With a team of testers putting in over a thousand miles a month, we’ve got a lot of thoughts about what running shoes are really hitting the mark. Our best running shoes of 2026 will continue to evolve with new updates, but we feel pretty good about this list right now.

best running shoes of 2026

As we always do, we’ll try to cover shoes in each category and you will see a lot of different brands. In our opinion a few brands are hitting the mark with a number of shoes, but no one brand has done it all!

Let us know which of these you’ve tried and if there’s one you think is an absolute miss from our testing.

Best Lightweight Running Shoes

Asics Superblast 3

Superblast 3 is giving you that enjoyable feeling, but in a much more stable package to go for many many miles. I still believe this is a middle of the pack race day shoe. It’s lightweight and because of the foam you sort of naturally find yourself picking up  the pace.

There’s no plate and no magic, but there is my absolute favorite super shoe foam, the FF Leap which is used the Asics Metaspeed and Metaspeed Ray racing shoes. That’s right, their absolutely top tier foam makes up the majority of this every day run shoe and as a result means 15.4% increase in energy return from the previous Turbo Plus foam.

The Superblast 3 is a super trainer that falls easily into the daily trainer category. It can be worn daily to enjoy a shoe that is both highly cushioned and lightweight, no plate needed to help you feel like going faster.

Pros

  • Best possible cushion in a daily trainer
  • Lightweight
  • Ability to refine the fit

Cons

  • Price
  • Really big stack height

Saucony Kinvara 16

This has been one of Coach Amanda’s go to shoe models for nearly a decade. That being said, the Kinvara has changed over that time. We’re so excited that for the 16 Saucony went back to the original stack height of 29mm!

There was also a small change to the geometry of the midsole, but as someone who has worn this shoe for YEARS, it didn’t really stand out to her.

The Saucony Kinvara 16 feels smooth and stable. If you want to pick up the pace in these, absolutely go for it! The PWRRUN foam is going to provide even more energy return, really giving the snappier feel underfoot.Saucony Kinvara 16 Review

The Kinvara continues to be a lightweight, nicely cushioned trainer that you’ll want to keep grabbing for.

Pros

Cons

  • Too narrow for some runners
  • Not enough shoe for the marathon for most runners
  • Less stack height means a little less cushion

Hoka Mach 7

When you’re ready to turn on the speed, the Mach is your HOKA of choice. It’s not a carbon plate shoe, instead it’s a super lightweight running shoe designed to spring off the ground and help you find that quick turnover.

With the firmer foam underfoot, there is a subtle bounce after a soft-ish landing that gets you rolling through your stride and on to the next. The rocker is not overly pronounced, it’s just enough to assist your stride whether you’re running easy or tempo/threshold efforts.

Hoka Mach 7 Overview

Recovery runs aren’t what the Mach 7 is best suited for. The shoe, while comfortable, lacks the plush feel in the upper and midsole for those extra easy days.

  • Weight: 7.5 ounces Women’s/ 8.37 ounces Men’s
  • Stack Height: 36mm of supercritical EVA for Women’s/ 37mm for Men’s
  • Heel to Toe Drop: 5mm
  • Available in 7 colorways
  • Available in wide in 6 colorways
  • Available at hoka.com for $145
  • Read our full review of the Hoka Mach 7 here >>

Pros

  • Responsive cushioning
  • Versatile
  • Improved grip and durability

Cons

  • Narrower fit
  • Shorter tongue
  • Soft but not plush

Best Daily Trainers

Puma Deviate Pure Nitro

Puma has expanded the Deviate Nitro lineup with this new shoe, a daily trainer designed to handle a little bit of everything from easy runs, speed workouts and even those long walks.

The Deviate Pure Nitro is a comfortable, stylish daily trainer that can easily handle a mix of running and walking without missing a beat. While the narrower fit and less than expected pop held it back a bit in our testing, it’s still a solid option for runners looking for a reliable everyday trainer.

The shoe felt just as good at the end of the run as it did at the beginning, thanks to the Puma NITROFOAM.

Since there’s no plate built into the shoe, it also feels more natural for everyday wear. If you’re looking for a shoe that can handle runs, walks, and plenty of time on your feet, the Deviate Pure Nitro can easily pull double duty.
puma deviate pure review

With a versatile ride, comfortable cushioning, and a price point that’s not too high, this shoe aims to be an option for runners looking for a shoe that can cover most of their training.

Pros

  • Versatile design for running, walking, and even casual wear
  • Breathable upper mesh to keep you cool during summer training runs
  • PUMAGRIP outsole to help if running on slick surfaces

Cons

  • More narrow fit, not available in wide
  • White/see-through upper may get stained with colored socks
  • Only two colorways available

Mizuno Wave Rider 30

I kind of resent all the folks calling this a beginner running shoe because we think it’s a solid daily trainer that will work for anyone seeking a cushioned shoe that’s not too squishy, is on the lighter side, is durable and priced right!

It’s often described as very stable, but not to be confused with a stability running shoe.

This is a trainer that can carry you through race day as a middle of the pack runner looking for something that works for both your long training weeks and your marathon finish line.

Mizuno Wave Rider 30 Review

Overall, the Mizuno Wave Rider 30 is a winning update to a long time daily trainer, bringing the design and technology firmly into the present. The cushion isn’t overdone, the weight is nice for a daily trainer and the durability feels on point to last through a marathon training cycle.

Pros

  • Durable outsole that will get you through a lot of miles
  • Smooth, balanced ride
  • Versatile shoe that can do almost everything

Cons

  • All white may get dirty rather quickly
  • A little more of a firmer feel underfoot
  • Firmer ride than many max cushioned daily trainers

Nike Pegasus 42

Nike is leaning hard into the idea of “more energy return” with the Pegasus 42, thanks to a full-length Air Zoom unit.

Everyone wants the bounce or cushion right now, but I love that the Pegasus is staying true to this line of shoes. It’s got plenty of tech in it and looks flashy, but really it’s a great basic daily trainer.

Unfortunately, the fit of the 42 is a little different from previous models due to the last.

The last is what the shoe is built on and thus changes the fit of the shoe. By adding more cushion under the forefoot the shoe now felt too small and way too tight through the toebox.Nike Pegasus 42 Overview

The Pegasus remains a well priced daily trainer that is going to be extremely durable, carry runners through a lot of easy miles without feeling heavy or clunky. It’s not a max cushioned soft trainer, that goes to their Vomero line up, and it’s not a speed workout shoe, but it can pick up the pace.

Pros

  • Feels lighter than it is
  • Solid daily trainer that can do more
  • Durable and good price

Cons

  • Shallow toebox
  • Runs a bit short

Best Carbon Plate Shoes

ASICS Metaspeed Sky

This is one of the only shoes that I have tried on while still under embargo, but then not had a chance to fully test. So I can’t give you my personal thoughts, but I can share details of these shoes and why many folks are enjoying them.

ASICS is trying to catch up in this area and released a few shoes all at once which many folks can’t quit tell apart.  The Metaspeed Edge is going to be the shoe with less cushion, less weight and better for those racing sub 3, etc.Asics Metaspeed Sky tokyo

This is a maximum cushioned carbon fiber plate for the marathon runner in you. It’s going to give you both that feeling of comfort over the miles along with the pop that’s often lost in a highly cushioned shoe.

FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5

The SuperComp Elite is New Balance’s high-performance carbon-plated racing shoe, designed for long-distance runners seeking a combination of speed, responsiveness, and cushioning.

Lots of changes came to this most recent version of the SuperComp Elite.

It’s overall lighter and has a slightly higher heel drop, going from 4mm to 8mm.

We think that with the updates that were made, it’s going to be a shoe that more runners will enjoy. And for it having a carbon plate, they didn’t hike the pricetag up too much like other plated shoes.

SCE 5 Review

To lay it out in terms of paces, the SuperComp Elite is perfect for anyone who’s looking to run a marathon in 3:40:00 or more. Anyone looking to it faster than that might have a look-see at more aggressive carbon-plated races like the Saucony Endorphin Elite or the Nike Vaporfly 3.

Pros
  • Extremely light weight
  • Well cushioned heel
  • Incredible ground feel
Cons
  • Runs slightly snug
  • Changed from 4mm drop to 8mm
  • Midfoot platform is more narrow

On Cloudboom Strike 2

In On’s lineup, the Strike sits at the top of the racing pyramid, with the everyday cushioned trainers below it and the Lightspray version as the ultralight racing sibling for people who want to shave every last gram.

That drop-in midsole construction is one of my favorite things about the Strike line; it’s practical (you can pull the top layer to clean it or eyeball the plate) and it gives the step-in this plush, settled-into-the-shoe feeling I love.

Adding extra cushioning directly underfoot (instead of in the midsole) really helps you stay connected to the shoe.

Step in and the bounce is immediate. It’s squishy and lively, but there’s a firmness under the ball of the foot that keeps it from feeling sloppy and not marshmallowy.

On Cloudboom Strike 2 Overview

This shoe is FUN in a way that makes hard efforts feel like play, the drop-in insole scratches a very specific itch, and the poppy-but-firm ride is exactly my kind of super shoe. The new foam feels like a real step forward, and at $250 it’s one of the better values in the carbon-racer category right now. The green/purple color combo is also super flashy! You can’t help but feel sleek wearing these puppies.

Pros

  • Lightweight and responsive
  • Roomy toebox
  • Locked in feel

Cons

  • When cinched, laces can feel tight across top of foot
  • Sizing is a bit odd

Best Max Cushion Shoes

Brooks Glycerin Max 2

This shoe was built for easy days, recovery runs, and even long runs. The max cushion is going to give you the feeling of resh legs without the worry of sinking into the shoe with every step.

The way the Nitrogen-infused DNA TUNED foam is built – one layer with big cells in the heel and small ones in the forefoot – allows the shoe to absorb each landing, uses the GlideRoll rocker to match a step’s natural forward motion, then the small cells in the front aim to give a quick bounce up and forward feel.Brooks Glycerin Max 2 Overview

The shoe is a stable ride, even with the stack height, same as the first version.

While the original Glycerin Max still wasn’t the most marshmallow-y shoe, this one is even less. Some people won’t love the less cushy feeling, but we think it was a good change to make the shoe what  Brooks wants it to be – a more responsive max cushion shoe.

Pros

  • You’re not going to feel like you’re sinking into the max cushion
  • Smooth rocker sole
  • Sleeker design

Cons

  • Heavier shoe
  • Shorter laces that may make chaging up your lacing a little difficult

New Balance 1080

You’ll usually see this shoe on our best of lists because it’s designed to be a good match for many runners.

The 1080 v15 got a little makeover to the midsole. Now you’ll find the Infinion foam underfoot, designed to deliver enhanced energy return and cushioning.

New Balance typically has multiple widths available if you need a little extra room. The 1080 v15 is not a narrow shoe like a Saucony, and not a huge toebox like an Altra. However, if you go with those wider fits, there will be plenty of room to avoid any metatarsal pain.

NB 1080 v15 review

The 1080 is a well-cushioned running shoe that just feels good for long miles, making it fantastic for both marathon training and for newer runners whose bodies are adapting to the load of running.

While it’s not designed for speed work shoes, it is absolutely going to carry the everyday runner through many miles comfortably.

Pros

  • Cushion that feels not too squishy
  • Plenty of room through midfoot
  • Improved energy return

Cons

  • Upper a little stiff
  • Full rubber outsole would improve durablity

Saucony Triumph 24

The Saucony Triumph 24 is a max cushioned trainer with a high-stack, maximalist shoe that somehow remains lightweight and bouncy even with all its cushion. The shoe is sturdy and durable, and it gives an energetic and responsive ride for this class of trainers.

Alongside the update to the midsole foam, Saucony also reengineered the lightweight mesh upper of the Triumph 24, making the shoe feel soft and comfortable yet light and breathable for a variety of climates and runs.

It’s a shoe that the middle and back of the pack can happily wear on half marathon and marathon race days!

Sauconyh Triumph 24 Foam

While these shoes are lightweight for a max trainer, they still aren’t designed to pick up the pace. They are fantastic long run shoes and can easily handle marathon pace for the 4:30+ Marathon runner

Pros

  • Lighter weight than previous
  • Repsonsive cushion
  • No break in needed

Cons

  • Squeaky
  • Not for speed work
  • Pricey for a daily trainer

Hoka Clifton Pro 

Don’t let the name fool you, this isn’t a race shoe, this is still a daily trainer. 

The Clifton Pro is a well cushioned daily trainer that can pick up the pace a little bit from the original and is more enjoyable for those wanting a little bounce and roll over long miles.

The Supercritical EVA ProGlide+ foam has a much more premium feel than the standard compressed EVA.

It’s more like the Clifton+.

That’s accurate. It’s not Pro.

The Hoka Clifton Pro is still a daily trainer, but it’s the upgrade we’ve been expecting Hoka to make for awhile. Now the Clifton 11 feels like it’s firmly in the casual realm, while the Pro is the updated daily trainer that feels in line with the rest of the Hoka shoes we’ve been testing.

Pros

  • Durable over many miles
  • More enjoyable cushioned feeling
  • Good for a variety of foot types

Cons

  • A heavier daily trainer
  • Pro name can be misleading

This list was INCREDIBLY hard to create because we all have a lot of shoes we love.

But for now we think this list gives you a place to start and of course we have hundreds of reviews on the site, so drop a note if  you have questions on other models or aren’t sure if we have a review!

Checkout this running shoe release calendar – you’ll find everything we’ve reviewed linked there and what’s coming out still this year.

What to Read Next?

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