The Best Running Shoes of 2026: Road, Trail, Racing, and Budget Picks

The 2026 running-shoe lineup proves that innovation spans every category—from everyday road trainers to carbon-plated race rockets and rugged trail companions. Below is a comprehensive guide to current standout models, organized by category, with key specs, pricing, and reviewers' insights.

All listed weights are based on a men’s size 9. Women’s versions are generally slightly lighter.

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Road Training Shoes: Reliable Daily Mileage

Daily trainers are designed to handle consistent mileage while balancing cushioning, durability, and comfort. For most runners (elites and competitive age-groupers aside), they make fine race-day shoes, too. 

Saucony Ride 19

• Approximate price: $145
• Heel-to-toe drop: 8 mm
• Weight: 8.9 oz (255 g)

The Ride 19 continues Saucony’s tradition of creating a well-balanced neutral trainer. It's 8 mm drop supports a smooth transition from heel to toe, while updated midsole materials reduce weight compared to earlier editions. The result is a versatile shoe suited for steady mileage and moderate-paced efforts.

Brooks Ghost 17

• Approximate price: $150
• Heel-to-toe drop: 10 mm
• Weight: 10.1 oz (285 g)

The Ghost 17 builds on the Ghost series' established reputation. With a moderate 6 mm drop and a cushioned midsole, it offers a stable and protective ride. It is particularly well-suited for runners seeking predictable comfort during longer training weeks.

Altra Experience Flow 3

• Approximate price: $145
• Heel-to-toe drop: 4 mm
• Weight: 8.5 oz (240 g)

Altra’s low-drop platform promotes a more natural foot position by keeping the heel and forefoot close to level. The Experience Flow 3 also incorporates the brand’s signature wider toe box, allowing toes to spread naturally. Despite its anatomical shape, it remains lightweight and energetic enough for everyday training.

Road Racing Shoes: Built for Speed

These shoes prioritize responsiveness, reduced weight, and efficient energy return for faster efforts and competition. For those hoping to PR and willing to spend more, these shoes offer the latest in racing technology. 

• Approximate price: $129
• Heel-to-toe drop: 6 mm
• Weight: 7.8 oz (224 g)

The EVO SL is designed for runners who want a lightweight performance shoe without a carbon plate. Its lower drop encourages a quicker turnover, making it appropriate for tempo workouts and shorter races. It offers a responsive ride while remaining more affordable than plated competitors.

Nike Vaporfly 4 (Carbon Plate)

• Approximate price: $203 - $270
• Heel-to-toe drop: 6 mm
• Weight: 6.5 oz (184 g)

The Vaporfly 4 represents Nike’s premium racing technology. Featuring a carbon plate embedded in a lightweight midsole, it is engineered for race-pace propulsion and efficiency. It remains one of the lightest high-performance shoes available in 2026.

Altra Escalante 4

• Approximate price: $130
• Heel-to-toe drop: 0 mm (zero-drop design)
• Weight: 9.5 oz (269 g)

The Escalante 4 combines flexibility and breathability with Altra’s foot-shaped construction. Its zero-drop platform appeals to runners who prefer a more natural stride pattern during shorter races and speed-focused training sessions.

Trail Running Shoes: Traction and Protection Off-Road

A good trail shoe provides grip, durability, and stability on uneven terrain, all without compromising running performance. Here are three great models to explore.

Nike Pegasus Trail 5

• Approximate price: $155 (standard) - $180 (GORE TEX)
• Heel-to-toe drop: 9.5 mm
• Weight: 10.6 oz (300 g)

Nike’s ReactX midsole makes this update 13% more responsive than previous models. Reviewers loved that these shoes needed little or no break-in period, even for longer trail runs. They also liked the grippy soles, especially on steeper inclines. Many reviewers recommended ordering a half size up, so try before you buy.

Hoka Speedgoat 6 (and Speedgoat 6 GTX)

• Approximate price: $119 - $170
• Heel-to-toe drop: 5 mm
• Weight: 9.8 oz (272 g)

The Speedgoat 6 (standard or GTX) emphasizes cushioning while maintaining trail-specific grip. The lower drop helps encourage smoother transitions on technical ground. It is a strong option for runners who prefer a softer underfoot feel without sacrificing stability. The GTX model will keep you dry, but it also adds nearly an ounce of weight.  

Altra Lone Peak 9+

• Approximate price: $160
• Heel-to-toe drop: 0 mm
• Weight: 9.5 oz (269 g)

Altra has long been a standout brand for trail runners. The Lone Peak 9+ continues to focus on grip, with its Vibram® Megagrip soles, as well as Altra’s signature natural foot alignment and toe freedom. Its zero-drop and wider forefoot geometry provide stability on uneven surfaces, making it suitable for lightweight day hiking, too. 

Walk/Run Hybrid Shoes: Great for Beginners and Mixed-Pace Runners

These shoes are ideal for those who alternate between walking and jogging or anyone who wants to prioritize cushioning over speed.

Brooks Glycerin 23

• Approximate price: $175
• Heel-to-toe drop: 8 mm
• Weight: 10.6 oz (300 g)

The brand-new Glycerin 23 features substantial cushioning and a moderately high heel-to-toe drop, offering added underfoot protection. Reviewers love it for long walks, recovery sessions, or low-intensity runs.

On Running Cloudsurfer Next

• Approximate price: $150
• Heel-to-toe drop: 8 mm
• Weight: 9 oz (255 g)

On’s versatile road running shoe features their CloudTec Phase cushioning, which creates a smooth rolling sensation at both slow and moderate speeds. The Helion foam midsole offers a blend of soft comfort and lively response.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 (Wide)

• Approximate price: $150
• Heel-to-toe drop: 6 mm
• Weight: 10.5 oz (299 g)

The wide-fit version of the 880 v15 provides additional forefoot space while maintaining substantial cushioning for all-day comfort. It is particularly suitable for walkers or runners who require a roomier fit.

Budget Running Shoes Under $100

Affordable shoes can still deliver dependable comfort, quality, and performance. While you can always hunt for last year’s discounted models in your size, here are three newer shoes you can get for a steal.

Brooks Revel 8

• Approximate price: $100
• Heel-to-toe drop: 8 mm
• Weight: 9 oz (255 g)

The Revel 8 offers a balanced blend of durability and comfort at an accessible price. It functions well as an entry-level daily trainer for walk/run protocols, and middle-of-the-pack 5k and 10k racers.

ASICS Versablast 4

• Approximate price: $80
• Heel-to-toe drop: 8 mm
• Weight: 9.2 oz (260 g)

The Versablast 4 provides moderate cushioning and versatility, making it suitable for general fitness, running, walking/running, and gym use. Reviewers love the balance between comfort and responsiveness.

ASICS Gel Excite Trail 2

• Approximate price: $69
• Heel-to-toe drop: 8 mm
• Weight: 9.3 oz (264 g)

This entry-level trail option delivers adequate grip and cushioning for casual off-road use. The high stack and 8mm heel drop of the Gel Excite Trail 2 make it better suited to trail running than hiking, though. 

Selection Criteria

Shoes were evaluated based on category-specific performance, overall versatility, pricing relative to technology offered, fit considerations (particularly toe box width), and aggregated feedback from professional reviews and runner experiences. 

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