Best Running Shoes Of 2026 | We Tested 100+ Models So You Don’t Have to

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.

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.

Asics Superblast 3

Best for: Runners wanting a lightweight well cushioned shoe that can handle both long miles and picking up the pace. It may lose some of the energy return after 200-300 miles for heavier runners.

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.

Saucony Kinvara 16

Best For: Runners wanting a lightweight moderate cushion and lower heel drop shoe that can pick up the pace. The Kinvara is a simple durable daily trainer that will feel good up to 13-15 miles for most runners.

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.

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

It’s not overthought or overdone. It’s just consistent and feels good. We’ve found the 4mm heel to toe drop especially helpful for many runners dealing with IT Band Syndrome which seems worse with higher drops.

Hoka Mach 7

Best for: Runners wanting a lightweight, responsive daily trainer that feels good at easy paces but really shines when picking up the pace for tempos or faster workouts. It has enough cushion for everyday miles, though runners wanting a softer feel for long runs may prefer the Clifton Pro.

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.

Coach Amanda and gear tester Tim both have kept this shoe in their rotation throughout the year. It’s an easy go to on most days because it’s got enough cushion to feel good, but not a ton of weight.

And for runners realizing they don’t need max cushion all the time, it’s still gives that cushioned feel without being overdone.

Puma Deviate Pure Nitro

Best for: Runners who tend to run at quicker paces and want a lightweight trainer that feels smooth and energetic for steady runs, progression runs and workouts. The firmer ride may feel less comfortable for slower easy miles or runners who prefer more cushioning.

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.

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.

Mizuno Wave Rider 30

Best For: Runners who want max cushion that feels extremely stable. It’s not a stability shoe, but gives off those vibes while giving you just the perfect amount of cushion. Not as versatile with speed, but durable to put in a lot of training miles

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.

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.

Nike Pegasus 42

Best For: Runners looking for that higher 10mm heel drop in a daily trainer with more ground feel. It’s one of the less cushioned options feeling more like a running shoe of 10 years ago, but can pick up the pace and is very durable.

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.

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.

ASICS Metaspeed Sky Or Edge

Best for: Faster runneres wanting a top tier carbon plated racing shoe with the option to match how they naturally run. The Metaspeed Sky favors runners who gain speed through stride length, while the Edge is designed for those who increase cadence, making this one of the few race shoe lines that gives runners a more personalized choice.

The Metaspeed series took us by surprise, they absolute feel different! Rather than making one carbon plated shoe for every runner, ASICS has created two versions based on how runners tend to increase their speed.

The Metaspeed Sky is designed around runners who tend to get faster by increasing their stride length, while the Metaspeed Edge is geared toward runners who increase their cadence. That difference changes how each shoe feels through the stride, even though both are using ASICS’ high end racing technology. For Coach Amanda, it’s less about saying one shoe is better and more about finding which version works with the way you naturally move.

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.

The stability may not be ideal for some folks at the marathon distance, but should feel good for most up to the half marathon. Definitely geared towards faster runners based on gait.

FuelCell SuperComp Elite V6

Best for: Runners who want a carbon plated race shoe with a softer, more forgiving ride than many aggressive super shoes. It’s a strong option for half marathon and marathon racing, especially for runners who value comfort and stability alongside speed.

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.

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.

On Cloudboom Strike 2

Best for: Runners who like a firmer, snappier carbon plated racer that feels best when you are already moving efficiently and pushing the pace. It has a more controlled, propulsive ride than soft, bouncy super shoes, but may feel less forgiving for runners who want maximum cushion late in a marathon.

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.

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.

Brooks Glycerin Max 2

Best For:This shoe was built for easy days, recovery runs, and even long runs. The max cushion is going to give you the feeling of fresh 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 steps natural forward motion, then the small cells in the front aim to give a quick bounce up and forward feel.

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.

For those wanting cushion, but a smidge less the Brooks Glycerin 23 is always considered a top shoe.

New Balance 1080

Best for: Runners who want a soft, comfortable daily trainer that can handle easy miles, long runs and higher weekly mileage without feeling overly bulky. It is especially good for runners who prioritize cushioning and comfort over a snappy, performance focused ride.

You’ll frequently see the 1080 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. It did change the feel of the shoe and for some it might feel a bit less stable.

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.

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.

Saucony Endorphin Speed

Best for: Runners who want a fast, responsive shoe that works for speed workouts, tempo runs and race day without feeling as aggressive as a carbon plated racer. Its versatility makes it a great option for a wide range of paces and runners.

What really stands out is how much versatility you get from one shoe. Coach Stacey liked that she could use it for intervals, tempo runs, longer efforts with pickups, treadmill miles and regular road runs without feeling like she needed a second pair. It is lightweight and responsive, but not so aggressive that it only makes sense for race day.

That balance is a big reason the Endorphin Speed continues to work for such a wide range of runners.A lot of that comes down to the winged nylon plate. It gives the shoe a springy, energetic feel, but it is more flexible and forgiving than a carbon plate. Stacey also noticed that the Speedroll geometry and new forefoot flex groove help the shoe transition more naturally from landing to toe off, so the ride feels smooth whether you are cruising or picking up the pace.

The Speed 5 is firmer than a plush daily trainer, but that is part of what Stacey likes about it. There is still enough cushion for longer runs, while the firmer feel gives it more stability and snap when you start running faster.

Hoka Clifton Pro 

Best for: Runners who want the familiar Clifton comfort with a little more energy for long runs and everyday miles, especially those who need a wider fit. The Clifton Pro gives you more cushion and responsiveness than the standard Clifton without turning into an aggressive race shoe, and being available in wide makes it a much more accessible super trainer option.

Don’t let the name fool you, this isn’t a race shoe, this is still a daily trainer. It’s just way better than the Clifton 11 for runners. The standard Clifton has gone the way of the airport shoe, which is fine it just means the technology isn’t keeping up with other brands when it comes to running.

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.

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?

• Are Max Cushioned Running Shoes Bad For Us?
• Why You Need a Running Shoe Rotation
• Understanding types of running shoe foam (yes it matters)