Rather than relying on your old and possibly worn-out running shoes, why not consider investing in a pair of 2026’s best running shoes?
The main criteria for running shoes are sufficient support, comfort, cushion, and weight. However, your decision may also be swayed by your running style (such as trail versus track, etc.), the shape of your foot, and various other factors.
Our team of runners and shoe experts at Marathon Sports researched and tested the best running shoes for 2026, so you don’t have to learn through trial and error. The following are our top 14 picks to make your decision easier, so you can hit the pavement or trails sooner.
What Makes a Great Running Shoe?
Numerous factors contribute to creating an excellent pair of running shoes. Our team dedicates itself to providing the best, non-biased reviews based on how the shoe performs and feels on trails, paved roads, tracks, rocky surfaces, and more.
We assess the shoe’s weight, flexibility, cushion, comfort, sole thickness, and durability to find those that stand apart. We aim to provide the most valuable, reliable reviews to help you make the most of every run.
Choosing Your Next Running Shoe
The perfect running shoe is different for every athlete. Some value a lightweight construction over extra cushioning and vice versa. Runners who have experienced knee injuries may prefer shoes with less “drop” or “offset” between the heel and toe to prevent further strain on the knee.
The choice also depends on the style of running you prefer. To stay comfortable, a long-distance runner will opt for more cushioning than a short-distance runner. Shoes made specifically for trail running provide more support and grip for uneven terrain.
We reviewed running shoes with various weights, offsets, cushioning, and styles to help you choose the one that’s best for your running style and preferences.
Top 14 Best Running Shoes for 2026
At Marathon Sports, we love running, and we know quality running shoes can make the experience even better. These are our top 14 picks for 2026.
- Asics Gel-Nimbus 28
- Brooks Ghost 18
- HOKA Clifton 11
- Altra Torin 9
- Mizuno Wave Rider 30
- On Cloudmonster 3
- Saucony Ride 19
- New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15
- Puma Deviate Pure NITRO
- Asics Gel-Cumulus 28
- HOKA Bondi 9
- Brooks Glycerin 23
- Saucony Triumph 24
- New Balance 1080 v15
Asics Gel-Nimbus 28
Asics didn’t try to hide what the Gel-Nimbus 28 shoe is about. It’s a comfort-built shoe first, everything else second.
The first step is the giveaway. Between FF BLAST+ foam and PureGEL in the heel, it’s soft and luxurious underfoot. It also sits firmly in that max-cushion category, with a tall 43.5/35.5 mm stack that takes the edge off when you land.
The stability was a major surprise for us. Even with all that foam, the platform is planted. The forefoot is wide, and there’s enough structure up front that you don’t feel like you’re wobbling around on your transitions.
The outsole deserves some credit too. The Hybrid ASICSGRIP setup adds traction while keeping the shoe flexible, thanks to the grooves underneath. It bends more naturally than most shoes this size.
This shoe is for runners who want maximum comfort without giving up stability.
Brooks Ghost 18
The Brooks Ghost is a tried and true choice for women’s or men’s running shoes, a staple on store shelves and streets for over 15 years. It’s an everyday running shoe known for comfort and reliability day in and day out.
Our reviewers love the Brooks Ghost 18 for its soft yet grounded cushioning and supportive construction. The DNA Loft v3 compression-molded midsole is even softer and more lightweight than ever, which sets the Brooks Ghost 18 apart from previous models and other classic running shoes. Plus, the Ghost 18 features a refined upper with extra cushioning and structure to keep every part of the foot comfortable.
We suggest the Brooks Ghost 18 for everyday road running, particularly for runners and walkers who prefer a moderate amount of balanced cushioning. It weighs in at 10.2 ounces for men and 9.2 ounces for women and has a drop from heel to toe of 10mm.
For a similar fit with additional support, a great option is the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25.
Hoka Clifton 11
The Hoka Clifton 11 is another classic running shoe ideal for daily training. The impressive amount of cushioning makes it a favorite among our Marathon Sports long-distance runners, as well as those who prefer a brisk walk. The thick EVA foam cushion provides comfort no matter how many miles you feel like going.
The Clifton 11 cushioning gives a bouncy, energetic feeling that distance runners often prefer. However, it remains lightweight enough to wear day in and day out.
We find the Hoka Clifton 11 especially comfortable for runners with wide feet or those who prefer a bit of extra room in the toe. The spacious toe box did not cause any rubbing or blisters among our testers, and they appreciated that detail.
This shoe weighs in at 8.34 ounces for women and 9.97 ounces for men. The heel-to-toe drop is a middle-of-the-ground 8 mm, which works for a wide variety of runners. This geometry is also paired with a pronounced rocker for a smooth, efficient ride.
If you’d like some additional support, check out the HOKA Arahi 8.
Altra Torin 9
Runners looking for a daily trainer that improves their form while offering incredible comfort may have found their ideal shoe with the Altra Torin 9. It’s perhaps best known for its ultra-comfortable design, based around a midsole made from Altra P35X foam. The newest iteration also features a Vibram XS Run AW grip for more traction and durability.
The Torin 9 also features an updated heel collar to keep you locked in while a plush tongue cradles your foot. This latter feature has been a particular area of improvement since previous iterations of the shoe. A pair weighs 9.8 ounces for men and just 8.05 ounces for women.
In addition, the Altra Torin is great for those looking for a bit more space and a roomier feel. It offers its signature FootShape design, crafted to encourage your foot to spread comfortably while improving your natural stride and mechanics.
Meanwhile, a unique Balanced Cushioning platform is zero-drop, positioning the front of your foot and heel at the same height. Our reviewers feel it improves your alignment and form with each run or walk. It’s all capped off with a stylish engineered mesh upper that keeps you cool no matter where you’re running or how many miles you’re logging today.
Mizuno Wave Rider 30
The Wave Rider has been a running staple since 1999, and finally, we’re seeing some major upgrades.
Mizuno updated the midsole to a dual-layer nitrogen-infused ENERZY NXT design, and it’s the best this line has felt in a while. The top layer of nitrogen-infused foam gives it a softer feel than older Wave Riders, making it great for longer runs, and they kept a second firmer layer of foam underneath for stability, so it doesn’t feel as sloppy as some ultra-plush shoes.
Mizuno also dropped the offset down to 8 mm, so it isn’t a true high drop shoe like it used to be. The geometry is what we’d call pretty moderate and traditional, making this a versatile choice for a variety of gaits.
Mizuno also incorporated a full-length Wave Plate, which helps distribute pressure and create more rebound through each stride.
Overall, this shoe works for a wide range of runners. The balanced, traditional running shoe feel works for daily miles, 5Ks, marathons, and even just getting out for a few easy jogs.
On Cloudmonster 3
Buckle up, because the On Cloudmonster 3 is here to take your runs to fluffy cloud heaven! This shoe is the comfy big brother of the previous iterations of Cloudmonster, with more foam than ever before and a plusher upper made from recycled materials, (good for you, good for the planet!).
The new midsole is like a triple dose of magic, with the new triple-layer CloudTec setup absorbing shock and bouncing you back with every step. On’s signature cloud technology is still there, of course, but this time with extra stability thanks to a fancy built-in Nylon Speedboard. It’s like a tiny trampoline for your feet
Our reviewers gave the On Cloudmonster 3 high marks for having a good pep in each step. They noted that the shoe is fun and is a welcome alternative to monotonous running shoes.
If you’re a long-distance runner who dreams of running on a balanced never-ending cushion, this shoe is your new BFF. Heel striker or midfoot maestro, the Cloudmonster 3 will cushion your every landing. Plus, the innovative design keeps you feeling peppy, so you can conquer those miles with a smile!
Saucony Ride 19
The Ride 19 is starting to push toward a high stack, which is a surprising transition from its once medium-stack DNA. If you like the newer maximalist category, you’ll probably like these shoes.
Beyond that, Saucony didn’t overcomplicate this update, except for the midsole change. The supercritical PWRRUN+ foam feels more lively than past versions, with enough cushioning for longer runs.
The ride is pretty traditional. No aggressive rocker or forced forward motion. Saucony also added flex grooves up front help it move naturally, especially once you settle into your stride.
The upper is better than a lot of our reviewers expected at this price. Gusseted tongue, breathable mesh, and solid padding around the heel all come together for a secure fit. All in all, it’s a dependable daily trainer with a little more bounce than the older Ride models.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15
Are you searching for a shoe to be your partner in crime for daily training? The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 is here for you, whether you’re just starting or a seasoned pro.
First, they took the comfy cushioning of the 880 v14 and made it even lighter! New Balance tweaked their Fresh Foam X midsole to give you more bounce with each step, making your runs smoother and feel more exciting. Plus, the plush midsole is like a shock absorber for your feet, keeping them happy mile after mile.
The redesigned structured mesh upper lets your feet breathe easily, conforming to your feet like socks for a comfy, secure fit. Stability and grip are also key, and the 880 v15 delivers! The blown rubber outsole is super grippy, so you can handle any terrain with confidence and verve.
Puma Deviate Pure NITRO
This Puma shoe is one of the newest models on our list, but it’s quickly made a name for itself as one of the top running shoes of 2026. In this versatile speed trainer, Puma went with a full-length NITROFOAM midsole, and we’re huge fans. The shoe is incredibly light on the foot, and you get a bit of firmness with all that cushion, which helps you pick up the pace when needed.
The fit is very specific. The midfoot runs narrow and really locks in, then opens up slightly toward the toes. If you’ve got a low-volume foot, it feels dialed. Wider feet might feel squeezed through the middle.
Outsole is classic Puma. PUMAGRIP is still one of the best setups out there. It’s ultra-tacky, durable, and solid in bad weather.
This is a non-plated super trainer, making it lighter, flexible, and more budget friendly than some other speed trainers on the market. If you’re looking for a lightweight daily trainer with tons of protection, this is a good single-rotation shoe.
Asics Gel-Cumulus 28
Blast Max in the Cumulus, and we’re here for it!
There’s a certain type of runner who doesn’t want surprises. Same route, same pace, same feel underfoot as it’s been for generations, and Asics delivers on all fronts with some small upgrades.
Once again, they leaned into comfort, but the feel is a little different this time. The combo of FF BLAST MAX foam and PureGEL in the heel softens the landing without that marshmallow feeling. It absorbs impact beautifully on longer runs with a particularly muted feel.
There’s no big rocker, which we’re fans of for easy mileage. However, if you’re used to that bend, it might feel a bit flat if you try to push the pace.
The upper leans thin and breathable, almost to a fault. It’s comfortable, but runners with narrow feet might notice some movement through the midfoot if they don’t lace it down carefully.
For runners who value consistency over the next big exciting thing, the Gel-Cumulus 28 is a reliable daily option.
HOKA Bondi 9
HOKA loaded up on cushioning for the Bondi 9. That’s a big reason why our reviewers chose it as one of the top long-distance running shoes for 2026.
The new, full-length, EVA foam midsole provides unrivaled cushioning for a softer and lighter feel than other versions. The Bondi 9 also features a redesigned outsole with strategically-placed Durabrasion rubber for increased durability and traction that can go the distance.
The shoe’s wider platform and extra cushion add some weight, but the HOKA Bondi 9 remains relatively light at 10.5 ounces for men and 9.3 ounces for women. The heel-to-toe drop is 5mm.
Brooks Glycerin 23
Brooks pushed the Glycerin 23 further into that premium, cushioned lane, but the feel underfoot might catch some people off guard.
The switch to DNA-Tuned foam changes things. It’s still protective. There’s a lot under you. However, it leans denser than soft. For walking around, it feels plush. Once you start running, it actually firms up and gives you a more controlled landing than you’d think from a max-cushion shoe.
The stack is around 38 mm in the heel, and paired with a wide base for stability. If you like feeling centered on the platform instead of sinking into it, that’s a plus.
Brooks’ GuideRails technology is still providing that extra stability. Our reviewers who like the locked-in feeling are big fans of this shoe.
Overall, the Glycerin 23 works beautifully for slower runs, recovery days, or even long walks.
Saucony Triumph 24
The Saucony Triumph 24 takes the best of this longtime running shoe favorite and improves it even further. This neutral trainer now features brand new IncrediLUX foam in the midsole, an upgrade from the previous PWRRUN PB, delivering a noticeably more energetic yet cushioned ride.
The upper features a breathable engineered mesh that offers a secure, streamlined fit while maintaining great airflow to keep your feet cool and comfortable. Saucony also refined the fit and lockdown with a more sculpted design, reducing distractions so you can stay focused on your run. It’s constructed with a 10-millimeter offset for additional support and comfort for heel strikers and anyone who wants lots of protection with each landing.
Add in a plush collar and padded tongue, and you may not want to take them off, even after your workout is over. Traction and durability also won’t be a concern, as Saucony has placed XT-900 carbon rubber along the outsole in strategic spots for maximum grip without adding too much weight. All of these benefits of the Triumph 24 weigh in at just 8.8 ounces for men and 7.6 ounces for women.
New Balance 1080 v15
A great shoe for easy running. New Balance changed a lot here without really changing what this shoe is meant to do.
The big change is underfoot. Infinion foam replaces the Fresh Foam, and it gives the ride a slightly firmer, more resilient feel. You still get plenty of cushioning with a ~40 mm heel and 6 mm drop, but it doesn’t feel as pillowy as older versions.
The upper is a clear upgrade. Double-layer mesh, gusseted tongue, and just enough padding around the collar for comfort without the unnecessary bulk. Our reviewers commented that it feels more dialed-in than past versions, though the fit runs a bit narrower and slightly longer, which might throw off runners used to the roomier feel before.
The 1080 has long been a workhorse trainer, and that hasn’t changed.
Time to Hit the Streets
Our Marathon Sports team researched and reviewed the latest and greatest running shoes for 2026. As avid runners and athletes, we take pride in connecting you with running shoes to help you achieve your goals.
View all of the shoes listed above and other top-rated running shoes in our men’s and women’s collections online, or swing by your local Marathon Sports to try them before you buy!
