The Best Running Shoes of 2026

Best features: wide toe box, strong bounce, comfortable

The popular Nike Air Zoom Pegasus running shoe has been around since the 1980s, and their good reputation is what’s kept them alive all these years. The most recent version of this neutral running shoe is built with a wider toe box that allows for more wiggle room while you run—though, as with most Nike shoes, you can expect a snug fit around the ankle. It also provides a better bounce, so you can spring forward with more energy and return to the ground just as smoothly.

Let’s not forget the most important part of any running shoe: its level of comfort. This running shoe is fit to be more stable and durable, yet is still highly lightweight and breathable with a much better foam cushion, which many reviewers claim to be very comfortable. As with most neutral shoes, this is designed to let your foot’s natural mechanics go to work, with plenty of cushioning to support you on long runs.

This running shoe is available in sizes 5–12; standard width in women’s and 3.5–13; regular or wide in men’s. Here is the men’s version of this shoe.

Best features: flexible, cushioned midsole, soft landing

Our Health & Fitness Editor loved wearing this Altra running shoe during marathon training due to its flexibility and featherlight weight. The recent version of the Altra Escalante running shoe is made to help you move and is ideal for avid racers.

With a low-grade fit, it’ll enhance your flexibility and performance without sacrificing comfort. The cushioned midsole is made to spring you off the ground and help you reach your ultimate racing potential. As with other racing flats, this shoe is not meant to necessarily be as durable as shoes with more cushioning, but it’s an ideal choice when you want to speed train or are looking to set a personal best on race day.

This racing shoe evenly elevates your heel and forefoot off the ground for gentle-impact, proper running form, and performance. With reduced support for speed, this running shoe is not ideal for anyone who has exaggerated supination or pronation, but is instead great for those with naturally stable feet who intend to fly off the ground to the finish line.

This running shoe is available in sizes 5.5–12; standard width for women’s and 7–15; standard width for men’s. Here is the men’s version of this shoe.

Best features: supportive, easy fit, comfortable midsole

To help you find the best running shoes for women, I put the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 to the test. These runners gave a solid first impression. They slid onto my feet the way a knife cuts through butter, which doesn’t happen often for me when it comes to shoes. They seem to run slightly small, but they do stay nice and secure on my feet.

When it comes to their comfort for long distances, I have some hesitations. The first time I walked in them, I was starting to get that blister-like feeling around my toes; but luckily, they haven’t done any damage to my feet. They started to feel more comfortable as I continued to wear them, which gave me more confidence in their comfort. It seems like they just need to be broken in a bit first.

These running shoes are made to provide stability and support. They also include DNA LOFT cushioning in the midsole of the foot for a soft, smooth ride as your foot impacts and takes off from the ground. Based on my experience, they’re definitely worth giving a try.

Best features: sturdy grip, breathable, protective

These running shoes are a popular pick by trail runners. The Altra Lone Peak 6 shoe provides protection from sharp rocks since they’re made with a rigid lug pattern that provides strong grip. They also have a mesh upper with laser-cut holes that allows water to drain out and dry your shoes quickly.

For more comfort and softness, these shoes also have Altra's StoneGuard feature, which is a rock plate between the midsole and outsole to keep sharp objects from stabbing your feet.

This running shoe is available in sizes 6–12; standard width for women’s and 7–13; standard width for men’s. Here is the men’s version of this shoe.

Best features: sturdy grip, lightweight, secure fit

This Topo Athletic Men’s running shoe is for all you avid mountain adventurers who live for stepping on and over rugged, very technical terrain. One of my friends, who hits at least 20 miles of technical trails every week, swears by this trail-running shoe for its high-quality grip—no matter which direction you’re running in, whether that’s up or down, forward, or sideways. This shoe is also very light in weight and keeps your foot locked in—allowing you to move uphill with more ease.

What’s more, these trail runners are very comfortable on your feet—even while stepping over all of those rocks—due to its sturdy, max-cushion midsole and heel, as well as its five-millimeter neutral foot drop for organic strides. If you prefer to run on uneven terrain, this shoe will handle anything you throw at it.

This running shoe is available in sizes 6–12; standard width for women’s and 7.5–14; standard width for men’s. Here is the women’s version of this shoe.