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All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap
All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap
Mar 28, 2026 3:12 AM

  The calendar year always ends in a flurry of gift guides, special seasonal gear, and retrospective recaps. But tucked within the holiday melee is the running industrys annual gathering to unveil the very latest innovations in gear and accessories.

  Headlining the show are all the hottest new shoe reveal from all the major brands — Nike, On Running, HOKA, and many more. To get the scoop, we scoured the aisles over the 3-day event and met with dozens of brands.

  In addition to seeing some of the wildest advancements in tech and design, we also came away with the definitive guide to the most anticipated shoes hitting the market next year.

  Too eager to wait for next years top shoes? Check out our guide to the Best Running Shoes and Best Winter Running Shoes available right now!

  Top Shoes From The Running Event 2025

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap1

  (Photo/Adam Ruggiero) Kiprun Kipsummit Max Decathlon already proved it can disrupt premium gear with Van Rysel, its Tour de France–competing road bike that costs far less than pro-level competitors. Now it’s aiming to do the same in running with its in-house running brand, Kiprun, a performance-focused brand built around delivering race-level tech for noticeably less money.

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap2

  (Photo/Craig Randall) Its first major U.S. launch is the Kipsummit Max, a trail shoe built for ultra-distance speed and stability. It has a supercritical foam midsole, a heavily rockered design with heel and toe spring, and a 6mm drop — all sitting on a wide, stable platform meant to keep you upright even deep into hallucination-prone ultra miles. (There is even a hallucination-inspired print on the upper.)

  A Vibram outsole with 4mm lugs targets all-terrain traction without feeling overbuilt on smoother trails. The platform is notably wide, giving the shoe an inherently stable base —something that matters even more when you’re long into an ultra and footing is most challenging.

  Kiprun is also backing the shoe with legit racing credibility through French ultrarunner Blandine L’Hirondel, winner of this year’s bonkers Diagonale des Fous.

  Launch date: April 2026

  Weight: 9.87 oz. (U.S. M9)

  Stack height (heel-toe): 39–33mm

  Price: $150

  Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra 2 Shoes rarely shake up the sport like the original Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra (ASU) did in 2024. Adidas took its world-major–winning Lightstrike Pro superfoam from the road and built it into the most groundbreaking trail super shoe of the moment.

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap3

  (Photo/Craig Randall) Speed was undeniable — but so was the instability, as you’d expect from a shoe with a 44mm heel, 36mm toe, superfoam, and a carbon plate (Adidas Energy Rods). On nontechnical trails, the ASU was a rocket; on anything technical, it was largely unusable.

  The second version focuses squarely on fixing that. An Adidas product manager told me that improving stability without losing the midsole’s straight-line acceleration “magic” starts with the upper. A new monomesh material now offers a snug, supportive fit through the midfoot, while a slingshot-shaped heel overlay wraps around the ankle to hold the foot during side-to-side movement or unpredictable strikes.

  The outsole gains deeper lugs — 3–4 mm depending on whether the zone is braking, gripping, or propelling — giving more bite where it’s needed. Even with additional rubber, the total weight drops 8 g, landing at 265 g for a men’s U.S. 9.

  Launch date: Out now in limited release; broad release in January 2026.

  Weight: 9.3 oz. (U.S. M9)

  Stack height (heel-toe): 44–36mm

  Price: $230

  Craft Kype Craft showed off a gravel shoe tailor-made to take on Western States and the UTMB little sister CCC 100K. In other words, a technical gravel shoe with just enough muscle to handle some serious trail, the Kype (pronounced shoop) is what Craft calls its 5th generation fighter jet, Porsche Dakar, carbon fiber Gravel bike.

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap4

  (Photo/Adam Ruggiero) This max-speed shoe weighs in at about a scant 7 ounces for a mens size 9, and carries a technical outsole designed by Vittoria. Its aggressive 8mm drop should help keep the pace up, while the midsole employs a combination of Crafts new high-energy Xx foam and its Px foam.

  Launch date: August 2026

  Weight: 7.9 oz. (mens 9)

  Stack: 36.5–28.5mm

  Price: $260

  The North Face Offtrail Ultra In 2024, The North Face refreshed its flagship Vectiv racers while quietly introducing the Offtrail — a burly, mega-lugged mountain shoe that looked like a niche, athlete-only experiment.

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap5

  (Photo/Craig Randall) But according to TNF Senior Global Product Manager Brett Rivers, the new, more runnable Offtrail Ultra was tested extensively on the Hardrock 100 course, where athletes needed true mountain protection and long-runability. That insight led to the Offtrail Ultra, a more refined, more runnable evolution.

  The shoe keeps the Offtrail spirit — deep traction, mountain security, athlete-driven design — but arrives with a noticeably lighter, more agile feel. A thinner, stretchier SCREEGUARD gaiter keeps debris out without the bulk, and the new dual-density DREAMBOUND nitrogen-injected midsole brings real speed: firmer on the outside for stability, softer inside for comfort and rebound. The stack comes in at 29 mm with a 6mm drop, balanced for long technical days.

  Underfoot, TNF’s new SURFACE CTRL outsole uses 5mm lugs, a weight-saving THINWEB design, and a toe scrambling zone created with athlete input for grip on steep, rocky pitches. Up top, a dual-wrap upper with hydrophobic ripstop and TPU overlays provide lockdown and durability, while racing laces tidy excess with an integrated strap.

  The result is a true mountain-running hybrid: still tough enough for scree and ridgelines, but far more cushioned, efficient, and runnable than the original Offtrail. A shoe built for the hardest terrain — without feeling like overkill on the way there.

  Launch date: Fall 2026

  Weight: TBD

  Stack height (heel-toe): 29–23mm

  Price: $190

  Nike ACG Zegama Nike made a bold shift this year by relaunching its ’80s All Conditions Gear platform to absorb what was formerly Nike Trail. The result is the most cohesive athlete, event, and product storytelling the brand has had in years. The original 2022 Zegama was a major departure from old standbys like the Wildhorse and Pegasus Trail, and quickly became a fan favorite.

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap6

  (Photo/Craig Randall) With big new launches like the Ultrafly now in the mix, the Zegama was overdue for an update.

  Arriving ahead of the American 100-mile season, the new ACG Zegama becomes Nike’s max-cushioned trail option. It uses bouncy, propulsive ZoomX on a new, wider trail-specific last built for all-day, all-night comfort. A Vibram Megagrip outsole with 4.5mm lugs boosts traction, and the shoe adds a redesigned gaiter, fit band, and more room in the toe box.

  Nike’s official details confirm a full overhaul: exposed ZoomX underfoot paired with Cushlon 3.0 for stability, an improved lug pattern, rock plate, padded tongue/heel, and a modified heel for better footing on technical terrain. Tested by Nike’s All Conditions Racing Department (a massive team of international runners), the updates reflect real ultramarathon feedback.

  Launch date: Summer 2026

  Weight: TBD

  Stack height or drop: TBD

  Price: TBD

  Nnormal Cadi After another mind-blowing summer project (“States of Elevation”), Kilian Jornet has still found time to evolve his young brand Nnormal with what may be its most runnable shoe to date: the Cadi (pronounced Kuhh-dee).

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap7

  (Photo/Craig Randall) Nnormal has earned a reputation for prioritizing environmentally optimized components and exceptional durability over pure performance metrics — Kilian’s own feats and Nnormal team athlete Elhousine Elazzaou’s results aside. To Jornet’s credit, the brand’s mission has always been about longevity and repairability, often delivering footwear that claims to last twice as many miles as a typical running shoe.

  The Cadi aims to carry that ethos forward while introducing a far more cushioned, energetic ride, despite using a supercritical EVA midsole — normally the kind of foam that can lose its pop over time.

  Launching in March 2026, the Cadi is Nnormal’s most cushioned model yet, featuring a 35/29mm stack height, medium rocker, and an all-new X Pure supercritical EVA foam tuned to 45c durometer for a balanced mix of bounce and plushness. It’s the same long-lasting foam found in the Tomir 2, designed to maintain integrity for roughly twice the lifespan of typical supercritical midsoles.

  A full-length Vibram Megagrip outsole with 4mm lugs provides confident traction on technical trails, while the fit is wider and more accommodating than previous Nnormal shoes.

  The engineered mesh upper is built on a modified version of the Kjerag last, delivering better volume and breathability. A gusseted tongue, padded ankle collar, and a generally more comfort-oriented fit support long-distance trail efforts without compromising precision. A GORE-TEX Invisible Fit version will follow in fall 2026, positioning the Cadi as Nnormal’s most versatile, all-conditions option to date.

  Launch date: March 15, 2026

  Weight: TBD

  Stack height (heel-toe): 35–29mm

  Price: $175

  Norda 055 Not to be confused with its “005,” Norda has borrowed some innovation from that long-distance trail model for its latest, the 055. Looking like a hybrid between a running shoe and a boot, the brand emphasizes that it is a true all-mountain running shoe built for technical terrain.

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap8

  (Photo/Craig Randall) The tall sock-style upper keeps debris out, while the one-piece bio-based Dyneema upper is breathable, flexible, and secure. Added padding in the heel and a reinforced rear counter enhance stability. The 055 uses a saw-tooth style lacing system that helps achieve the kind of lockdown that just isn’t possible with Dyneema (the laces material from the 005).

  Underfoot, the 055 includes Arnitel TPEE foam with 78% rebound, delivering durability and a lively ride that rolls effortlessly down technical trails. The Vibram Megagrip Elite outsole sports 5mm lugs with a small rear wrap for added mountain durability. Stack heights are 31/38 mm with a 7mm drop, creating a stable yet responsive platform for mountain running.

  Launch date: Spring 2026

  Weight: ~8 oz. (U.S. M9)

  Stack height (heel-toe): 38–31mm

  Price: TBD

  Brooks Glycerin Flex It can be hard to stand out at The Running Event when seemingly every footwear brand has a trick up its sleeve, but Brooks Glycerin Flex was a genuine head-turner.

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap9

  (Photo/Craig Randall) The outsole on this new shoe is truly different than anything we saw; it uses a two-piece, independently moving outsole called “Flex Zone.” A Brooks product line manager told me that the shoe is a response to the rocketed, super trainers that are sucking all of the oxygen out of the proverbial runner’s room.

  “It’s a marriage of tech and human movement,” he said. In your hand, you can literally pull the midsole pieces from side to side as a deep groove separates the front and back.

  The midsole uses Brooks’ nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned foam, with softer cushioning under the heel and a slightly firmer, more responsive feel up front. Paired with a 36mm/30mm stack and a 6mm drop, the Glycerin Flex delivers plush protection without the rigidity common in today’s super trainers.

  Additional flexibility comes from an asymmetrical midfoot groove and podular cutouts in the forefoot — features that help the shoe move with the runner rather than locking them into a predetermined path. The engineered knit upper maintains the familiar core fit of the Glycerin line, and the shoe weighs in lighter than expected for its category.

  For runners feeling fatigued by tall, stiff, heavily rockered designs, the Glycerin Flex offers something refreshingly different: modern cushioning that stays out of the way.

  Launch date: February 1, 2026

  Weight: TBD

  Stack height (heel-toe): 36-30mm

  Price: $170

  Nike Structure Plus The Nike Structure Plus continues Nike’s long-running tradition of supportive, stability-focused running shoes, this time emphasizing comfort and a more responsive ride. True to form, these aren’t sexy or flashy shoes — stability is boring, but that’s the point — and they deliver a plush, controlled experience for overpronating runners.

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap10

  (Photo/Craig Randall) Key to the ride is a dual-layer midsole: a top layer of ZoomX foam provides soft, bouncy cushioning, while a firmer React X layer underneath adds structure and support. Stack heights measure 32 mm in the forefoot and 42 mm in the heel, giving a stable platform without excessive bulk. Despite these additions, the shoe is lighter than the Structure 26, weighing 309 g for a men’s U.S. 10.

  The Structure Plus is a modern stability shoe for runners who value long-distance comfort and controlled motion over flashy tech or aggressive aesthetics.

  Launch date: February 8, 2026

  Weight: 10.8 oz. (U.S. M9)

  Stack height (heel-toe): 42–32mm

  Price: TBD

  ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 The Gel Nimbus line has been ASICS’ flagship comfort trainer since 1999, and the new Gel Nimbus 28 continues that legacy — refined, more cushioned, and even lighter by almost a full ounce. At its heart is a new FFBLAST+ midsole that brings soft, plush cushioning designed particularly for heel-strike runners.

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap11

  (Photo/Craig Randall) The stack sits at 45mm heel/37mm forefoot (8mm offset), rivaling any max cushion option from HOKA, On, or Saucony with a super-smooth ride underfoot that doesn’t overwhelm your natural gait.

  One of the biggest claims for the Nimbus 28 is its weight reduction. The new version is roughly 24 g lighter than its predecessor — a men’s size 9 weighs in around 281 g (about 20+ g off prior Gel Nimbus versions). That lighter weight doesn’t come at the expense of comfort. Cushioning volume remains the same, but refined foam and structural tweaks help the shoe feel more lively while retaining its signature plushness.

  ASICS also overhauled the outsole, reconfiguring rubber placement to improve heel-to-toe transitions and reduce weight by eliminating anything in excess. The upper is built from a soft, engineered mesh that secures the foot and a plush “knot-tongue” with heel loops that add to the ease of getting the shoe on and off.

  The Gel Nimbus 28 is for road runners who want maximum softness without a bulky, heavy shoe — something that 28 iterations should prove out.

  Launch date: January 1, 2026

  Weight: 281 g (U.S. M9)

  Stack height (heel-toe): 45–37mm

  Price: $170

  HOKA Mach 7 HOKA’s Mach franchise has become one of the most reliable “do-everything” trainers on the market, and the new Mach 7 stays true to that reputation while delivering a noticeable refinement over the Mach 6 (for just $5 and a few grams more).

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap12

  (Photo/Craig Randall) Built on the same super-critical EVA midsole, the Mach 7 maintains the snappy, responsive ride that made the previous version such a standout — but wraps it in a lighter and more polished package.

  The biggest update comes up top: a new creel jacquard upper reduces weight, improves breathability, and gives the shoe a more futuristic profile. A tongue with an internal gusset helps lock the midfoot down better than previous models, making the shoe feel more precise during uptempo efforts.

  Underfoot, the midsole formula remains unchanged with only a little geometry-tuning, while the outsole gets a grip and durability update with sticky rubber in the forefoot and Durabrasion rubber in the heel.

  The result is a stronger hold on wet pavement and a longer lifespan without compromising the lightweight feel.

  Compared directly to the Mach 6, the Mach 7 isn’t a reinvention — it’s just a smart next step. For runners who loved the Mach 6, this is the same versatile, workout-capable trainer, but sharper and more dialed-in. For everyone else, the Mach 7 remains one of the most balanced lightweight trainers on the market.

  Launch date: January 1, 2026

  Weight: 8.37 oz. (U.S. M10)

  Stack height or drop: 5mm drop

  Price: $145

  Craft Atmosfär Maximum effort, meet maximum cushion! Designed to accommodate the needs and abilities of ultra-running phenom Tommy Rivers Puzey (Tommy Rivs), the Craft Atmosfär has one overarching purpose: comfort.

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap13

  (Photo/Adam Ruggiero) Now past 40, Tommy Rivs wanted a shoe that would protect his joints and add more fun to his NYC Marathon effort this year.

  Craft came back with a whopping 50.5mm heel stack shoe that tips the scales at just 9.5 ounces. The Atomosfär uses Crafts Px midsole foam, which it advertises as 20% lighter than EVA.

  Launch date: August 2026

  Weight: 9.5 oz.

  Stack: 50.5-44.5mm

  Price: $190

  Tracksmith Eliot Ryder Like the aforementioned Satisfy, Tracksmith was accused of “land grabbing” the footwear space after establishing itself through apparel — but its commitment looks real. The Eliot Ryder is already the brand’s fourth shoe in 2 years, with a fifth (the winterized Eliot Runner NDO GTX) close behind.

  While the brands first two road models were straightforward trainer and super-trainer options, the new Eliot Ryder marks Tracksmith’s first true max-cushion entry.

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap14

  (Photo/Craig Randall) The max-cushion category is crowded with extreme stack heights, loud geometries, and softer-than-soft foams that sometimes feel as unstable as they look. Runners are showing signs of fatigue with the trend; the higher the stacks go, the wobblier they get. Tracksmith’s angle is different: instead of chasing size, it has rethought how max cushioning is delivered.

  Like the Eliot Racer, the Ryder gets its stack from a drop-in insole, one of the largest in any shoe we’ve seen. It’s a 25mm supercritical ATPU slab — nested inside the shoe’s upper. This lowers the center of gravity, streamlines the silhouette, and unifies foot and platform for more stability than typical max models. A supercritical stabilizing chassis, refined rocker geometry, and a more accommodating last add control to the package.

  Despite its substantial stack, the Ryder stays pretty light at 9.5 ounces (men’s 9) and helps the New England brand slot into the max-cushion space without copying the conventional recipe.

  Launch date: April 1, 2026

  Weight: 9.5 oz. (men’s 9)

  Stack height (heel-toe): 45–37.5 mm forefoot

  Price: $220

  Mount to Coast M1 If there was an it booth at the show this year, it was probably Mount to Coast. The Chinese brand has surged in popularity in recent years, with athletes in both womens and mens categories snagging world records at this summers GOMU World Championships.

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap15

  (Photo/Adam Ruggiero) With the buzz in full effect and a booth packed with eager onlookers hoping to see whats next, the brand showed off its next most-technical trail shoe —the M1. Highlighting the advancements was a new JETCELL supercritical midsole foam, which the brand claims offers the highest energy return of any in its lineup.

  This pairs with the brands signature TUNEDFIT dual lacing system — cinching at the forefoot and traditional lacing up top for increased stability. Underfoot, the M1 has MegaGrip and Litebase — pretty much the standard for every legit trail shoe right now.

  Launch date: June 2026 (tentative)

  Weight: 9.9 oz. (mens 9)

  Stack: 36.5–32.5mm

  Price: $195

  Speedland SL:LDVL One of GearJunkie’s 2024 “Best in Show” winners — the Speedland RX:FPY — signaled that the brand was no longer content staying in the pure-trail lane. That shoe’s massive, uncompressed slab of superfoam turned heads as much for its feel as for its wild aesthetic. Since then, Speedland has expanded into road and hybrid categories, and the new SL:LDVL (Leadville) pushes that progression further.

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap16

  (Photo/Craig Randall) Designed specifically for the demands of the Leadville 100, the LDVL is a lightweight long-distance racing shoe tuned for courses that are mostly runnable with only moderate technicality. It pairs a minimally lugged outsole with a fast, supercritical TPEE foam midsole for max speed and efficiency without overbuilding the outsole. Despite a balloon-like silhouette and a 41/34mm stack, the shoe comes in at an impressively light 8.9 ounces (men’s 9).

  As with every Speedland model, the platform is customizable and secure. The removable plate system lets runners choose stiffness for different efforts, while a dual-zone fit system — rear strap with a forefoot BOA Li2 dial — locks in the foot without pressure points. Underfoot, a supercritical TPEE external midsole and a proprietary internal foam blend provide bounce and stability.

  The LDVL seems purpose-built: smooth on dirt roads, quick through climbs, and energetic enough to stay fresh deep into ultra mileage.

  Launch date: Summer 2026

  Weight: 8.9 oz. (men’s 9)

  Stack height (heel-toe): 41-34mm forefoot

  Price: $299

  Lems RadMaker Hot on the heels of two big hiking shoe launches this year — the Trail Blazer and Trail Thrasher —Lems will jump feet-first into the world of running shoes.

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap17

  Lems RadMaker; (photo/Adam Ruggiero) Its debut Rad line will include the RadMaker and RadUltralite. Both share the same design DNA, with a slight difference in drop, stack, and weight. At its heart, the RadMaker is a daily road runner for medium to long runs. While its 5mm drop and 31mm heel stack arent design breakthroughs, its secret sauce appears to be in its highly responsive midsole, comprising EVA and 10% PEBA.

  A noticeable, if not dramatic, rocker profile is designed to promote a midfoot strike, potentially adding a little pace to daily runs. The RadUltralite shares most of the design, but with a scant 2mm drop, a more modest 24mm heel stack, and a weight right around 9 ounces.

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap18

  Lems RadUltralite; (photo/Adam Ruggiero) True to the Lems brand, both shoes promise a generous toe box.

  Launch date: Sept. 2026

  Weight: RadMaker 10.1 oz. / RadUltralite 9.06 oz. (mens 9)

  Stack: RadMaker 31–26mm / RadUltralite 24–22mm

  Price: $299

  Arcteryx Sylan 2 Previously announced over this summer, the Sylan 2 bears repeating as it stands as Arcteryxs biggest footwear launch to kick off 2026. At the show, we learned that the Sylan 2 has been continually receiving little updates and design improvements in the lead-up to its March launch.

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap19

  (Photo/Adam Ruggiero) This flagship trail runner cuts weight, adds stability, and boosts breathability over its 2024 predecessor. Specifically engineered for rugged trail races and FKT attempts, the Sylan 2 uses a TPEE midsole foam, jacquard knit, abrasion-resistant upper, and a carefully tailored carbon plate that designers continually tweaked to add stability and control.

  It also doesnt hurt that the shoe is gorgeous to look at.

  Launch date: March 2026

  Weight: 9.5 oz. (mens 9)

  Stack: 31.6–25.5mm

  Price: $220

  Altra Olympus 275 HiLo Higher cushion, lower weight — thats what will define the next iteration of Altras signature Olympus 275 high-stack trail shoe.

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap20

  (Photo/Adam Ruggiero) Altra boasts that its new EGO Max midsole foam will be 15% lighter and 10% softer than its current Olympus 275 foam. The HiLo carries over other performance cues from the inline version, including MATRYX upper, Vibram MegaGrip outsole, and scree sleeve. For fans whose fast objectives on gnarly trails demand high stack and zero drop, this will be the most advanced Altra Olympus to date.

  Launch date: July 2026

  Weight: 10.5 oz. (mens 9)

  Stack: 33 mm

  Price: $200

  Merrell MTL SpeedARC Peak In the vast sea of eye-catching neons, rich pastels, angular typefaces, and swooshy logos, perhaps nothing at TRE looked cooler than Merrells Jeckyl-and-Hyde–themed MTL SpeedARC Peak. Bisected right down the center into contrasting blue and yellow hemispheres, this shoe is yet another evolution of its SpeedARC platform, which debuted in 2024.

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap21

  (Photo/Adam Ruggiero) Characteristic of the platform, the MTL (short for Merrell Testing Lab) carries two midsole layers with a carbon plate sandwiched between. The top layer is an all-new FloatPro PEBA-based racing foam, boasting high energy return across long distances (up to ~100 km). Underneath, a forked carbon plate promises extra propulsion and added lateral stability, and just beneath that is a more durable foam.

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap22

  (Photo/Adam Ruggiero) Bookending the fancy-schmancy midsole is a Vibram MegaGrip Elite outsole and a breathable, abrasion-resistant Matryx upper. All in all, this looks like a seriously fun trail shoe.

  Launch date: August 2026

  Weight: 10.7 oz. (mens 9)

  Stack: 32-26mm

  Price: $290

  On Running Cloudsoma On will launch an all-new trail shoe in spring 2026. The magic behind the Cloudsoma will be its traction pods that flex independently in an effort to accommodate the foots natural movement.

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap23

  (Photo/On Running) On subs the zonal outsole Cloudtec Connect, and its designed to better conform to uneven terrain. Match this with a healthy 33–27mm stack and its supercritical PEBA foam (Helion HF), and the result purports to provide maximum traction and comfort on runs that start at your doorstep and find their way onto tracks less traveled.

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap24

  (Photo/On Running) Launch date: April 2026

  Weight: ~8.5.5 oz. (mens 10)

  Stack: 33–27mm

  Price: $180

  Kiprun KipStorm Elite Kiprun is a very new French brand with a name born from a happy misunderstanding — its founders misheard American fans at the New York Marathon shouting, “Keep running!” and thought they were yelling, “Kip running!” The joke stuck, but the shoes themselves are no joke.

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap25

  (Photo/Craig Randall) The brand grabbed global attention when Jimmy Gressier shocked the field in the 10,000m at the 2025 Tokyo World Championships, wearing a prototype of what would become the KipStorm Elite road racing shoe.

  Built to help deliver your best performance on race day, the KipStorm Elite is engineered for half and full marathon distances. It combines high energy return, a full-length carbon plate, featherweight construction, and deep cushioning to keep legs fresh as your race develops.

  The midsole delivers snappy propulsion as the geometry and foam blend aim to strike a balance between fast and forgiving. It’s extremely hard to find an elite-level road racing shoe for under $280, so Kiprun’s cost savings ($250) should help entice first-timers to give this new brand a try.

  Launch date: April 2026

  Weight: 7.4 oz.

  Stack height (heel-toe): 37–32mm

  Price: $250

  TEVA Trailpeak TEVA made a point of reinforcing its re-commitment to technical innovation in footwear — a recent push highlighted by its launch of technical hiking boots earlier this year. At TRE, the brands big reveal was a super-lightweight fast hiking/trail running shoe dubbed Trailpeak.

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap26

  (Photo/Adam Ruggiero) Tipping the scales at a svelte 6.8 ounces, the Trailpeak marks the brands first shoe fully co-developed with its athlete roster. That includes Mike Wardian, trail name Sparkle Pony, who most recently blazed the Appalachian Trail in 60 days at age 50.

  With Wardians help, TEVA dialed in a technical trail shoe with its lightest and most responsive midsole foam, HYPER COMF+, paired to a light, breathable upper, and a speed lace system mated to a 12-anchor internal cage. In short, the Trailpeak is designed to propel runners over highly technical terrain and provide maximum stability over sharp switchbacks.

  Launch date: 2026

  Weight: 6.8 oz. (mens 9)

  Stack: 30.5–24.5mm

  Price: $160

  Mount to Coast In addition to its trail running reveal, Mount to Coast also unveiled its first-ever super trainer for serious road runners. The C1 showcases dual midsole foams — a top layer of its eco-friendly, high-energy CircleCell foam over a traditional EVA foam.

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap27

  (Photo/Adam Ruggiero) A more pronounced rocker profile, breathable mesh, and TUNEDFIT (dual-lacing) upper complete the package for this high-cushion workhorse.

  Launch date: April 2026

  Weight: ~9 oz. (mens 9)

  Stack: 42–36mm

  Price: $180

  Inov8 TRAILFLY PRO Inov8 aims to elevate its technical TRAILFLY shoe with the TRAILFLY PRO, its most advanced, high-performance trail running shoe ever. The sub–8-ounce PRO carries a new last and updates to the upper, midsole, and outsole. But the star of this shoe is its bouncy but durable TPEE midsole foam.

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap28

  (Photo/Adam Ruggiero) With its trademark, sticky graphene-infused lugged outsole, the TRAILFLY PRO is designed to take on serious off-piste runs with steep terrain in less-than-ideal conditions. In fact, its rooted in the brands fell running heritage.

  Launch date: August 2026

  Weight: 7.9 oz. (mens 9)

  Stack: 34–28mm

  Price: $195 (unconfirmed)

  Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 Saucony looks primed for a big 2026, with no shortage of new shoes —including the all-terrain Peregrin 16 and daily run Endorphin Azura —but the biggest reveal was the next evolution of its race day super shoe. The Endorphin Elite 3 promises to be the brands fastest and lightest to date, with a healthy 40mm of IncrediRUN foam underfoot.

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap29

  (Photo/Adam Ruggiero) Its aggressive 8mm drop, carbon plate, sharp rocker, and 7.2-ounce weight all conspire to add forward speed in the aim of dominating road races. That may sound like a fun shoe to lace up, but the Elite 3 is built —and priced—like a high-performance machine.

  Launch date: June 2026

  Weight: 7.2 oz (mens 9)

  Stack: 39.5-31.5mm

  Price: $290

  Satisfy The Rocker Team The genre-bending French apparel brand Satisfy entered the footwear world in 2025 with The Rocker, a trail shoe perfectly in line with the brand’s ethos of doing things differently. It featured a first-of-its-kind TunedLug Vibram outsole, superfoam midsole, and premium upper—but it was too narrow for many runners and had excessive midfoot volume, sometimes fitting better with the insole removed.

  

All the Shoes You Need to See for 2026: ‘The Running Event’ Recap30

  (Photo/Craig Randall) At TRE Marketing manager Tommy Hubert told me, “Satisfy is into footwear for the long haul; the Rocker was never meant to be a one-off.” The Rocker “Team” builds on that vision. Engineered for desert-style running loose and sandy it stays stable on loose dirt and rocks, responsive on hardpack, and composed under heat.

  The TunedLug outsole maps lugs to pressure zones for precise traction, while the Euforia Super Foam midsole balances rebound and long-distance stability. The midsole in the original “Rocker” was super impressive the Team should carry the mantle. The Rippy Matryx upper adds forefoot volume, an extended toe cap, and a dual insole system for customizable fit something the Rocker genuinely lacked.

  The Rocker Team keeps Satisfy’s unique design DNA while solving the fit issues of the original.

  Launch date: TBD

  Weight: TBD

  Stack height or drop: TBD mm/mm (mm drop)

  Price: TBD

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