The Best New Running Shoes of 2026—So Far
Outside's reviewers combine long field-testing miles with lab work at CU Denver, scoring each shoe on things like durability, breathability, abrasion resistance and how its foam compresses. After dozens of models this year, three trends stand out: classic trainers gaining Pro and Plus upgrades, budget and mid-tier brands disrupting on price, and trail shoes finally getting the super-shoe treatment. The list covers both road and trail picks, aimed at anyone choosing autumn race shoes or replacing a worn-out pair. One thing to know before you click: purchases through the article's links earn the publisher an affiliate commission.
For you: If your trainers are due for replacement, this year's market includes cheaper challenger brands and super-shoe technology arriving on the trail, so it is a good moment to shop around.
What it shows: Reported by Outside and not verified by us: we could not trace this story to a published paper, so treat it as news rather than evidence we have checked.