“
Lace up, hit the ground, and let the latest shoes of the year drive you towards new goals and PB’s – one step at a time.
Step into the future of running with the latest styles, colours, and tech for 2026
We're spoiled for choice when it comes to running shoes , and every year, they just keep getting better.
While there's no one-size-fits-all shoe, there are category recommendations based on your running style, foot type, terrain, preferred 'feel' and key running shoe features. So to help you find the perfect pair, we've put together a tried and tested roundup worth the consideration.
Below you'll find running shoes for everyday runs, trail runs and marathon racing, as well as shoes that are lightweight, versatile and bring the most value. For the overpronators, there are shoes in here for you too.
And don't worry, we will continue to keep this list updated as new shoes drop throughout the year.
Want to know more about how to choose the right running shoe for you? Check out our guide here.
Each shoe in this guide has been reviewed by the rebel merchandise team, combining wear testing, brand training insights, and feedback from runners across different distances, paces, and foot types.
New Balance 1080v15
Best Daily Trainer
Best for runners who want a comfortable, reliable daily trainer that keeps them going through long kilometres with responsive cushioning.
Key Features:
- Stretch laces for a secure fit
Keep your foot locked in place during long runs, reducing slippage and improving stability from start to finish. - New Infinion foam midsole
Delivers longer-lasting energy return and plush cushioning, so your legs feel fresher deeper into longer runs. - Rubber outsole traction
Provides reliable grip on a variety of surfaces, helping you stay confident during road runs. - Weight: Approx. 208g (Women's US 7)
- Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm
Honourable Mentions: Nike Vomero Plus; Asics Novoblast 5
ShopNike Vomero Premium
Best Recovery Shoe
Best for runners looking for maximum cushioning and support during recovery runs or after long-distance sessions.
Key Features:
- Massive full-length ZoomX midsole stack
At 55mm tall, Nike's soft, responsive foam cushions every step, helping tired legs recover while still allowing you to move efficiently. - Double Zoom Air units
Embedded in the heel and forefoot, these units provide extra energy return, giving a springy, responsive sensation that keeps each stride smooth. - High-abrasion rubber outsole with waffle traction
Delivers durable grip on road and treadmill surfaces, so your recovery strides feel stable and secure. - Weight: Approx. 351g (Men's US 10)
- Heel-to-toe drop: 10 mm
Honourable Mentions: Puma Magmax Nitro 2; Hoka Bondi 9
Shopadidas EVO SL
Best Lightweight Trainer
Best for runners seeking a lightweight, responsive shoe that feels fast on every run, whether for training or racing.
Key Features:
- Airy textile mesh upper
Inspired by adidas' Adizero racing line, the breathable upper keeps your feet cool while providing a snug, performance-focused fit. - Full-length Lightstrike Pro midsole
Delivers responsive cushioning and excellent energy return, helping each stride feel light and effortless – ideal for fast training runs or tempo sessions. - Continental rubber zones in the outsole
Boost traction on roads and smooth surfaces, so you can push your pace with confidence without worrying about slipping. - Weight: Approx. 224g (Men's US 9.5)
- Heel-to-toe drop: 6.5 mm (heel 32,2 mm / 38,7 mm)
Honourable Mentions: Puma Deviate Nitro 4; New Balance Fuelcell V5
ShopNew Balance 680 V9 2E
Best Value Shoe (<$220)
Best for runners who want more of an affordable, versatile shoe that's comfortable enough for both training and everyday wear. For wide feet.
Key Features:
- Streamlined, lightweight mesh upper
Provides a breathable, comfortable fit while keeping the shoe light enough for daily runs or casual wear. - Fresh Foam midsole
Delivers plush cushioning and a smooth ride, supporting your feet through every stride without breaking the bank. - Rubber outsole with flexion points
Enhances flexibility and natural foot movement, so you can run or walk comfortably on a variety of surfaces. - Weight: Approx. 276 g
- Heel-to-toe drop: 10mm
Honourable Mentions: Puma Maxima Pro; Under Armour Velociti Pace
ShopAsics Megablast
Best Supertrainer
Best for runners who want a long-distance, responsive shoe that carries them through long training sessions, workouts, and races with maximum energy return.
Key Features:
- FF TURBO²™ midsole
Delivers the bounciest, most energetic ride in the Asics range, giving superior cushioning and rebound for long runs, workouts, or races. - Curved sole design
Helps smooth transitions from heel to toe, conserving energy so you can maintain pace over longer distances. - ASICSGRIP™ rubber outsole
Provides reliable traction on a variety of road surfaces, keeping your feet confident and stable throughout each stride. - Weight: Approx. 230g (Men's US 9.5)
- Drop: 8mm
Honourable Mentions: On Cloudboom Max; Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
ShopNike Zoom Fly 6
Best Tempo Trainer
Best for runners seeking a lightweight, high-efficiency shoe for tempo runs, speed work, and fast-paced training sessions.
Key Features:
- Full-length carbon fibre plate
Boosts responsiveness and running efficiency, helping you maintain faster paces with less effort over tempo runs. - ZoomX midsole foam
Nike's lightest, most responsive cushioning delivers excellent energy return, making each stride feel lighter and smoother. - Thin rubber outsole
Keeps the shoe lightweight while providing reliable grip on roads for confident, fast tempo sessions. - Weight: Approx. 265g (Men's US 10)
- Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
Honourable Mentions: Brooks Hyperion Max 3; Mizuno Hyperwarp Pro Origami
ShopMizuno Hyperwarp Elite Origami
Best Marathon Racing Shoe
Best for marathon runners looking for a super-light, highly propulsive race shoe that balances speed, stability, and comfort across the full 42.2km.
Key Features:
- Dual-foam midsole for bounce and stability
A top layer of ENERZY XP PEBA delivers high energy return directly underfoot, while the firmer TPEE foam beneath adds stability and durability for late-race efficiency. - 3D Smooth Speed Plate
Shaped to enhance forward propulsion and smooth transitions, helping you maintain momentum from kilometre one to the finish chute. - G3 outsole for efficient grip
Strategically placed rubber provides confident traction while keeping overall weight to an absolute minimum. - Weight: Approx. 165g (US Men's 9)
- Heel-to-toe drop: 3.5mm
Honourable Mentions: Puma Fast R Nitro Elite 3; Asics Metsapeed Sky Tokyo
ShopPuma Deviate Elite 4
Most Versatile Racer
Best for runners who want a carbon-plated shoe versatile enough for fast training sessions and race day, offering a balance of propulsion, grip and lightweight responsiveness.
Key Features:
- ULTRAWEAVE upper with PWRTAPE reinforcement
Ultra-light and breathable, this race-focused upper reduces weight while maintaining structure and midfoot support when you're pushing the pace. - NITROFOAM™ ELITE midsole (Nitrogen-infused)
Crafted from premium materials to deliver maximum energy return, helping every stride feel energetic and efficient. - Carbon PWRPLATE
Enhances propulsion and improves running economy, making it ideal for sustained up tempo efforts and race conditions. - Weight: Approx. 170g (size Women's US 9)
- Heel-to-toe Drop: 8mm (40mm heel / 32mm forefoot)
Honourable Mentions: Saucony Endorphin Pro 5; Hoka Cielo X1 3.0
ShopAsics Kayano 32 Platinum
Best Stability Shoe
Best for runners who need premium stability, support, and comfort for long runs or daily training while keeping energy return high.
Key Features:
- 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM™ & reinforced medial support
Works with your stride to provide dynamic stability, guiding your foot naturally and reducing overpronation during every run. - FF BLAST™ PLUS midsole & PureGEL™ rearfoot cushioning
Delivers soft landings with energetic rebound, helping your legs feel fresher over long distances. - HYBRID ASICSGRIP™ outsole
Combines durable rubber and AHARPLUS™ for confident traction on a variety of road and light trail surfaces. - Weight: Approx. 295g (Men's US 9)
- Heel-to-toe drop: 8 mm.
Honourable Mentions: Brooks Glycerin GTS 23; Nike Structure Plus
ShopALTRA Lone Peak 9
Best Overall Trail Shoe
Best for trail runners who prefer a natural, zero-drop feel and need maximum traction and durability for technical trail racing.
Key Features:
- Signature Altra FootShape™ fit
Offers a roomy toe box that allows toes to splay naturally – ideal for long trail efforts where comfort and stability matter. - Altra EGO™ midsole foam
Provides a balanced, responsive ride with a close-to-ground feel, helping runners stay connected and agile on uneven surfaces. - Vibram® Megagrip outsole
Delivers exceptional grip and durability on wet, rocky, and technical terrain, giving you confidence on climbs and descents. - Weight: Approx. 327.4g
- Heel-to-toe drop: 0mm
Salomon Aero Glide 4 GRVL
Best Hybrid Running Shoe
Best for runners who want a versatile, responsive shoe that transitions smoothly between road, paths, and gravel.
Key Features:
- Mesh upper with no-sew overlays
Lightweight and breathable, it keeps your foot secure while minimising irritation for long, mixed-surface runs. - Moulded Ortholite sockliner
Contours to the foot for extra cushioning, comfort, and breathability, keeping your feet happy on long runs. - energyFOAM evo midsole
Delivers lively, springy cushioning for responsive strides on roads, paths, or gravel. - Gravel-inspired outsole
Offers confident traction across mixed surfaces, from tarmac to gravel, letting you explore new routes without compromise. - Weight: Approx. 276g (Men's US 9)
- Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
Nike Star Runner 5
Best Value Shoe for Kids
Best for active children who need a comfortable, supportive, and more affordable running shoe that keeps up with their energy.
Key Features:
- Airy mesh upper
Keeps little feet comfortable and cool while providing a breathable, flexible fit for active kids. - Dynamic Fit band
Wraps around the midfoot for a snug, secure feel, helping young runners stay stable during play and training. - Injection Phylon midsole
Delivers springy cushioning that helps to keeps each stride bouncy and fun, encouraging kids to stay moving. - Waffle-inspired outsole
Provides reliable traction on playgrounds, sports courts, or trails, to help kids run with confidence.
Honourable Mentions: New Balance Fresh Arishi v4; adidas Duramo SL 2.0
ShopAsics GT 1000 14
Best Overall Running Shoe for Kids
Best for kids who need a versatile, durable, and comfortable running shoe for everyday play and sport.
Key Features:
- Hook-and-loop strap
Makes it easy for kids to secure their shoes independently, providing a snug, stable fit. - Rearfoot GEL unit & foam midsole
Combines soft cushioning and shock absorption for smooth, comfortable landings on every stride. - Rubber outsole traction
Ensures reliable grip and durability on playgrounds, tracks, and courts.
Honourable Mentions: Puma Electrify Nitro; Nike Vomero 18
ShopLace up, hit the ground running, and let the latest shoes of the year drive you towards new goals and PB’s – one step at a time.
Running Shoe FAQs
What is a carbon plate in running shoes?
A carbon plate is a thin, rigid plate, usually made from carbon fibre or nylon, embedded in a running shoe's midsole. It increases propulsion by stiffening the forefoot and working with responsive foam to improve energy return.
Carbon plated shoes are commonly used for racing and higher performance running shoes, but they're not essential for every runner. While they don't guarantee faster times, many runners experience improved efficiency and performance in races.
What is PEBA foam?
PEBA (Polyether Block Amide), or Pebax, is a premium foam compound used in high-performance running shoes.
It is:
- Extremely lightweight
- Highly responsive
- Known for excellent energy return
PEBA-based midsoles are most common in premium performance and marathon shoes, while many daily trainers use softer EVA-based foams.
What is a midsole?
The midsole is the foam layer between the outsole (bottom) and upper (top) of a running shoe. It controls cushioning, responsiveness and stability.
The midsole is one of the most important performance components of a running shoe.
What is heel-to-toe drop?
Heel-to-toe drop is the height difference between the heel and forefoot, measured in millimetres.
- 8–12mm: Higher drop, often suited to heel strikers
- 5–8mm: Balanced and versatile
- 0–4mm: Lower drop, promotes a more natural foot strike
The ideal drop depends on your running style and comfort preferences.
Why does the weight of a running shoe matter?
Shoe weight affects how fast and efficient a shoe feels.
Lighter shoes can:
- Feel faster
- Be ideal for racing and speed sessions
Heavier shoes can:
- Offer more durability or support
- Often suit daily training
Even small weight differences can matter over longer distances.
What is stack height and why do marathon shoes have more of it?
Stack height refers to the amount of cushioning between your foot and the ground.
Higher stack race shoes are popular in 2026 because they offer:
- Better impact protection
- Improved energy efficiency over long distances
- Less muscular fatigue late in races
Lower stack shoes, while lighter and more stable, are more commonly used for shorter races and faster sessions.
What is energy return?
Energy return is how much rebound a shoe provides after impact.
High energy return shoes compress and spring back quickly, helping propel you forward. This is especially important in race-day shoes.
What is a stability running shoe?
A stability shoe provides structured support to guide your foot through each stride.
These shoes are typically designed for runners who overpronate and may include:
- Guide systems
- Structured foam
- Wider platforms
Not every runner needs a stability shoe; fit and biomechanics matter.
How often should you replace running shoes?
Most running shoes last approximately 400–800km, depending on:
- Runner weight
- Surface
- Shoe type
- Running style
Race shoes with PEBA foam and carbon plates may wear faster than daily trainers.