The Running Shoes To Look Out for in 2026
Discover the best styles of running shoes for the 2026 year for both road and trail running.
Runners, assemble
From the daily trainer to the ultramarathoner, 2026 saw some new releases of beloved classics as well as innovative drops featuring the latest technologies for runners to enjoy. Whether following the long white dotted lines over the concrete or manoeuvring the hills and terrain of the trails, here are the best road and trail runners that were released this year.
Top Trail Shoes of 2026
Prepping for an ultra, or just because you're the type to run with the quietude nature offers, or perhaps for the added incline challenges, these latest trail shoes ensure optimal cushioning, support, and grip to make each run into the woods confident.
Trail Running Shoes Overview
1. 005 Trail Running Shoes - norda
The norda 005 promises higher energy return on the trails while retaining a steady grip due to the combined collaboration between the Arnitel TPEE midsole and Vibram Megagrip Elite. The result is a shoe made for all-around running in the woods with sustained comfort and performance.
Main features
Vibram Megagrip Elite outsole for traction
Bio‐Dyneema® mesh upper for durability
7 mm heel-to-toe drop
2. Cascadia Elite Trail Running Shoes - Brooks
A renowned shoe in the ultra-running coterie, this technical footwear was a much-anticipated arrival for spring 2026. Focused only on efficiency, it features Kevlar fibres with a full PEBA cushioning for exceptional impact resistance and high energy return.
Main features
Carbon-infused plate for propulsion
Kevlar fibre upper for protection
6 mm heel-to-toe drop
3. ACG Ultrafly Trail Running Shoes - Nike
One of Nike’s flagship shoes that has been tested over 48,000 km across the world’s varying terrains. The latest Ultrafly shoe is the brand’s most responsive shoe to date, built for speed and stability for rigorous trail running.
Main features
Split carbon Flyplate for torsional support
Lightweight engineered upper
8.5 mm heel-to-toe drop
4. Cadí Trail Running Shoes - NNormal
This latest iteration of Cadi was designed for all-day comfort on the trails. Breathable, responsive, with optimal grip for multiple terrains. Humble, but one of the most reliable and consistently performative out there.
Main features
Vibram Megagrip sticky outsole for traction
EExpure® foam midsole for rebound
6 mm heel-to-toe drop
5. Ultra Glide 4 Trail Running Shoes - Salomon
The latest version of this ultra-running fan favourite only improves on its venerated technical features. Highly flexible and breathable, with a grip that delivers stability across multiple surfaces.
Main features
All Terrain contaGRIP® outsole
Engineered mesh upper
6 mm heel-to-toe drop
6. VECTIV Enduris 4 Running Shoes - The North Face
This trail shoe will see you through your entire journey, from training through to the finish line on race day. Delivering high-performance and long-lasting comfort thanks to the 3D TPU plate and full-length ultralight DREAM nitrogen-TPU midsole.
Main features
3D TPU plate for forward propulsion
Ultralight construction
6 mm heel-to-toe drop
Top Road Shoes of 2026
From the casual lunchtime jog to crossing the checkered line on race day, these road running shoes cover all the bases for every need, at every level.
Road Running Shoes Overview
1. Alphafly 3 Road Racing Shoes - Nike
This race-day shoe is designed for marathon speed and helps you achieve your personal best. The full-length carbon-fibre plate provides energetic propulsion, while the ZoomX foam midsole ensures a smooth, responsive ride from start to finish.
Main features
Full-length carbon-fibre plate for propulsion
Ultralight ZoomX foam midsole
8 mm heel-to-toe drop
2. FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 Running Shoes - New Balance
A high-performance racing shoe built to take on race day with confidence. Featuring a full-length carbon fibre plate coupled with a FuelCell PEBA midsole, it delivers propulsion and springy responsiveness to help maintain your stride.
Main features
Full‐length carbon fibre plate for propulsion
FuelCell PEBA midsole
8 mm heel-to-toe drop
3. Endorphin Pro 5 Running Shoes - Saucony
This shoe is engineered to put your best foot forward on marathon day. With a dynamic dual-foam midsole and full-length carbon-fibre plate with SpeedRool geometry, it’ll help you deliver responsive propulsion and quicker transitions, so you maintain your fastest efforts across the miles.
Main features
PWRTRAC rubber outsole for traction
Slotted carbon SpeedRoll plate
8 mm heel-to-toe drop
4. Gel-Nimbus 28 Road Running Shoes - ASICS
This daily trainer is among the most comfortable, with a dual-cushioned midsole that combines FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning and PureGEL® technology for smoother, softer landings, and a hybrid outsole for advanced grip on various terrains.
Main features
FF BLAST™ PLUS + PureGEL® midsole
Breathable adaptive knit upper
8 mm heel-to-toe drop
5. Vomero Plus Road Running Shoes - Nike
A road runner with maximum cushioning. The ZoomX foam midsole delivers high energy return, while the rubber outsole provides durable traction. The mesh upper provides soft breathability, so you can take on the miles for longer.
Main features
Full-length ZoomX foam midsole
Breathable mesh upper
10 mm heel-to-toe drop
6. Cloudmonster 3 Road Running Shoes - ON
Featuring the iconic triple-layer and dual-foam Cloudtech and Helion honeycomb-shaped midsole for a smooth forward-rolling motion, this shoe was engineered for the daily easy runner who still wants to push a little more speed into their training.
Main features
Rocker & Speedboard® geometry
Breathable, secure knit upper
8 mm heel-to-toe drop
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