Speedland 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

Speedland RX:CCD

The Speedland RX:CCD is a high-performance trail shoe built for serious runners and adventurers. Featuring a customizable fit with dual BOA dials, this shoe adapts perfectly to your foot for maximum comfort and precision. The Pebax midsole provides responsive cushioning, while the Vibram outsole ensures exceptional grip on technical terrain. Lightweight yet durable, the RX:CCD is designed to help you conquer the most challenging trails with confidence.

It's the Millennium Falcon of road shoes, she looks bulky and not flashy, but "she's got it where it counts, kid". You just might make the Kessel Run (or set a new PR) in less than twelve parsecs.

First Impressions:

At first glance it's hard to place the Speedland RX:CCD -- it strikes a really interesting balance between a state-of-the-art ultra running shoe, while also sporting a more bare bones, minimalist aesthetic.

Things We Liked:

The midsole foam makes this shoe a must-try. It's flexible, soft and forgiving, but still provides the right amount of energy return required for long-distance efforts. It doesn't feel too bulky either, despite including a LOT of it. Pair this with the included carbon plate, and it instantly becomes quicker and racier.

Areas for Improvement:

Since it's a single BOA system, it can take a few miles for the wrap/lacing to adjust and conform to your foot. For someone with a more narrow foot, it's also a bit too roomy in the toe, and BOA doesn't address this as well as I'd like (this isn't a dealbreaker through). The midsole material has an "off-gassing" smell that's noticeable at first, but goes away after a few runs.

Final Thoughts

Speedland has always been a brand for those in the know, and their products are made by runners, for runners. Their latest offering, the RX:CCD, is their next evolution of road-specific shoes designed to withstand the hardest and longest races on the planet. This doesn't mean you have to be an elite runner to enjoy their elite-inspired technology and premium components, though.

Performance is the theme here, so let's start at the top -- the upper is highly breathable, has a wide toe box and includes a single multidirectional BOA system that makes fine-tuning the fit a breeze. The foam insert is where things get interesting: you can leave as-is for a more forgiving and supple ride, or you can remove and attach the included carbon plate for a more performance-oriented and snappy long-distance race shoe. The difference (with and without) is dramatic, and despite having a substantial amount of midsole foam underfoot, the shoe feels quick and surprisingly light and nimble. Speedland went with uncompressed SCF foam for the midsole, so for those of us who aren't running nerds, this just means that it's more durable, and strikes a better balance of energy return and forgiveness than most midsoles on the market. The "scratch" rubber outsole leaves all the gimmicky tread patterns behind and provides an almost full-coverage, super durable-yet-grippy design that channels NASCAR slick tire vibes. It's a complete package that feels refined, yet understated, and can go toe-to-toe with other top-shelf options long distance runners know and love.

The RX:CCD comes with a hefty price tag, but one could argue you're essentially getting two pairs of shoes for the price of one since since they're extremely durable and long lasting, and they feature ability to convert the shoe from trainer to racer with the included carbon plate. It's important to note that these shoes have very specific insoles, and aren't compatible with custom insoles or orthotics.

Specs:

• Drop: 7mm
• Weight: 8.5 oz
• Price: $299
• Category: Cushion
• Type: Road Running
• Fit: True to Size
• Ideal for: Recovery, Long Distance

Buy:

Speedland GL:PDX

The Speedland GL:PDX is a trail-running shoe that redefines performance and innovation. With its carbon-fiber plate for propulsion, dual BOA fit system for a secure fit, and Vibram outsole for superior traction, this shoe is built for speed and stability on rugged terrain. The lightweight construction and premium materials make the GL:PDX a top choice for trail enthusiasts who demand the best.

First Impressions:

Reverse strap closure and BOA Fit System provide accurate adjustments. Stretchy upper provides sock-like fit. Feels durable, not a lot of cushion.

Hard to get on without and pull tabs. Upper mesh cups foot tight but breathable. A little stiff. Did not have plate so thought that would make shoe even stiffer. Thought it would be a race shoe not a daily trainer.

Things We Liked:

The sock like fit and BOA fit system are great features for accurate adjustments.

I liked the BOA on the front part of foot so you could make it tighter without having to have entire foot tight.

Areas for Improvement:

The beaded insole doesn't provide great comfort and I don't like that it is not compatible with custom insoles.

Would like to see BOA on both parts. Did not understand why they used BOA on part and a velco strap on other. For cost of shoe I would rather have two BOA's. Feel like they should have plate as part of shoe. For cost I do not think this should be an add on.

Final Thoughts

The Speedland GL-PDX is a high-performance trail running shoe designed for technical terrain, featuring Michelin rubber lugs that deliver exceptional grip and long-lasting durability over countless miles. Its dual-dial BOA Fit System combined with a reverse strap closure ensures a secure, sock-like fit that adapts comfortably to the foot. While the upper and traction systems shine in both comfort and performance, the beaded insole may fall short for runners seeking plush underfoot cushioning. Overall, the GL-PDX offers precision, protection, and rugged reliability for serious trail runners. Looking forward to counting the miles on this shoe to test the long lasting performance of the rubber lugs.

Specs:

• Drop: 5mm
• Weight: 10.3 oz
• Price: $250
• Category: Neutral
• Type: Running Trail
• Fit: True to Size
• Ideal for: Speed, Race, Trail

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