The Hottest Running Shoes Of 2026 (So Far)

adidas Duramo SL 2

Best For: Road, Everyday, Beginners

If you’re just getting started, there’s no sense forking out thousands when nothing’s a surety. These lightweight shoes are perfect for beginners: they’re stable and padded for soft support without too much bounce. The standard 8mm midsole drop means they’re still cushioned enough to handle a longer distance.

Asics Gel-Cumulus 28

Best For: Road, Everyday, Long-Distance, All-Rounder

If you’re looking for the equivalent of a trusty steed, this might be it: lightweight and smooth, the Gel-Cumulus 28 balances comfort, responsiveness and durability. FF BLAST MAX cushioning combines softness with responsiveness for a snappier run. Meanwhile, the FLUIDRIDE outsole creates a smooth toe-off to heel transition.

Read our review here.

New Balance Fresh Foam 1080V15

Best For: Road, Everyday, Long-Distance, All-Rounder

Another workhorse, the plusher-than-plush 1080 features NB’s brand-new Infinion foam in the midsole, which delivers long-lasting responsive cushioning. And, for the unsteady, v15 has a firmer feel underfoot while being springy and light. Simply, it’s a long-lasting runner for those logging more kms than Friends episodes.

Sketchers Aero Burst

Best For: Road, Everyday, Long-Distance

Made for maximum comfort on the run, these soft, marshmallowy shoes have Arch Fit technology – a supportive insole for arch support. The carbon H-plate delivers lift-off while adding stability; the Hyper Burst Ice midsole provides bouncy comfort.

Brooks Glycerin Flex

Best For: Road, Everyday, Long-Distance, Natural Feel

Finally: a thick-soled running shoe that goes the distance and offers flexibility. For that barely-there feeling, the Glycerin Flex has a podular sole and flat knit upper that bend with your foot’s movement. Nitrogen-infused cushioning delivers that energy return, making it a great companion on everyday or long runs.

WH tested these; here’s our review.

PUMA Deviate Nitro 4

Best For: Road, Everyday, Speed Work

For every woman who wants to go fast, the Deviate Nitro 4 understood the assignment. If you’re an everyday runner with big PB dreams, nitrogen-injected foam (NITROFOAM) in the midsole helps you chase it, adding explosive energy to each stride. PWRPLATE stability and lightness complete the picture for Sonic-level speed.

WH put these through their paces; here’s our review.

Reebok Floatzig Tread

Best For: Treadmill, Speed Work, Short Distance

Specifically for treadmill runs, these shoes are built to tackle inclines and speed with ease. Zig geometry, coupled with a dual-density midsole, distributes force while keeping your foot comfy. A heel bevel helps heel-strikers glide smoothly from heel to toe.

More info about the range.

HOKA CIELO X 1 3.0

Best For: Road, Long-Distance, Race Day, Speed Work

Lightweight but with max cushioning and stability, it’s designed for runners who need support without sacrificing comfort. An enhanced J-Frame – an open “J” shape in the midsole – provides support on both sides, helping with overpronation. All in all, a fab pick for runners who want comfort that goes the distance. And it’s vegan.

Under Armour Velociti Pro 2

Best For: Road, Race Training, Speed Work, Track Workouts

Grab these for tempo runs, fartleks, speedwork, intervals or hills Leno weave stretch keeps your foot locked in. The responsive, yet light-weight midsole offers extra snap for added speed. And the Pebax midsole plate is less rigid than carbon-fibre but still propulsive.

Read more about the new range.

ANTA C202 6 PRO

Best For: Road, Race Day, Elite Running, Long-Distance

A lightweight racer, this super shoe features liquid anti-slip rubber for a grippy peace of mind in all weather conditions. It’s also kitted with a double-layer nitrogen midsole and an optimised carbon plate for improved propulsion.

Nike Wildhorse 10

Best For: Trail, Long-Distance, Speed Work

These rugged beasts offer reliable protection from the elements as you gallop across the trails. A new ReactX foam midsole is 13% more responsive, adding more spring to your step. Nike Trail All-Terrain Compound (ATC) outsole is made from a combination of wet traction and high-abrasion rubber, to keep you secure even in wet terrain.

Salomon Aero Glide 4 GRVL

Best For: Trail, All-Terrain, Everyday

For the runner who wants to tackle light trails but feel like they’re running on pillows, these maxed-out off-roaders are dynamic but comfortable. The outsole, kitted with Gravel contaGRIP tech, makes switching from one surface to another seamless and intuitive. Thick optiFOAM midsoles are lightweight but cushioned, offering stability on the downhills.