CEP 2025 Fall Shoe Guide

Choosing the right running shoe is crucial for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. As the seasons change, it’s an excellent time to evaluate your current footwear and consider an upgrade. Our team of experienced runners has put the latest models to the test to help you find the perfect pair for your autumn miles.

This guide provides a detailed overview of the top running shoes available this fall. We cover the rigorous testing process our team undertook and explain why investing in quality footwear is one of the best decisions you can make for your running journey. You will find clear, structured information to help you select a shoe that aligns with your specific needs.

Why Invest in a Quality Running Shoe This Fall?

A good pair of running shoes is more than just a piece of gear; it's a vital tool that directly impacts your experience on the road or trail. As temperatures cool and conditions change, having the right shoe becomes even more important. Quality footwear provides essential support, cushioning, and stability, which helps reduce the risk of common running-related injuries.

Furthermore, a well-designed shoe enhances your performance. Modern shoe technology is engineered to improve energy return, promote a natural stride, and provide a comfortable ride, allowing you to run longer and more efficiently. Investing in yourself and your running means equipping your feet with the support they need to carry you through every mile. Your feet will thank you for it.

Why Trust Us?

ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts, including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure that the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature highly rated products.

Asics | Astral | Brooks | CEP | Craft | Diadora | Hoka | Kane | KURU | La Sportiva | Merrell | New Balance | Nike | Reebok | Roll Recovery | Salomon | Saucony | Scarpa | Skechers | Speedland | The North Face | Under Armour | Velous

CEP Omnispeed Bowtech

The CEP Omnispeed Bowtech is a performance-driven shoe designed for athletes who demand precision and support. Featuring Bowtech lacing technology for a customizable fit, this shoe ensures maximum comfort and stability during high-intensity activities. The cushioned midsole provides responsive energy return, while the durable outsole offers reliable traction. Perfect for training, running, or gym workouts, the Omnispeed Bowtech is built to keep up with your active lifestyle.

CEP jumps into the shoe game with a one-of-a-kind supertrainer that forgoes traditional designs.

First Impressions:

Upon unboxing these shoes, I immediately got a futuristic, high tech vibe. They look like something the Jetsons might wear. Initially I thought they were carbon-plated racers, given the design and cut outs, but discovered they’re more of a super training shoe.

I was super excited to test this shoe. CEP is a German-based company and had a booth at the Berlin Marathon, so I was able to get some intel and hype from their product reps to coincide with my testing. The Omnispeed really is unique compared to every other shoe being offered. It looks weird in a very good way - starting with the very obvious dual-layer Bowtech plate that is visible from the side profile of the shoe. It even feels weird to put them on. They don’t stretch, relax, and slip on like a typical pair of running shoes. The best way that I can describe putting them on is to drop into them with a vacuum-like release of air, and there is a 360 degree grip around the foot. They immediately feel snug and secure like an extension of the feet, and that feeling really doesn’t go away. Apparently, this glove-like fit is critical for the shoe performing properly. In particular, I’m not accustomed to having something contour my arches, and what I’m feeling is the geometry of the Bowtech plate that is hugging against the bottom of my feet.

Things We Liked:

The design is really funky, in the very best way.

Obviously, the Bowtech plate and one-of-a-kind design are this shoe’s selling point, and that’s what separates this model from any other shoe being manufactured. For me, though, the thing that I always look for in any trainer - whether a speed shoe or an everyday shoe - is longevity. I love the simple addition of rubber on the outsole that adds months of additional mileage versus the trend of foam outsoles that just wear down so quickly. Plus, the mesh on the uppers - despite being light, translucent, and breathable - is strong and reinforced.

Areas for Improvement:

At over 10 ounces, they’re quite heavy, would love to see them drop a few ounces.

The price and the weight. At 10.2 oz for the men’s, I don’t mind the weight for a trainer, but it’s too heavy to be my race day shoe. However, at $225, it’s more expensive than most supertrainers on the market, and the price is getting pretty close to the highest-end racing supershoes.

Final Thoughts

These shoes are a fun take on a neutral super trainer. They don’t have a carbon plate so they’re not a typical racing shoe, but thanks to the bow tech kinetic technology and flexible pebax plate, they can improve energy efficiency and potentially help you long faster, for longer.

These shoes are a bit on the heavier side, but they have a stable feel around the ankle and a super breathable nylon upper. They might run a tad small so consider sizing up and adjusting your laces to prevent heel slippage. Overall, the omnispeeds are a great option for anyone looking to decrease injury risk and improve foot mechanics — as long as you’re cool with a heavier weight and slightly higher price tag.

Specs:

• Drop: 7mm
• Weight: 10.2 oz
• Price: $225
• Category: Nuetral
• Type: Road Running
• Fit: Runs 1/2 to Full Size small
• Ideal for: Speed, Race

Buy:

Our Comprehensive Testing Process

To bring you this guide, our expert team, comprised of seasoned runners and footwear specialists, conducted extensive testing on a wide array of shoes. We are committed to providing reliable and unbiased recommendations based on real-world performance.

Each pair of shoes was subjected to a minimum of 20 miles of running across varied terrains, from city pavements to park trails. Our testers meticulously evaluated each shoe based on a set of key criteria to ensure a thorough and balanced assessment.

Key Evaluation Criteria:

• Comfort: We assessed the initial feel and long-run comfort, noting any pressure points or areas of discomfort.
• Fit: Testers evaluated how the shoe conformed to the foot, including the security of the heel, the width of the toebox, and the overall lockdown.
• Weight: We considered the physical weight of the shoe and how it felt during a run—whether it felt light and nimble or heavy and cumbersome.
• Breathability: The upper materials were tested for airflow to determine how well they managed heat and moisture during a run.
• Flexibility: We analyzed the shoe's flexibility in the forefoot and its overall ability to move naturally with the runner's stride.
• Overall Ride: This is a comprehensive assessment of the shoe's performance. It includes the quality of the cushioning, the smoothness of the heel-to-toe transition, and the general feeling of the shoe in motion.

Asics | Astral | Brooks | CEP | Craft | Diadora | Hoka | Kane | KURU | La Sportiva | Merrell | New Balance | Nike | Reebok | Roll Recovery | Salomon | Saucony | Scarpa | Skechers | Speedland | The North Face | Under Armour | Velous