.5–32.5 mm (women’s) |
| Drop: | 8 mm |
| Sizing: | 6-15 (men’s), 5-12 (women’s) |
This shoe earned the title of best all-around on our 2025 listing of top running shoes. It earned this title thanks to being soft, bouncy, and responsive—testers said it has a “lively and energetic feel underfoot.”
While it features plenty of foam and cushion, it’s still a nimble daily trainer that is surprisingly stable without feeling squishy. It features a stitch-free engineered jacquard mesh upper, which testers said felt soft and comfortable.
An important item to note from testing is that this shoe has poor traction in slick conditions.
Asics Novablast 5 comes in greyish purple, an almost earth tone mixed with accents of what Asics calls coral reef. Both the men’s and women’s versions are identical in design.
Why We Picked It
- Stitch-free engineered jacquard mesh upper
- Cushioned design that avoids feeling squishy
- Bouncy and responsive
- Nimble daily trainer
Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2 – Women’s
| Shoe type: | Stability |
| Weight: | 10.4 oz (men), 8.1 oz (women) |
| Stack height: | 38–28 mm |
| Drop: | 10 mm |
| Sizing: | 7-13, 14 (men’s), 6-11 (women’s) |
There’s a lot to like about the Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2. Plush stability is how testers categorized this shoe on the 2025 best stability shoes list.
Despite being plush, the shoe is not heavy, providing an overall comfortable ride, even during long runs, testers said. The secure heel hold adds to the stability of the shoe while narrowing to a secure midfoot to support you throughout the running gait. While some testers would’ve preferred a more roomy feel, they appreciated the stability the shoe’s design provided.
Sorry gentlemen, only the ladies’ Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2 comes in pure magenta (but the men’s shoe does offer seven other colors). These vibrant purple women’s running shoes include a white midsole for a bit of contrast.
Why We Picked It
- Significant cushioning
- Wide forefoot silhouette for comfortable stability
- Reasonable weight despite thick cushioning
- Great feel underfoot according to testers
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 – Women’s
| Shoe type: | Stability |
| Weight: | 8.0 oz (women’s); 10.0 oz (men’s) |
| Stack height: | 35.5–23.5 mm |
| Drop: | 12 mm |
| Sizing: | 7-15 (men’s), 5-13 (women’s) |
These shoes are our stability running shoe pick for the best firm, responsive feel. The newest version is lighter, peppier, and offers a more comfortable ride, according to testers. With a GuideRail that doesn’t go all the way to the ground, testers noted that this shoe has a bit of play while still directing your foot where it needs to go. Runners looking for a go-to trainer should definitely give the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 a try.
If you’ve always wanted Brooks running shoes in purple, the Adrenaline GTS 24 features a color option women might love. The orchid/coconut/purple color shoe is light, feminine, and stunningly unique. The laces are where you’ll find the boldest purple, while the rest of the shoe offers an almost neutral appearance.
Why We Picked It
- Lightweight despite plenty of cushion
- Peppier for better rebound
- Comfortable, smooth ride
- Good go-to training shoe
Tested: The Best Orange Running Shoes for 2025
Orange is a color with energy and spirit. The bright color could put some pep in your step.
Nike Zoom Fly 6
| Shoe type: | Neutral |
| Weight: | 9.3 oz (men), 7.7 oz (women) |
| Stack height: | 40–32 mm |
| Drop: | 8 mm |
| Sizing: | 6-15 (men’s), 5-12 (women’s) |
Our editors found the Zoom Fly 6 to be ideal for a variety of runner types with the durability you look for in a daily trainer. With a wide profile, the shoe is more stable than many other super shoes. Plus, it has a slightly lower profile compared to today’s maximalist shoes, which allows you to have a greater connection with the ground.
If you’re looking for a great pick for orange Nike running shoes in your next race, both men and women will find energy in the brilliance of the Zoom Fly 6. The shoe comes in seven colors, including orange with neon accents. It certainly isn’t the shoe you wear to blend in or match your wardrobe, but it is a contender for the best super trainer.
Why We Picked It
- Practical super trainer that combines racing-shoe elements with durability
- Wider profile for a more stable feel
- Lean and streamlined compared to previous versions of the shoe
- Carbon plate is less aggressive than supershoes for racing
- Enough grip for wet terrain or mild off-roading
Tested: The Best Red Running Shoes for 2025
One study found that wearing red in sports competitions might convey dominance and provide a competitive advantage. Red evokes feelings of energy and excitement. This is a great color for your racing shoes to help you feel your strongest. It is also the only color of choice for loyal fans of many sports teams.
Nike Alphafly 3
| Shoe type: | Neutral |
| Weight: | 7.8 oz (men), 6.2 oz (women) |
| Stack height: | 40–32 mm |
| Drop: | 8 mm |
| Sizing: | 6-15 (men’s), 5-12 (women’s) |
Testers described the shoe as bouncy, fun, and fast. A full-length carbon-fiber plate works with the thick, ultra-bouncy foam to give the shoe “snap” while helping reduce fatigue during marathon running.
With a lightweight design, the upper is breathable in even the hottest conditions. Another great feature is the notched laces, which testers noted kept the shoe positioned without any risk of it coming untied during races.
Slower runners noted that the heel felt unstable when they first landed, but once the plate engaged as their foot transitioned, it was far more stable.
These red Nike running shoes are designed for racing, and the design and color are the same in both the men’s and women’s versions—bright crimson with lime blast accents.
Why We Picked It
- Bouncy, fast shoe ideal for long races
- Lightweight and breathable
- Notched laces stay tied even during long runs
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
| Shoe type: | Neutral |
| Weight: | 7.1 oz (men), 6.1 oz (women) |
| Stack height: | 39–33 mm |
| Drop: | 6 mm |
| Sizing: | 6-14.5 (men’s), 5-12 (women’s) |
Our testers found the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 to be ideal for shorter-distance races. The midsole has gotten softer in the fourth version, but testers said the signature Adidas energy rods help make this a lively, bouncy shoe that could help score a PR in your next 5K or 10K race. One tester noted the comfort of the shoe saying, “The upper disappears on my foot in the best way possible.”
The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is a good choice for women’s red running shoes that offer a bright, bold contrast to the neutral colors of most running clothes today. This shoe model comes in a bold lucid red with the logo in black on the side. Or if you’re looking for men’s red running shoes that blend a bit more, opt for the grey version with the logo in lucid red.
Why We Picked It
- Soft, comfortable feel with lively bounce
- Comfortable upper that “disappears on the foot”
- Ultralight performance racing shoe
Tested: The Best Yellow Running Shoes for 2025
Happiness and cheer characterize the color yellow. Feel great throughout your run with the sunshiny color that you’ll feel upbeat about wearing.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14
| Shoe type: | Stability |
| Weight: | 10.7 oz (men’s), 8.6 oz (women’s) |
| Stack height: | 35.5–27.5 mm |
| Drop: | 8 mm |
| Sizing: | 6-16 (men’s), 5-12 (women’s) |
We picked the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 as our best full-foot support stability running shoe of 2025. The key stability feature is an angled plate embedded between two different midsole foams, resulting in more soft foam on the outside and more firm foam under the arch. Testers said that combining the plate and the layers of foam gave the shoe a soft, smooth landing and forward roll while reducing the foot’s inward rotation.
While the shoe is great for those who need firm support, runners looking for mild support should look to a less structured shoe.
The Fresh Foam X 860 v14 is a good option for a ladies’ yellow running shoe that is a subtle pale yellow. The New Balance logo is a neutral grey to avoid any additional flashy colors. The men’s version is a good choice for yellow running shoes from New Balance because it’s a bright, bold yellow, but only on the midsole, while the rest of the shoe is white with black accents.
Why We Picked It
- Good mix of soft cushioning with stabilization
- Greater rocker profile compared to previous models ensures a smooth transition from landing to toe-off
- Firm stability wedge that prevents nearly all pronation