If 2024 was the year of the “super shoe” and 2025 was the year of the “super trainer,” 2026 is shaping up to be the year of specialized performance. We are seeing a shift away from “one-size-fits-all” carbon plates toward biomechanically tuned foams and geometries that prioritize both extreme speed and long-term foot health.
From the “illegal” stack heights of boutique brands to the refined precision of industry giants like Nike and ASICS, here are the shoes that will define your 2026 running season.
Elite Race Day Options
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5
- Expected Launch: February 2026
- What to Expect: Adidas is moving toward EnergyRods 3.0. Unlike the independent rods of the past, this new system is rumored to be a circular or “tubular” carbon structure. This change aims to provide a more uniform energy return, making the shoe feel less like a “mechanical lever” and more like a natural extension of your stride.
Nike Alphafly 4
- Expected Launch: January 2026
- What to Expect: The gold standard of marathon racing gets even more aggressive. The Alphafly 4 is expected to feature the new Ghost AtomKnit upper, a material so light it’s almost transparent and a revised “piston” mechanism for the Air Zoom units. Nike is pushing the volume of ZoomX to the absolute legal limit (40mm) while widening the base for better stability in the closing miles of a marathon.
Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4
- Expected Launch: February 2026
- What to Expect: Puma is doubling down on weight reduction. The Elite 4 will be one of the lightest racers on the market, utilizing a new version of their nitrogen-infused foam that is even more resilient. Interestingly, Puma is also launching a Hyrox-specific variant of this shoe, featuring a modified outsole for superior grip on gym surfaces and turf.
Mizuno Hyperwarp Elite
- Expected Launch: January 2026
- What to Expect: This is Mizuno’s most radical departure from traditional design. The Hyperwarp Elite features a dual-foam geometry where the foam is “warped” around a high-tensile carbon plate. It is specifically tuned for high-cadence runners who prefer a snappy, quick turnover rather than a long, bouncy stride.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
- Expected Launch: June 2026
- What to Expect: Saucony is introducing Incred Run foam, a TPEE-based material that is significantly softer than the current PWRRUN HG. The shoe will also feature a “fluted” carbon plate—a corrugated design that increases longitudinal stiffness while allowing for some lateral flexibility, reducing the “harsh” feel common in elite racers.
The New Era of "Super Trainers"
ASICS Superblast 3
- Expected Launch: March 2026
- What to Expect: The shoe that took the running world by storm is back. The Superblast 3 moves to FF Leap foam, a new A-TPU material that offers more “pop” than the current FF Turbo+. At a staggering 46.5mm stack height, it remains a plate-free monster designed to save your legs during high-volume training blocks.
On Cloudmonster Hyper 3 LS
- Expected Launch: March 2026
- What to Expect: The “LS” stands for Lightweight Speed. On has managed to shave the weight down to approximately 190g while increasing the stack height to 45mm. By removing the traditional “Speedboard” and relying entirely on the dual-density Helion Hyper foam, this shoe offers a purely “cloud-like” bounce.
Mount to Coast C1
- Expected Launch: April 2026
- What to Expect: A rising star in the ultra-running world, the C1 is designed for extreme distances. It features CircleCell foam and a revolutionary TunedFit dual-lacing system. This allows runners to adjust the tension of the forefoot and midfoot independently—a game-changer for when feet inevitably swell after 30 miles.
Craft Atmosfär
- Expected Launch: August 2026
- What to Expect: Craft is going for the “Maximalist King” title. The Atmosfär features a massive 50.5mm heel stack. While not legal for elite competition, this shoe is built for the everyday runner who wants the ultimate impact protection for recovery days. It uses Px foam, which is 20% lighter than standard EVA, making this giant surprisingly nimble.
Daily Reliability & Innovative Comfort
New Balance 1080v15
- Expected Launch: January 2026
- What to Expect: The 1080 moves away from Fresh Foam X and introduces Infinion foam. This new compound is designed to be more durable and less temperature-sensitive. Expect a plush, consistent ride that doesn’t feel “mushy,” paired with a new breathable, multi-density knit upper.
Nike Structure Plus
- Expected Launch: January 2026
- What to Expect: This is not your dad’s stability shoe. The Structure Plus adds a top layer of ZoomX foam over a firm ReactX carrier. It provides “guidance” through geometry—higher sidewalls and a wider footprint—rather than the old-school, hard medial posts. It’s finally a stability shoe that feels fast.
Brooks Glycerin Flex
- Expected Launch: February 2026
- What to Expect: This is the most experimental shoe in the Brooks lineup. It uses S-Curve decoupling, where the midsole is physically split in a way that allows the heel and forefoot to move independently. It’s designed for runners who find modern max-cushion shoes too stiff and want a more natural, flexible transition.
Tracksmith Eliot Ryder
- Expected Launch: April 2026
- What to Expect: Tracksmith continues its “quiet luxury” aesthetic. The Eliot Ryder hides its performance—a 45mm stack—inside a classic silhouette. It features a unique drop-in midsole made of high-quality ATPU, offering a premium feel that looks just as good with jeans as it does with split shorts.
Skechers Aero Razor
- Expected Launch: February 2026
- What to Expect: A tribute to the legendary Razor series, the Aero Razor is a low-weight, high-speed trainer. It features a winglet plate—a carbon-infused piece that only sits under the edges of the foot to provide stability without sacrificing the flexible, “connected-to-the-ground” feel that Skechers fans love.
The 2026 lineup shows that the industry is no longer just chasing “height.” Instead, brands are focusing on materials science and geometry. Whether you need the extreme cushioning of the Craft Atmosfär or the precision of the Alphafly 4, there has never been a better time to be a runner.
The Ultimate 2025 Running Shoe Release Calendar
Prateek is the founder of Athletico, a Toronto-based running community of over 90,000+ running enthusiasts. A lifelong running gear nerd, Prateek has been testing and reviewing running shoes since 2021, with a focus on honest, real-world performance rather than marketing hype.
With 20+ 10K races, four half marathons, and a first full marathon planned for April 2026, Prateek brings both experience and curiosity to every review. From daily trainers to race-day shoes, each product is tested on the road, track, and long runs because the best insights come from miles, not spec sheets.
Through in-depth reviews and practical buying guides, Prateek helps runners make smarter choices about their gear, train with confidence, and enjoy the process of running a little more.